By Feran, Founder of DigibleReviewed October 2026
New King James Version (NKJV) on iPad
Streamed
The New King James Version (NKJV) is a beloved translation that honours the literary beauty and reverent tone of the original 1611 King James Version while updating archaic vocabulary and grammar for modern readers. It removes 'thee' and 'thou' and clarifies obsolete terms, but retains the formal, majestic cadence that millions of readers love. The NKJV follows a word-for-word translation philosophy using the Textus Receptus, the same manuscript tradition as the original KJV. In Digible, the NKJV is available with a premium subscription — journal, highlight, and annotate with Apple Pencil on your iPad.
Key Features of the NKJV
- Majestic KJV language updated for modern readers
- Word-for-word translation accuracy
- Based on the Textus Receptus manuscript tradition
- Familiar to KJV readers without archaic language barriers
- Widely used in churches and study groups
Best For
- Readers who love KJV style but want modern clarity
- Church use and public Scripture reading
- Memorization — the cadence aids recall
- Studying alongside the original KJV
Sample Verse — John 3:16
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
History of the New King James Version
The New King James Version was published in 1982 by Thomas Nelson Publishers. It was a project led by Arthur Farstad with 130 scholars, translators, and editors. The goal was to update the King James Version's language while preserving its style, accuracy, and the Textus Receptus manuscript base. The NKJV has become one of the most popular Bible translations, especially among congregations that value the KJV tradition.
Reading the NKJV in Digible
In Digible, the NKJV is available streamed as you read, with full journaling, highlighting and annotation. Use Apple Pencil to write directly on Scripture, highlight key passages, and draw illustrations — all on your iPad.
Free to download with a limited preview: five chapters and three journal pages, then Digible Pro, a monthly or annual subscription, for continued reading and journaling. The preview is not a subscription trial. Digible Pro covers every translation, and none is sold separately.
Want to see how the NKJV compares to other translations? Check out our Best Bible Translations for Study guide, or explore the other translations available in Digible:
- World English Bible (WEB) — Free modern English Bible translation
- American Standard Version (ASV) — Free literal word-for-word translation
- Berean Standard Bible (BSB) — Free balanced study translation
- New Living Translation (NLT) — Premium thought-for-thought translation