Why I've switched from the NIV to the New King James Version (NKJV)

Hey All,
As we continue to go through the Book of John on Monday nights, our class studied chapter 18 last night and the events that took place in the garden and ultimately to Jesus’ arrest and death on the cross (I can’t wait till next week when we come to His resurrection and all things that take place after).

As we studied and as I read word for word, it donned on me another clear example of why I’ve switched from the NIV to the NKJV.Please understand, I’m not saying that the NIV is wrong or bad, or that you should use one bible over another, in fact I’ve used the NIV most of my Christian life, until I was explained to the differences a couple of years ago. The way it was explained to me was that while the NIV is more like the feel of the words, or an expression of what took place, the NKJV is more word for word, closer to original Hebrew and Aramaic text. Again this is just what works for me, the main thing, is that you are being blessed by God’s living Word.

Take a look for yourself from example below taken out of chapter 18 of the book of John:
The bold type is mine, but notice that all the references to Jesus are in lower case.

John 18:1-6 (New International Version)
1When he had finished praying, Jesus left with his disciples and crossed the Kidron Valley. On the other side there was an olive grove, and he and his disciples went into it.

2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples. 3So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

4Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, "Who is it you want?"
5"Jesus of Nazareth," they replied.
"I am he," Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.) 6When Jesus said, "I am he," they drew back and fell to the ground.

So for example if I was a baby Christian, or even a non – believer, when I read;

“2Now Judas, who betrayed him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with his disciples.”

Would I ask myself; “Does that mean Jesus’ disciples or Judas disciples? Those of us who have been believers in Christ for awhile know that Judas did not have disciples, but what about a brand new believer, could that be confusing to him?

But look at NKJV below, keep in mind that bold type is still mine

John 18 (New King James Version)
1 When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden, which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place; for Jesus often met there with His disciples.
3 Then Judas, having received a detachment of troops, and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with lanterns, torches, and weapons. 4 Jesus therefore, knowing all things that would come upon Him, went forward and said to them, “Whom are you seeking?”5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Now when He said to them, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground.

See the difference? But that’s not all, one thing I learned last night in class which I would put in the category of “awesome” is, notice in verse 5 and 6 where Jesus says; “I am He” did you notice that in the word “He” the first letter is not only capitalized but it is also in italics,

I didn’t add the italics to the word “He”, in fact according to publishers NKJV (actually according The Writers of The bible) the word “He” was added for clarity.

Here’s what the explanation is from the NKJV: “Words in italic type have been added for clarity. they are not found in the original Hebrew or Aramaic”

Okay, so why is that so “awesome”?

Re-read verse 5 and 6 as it was originally written by leaving out the word “He” when He says “I am He”

I pray that the great “I Am” would bless your day today!

In HIS Grip
Tony