Yes.
We’ll finish up this little study on the comparisons of the major differences between the NIV and the KJV by looking at the last two chapters of Ephesians, Eph. 5 & 6. As you can see from these three studies on this one book, anyone can check out a modern Bible by simply laying it down next to a King James Bible and examining the differences. A concordance and a good English dictionary are helpful because you can see how the word changes significantly affect the doctrine of the text and the ability to cross reference the verses.
| Verse | KJV | NIV | Problem |
| Eph. 5:1 | “followers” | “imitators” | A “follower” is a person who accepts the leadership of another (Matt. 4:19, 16:24). An “imitator” is someone who copies the words or behavior of another, an ape, copycat or impersonator (Matt. 15:8, 7:21-23). The devil and his crowd are impersonators (2 Cor. 11:13-15). |
| Eph. 5:9 | “the Spirit” | “the light” | When we walk as children of the light, we prove what is acceptable to the Lord because the light makes our deeds manifest (Eph. 5:13; Jn. 3:19-21). But this light doesn’t have fruit, the Spirit does (Gal. 5:22-23). Terrible change! |
| Eph. 5:18 | “wherein is excess” | “which leads to debauchery” | Debauchery is excessive indulgence of wine, promiscuity, intemperance. When a person gets drunk on wine, he’s not leading to debauchery, he’s already there (Hab. 2:15). The KJV says that the excess is in the wine not in the over consumption of it! |
| Eph. 5:21 | “fear of God” | “reverence for Christ” | Fear is the apprehension of incurring God’s wrath (Acts 5:3-5). Reverence is profound respect and honor for God, which we are certainly to have, but not without fear! The fear of God is very important (Job 28:28; Ps. 19:9; Ps. 111:10; Prov. 1:7; Prov. 8:13; Prov. 10:27; etc.). |
| Eph. 5:30 | “of his flesh, and of his bones” | Removed | The mystery of the body of Christ is confusing to many Christians unless you believe what Paul said, that you are literally a member “of his flesh, and of his bones.” You are baptized by the Holy Spirit into his literal body (1 Cor. 12:13). This is neither some universal, unseen body nor some local assembly of believers. It’s Jesus’ body that is seated at the right hand of God. |
| Eph. 5:33 | “reverence” | “respect” | To reverence is to love unquestioningly and uncritically; to regard with profound respect and affection; to honor. Respect is an attitude of admiration or esteem; to regard highly. Reverence is stronger and in this age of women’s lib it is little wonder that the word was weakened. |
| Eph. 6:4 | “nurture” | “training” | To nurture is to train up with a fostering care, to provide nourishment. Training is an activity leading to skilled behavior, education, and the process of exercising discipline. In this day of broken families, children need nurturing not just training. They can get training at school but they are to get nurturing from home. |
| Eph. 6:4 | “admonition” | “instruction” | Admonition is authoritative counsel; cautionary advice; firm rebuke; gentle reproof to prevent further transgression. Instruction is the activity of educating, instructing, and teaching. Can you not see the strong difference in these two words? Parents need to continually admonish their children. |
| Eph. 6:5 | “servants” | “slaves” | A servant is a person working in the service of another. That would include anybody that has a boss. A slave is one who is held in bondage to another. The use of “slave” narrows this verse down to people who were in this country over 100 years ago or who are in countries where slavery is still practiced. This isn’t an up-to-date translation!! |
| Eph. 6:12 | “principalities” | “rulers” | A principality is a prince or the territory or jurisdiction of a prince. According to Dan. 10:13, 20, you lose the whole sense of the verse if you change “principality.” |
| Eph. 6:18 | “supplication” | Removed | Supplication is a humble, earnest prayer, with emphasis on humility. For example, Jesus prayed, “let this cup pass from me.” But he supplicated, “nevertheless, not as I will, but as thou wilt.” |
| Eph. 6:22 | “comfort” | “encourage” | “Comfort” is an act of consoling, relief in affliction. “Encourage” is to inspire with confidence. They needed comfort (2 Cor. 1:3-11; 1 Cor. 15:32). |
All definitions are from www.hyperdictionary.com COPYRIGHT © 2000-2003 WEBNOX CORP.