Do Orthodox Christians Read Nkjv

Orthodox Christianity, with its rich liturgical tradition and deep theological heritage, often raises questions about biblical translations and their usage within the faith. Among the many versions of the Bible available today, the New King James Version (NKJV) is popular among many Protestant communities. But do Orthodox Christians read or accept the NKJV as part of their spiritual practice? In this article, we will explore the Orthodox Church’s approach to biblical translations, the compatibility of the NKJV with Orthodox theology, and what this means for Orthodox believers today.

Understanding Orthodox Christianity and Its Approach to Scripture

The Orthodox Church regards Holy Scripture as the foundation of faith and practice. Its liturgical life, theology, and spiritual disciplines are deeply rooted in the Bible, particularly in the Septuagint (LXX) for the Old Testament, and the Greek text of the New Testament. The Church values the integrity, tradition, and theological accuracy of Scripture, emphasizing the importance of reading it within the context of Holy Tradition.

Orthodox Christians typically use biblical translations that align closely with the Septuagint for the Old Testament and the Greek New Testament. These translations include the Orthodox Study Bible (OSB), which features the New King James Version text alongside Orthodox commentary, and other versions that are either directly translated from Greek or based on the Septuagint.

While the NKJV is a respected translation in many Protestant circles, it is not officially endorsed by the Orthodox Church. The Church's primary concern is that translations used in worship and personal study reflect the theological nuances and original texts that Orthodox doctrine upholds.

Does the NKJV Align with Orthodox Theology?

The New King James Version is a modern translation of the original King James Bible, aiming to preserve the poetic and traditional style while updating the language for contemporary readers. It is widely appreciated for its readability and faithfulness to the Textus Receptus and the Majority Text underlying many Protestant translations.

However, the NKJV's translation choices sometimes differ from the Septuagint and the Greek manuscripts preferred by the Orthodox Church. For example:

• Old Testament: The NKJV is based on the Masoretic Text, which differs from the Septuagint used traditionally in Orthodoxy. This can lead to variations in wording and interpretative nuances.
• Christology and Theology: Some translation choices in the NKJV may reflect Protestant theological perspectives that differ from Orthodox understanding, especially concerning certain doctrines like the nature of Christ, the Trinity, and salvation.

Because of these differences, the NKJV is generally considered suitable for personal reading by Orthodox Christians but not as the primary liturgical or doctrinal text. The Church encourages use of translations that adhere more closely to the Septuagint and Greek manuscripts, ensuring theological consistency with Orthodox doctrine.

Are Orthodox Christians Allowed to Read the NKJV?

There is no canonical prohibition against Orthodox Christians reading the NKJV or any other Bible translation for personal study. Many Orthodox believers do read various versions of the Bible, including the NKJV, especially when it is accessible and easy to understand.

Nevertheless, for liturgical purposes, the Orthodox Church primarily uses the texts rooted in the Septuagint and the Greek New Testament. The Church emphasizes the importance of reading Scripture within the context of Holy Tradition, which guides interpretation and understanding.

Orthodox Christian leaders often recommend that believers supplement their reading of the Bible with the Church’s teachings, patristic writings, and liturgical life to maintain doctrinal fidelity. When using translations like the NKJV, believers are encouraged to be aware of potential differences in wording and theological implications.

Exploring the Bible

For Orthodox Christians, the Bible is more than just a collection of texts; it is the living Word of God that has been handed down through Holy Tradition. To deepen understanding, consider the following points:

• Use of the Orthodox Study Bible: This translation combines the NKJV text with Orthodox commentaries, providing theological context aligned with Orthodox doctrine.
• Comparison with Other Translations: Comparing the NKJV with translations based on the Septuagint, such as the Orthodox Study Bible or the New English Translation (NET), can shed light on textual differences and interpretative nuances.
• Scripture in Worship and Personal Life: The Church’s liturgical texts are primarily based on the Septuagint, emphasizing the importance of familiarizing oneself with the traditional texts used in worship.

Relevant Bible verses highlight the importance of Scripture and tradition within Orthodoxy:

• 2 Timothy 3:16: "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness." (NKJV) — Encourages believers to study Scripture, but within the context of inspired tradition.
• John 17:17: "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." — Underlines the significance of truth in Scripture, which the Church believes is transmitted through Holy Tradition as well.
• Acts 17:11: "These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so." — Reflects the importance of diligent study of Scripture.

Conclusion

In summary, Orthodox Christians do not typically use the NKJV as their primary biblical translation, especially for liturgical and doctrinal purposes. While there is no restriction on individual reading, the Church encourages translations that align closely with the Septuagint and Greek manuscripts to preserve doctrinal integrity and theological accuracy. The Orthodox Study Bible, which features the NKJV alongside Orthodox commentary, is a popular tool for personal study and reflection.

Ultimately, the Orthodox approach to Scripture emphasizes reading within the context of Holy Tradition, guided by the Church’s teachings and the patristic writings. Whether reading the NKJV or other translations, believers are called to approach Scripture prayerfully, seeking to grow in knowledge and love of Christ, the Living Word.

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