NKJV, Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible: Holy Bible, New King James Version

By Dr. David Jeremiah

“With a new generation rising up, we have the chance to leave a legacy of great inheritance. Airship Genesis: Legendary Bible Adventure means giving our children the truth of God’s Word with the creative content and quality they deserve.” 

—Dr. David Jeremiah

 

The Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible is an exciting adventure through God’s Word in the trustworthy New King James Version®. Designed for children ages 7–11, the Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible brings Bible stories to life and helps kids discover vital truths from Scripture, finding real-life applications for children living in today’s world. Study features for the Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible are based on the characteristics of the Airship Genesis: Legendary Bible Adventure brand from Dr. David Jeremiah and the Turning Point for Kids ministry.

In the Airship Genesis: Legendary Bible Adventure, the Genesis Exploration Squad is commissioned to embark on a series of adventures that takes them throughout the Bible. Each mission is a learning experience, both in biblical understanding as well as character building.

Special features include:

• Foreword to Airship Genesis from Dr. Jeremiah
• Introduction to the Bible
• 66 Mission Overviews exploring the main theme and purpose of each book in the Bible
• What Is the Bible All About?article
• 100 Rupert Reports noting interesting Bible story facts
• 60 Logos Discovery articles to help kids see the main themes of Scripture
• 75 Power Force sidebars that help kids learn and apply Bible truths
• 50 Bible Heroes examining important Bible characters
• 100 Bible Blasts highlighting Scripture memory passages
• Full-color maps
• Concordance
• The trustworthy New King James Version®
• Full color throughout the Bible pages
• 32 vibrant, full-page Bible character illustrations

 

Discover bonus features and more at AirshipGenesis.com!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson
• Release date: Nov 15, 2016
• ISBN: 9780718093907

Dr. David Jeremiah

El doctor David Jeremiah es el fundador de Momento Decisivo (Turning Point), un ministerio internacional cuyo propósito es brindarles a los cristianos una enseñanza bíblica sólida a través de la radio y la televisión, Internet, eventos en vivo y materiales y libros de referencia. Es autor de más de cincuenta libros, entre ellos, Todo lo que necesitas, ¿Es este el fin?, ¿Hacia dónde vamos ahora?, El libro de las señales, y Una vida más que maravillosa. El doctor Jeremiah se desempeña como pastor principal en la iglesia Shadow Mountain Community Church en San Diego (California), ciudad en la que reside con su esposa, Donna. Tienen cuatro hijos adultos y doce nietos.

Book preview

DAVID JEREMIAH

Kids Study Bible

NEW KING JAMES VERSION©

NASHVILLE  MEXICO CITY  RIO DE JANIERO

Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible

Copyright © 2016 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

Holy Bible, New King James Version®, copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.

All rights reserved.

The text of the New King James Version® (NKJV ®) may be quoted or reprinted without prior written permission with the following qualifications: (1) up to and including 1,000 verses may be quoted in printed form as long as the verses quoted amount to less than 50% of a complete book of the Bible and make up less than 50% of the total work in which they are quoted; (2) all NKJV quotations must conform accurately to the NKJV text.

Any use of the NKJV text must include a proper acknowledgment as follows:

Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

However, when quotations from the NKJV text are used in church bulletins, orders of service, Sunday school lessons, church newsletters, and similar works in the course of religious instruction or services at a place of worship or other religious assembly, the following notice may be used at the end of each quotation: NKJV.

Typesetting by Richmond & Williams, Brentwood, TN.

For quotation requests not covered by the above guidelines, write to Thomas Nelson, Inc., Attention: Bible Rights and Permissions, P.O. Box 141000, Nashville, TN 37214–1000.

ePub Edition September 2016: 978-0-718-09390-7

TABLE OF CONTENTS

How to Use This eBible

Contributors

Foreword to Airship Genesis

What is the Bible All About?

Welcome Aboard—Introduction

Take Your Bible Adventure Further

Airship Genesis Bible Features

Articles Index

Preface to the New King James Version®

Introduction to the Bible

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Old Testament Table of Contents

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New Testament Table of Contents

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Table of Monies, Weights, and Measures

Concordance

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OLD TESTAMENT

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Genesis

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50

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Exodus

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40

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Leviticus

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27

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Numbers

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36

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Deuteronomy

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34

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Joshua

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24

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Judges

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21

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Ruth

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

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1 Samuel

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31

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2 Samuel

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24

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1 Kings

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22

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2 Kings

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25

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1 Chronicles

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29

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2 Chronicles

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36

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Ezra

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

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Nehemiah

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

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Esther

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10

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Job

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42

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Psalms

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66 | 67 | 68 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 75 | 76 | 77 | 78 | 79 | 80 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 84 | 85 | 86 | 87 | 88 | 89 | 90 | 91 | 92 | 93 | 94 | 95 | 96 | 97 | 98 | 99 | 100 | 101 | 102 | 103 | 104 | 105 | 106 | 107 | 108 | 109 | 110 | 111 | 112 | 113 | 114 | 115 | 116 | 117 | 118 | 119 | 120 | 121 | 122 | 123 | 124 | 125 | 126 | 127 | 128 | 129 | 130 | 131 | 132 | 133 | 134 | 135 | 136 | 137 | 138 | 139 | 140 | 141 | 142 | 143 | 144 | 145 | 146 | 147 | 148 | 149 | 150

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Proverbs

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31

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Ecclesiastes

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

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Song of Solomon

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8

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Isaiah

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52 | 53 | 54 | 55 | 56 | 57 | 58 | 59 | 60 | 61 | 62 | 63 | 64 | 65 | 66

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Jeremiah

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48 | 49 | 50 | 51 | 52

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Lamentations

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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Ezekiel

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41 | 42 | 43 | 44 | 45 | 46 | 47 | 48

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Daniel

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12

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Hosea

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

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Joel

1 | 2 | 3

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Amos

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

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Obadiah

1

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Jonah

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

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Micah

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7

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Nahum

1 | 2 | 3

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Habakkuk

1 | 2 | 3

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Zephaniah

1 | 2 | 3

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Haggai

1 | 2

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Zechariah

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14

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Malachi

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

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NEW TESTAMENT

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Matthew

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28

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Mark

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

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Luke

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24

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John

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21

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Acts

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 27 | 28

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Romans

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

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1 Corinthians

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16

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2 Corinthians

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

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Galatians

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

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Ephesians

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

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Philippians

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

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Colossians

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

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1 Thessalonians

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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2 Thessalonians

1 | 2 | 3

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1 Timothy

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

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2 Timothy

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

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Titus

1 | 2 | 3

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Philemon

1

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Hebrews

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13

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James

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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1 Peter

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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2 Peter

1 | 2 | 3

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1 John

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5

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2 John

1

---

3 John

1

---

Jude

1

---

Revelation

1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22

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How to Use This eBible

What is the difference between an eBook and a print book?

eBook versions of Bibles contain all the content and supplementary materials found in the original print versions and are optimized for navigation in the various apps and devices used for display. eReaders recognize text as one fluid string and are formatted in a single column, which differs from the multi-column layout seen in many print version Bibles. Therefore, some content may not match the exact appearance of the original print version, but instead uses hyperlinks to navigate between related content.

How do I use the eBook Table of Contents?

*Important Note: Be sure to consult your device manufacturer’s User’s Guide for device-specific navigation instructions.*

The Table of Contents is generally formatted in the same order as the original print version and hyperlinked as follows:

• Front matter – Introductory articles

• Bible books and chapters

• Back matter – Supplementary materials

To navigate to specific Bible books, chapters, or verses, please note the following:

• Book links (Ex. Genesis) go directly to the Introduction of each book, or the beginning of that Bible book if there is no introductory text.

• Chapter links go directly to the beginning of the chapter associated with a book.

• Use the device’s Next Page/Previous Page buttons or functions to scroll through the verses in each chapter.

• Every Bible book and chapter hyperlink in the Bible text returns or goes back to the Table of Contents. Or, use the device’s back button or function to go back to the last selection.

How do I navigate supplementary materials?

Within articles and supplementary materials, every Scripture reference or article title is hyperlinked directly to the location of that content. Use the device’s back button or function to go back to the last selection. The following provides more specific instructions for specific types of content found in this ebook.

Footnotes (Translators’ Notes) are marked with small, hyperlinked superscript letters a.

• Select the hyperlinked superscript letter in the main Bible text to go to the corresponding footnote.

• Select the hyperlinked letter to the left of the footnote(s) and you are returned to the main Bible text, or use the device’s back button or function to go back to the last selection.

Articles and Features related to Bible content are accessible through the pointer links that are interspersed throughout the Bible text. Types of features include Rupert Report, Power Force, Logos Discovery, and Bible Heroes.

• Select the hyperlinked title at the end of a paragraph where referenced Bible verse(s) appear to go to its location in the Annotations section at the end of each Bible book.

• Select the hyperlinked title entry to go back to the Bible verse location, or use the device’s back button or function to go back to the last selection.

Bible Blasts are selected verses to memorize.

• Bible Blast verses are indicated by hyperlinked asterisk symbols (*) at the beginning of the verse.

• Select the hyperlinked asterisk to go to the Bible Blast index, which lists all of the Bible Blast verses.

• Use the device’s back button or function to go back to the Bible verse location, or select the hyperlinked verse reference from the Index.

The Concordance includes an alphabetic list of important words.

• Select the hyperlinked letter of the alphabet to navigate to the corresponding list of entries.

• Selecting the letter heading from within the list of entries will return to the beginning of the Concordance.

• Use the device’s Next Page/Previous Page buttons or functions to scroll through the entries.

• Use the device’s back button or function to go back to the last selection.

Contributors

Airship Genesis: Legendary Bible Adventure is the creation and trademark brand of the Turning Point for God Ministry. The Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible was created under the direction of David Jeremiah (President), Paul Joiner (Creative Director), Myrna Davis (Editor-in-Chief), and Tyler Novak (Art Director).

Very special thanks and appreciation to our maiden voyage mission writers: Weston Albert, Steven James, William Kruidenier, and Robert Morgan.

Character art by Warner McGee.

This project could not have been completed without the support and exceptional talents of our entire Airship Genesis team and the men and women who sacrificially supported the presentation of this unique Bible resource for children. Our sincere thanks go to all who caught the vision of the Airship Genesis: Legendary Bible Adventure.

FOREWORD TO AIRSHIP GENESIS

Welcome to Airship Genesis!

This is your own copy. You can write your name in it and keep it near you. You can underline verses you like and circle sentences you want to learn. The Bible is the best book you’ll ever own, and it’s important to read it each day.

You’ll meet new friends on these pages—the Genesis Exploration Squad. They’ll take you on an incredible journey from Genesis to Revelation and show you amazing stories of God’s love for the world.

Along the way, you’ll discover verses to help you when you’re worried. You’ll learn rules for being stronger and wiser. You’ll find promises to memorize. You’ll get to know books like Genesis, Proverbs, and the Gospel of John. You’ll become friends with people like Abraham, Ruth, and Paul. You’ll learn your way around the Bible like you know your way around the block.

My greatest prayer is that you’ll come to know the Hero of the Bible—the Lord Jesus Christ—as your Savior, Lord, and Friend. He has a wonderful plan for your life; and as you study His Word, you’ll understand it more and more.

That’s why we’ve worked hard to make Airship Genesis special. We want you to fall in love with God and His amazing Book. Studying the Bible is as exciting as going on a trip. It’s like exploring new places, learning new things, and discovering priceless treasures. I’ve been reading the Bible since I was a child, and I can’t do without it now. I’m passing it on to you with a prayer for God’s blessing on your life. May His Word be a lamp for your feet and a light for your path (Psalm 119:105).

So welcome to the greatest book you’ll ever read—your own copy of the Bible.

God was thinking of YOU when He wrote it.

DAVID JEREMIAH

What Is the Bible All About?

The Bible is a big book. So what is the central message? What’s it all about? It’s not that difficult to understand!

• THE LOVE OF GOD: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

• THE RESULTS OF UNBELIEF: He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18).

• THE GIFT OF LIFE: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

• THE REASON JESUS HAD TO DIE: For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit (1 Peter 3:18).

• THE IMPORTANCE OF FAITH: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast (Ephesians 2:8–9).

• THE RESULT OF FAITH: Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1).

• THE ASSURANCE OF HEAVEN: Having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, who is the guarantee of our inheritance (Ephesians 1:13–14).

How about you? Do you want to receive God’s gift? Through your faith you can accept all that He has to offer. In Luke 11:13 Jesus made a sure and certain promise that His heavenly Father always gives His Spirit to anyone who asks. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!

If you have never done that, you can do it right now!

WELCOME ABOARD!!

Take flight with the Genesis Exploration Squad as you travel through the Word of God in the Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible.

What is the Genesis Exploration Squad, you ask? The squad is comprised of five incredible young adventurers who travel through time aboard the futuristic Airship Genesis. Led by a special Bible that opens Pathways into the past, the members of the squad step into history and explore the stories of the Bible. Along the way, these globe-trotting adventurers discover legendary artifacts that help them learn and remember the lessons of God’s Word.

There are so many exciting stories to be found inside the Bible. Join in these legendary adventures aboard the Airship Genesis as you embark on your own personal journey through the Word of God.

CAMERON

Cameron’s love for archaeology and exploration has sent him on adventures all across the world. A natural hunter of history, he loves to study the Bible’s text and find out all he can about the lands, cultures, and people found within its pages. To prepare for adventures, Cameron soaks up and remembers every detail he reads so he can help the squad find legendary artifacts from the Word of God. With an enduring wit and undeniable charisma, it’s no wonder he’s a leader of the Genesis Exploration Squad.

GABRIELLA (GABI)

A hotshot pilot and ace mechanic, Gabriella (Gabi for short) is the pilot of the Airship Genesis. She is a strong voice of leadership in the Genesis Exploration Squad, and her loyalty to her squadmates is unparalleled—she would never leave a friend behind. Confident and outgoing, Gabi is unstoppable when she sets her mind to something. That’s because God gave her a courageous spirit, and she uses it to blaze the Pathways ahead and to discover all she can about the stories found inside the Bible.

LOGAN

There’s one word that sums up Logan—extreme! It just so happens to be his favorite word to say, too. Logan is the complete opposite of his twin sister Emma. Being outside and on the move is the name of the game for Logan. Often seen riding his hoverboard, he is an extreme sports athlete who fears nothing. Logan fearlessly trusts God in the face of obstacles. Why? Because he knows that God is always in control! And he can’t wait to see what awesome adventures God has in store for him.

EMMA

Emma is the scientist and researcher aboard the Airship Genesis. Highly intelligent in math and the sciences, she knows the ins and outs of the natural world that God created and helps the rest of the squad safely navigate through their missions. She’s cautious of anything that could cause her or her fellow squadmates harm and takes special notes on how to avoid danger! But ultimately, Emma is most comfortable when she is surrounded by and can study the beauty of God’s creation—animals, insects, nature, stars, planets, and more!

WYATT

Whether aboard the airship or out on adventures, Wyatt is ready to lend a helping hand. An enthusiastic inventor, Wyatt spends his time imagining new ways to improve and create gadgets for his friends. Though small in stature, Wyatt has a big personality. He is creative and curious, always asking questions about God’s Word. And his sense of humor and excitement for life are contagious. He knows God can do anything! And he’s ready to see what He’ll do next.

RUPERT

Rupert is the Genesis Exploration Squad’s artificial intelligence guide—but he’s no ordinary guide. Hovering alongside the squad, Rupert is a helpful companion on every legendary Bible adventure. He is a voice of wisdom and is knowledgeable about God’s Word, providing information and analyses to assist these adventurers through each Pathway—you might even say he’s a floating Bible encyclopedia. And he’ll lead you through God’s Word, too!

JOULES

Playful and funny, this mischievous little monkey is beloved by all the members of the Genesis Exploration Squad. Even though he speaks his own language, Joules always has something to say about their legendary Bible adventures. One thing’s for sure—there’s never a dull moment on the airship with Joules monkeying around.

Take Your Bible Adventure Further!

AIRSHIP GENESIS BIBLE ADVENTURE STORIES

As you soar through the many stories to be found in your Airship Genesis Bible, listen to these connecting adventures online at Airship​Genesis.com/​Bible​Adventures. Just enter the access code: LOGOS.

Airship Genesis Bible Adventure Stories include:

• Welcome Aboard Airship Genesis

• David and Goliath

• The Garden of Eden

• Noah and the Great Flood

• Daniel and the Lions’ Den

• Crossing the Red Sea

• Jesus Heals the Paralytic

• The Battle of Jericho

• The Christmas Story

• Jesus Feeds the 5,000

• Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet

• Queen Esther

Airship​Genesis.com/​Bible​Adventures

Access Code: LOGOS

AIRSHIP GENESIS EPISODES

Go to AirshipGenesis.com today to hear more action-packed audio adventures!

The Airship Genesis: Legendary Bible Adventure audio series will transport you back in time with the Genesis Exploration Squad as they witness stories from the Bible come to life. You’ll hear the latest Airship Genesis Bible Adventure Stories, plus additional segments from the Airship Genesis crew that will take you deeper into God’s Word and show you how the incredible stories of the Bible can change your life!

In each episode, you’ll hear some of the following . . .

• Airship Genesis Bible Adventure Stories

• Correlating Power Force Themes

• Rupert Reports

• Bible Heroes

• Mission Overviews

• LOGOS Discovery

• Q&A with Dr. J

• And other unique segments!

Discover these bonus features and more on AirshipGenesis.com!

• Meet the Genesis Exploration Squad

• Put your Airship Genesis knowledge to the test with fun quizzes based on each Bible Adventure Story

• Memorize meaningful verses that correlate to each adventure

• And more!

AIRSHIP GENESIS MOBILE GAME

Experience Airship Genesis in a whole new way by downloading the Airship Genesis mobile game! Check out Airship​Genesis.com/​Action​Adventure today for details.

AirshipGenesis.com

The Airship Genesis Bible Features

The Airship Genesis Kids Study Bible is an exciting adventure through God’s Word in the trustworthy New King James Version®, finding real-life applications for children living in today’s world. Study features for the Airship Genesis Bible are based on the characteristics of the Airship Genesis: Legendary Bible Adventure brand from David Jeremiah and the Turning Point for God Ministry. The special features include:

66 Mission Overviews:

Individual book introductions, providing the background for discovering the main theme and purpose for each book in the Bible.

100 Rupert Reports:

Short informational notes scattered throughout the Bible text providing interesting facts about people, places, and things in God’s Word.

75 Power Force:

Bible Truths or Christian essentials to learn and apply.

66 LOGOS Discovery:

Articles that take kids on a journey through the Bible with Discovering the Adventure links to other stories and Scriptures in God’s Word.

100 Bible Blasts:

Selected verses to memorize, with icon and color text features.

51 Bible Heroes:

Character studies of main Bible heroes that made a difference in the Bible.

13 Full-Color Maps:

Beautiful maps of the lands you read about throughout the Bible are included. These colorful visuals will help bring the Bible stories to life!

ARTICLES INDEX

Genesis

Exodus

Leviticus

Numbers

Deuteronomy

Joshua

Judges

Ruth

1 Samuel

2 Samuel

1 Kings

2 Kings

1 Chronicles

2 Chronicles

Ezra

Nehemiah

Esther

Job

Psalms

Proverbs

Ecclesiastes

The Song of Solomon

Isaiah

Jeremiah

Lamentations

Ezekiel

Daniel

Hosea

Joel

Amos

Obadiah

Jonah

Micah

Nahum

Habakkuk

Zephaniah

Haggai

Zechariah

Malachi

It’s All About Jesus

Matthew

Mark

Luke

John

Acts

Romans

1 Corinthians

2 Corinthians

Galatians

Ephesians

Philippians

Colossians

1 Thessalonians

2 Thessalonians

1 Timothy

2 Timothy

Titus

Philemon

Hebrews

James

1 Peter

2 Peter

1 John

2 John

3 John

Jude

Revelation

Genesis 2:9 • Tree of Life

Genesis 2:17 • The Knowledge of Good and Evil

Genesis 6:15 • Noah’s Ark/Cubit

Genesis 10:18 • Canaanites

Genesis 11:9 • Tower of Babel

Genesis 11:28 • Chaldeans

Genesis 31:54 • Sacrifice

Genesis 41:1 • Pharaoh

Exodus 12:11 • Passover

Exodus 13:7 • Leaven/Unleavened Bread

Exodus 19:2 • Sinai Desert

Exodus 29:36 • Atonement

Exodus 37:1 • Lampstand

Leviticus 16:8 • Scapegoat

Leviticus 23:34 • Feast of Tabernacles

Leviticus 27:1 • Shekel

Numbers 11:6 • Manna

Numbers 26:1 • Census

Deuteronomy 5:32 • Commandments

Joshua 6:1 • Jericho

Judges 1:1 • Judge

1 Samuel 28:1 • Mediums

2 Kings 19:3 • Blasphemy

1 Chronicles 17:1 • Covenant

1 Chronicles 22:1 • Temple

Ezra 6:1 • Decree

Nehemiah 7:64 • Genealogy

Nehemiah 13:12 • Tithes

Esther 1:1 • King Ahasuerus/Xerxes

Job 8:11 • Papyrus

Job 27:2 • Soul

Job 32:2 • Justified

Psalms 1:4 • Chaff

Psalms 31:23 • Saints

Psalms 54:1 • Adversary

Psalms 68:19 • Salvation

Psalms 97:1 • Sovereign

Proverbs 1:1 • Proverb

Ecclesiastes 1:2 • Vanity

Song of Solomon 1:1 • Shulamite

Isaiah 4:2 • Branch of the Lord

Isaiah 7:14 • Immanuel

Isaiah 14:1 • Lucifer

Isaiah 39:1 • Babylon

Jeremiah 1:1 • Prophet

Jeremiah 23:1 • Righteousness

Jeremiah 48:1 • Moab

Ezekiel 2:1 • Son of Man

Ezekiel 20:49 • Parable

Daniel 2:1 • Nebuchadnezzar

Daniel 7:1 • Prophecy

Daniel 12:1 • End Time

Hosea 6:1 • Repentance

Joel 1:1 • Locusts

Amos 5:1 • Lament

Jonah 1:7 • Casting Lots

Nahum 1:1 • Nineveh

Habakkuk 1:1 • Watchtower

Zechariah 5:1 • Vision

Matthew 4:23 • Gospel

Matthew 9:14 • Pharisees

Matthew 26:7 • Alabaster

Mark 14:36 • Abba

Luke 5:1 • Disciples

Luke 23:1 • Calvary

John 4:7 • Samaritans

John 9:5 • I AM

John 18:1 • High Priest

Acts 2:1 • Day of Pentecost

Acts 11:26 • Christians

Acts 21:8 • Evangelist

Acts 22:20 • Martyr

Romans 3:25 • Propitiation

1 Corinthians 9:1 • Servants

1 Corinthians 11:1 • The Lord’s Supper

2 Corinthians 1:1 • Church

2 Corinthians 4:7 • Earthen Vessels

Galatians 5:20 • Heresies

Ephesians 2:19 • Christ Our Cornerstone

Ephesians 6:1 • Armor of God

Philippians 1:1 • Deacons

1 Thessalonians 1:1 • Exhortation

1 Timothy 2:1 • Ransom

1 Timothy 2:5 • Mediator

1 Timothy 4:1 • Apostasy

2 Timothy 4:7 • Crown/Race

Philemon 1 • Onesimus

Hebrews 2:1 • Angels

Hebrews 7:2 • King of Righteousness

Hebrews 11:1 • Hall of Faith

1 Peter 1:25 • Eternity

1 John 2:18 • Antichrist

2 John 1 • Elect

3 John 1 • Elder

Jude 1 • Bondservant

Revelation 1:8 • Alpha and Omega

Revelation 2:1 • Seven Churches

Revelation 5:1 • The Lamb

Revelation 21:2 • New Jerusalem

Revelation 22:1 • River of Life

Genesis 1:26 • Be Protective

Leviticus 1:1 • Be Teachable

Leviticus 1:1 • Be Focused

Numbers 1:1 • Be Knowledgeable

Deuteronomy 1:1 • Be Submissive

Joshua 1:9 • Be Encouraging

Ruth 1:1 • Be Loyal

Ruth 4:1 • Be Cheerful

1 Samuel 16:1 • Be Prepared

1 Kings 1:1 • Be Peaceful

1 Chronicles 1:1 • Be Patient

1 Chronicles 29:14 • Be Responsible

2 Chronicles 1:1 • Be Self-Controlled

Esther 1:1 • Be Courageous

Psalms 1:1 • Be Joyful

Psalms 34:4 • Be Trusting

Psalms 39:7 • Be Hopeful

Psalms 51:1 • Be Gracious

Psalms 95:42 • Be Thankful

Psalms 112:7 • Be Steadfast

Psalms 119:67 • Be Righteous

Proverbs 12:22 • Be Truthful

Proverbs 18:24 • Be Friendly

Ecclesiastes 1:1 • Be Wise

Song of Solomon 1:1 • Be Loving

Song of Solomon 2:1 • Be Confident

Lamentations 1:1 • Be Consistent

Ezekiel 1:1 • Be Obedient

Daniel 1:1 • Be Creative

Hosea 1:1 • Be Reconciled

Hosea 1:1 • Be Forgiven

Joel 1:1 • Be Committed

Amos 1:1 • Be Useful

Obadiah 1 • Be Ready

Jonah 1:1 • Be Humble

Micah 1:1 • Be Gentle

Habakkuk 1:1 • Be Good

Zephaniah 1:1 • Be Merciful

Zechariah 1:1 • Be Reverent

Malachi 1:1 • Be Amazed

Malachi 2:1 • Be Expectant

Matthew 5:13 • Be Salty

Matthew 5:48 • Be Perfect

Matthew 6:25 • Be Calm

Matthew 9:9 • Be Welcoming

Matthew 18:1 • Be Childlike

Matthew 20:28 • Be Serving

Luke 6:38 • Be Generous

Luke 10:2 • Be Fruitful

Luke 22:42 • Be Willing

John 8:32 • Be Free

John 15:12 • Be Compassionate

Acts 16:30 • Be Saved

Acts 22:15 • Be Witnessing

Romans 12:1 • Be Sacrificial

1 Corinthians 1:1 • Be Filled

1 Corinthians 15:1 • Be Victorious

Galatians 5:22 • Be Growing

Ephesians 4:32 • Be Forgiving

Ephesians 6:10 • Be Equipped

Philippians 1:1 • Be Inspirational

Philippians 4:11 • Be Content

Colossians 3:23 • Be Diligent

1 Thessalonians 5:17 • Be Prayerful

2 Thessalonians 1:1 • Be Kind

1 Timothy 1:1 • Be Bold

2 Timothy 1:1 • Be Positive

Titus 1:1 • Be Respectful

Hebrews 11:1 • Be Faithful

James 4:7 • Be Resistant

1 Peter 5:8 • Be Alert

2 Peter 3:14 • Be Holy

1 John 1:9 • Be Confessing

1 John 4:10 • Be Unconditional

Revelation 1:1 • Be Untroubled

Genesis 1:2 • The First Artist

Genesis 3:1 • The Day Sin Came In

Genesis 4:1 • My Brother’s Keeper

Genesis 6:1 • The Giant Lifeboat

Genesis 11:1 • The Tower to the Sky

Genesis 22:1 • The Loving, Lasting Promise

Genesis 37:1 • Eleven Hateful Brothers

Genesis 41:1 • From the Prison to the Palace

Exodus 3:1 • The Voice in the Flames

Exodus 5:1 • The Plagues and the Passover

Exodus 14:1 • A Path Through the Sea

Exodus 20:1 • The Ten Commandments

Joshua 3:1 • Entering the Promised Land

Judges 13:1 • The Strong Man’s Weakness

Judges 17:1 • A Cycle of Sin

1 Samuel 3:1 • The Voice in the Night

1 Samuel 13:15 • Cliffhanger!

1 Samuel 16:1 • Looks Don’t Matter

1 Samuel 18:1 • Friends Forever

2 Kings 5:1 • A Special Kind of Healing

2 Kings 6:8 • God’s Invisible Army

2 Chronicles 34:1 • The Lost Scroll

Psalms 18:30 • What Is God Like?

Psalms 23:1 • The Guiding Shepherd

Psalms 103:1 • A Father Who Loves

Psalms 139:1 • The God Who Is Always Close-by

Isaiah 53:1 • The Suffering Servant

Ezekiel 37:1 • Life in Death Valley

Daniel 5:1 • The Ghostly Graffiti

Daniel 6:1 • An Angel, Lions, and a Changed King

Jonah 1:1 • A Cold-Hearted Prophet

Matthew 4:1 • When Temptation Comes

Matthew 7:21 • A Firm Foundation

Matthew 14:22 • Surfing Without a Surfboard!

Matthew 17:1 • A Face as Bright as the Sun

Matthew 25:14 • The Servants and the Bags of Gold

Matthew 26:36 • Your Will Be Done

Matthew 28:1 • Back From the Dead!

Mark 1:16 • Follow Me!

Mark 5:1 • The Man Who Slept in Graves

Mark 7:21 • An Unclean Heart

Mark 10:13 • Bring in the Kids!

Mark 14:10 • Judas, the Betrayer

Luke 1:1 • The King Is Born!

Luke 2:41 • The Day Jesus Stayed Behind

Luke 5:1 • A Good Catch

Luke 10:25 • Who Is My Neighbor?

Luke 15:11 • The Tale of the Two Sons

Luke 16:19 • The Great Reversal

Luke 19:28 • The Palm Branch Parade

Luke 22:14 • The Last Supper

John 2:1 • Water Into Wine

John 4:23 • A New Kind of Temple

John 6:1 • Five Thousand Fed

John 11:1 • Lazarus, Come Out!

John 19:17 • Skull Hill

John 20:24 • To Touch His Scars

Acts 1:1 • Up, Up, and Away!

Acts 2:1 • The Holy Spirit Arrives

Acts 8:26 • The Treasurer Finds a Treasure

Acts 12:1 • Peter’s Jailbreak

Acts 27:1 • The Great Shipwreck

1 Corinthians 13:1 • The Greatest Gift of All

Ephesians 6:10 • Mighty Armor

Hebrews 11:1 • Heroes of Faith

Revelation 21:1 • The Start of a New Story

Genesis 6:1 • Dependable Noah

Genesis 12:1 • Father Abraham

Genesis 22:1 • Isaac, the Willing Son

Genesis 41:2 • Joseph, an Understanding Brother

Exodus 1:1 • The Hebrew Midwives

Exodus 14:13 • Moses, a Heroic Leader

Numbers 13:1 • Courageous Caleb

Joshua 2:1 • Rahab, an Unusual Hero

Joshua 24:15 • Joshua, a Great Leader

Judges 4:1 • Deborah, a Powerful Woman

Judges 6:16 • Gideon, the Hero

Ruth 1:1 • Loyal Ruth

1 Samuel 1:1 • Hannah, the Promise-Keeper

1 Samuel 15:1 • Samuel, the Bold Prophet

1 Samuel 17:1 • David, a Fearless Young Man

1 Kings 3:1 • Solomon, a Wise King

1 Kings 18:1 • Elijah, a Powerful Prophet

Ezra 2:1 • Zerubbabel, a Hard-Working Leader

Ezra 7:10 • Ezra, a Focused Priest

Nehemiah 4:16 • Nehemiah, God’s Partner

Esther 4:14 • Esther, the Brave Queen

Job 1:1 • Job, a Teachable Man

Proverbs 31:1 • A Wonderful Woman

Isaiah 6:1 • Isaiah, a Willing Prophet

Jeremiah 9:1 • Jeremiah, the Weeping Prophet

Daniel 1:1 • Daniel, the Prophet of Honor

Daniel 3:16 • Three Faithful Men

Malachi 3:1 • Malachi, the Challenger

Matthew 2:1 • The Generous Magi

Matthew 3:1 • John the Baptist

Matthew 26:69 • Peter, the Confident Disciple

Mark 2:1 • Four Faithful Friends

Mark 16:9 • Mary Magdalene

Luke 1:1 • Doctor Luke

Luke 1:26 • Mary, Mother of Jesus

Luke 2:36 • Anna, a Worshiping Woman

Luke 10:42 • Mary of Bethany

Luke 19:1 • Zacchaeus, a Changed Man

John 3:1 • Brave Nicodemus

Acts 4:36 • Barnabas, the Encourager

Acts 7:1 • Stephen, the Crown

Acts 9:1 • Paul the Apostle

Acts 12:1 • Mary, Mother of John Mark

Acts 13:13 • John Mark, the Forgiven

Acts 18:1 • Aquila and Priscilla

Romans 16:1 • Phoebe, the Helper

1 Timothy 1:1 • Timothy, a Respectful Son

2 Timothy 1:1 • Lois and Eunice

Titus 1:1 • Titus, a Brand-New Pastor

1 John 3:5 • Jesus, the Greatest Hero

Revelation 1:1 • John, the Beloved

Genesis 1:1 • The Ancient Near East 3000

B.C.

Exodus 1:1 • Exodus From Egypt

Deuteronomy 1:1 • From Canaan to Egypt

Joshua 1:1 • Conquest of Canaan

1 Kings 1:1 • Solomon’s Economic Influence

Ezra 1:1 • The Return From Exile

Jeremiah 1:1 • Babylonian Empire 560

B.C.

Jonah 1:1 • The Travels of Jonah

Malachi 1:1 • The Prophets of Israel

Matthew 1:1 • Jesus’ Ministry Beyond Galilee

Acts 1:1 • Major Areas in Acts

1 Corinthians 1:1 • Paul’s Second Missionary Journey

Revelation 1:1 • Churches of Revelation

Genesis 1:1

Genesis 1:27

Deuteronomy 7:6

Deuteronomy 31:8

Joshua 1:9

Ruth 1:16

1 Samuel 17:45

2 Samuel 22:47

2 Kings 6:16

2 Chronicles 7:14

Psalm 9:1

Psalm 23:1

Psalm 27:1

Psalm 34:4

Psalm 46:1

Psalm 55:22

Psalm 118:29

Psalm 119:105

Psalm 139:14

Psalm 145:8

Proverbs 3:5

Proverbs 15:3

Proverbs 18:10

Proverbs 22:1

Proverbs 31:30

Isaiah 9:6

Isaiah 26:3

Isaiah 53:6

Jeremiah 29:11

Micah 6:8

Matthew 5:16

Matthew 7:7

Matthew 28:19

Mark 9:37

Mark 10:45

Luke 2:11

Luke 10:27

John 1:1

John 1:14

John 3:16

John 10:11

John 12:46

John 14:1

John 14:6

Acts 1:8

Acts 1:11

Acts 16:31

Romans 1:16

Romans 3:23

Romans 5:8

Romans 6:23

Romans 8:1

Romans 8:28

Romans 10:13

Romans 12:2

Romans 12:12

1 Corinthians 2:9

1 Corinthians 13:4–7

2 Corinthians 5:1

2 Corinthians 5:7

2 Corinthians 9:8

2 Corinthians 10:4

Galatians 2:20

Galatians 4:7

Galatians 5:22–23

Galatians 6:2

Galatians 6:9

Ephesians 2:14

Ephesians 4:32

Ephesians 6:1

Ephesians 6:11

Philippians 2:3

Philippians 4:9

Philippians 4:13

Colossians 2:6–7

Colossians 3:17

1 Thessalonians 4:16

1 Thessalonians 5:15

2 Thessalonians 3:3

1 Timothy 4:12

1 Timothy 6:17

2 Timothy 2:1

2 Timothy 3:16

2 Timothy 4:7

Titus 2:11

Hebrews 4:12

Hebrews 11:1

Hebrews 13:8

James 1:5

James 3:13

1 Peter 5:7

2 Peter 3:9

1 John 1:9

1 John 3:18

1 John 4:9

1 John 5:4

1 John 5:14

Jude 25

Revelation 1:8

Revelation 5:12

Preface to the New King James Version®

Purpose

In the preface to the 1611 edition, the translators of the Authorized Version, known popularly as the King James Bible, state that it was not their purpose to make a new translation . . . but to make a good one better. Indebted to the earlier work of William Tyndale and others, they saw their best contribution to consist in revising and enhancing the excellence of the English versions which had sprung from the Reformation of the sixteenth century. In harmony with the purpose of the King James scholars, the translators and editors of the present work have not pursued a goal of innovation. They have perceived the Holy Bible, New King James Version, as a continuation of the labors of the earlier translators, thus unlocking for today’s readers the spiritual treasures found especially in the Authorized Version of the Holy Scriptures.

A Living Legacy

For more than four hundred years, and throughout several revisions of its English form, the King James Bible has been deeply revered among the English-speaking peoples of the world. The precision of translation for which it is historically renowned, and its majesty of style, have enabled that monumental version of the Word of God to become the mainspring of the religion, language, and legal foundations of our civilization.

Although the Elizabethan period and our own era share in zeal for technical advance, the former period was more aggressively devoted to classical learning. Along with this awakened concern for the classics came a flourishing companion interest in the Scriptures, an interest that was enlivened by the conviction that the manuscripts were providentially handed down and were a trustworthy record of the inspired Word of God. The King James translators were committed to producing an English Bible that would be a precise translation, and by no means a paraphrase or a broadly approximate rendering. On the one hand, the scholars were almost as familiar with the original languages of the Bible as with their native English. On the other hand, their reverence for the divine Author and His Word assured a translation of the Scriptures in which only a principle of utmost accuracy could be accepted.

In 1786 Catholic scholar Alexander Geddes said of the King James Bible, If accuracy and strictest attention to the letter of the text be supposed to constitute an excellent version, this is of all versions the most excellent. George Bernard Shaw became a literary legend in the twentieth century because of his severe and often humorous criticisms of our most cherished values. Surprisingly, however, Shaw pays the following tribute to the scholars commissioned by King James: The translation was extraordinarily well done because to the translators what they were translating was not merely a curious collection of ancient books written by different authors in different stages of culture, but the Word of God divinely revealed through His chosen and expressly inspired scribes. In this conviction they carried out their work with boundless reverence and care and achieved a beautifully artistic result. History agrees with these estimates. Therefore, while seeking to unveil the excellent form of the traditional English Bible, special care has also been taken in the present edition to preserve the work of precision which is the legacy of the 1611 translators.

Complete Equivalence in Translation

Where new translation has been necessary in the New King James Version, the most complete representation of the original has been rendered by considering the history of usage and etymology of words in their contexts. This principle of complete equivalence seeks to preserve all of the information in the text, while presenting it in good literary form. Dynamic equivalence, a recent procedure in Bible translation, commonly results in paraphrasing where a more literal rendering is needed to reflect a specific and vital sense. For example, complete equivalence truly renders the original text in expressions such as lifted her voice and wept (Gen. 21:16); I gave you cleanness of teeth (Amos 4:6); Jesus met them, saying, ‘Rejoice!’  (Matt. 28:9); and Woman, what does your concern have to do with Me? (John 2:4). Complete equivalence translates fully, in order to provide an English text that is both accurate and readable.

In keeping with the principle of complete equivalence, it is the policy to translate interjections which are commonly omitted in modern language renderings of the Bible. As an example, the interjection behold, in the older King James editions, continues to have a place in English usage, especially in dramatically calling attention to a spectacular scene or an event of profound importance such as the Immanuel prophecy of Isaiah 7:14. Consequently, behold is retained for these occasions in the present edition. However, the Hebrew and Greek originals for this word can be translated variously, depending on the circumstances in the passage. Therefore, in addition to behold, words such as indeed, look, see, and surely are also rendered to convey the appropriate sense suggested by the context in each case.

In faithfulness to God and to our readers, it was deemed appropriate that all participating scholars sign a statement affirming their belief in the verbal and plenary inspiration of Scripture, and in the inerrancy of the original autographs.

Devotional Quality

The King James scholars readily appreciated the intrinsic beauty of divine revelation. They accordingly disciplined their talents to render well-chosen English words of their time, as well as a graceful, often musical arrangement of language, which has stirred the hearts of Bible readers through the years. The translators, the committees, and the editors of the present edition, while sensitive to the late-twentieth-century English idiom, and while adhering faithfully to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, have sought to maintain those lyrical and devotional qualities that are so highly regarded in the Authorized Version. This devotional quality is especially apparent in the poetic and prophetic books, although even the relatively plain style of the Gospels and Epistles cannot strictly be likened, as sometimes suggested, to modern newspaper style. The Koine Greek of the New Testament is influenced by the Hebrew background of the writers, for whom even the gospel narratives were not merely flat utterance, but often song in various degrees of rhythm.

The Style

Students of the Bible applaud the timeless devotional character of our historic Bible. Yet it is also universally understood that our language, like all living languages, has undergone profound change since 1611. Subsequent revisions of the King James Bible have sought to keep abreast of changes in English speech. The present work is a further step toward this objective. Where obsolescence and other reading difficulties exist, present-day vocabulary, punctuation, and grammar have been carefully integrated. Words representing ancient objects, such as chariot and phylactery, have no modern substitutes and are therefore retained.

A special feature of the New King James Version is its conformity to the thought flow of the 1611 Bible. The reader discovers that the sequence and selection of words, phrases, and clauses of the new edition, while much clearer, are so close to the traditional that there is remarkable ease in listening to the reading of either edition while following with the other.

In the discipline of translating biblical and other ancient languages, a standard method of transliteration, that is, the English spelling of untranslated words, such as names of persons and places, has never been commonly adopted. In keeping with the design of the present work, the King James spelling of untranslated words is retained, although made uniform throughout. For example, instead of the spellings Isaiah and Elijah in the Old Testament, and Esaias and Elias in the New Testament, Isaiah and Elijah now appear in both Testaments.

King James doctrinal and theological terms, for example, propitiation, justification, and sanctification, are generally familiar to English-speaking peoples. Such terms have been retained except where the original language indicates need for a more precise translation.

Readers of the Authorized Version will immediately be struck by the absence of several pronouns: thee, thou, and ye are replaced by the simple you, while your and yours are substituted for thy and thine as applicable. Thee, thou, thy, and thine were once forms of address to express a special relationship to human as well as divine persons. These pronouns are no longer part of our language. However, reverence for God in the present work is preserved by capitalizing pronouns, including You, Your, and Yours, which refer to Him. Additionally, capitalization of these pronouns benefits the reader by clearly distinguishing divine and human persons referred to in a passage. Without such capitalization the distinction is often obscure, because the antecedent of a pronoun is not always clear in the English translation.

In addition to the pronoun usages of the seventeenth century, the -eth and -est verb endings, so familiar in the earlier King James editions, are now obsolete. Unless a speaker is schooled in these verb endings, there is common difficulty in selecting the correct form to be used with a given subject of the verb in vocal prayer. That is, should we use love, loveth, or lovest? do, doeth, doest, or dost? have, hath, or hast? Because these forms are obsolete, contemporary English usage has been substituted for the previous verb endings.

In older editions of the King James Version, the frequency of the connective and far exceeded the limits of present English usage. Also, biblical linguists agree that the Hebrew and Greek original words for this conjunction may commonly be translated otherwise, depending on the immediate context. Therefore, instead of and, alternatives such as also, but, however, now, so, then, and thus are accordingly rendered in the present edition, when the original language permits.

The real character of the Authorized Version does not reside in its archaic pronouns or verbs or other grammatical forms of the seventeenth century, but rather in the care taken by its scholars to impart the letter and spirit of the original text in a majestic and reverent style.

The Format

The format of the New King James Version is designed to enhance the vividness and devotional quality of the Holy Scriptures:

• Subject headings assist the reader to identify topics and transitions in the biblical content.

• Words or phrases in italics indicate expressions in the original language which require clarification by additional English words, as also done throughout the history of the King James Bible.

• Oblique type in the New Testament indicates a quotation from the Old Testament.

• Verse numbers in bold type indicate the beginning of a paragraph.

• Poetry is structured as contemporary verse to reflect the poetic form and beauty of the passage in the original language.

• The covenant name of God was usually translated from the Hebrew as LORD or GOD (using capital letters as shown) in the King James Old Testament. This tradition is maintained. In the present edition the name is so capitalized whenever the covenant name is quoted in the New Testament from a passage in the Old Testament.

The Old Testament Text

The Hebrew Bible has come down to us through the scrupulous care of ancient scribes who copied the original text in successive generations. By the sixth century

A.D.

the scribes were succeeded by a group known as the Masoretes, who continued to preserve the sacred Scriptures for another five hundred years in a form known as the Masoretic Text. Babylonia, Palestine, and Tiberias were the main centers of Masoretic activity; but by the tenth century

A.D.

the Masoretes of Tiberias, led by the family of ben Asher, gained the ascendancy. Through subsequent editions, the ben Asher text became in the twelfth century the only recognized form of the Hebrew Scriptures.

Daniel Bomberg printed the first Rabbinic Bible in 1516–17; that work was followed in 1524–25 by a second edition prepared by Jacob ben Chayyim and also published by Bomberg. The text of ben Chayyim was adopted in most subsequent Hebrew Bibles, including those used by the King James translators. The ben Chayyim text was also used for the first two editions of Rudolph Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica of 1906 and 1912. In 1937 Paul Kahle published a third edition of Biblia Hebraica. This edition was based on the oldest dated manuscript of the ben Asher text, the Leningrad Manuscript B19a (

A.D.

1008), which Kahle regarded as superior to that used by ben Chayyim.

For the New King James Version the text used was the 1967/1977 Stuttgart edition of the Biblia Hebraica, with frequent comparisons being made with the Bomberg edition of 1524–25. The Septuagint (Greek) Version of the Old Testament and the Latin Vulgate also were consulted. In addition to referring to a variety of ancient versions of the Hebrew Scriptures, the New King James Version draws on the resources of relevant manuscripts from the Dead Sea caves. In the few places where the Hebrew was so obscure that the 1611 King James was compelled to follow one of the versions, but where information is now available to resolve the problems, the New King James Version follows the Hebrew text. Significant variations are recorded in the New King James translators’ notes.

The New Testament Text

There is more manuscript support for the New Testament than for any other body of ancient literature. Over five thousand Greek, eight thousand Latin, and many more manuscripts in other languages attest the integrity of the New Testament. There is only one basic New Testament used by Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Orthodox, by conservatives and liberals. Minor variations in hand copying have appeared through the centuries, before mechanical printing began about

A.D.

1450.

Some variations exist in the spelling of Greek words, in word order, and in similar details. These ordinarily do not show up in translation and do not affect the sense of the text in any way.

Other manuscript differences such as omission or inclusion of a word or a clause, and two paragraphs in the Gospels, should not overshadow the overwhelming degree of agreement which exists among the ancient records. Bible readers may be assured that the most important differences in English New Testaments of today are due, not to manuscript divergence, but to the way in which translators view the task of translation: How literally should the text be rendered? How does the translator view the matter of biblical