KFLCC / New Age Bible Versions - Gail Riplinger

words per sentence) + (11.8 x average number of syllables per word) - (15.59) = grade level. The first chapter of the first and last books of both the Old and New Testaments were compared. (All complete sentences, whether terminating in a period, colon, or semi-colon, and all incomplete phrases ending in a period, were calculated as 'sentences'.) KJV Grade Level NIV Grade Level NASB Grade Level TEV Grade Level NKJV Grade Level

5.1 4.8

4.7 5.1 6.8 7.7

5.1 5.4

5.2 4.6

4.4 4.6 6.7 7.5

Gen. 1 Mai. 1 Matt. 1 Rev. 1

10.3

16.4

11.8

7.7

6.4

7.1

Grade Level Average

6.1

7.2

6.9

8.4

5.8

To extend the inquiry, one each of the three book-types (Gospel, Pauline epistle, General epistle) were surveyed. The resulting data confirms the readability of the KJV.

Good News (TEV)

NKJV

KJV

NIV NASB

3.9

5.9

John 1:1-21 Gal. 1:1-21 Jas. 1:1-21

3.6

3.6

4.2

8,9

8.6

9.8

10.4

6.7

6.4

6.0

6.5

7.0

5.7

Why is the KJV easier to read? The KJV uses one or two syllable words while new versions substitute complex multi-syllable words and phrases. Their "heady, high-minded" vocabulary hides the hope of salvation from simple saints and sinners. Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech. (KJV) II Cor. 3:12