Growing up, I remember pastors championing the King James Version of the Bible as the only reliable translation. It is, indeed, exceptional—and, even for a hyperintelligent Übermensch like yours portly, exceptionally difficult to read. I now primarily use the New King James Version, which retains the KJV’s accuracy, while updating the syntax and language for modern readers.
That said, the NKJV still loses some of the poetry of the KJV. Christianity is a reading religion, but it’s also a spoken one, and like all poetry, the Bible is meant to be read aloud. Not many of us do it well. When it’s done right, however, it pierces our souls.
Audre Myers graciously wrote this beautiful piece about the recorded King James Version, available on YouTube. Actor Alexander Scourby reads the entire Bible, and from the videos I’ve listened to so far, it’s gorgeous.
