This fascinating book presents an interesting and exciting account of the background of the New King James Version of the Bible. The overall aim of the project was to preserve the great literary and spiritual heritage of the King James Version in language which modern people can understand. A careful reading of this book will reveal how that objective was accomplished. It is noteworthy that the translation process for the New King James Version took the same amount of time—some seven years—as that of its illustrious predecessor, the King James Version of 1611.
An important section of this book describes various theoretical approaches to the translation of Scripture, and explains the principles underlying the text of the New King James Version. In addition, numerous examples from earlier Bible translations are included to illustrate how the New King James Version developed.
Dr. Arthur Farstad, an eminent scholar of the Greek New Testament, is ideally qualified to introduce this project to the reader. Initially serving as New Testament Editor, he carefully coordinated the work of New Testament revision. With the New Testament completed and the revision of the Old Testament progressing favorably, he was named Executive Editor for the project and was invited to join the Old Testament Executive Review Committee, headed by Dr. James D. Price. This committee, together with the project’s English style editor, Dr. William H. McDowell, determined the final form of the Old Testament English text. Again Dr. Farstad made important contributions to the discussions, particularly in balancing Old Testament style and meaning against corresponding portions of the New Testament. The published New King James Version is a remarkable testimony to his energy, insight, and spiritual dedication.
This book says little about the Committee meetings other than that they were untouched by acrimony. In fact, many were brightened by humor, and Dr. Farstad often entertained our Committee meetings by means of witty chalk cartoons. The sense of fellowship that we as a Committee experienced brought a great deal of cohesion to the project, and it was with real regret that we finally parted, each to resume his normal duties.
R. K. Harrison
Professor Emeritus of Old Testament
Wycliffe College, University of Toronto