The King James Version (KJV) Bible is one of the most beloved and widely read versions of God’s Word. Many readers and Bible enthusiasts often wonder: how many words are in the KJV Bible? Understanding this gives us a deeper appreciation of the vastness of God’s message and the richness of Scripture.
The total word count in the KJV Bible is approximately 783,137 words, including both the Old and New Testaments. This number may vary slightly depending on the edition, but it represents the immense treasure of God’s Word that has guided millions of believers for centuries.
What Is the King James Version (KJV Bible)?
The King James Version (KJV) is a classic English translation of the Holy Bible, first published in 1611 under the commission of King James I of England. It was designed to be a faithful and majestic translation that could be read aloud in churches and understood by the common people.
This translation has deeply influenced English literature, preaching, and worship for over 400 years. Its poetic language continues to inspire readers worldwide.
The KJV Bible contains:
- 66 books — 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament
- 1,189 chapters
- 31,102 verses
The KJV is not just a historical document; it is a living guide for faith, teaching, and devotion. Knowing the number of words in the KJV Bible helps us realize the depth of God’s revelation and the care taken in translating His Word.
Total Number of Words in the KJV Bible
The King James Version (KJV) Bible is a vast treasure of God’s Word. Many readers wonder exactly how many words are in the KJV Bible. While numbers can vary slightly depending on editions and counting methods, the most widely accepted total is approximately 783,137 words.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Testament | Approximate Number of Words | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Old Testament | 602,587 | Includes all 39 books from Genesis to Malachi |
| New Testament | 180,550 | Includes all 27 books from Matthew to Revelation |
| Total | 783,137 | Standard Protestant KJV edition; some editions vary slightly |
“The KJV Bible contains about 783,137 words in total.”
Word counts may differ slightly due to:
- Different editions or printings
- Inclusion or exclusion of chapter titles, headings, or supplied words
- Minor variations cited in some sources (~788,280 or ~790,000+)
“Depending on how you count chapter titles or supplied words, some editions show slightly different counts.”
Understanding the total number of words in the KJV Bible helps us appreciate the depth and richness of God’s Word, revealing how much thought and care went into preserving His message for generations.
Why Word Count Varies Across Editions
The total number of words in the KJV Bible can slightly differ depending on how you count them. Here are the main reasons:
- Counting Methods:
- Some counts include only the main text, while others also include chapter headings, supplied words, or footnotes.
- This can make the total number of words appear higher or lower depending on the method.
- Differences Between Editions:
- The original 1611 KJV edition had slightly different spellings, punctuation, and wording.
- Modern printings have standardized the text, which can alter the word count slightly.
- Myths & Controversies:
- Some sources claim the KJV contains 823,543 words based on “7³” math patterns, but this is not standard or recognized by scholars.
- The most reliable counts remain ~783,137 words for the standard Protestant KJV Bible.
Understanding why word counts vary helps us respect the translation process and the care taken in preserving God’s Word through centuries.
Words vs. Verses vs. Chapters in the KJV
Many readers are curious about how word count relates to verses and chapters. Here’s a clear picture:
| Metric | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Total Words | ~783,137 | Includes both Old & New Testaments |
| Total Chapters | 1,189 | 39 in Old Testament, 27 in New Testament |
| Total Verses | 31,102 | The building blocks of Scripture |
By comparing words, verses, and chapters, we can see the scope and size of God’s Word:
- Each verse carries meaning and depth.
- Each chapter organizes God’s teaching and history.
- The word count gives us a sense of the Bible’s richness and detail, showing how much guidance, encouragement, and wisdom is packed into every page.
Knowing these numbers helps readers connect with the magnitude of Scripture and realize the careful work of translators who preserved God’s message across centuries.
Comparison With Other Bible Versions
Different Bible translations have slightly different word counts due to translation style, language updates, and editorial choices. Here’s a comparison of some popular versions:
| Bible Version | Approximate Word Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| KJV (King James Version) | 783,137 | Classic translation, poetic language |
| NIV (New International Version) | ~726,000 | Modern English, easier readability |
| ESV (English Standard Version) | ~757,439 | Literal translation, accurate to original texts |
| NASB (New American Standard Bible) | ~782,815 | Highly literal, faithful to Hebrew/Greek texts |
Comparing different versions helps readers understand the scope of each translation and also targets related search queries, like “KJV vs NIV word count” or “how many words are in the ESV Bible.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the King James Version (KJV) Bible is not only a timeless treasure of God’s Word but also a substantial work in terms of size. The total word count of the standard Protestant KJV edition is approximately 783,137 words, with the Old Testament containing around 602,587 words and the New Testament about 180,550 words.
Understanding these numbers helps us appreciate the depth, care, and dedication that went into translating and preserving God’s Word over centuries.
To answer the main question clearly: the KJV Bible contains about 783,137 words in total, making it a rich and enduring guide for faith, devotion, and study for believers around the world.
FAQs About the KJV Bible Word Count
How many words are in the Bible KJV?
The KJV Bible contains approximately 783,137 words in total across the Old and New Testaments.
Is the KJV Bible longer than other translations?
Yes, compared to versions like NIV (~726,000 words) or ESV (~757,439 words), the KJV is slightly longer due to its poetic and detailed translation style.
Why do word count numbers differ?
Word counts vary due to different editions, inclusion of headings or supplied words, and counting methods.
“If you’re curious about word occurrences in Scripture, check out our guide to learn how often faith appears in the Bible.“