LDS Church Now Encourages Modern Bible Translations – KJV Still Official
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has updated its handbook to encourage members to consult modern English Bible translations alongside the King James Version (KJV). While the KJV remains the official Bible for Church use, the new guidance acknowledges that contemporary translations can improve comprehension for readers of all ages.
Approved modern translations include:
Ages 14+: English Standard Version (ESV), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Ages 11–13: New International Version (NIV), New Living Translation (NLT), New King James Version (NKJV)
Ages 8+: New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
This represents a significant shift from decades of exclusive reliance on the KJV and raises questions about the Church’s approach to scripture, including the Joseph Smith Translation (JST). Leaders emphasize that understanding scripture is enhanced when the language is accessible, and modern translations can complement doctrinal study without replacing the KJV.
Watch as we break down the implications of this new guidance, historical context, and what it means for LDS scripture study today.
Based on this Article
https://mrm.org/use-modern-translations
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