Sun. Aug 3rd, 2025

KJV Still America’s Favorite Bible Version

biblecropped

biblecropped
In spite of its sometimes archaic language and the variety and availability of more modern translations, according to a recent study by LifeWay Research, the King James Version of the Bible remains the most beloved translation. The poll of 1,004 American 18 and older was conducted to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Version, published in 1611 under the direction of England’s King James I.

More than half of all American adults (62 percent) own a KJV Bible, and those who read the Bible regularly are more likely to read the KJV. Eighty-two percent of Americans who read the Bible at least once a month own a KJV, and 67 percent of American adults who own a Bible have a KJV.

Since its publication in 1611, the KJV has influenced the language of the English-speaking world, the study noted, generating now-common phrases such as “fight the good fight,” “reap the whirlwind” and “feet of clay.”

Age has a bearing on the use of the KJV: While 76 percent of Americans 55 years and older who own a Bible have a KJV, only 67 percent of those ages 35 to 54 own a copy. For those under 35 years old, the percentage owning a copy drops to 56 percent.

Although the KJV is sometimes considered to be difficult to read, LifeWay’s research suggested that even younger readers appreciate its poetic language. Only 21 percent of those under 35 say they find the language “hard to understand,” compared with 31 percent ages 35 to 54 who say the same and 28 percent 55 and older.

While newer versions use updated and readable language and often drawn on more reliable Greek and Hebrew manuscripts for translation, most would admit that an element of continuity and familiarity is lost in not having a common translation that is used by everyone—from pastors preaching in the pulpits to children memorizing passages in Christian education programs.

Leave a Reply

By submitting your comment, you agree to receive occasional emails from [email protected], and its authors, including insights, exclusive content, and special offers. You can unsubscribe at any time. (U.S. residents only.)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Podcasts

More News
The Lord’s Prayer and Cultural Change
The Lord’s Prayer and Cultural Change
I Found God In My Children’s Eyes
I Found God In My Children’s Eyes
5 Sins That Open the Door to Demons, and How to Shut Them for Good
5 Sins That Open the Door to Demons, and How to Shut Them for Good
5 Signs You’re Falling Into End-Times Deception and Don’t Even Know It
5 Signs You’re Falling Into End-Times Deception and Don’t Even Know It
Why Grace Is the Most Underrated Weapon in the Christian Life
Why Grace Is the Most Underrated Weapon in the Christian Life
Warning to the Church: Gossip is Quenching the Fire of the Holy Spirit
Warning to the Church: Gossip is Quenching the Fire of the Holy Spirit
Perry Stone Reveals Hidden Battles Ministries Face
Perry Stone Reveals Hidden Battles Ministries Face
A Vision of Hell: What This Woman Saw After Her Car Accident
A Vision of Hell: What This Woman Saw After Her Car Accident
What Set This Revelation Church Apart from the Others?
What Set This Revelation Church Apart from the Others?
Rescued From the Pit
Rescued From the Pit
previous arrow
next arrow
Shadow

Latest Videos
113K Subscribers
1.3K Videos
12.6M Views

Copy link