Some have asked why we used the KJV as our Bible text for the Grace Study Bible. Many people choose the KJV over modern translations because of its historical significance, literary beauty, and doctrinal re-liability. However, the primary reason conservative Christians prefer the KJV is because the New Testament is based on the Textus Receptus which preserves the original Scriptures more faithfully than modern versions which use different manuscript sources.

While the KJV is a 100% reliable and trustworthy translation, over time, some words used have changed their meaning and in these cases the GSB writers have added marginal or text notations with the modern equivalent of the Hebrew or Greek word. You can also refer to an addendum at the back of the Bible that provides Definitions of KJV Old English words.

When reading the KJV, it may be helpful to remember that words in italics indicate that the word was not in the original manuscript but was added by the translators. Most of the time the words do indeed add clarity, but in a few instances they do not. In these cases, the GSB writers have tried to more precisely explain the meaning (remember that the KJV translators, while extremely gifted and learned men, did not understand Dispensationalism in general or “The Mystery” in particular).