Which TR?
The Textual-Critical Choices of the KJV Translators
The KJV translators primarily used two different editions of the Textus Receptus as they revised the Bishop’s Bible New Testament: Stephanus (1550) and Beza (1598).
F.H.A. Scrivener, who put together the version of the Textus Receptus that is used almost universally today (see the Trinitarian Bible Society edition, for example) carefully noted…
- 111 passages in which the KJV translators chose to follow Beza against Stephanus,
- 59 in which they did the opposite, and
- 67 in which they differed from both texts and went with some other reading—from the Complutensian Polyglot, from the Latin Vulgate, from Colinaeus (1534), from other editions of Stephanus (1546, 1549), from the Aldine edition (1518), from various editions of Erasmus (1516, 1519, 1522, 1527, 1535).
These differences are generally very minor; some are differences of punctuation and not of text.
The purpose of this page is to make these differences among editions of the Textus Receptus available to English readers.
Passages in which the text of the Authorized version agrees with that of Stephen (1550) against Beza (1589 and 1598).
Note: There are 46 differences in this list, not 59, because 13 are so minor as to be untranslatable.
STEPHANUS’ TR (1550)
Places the KJV translators chose to follow Stephanus over Beza
BEZA’s TR (1598)
Readings in Beza that were rejected by the KJV translators
On the top in each pairing is the KJV as it stands in most KJVs today, the 1769 Blayney edition. (This is equivalent to Scrivener’s GNT.)
Differences from Beza are
highlighted and marked in bold.
On the bottom is the KJV as it would be if the KJV translators had chosen to follow Beza’s Textus Receptus edition.
Differences from Stephanus are
highlighted and marked in bold.
On the left is the KJV as it stands in most KJVs today, the 1769 Blayney edition. (This list is equivalent to Scrivener’s GNT.)
Differences from Beza are
highlighted and marked in bold.
On the right is the KJV as it would be if the KJV translators had chosen to follow Beza’s Textus Receptus edition.
Differences from Stephanus are
highlighted and marked in bold.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Matthew 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and you shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Matthew 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Matthew 20:15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I will with mine own? Or is thine eye evil, because I am good?
Mark 16:14 Afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Mark 16:14 But afterward he appeared unto the eleven as they sat at meat, and upbraided them with their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they believed not them which had seen him after he was risen.
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.
Mark 16:20 And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following.
Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time I came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Luke 7:45 Thou gavest me no kiss: but this woman since the time she came in hath not ceased to kiss my feet.
Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
Luke 8:5 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, the seed fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.
Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.
Luke 12:1 In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples, First of all, beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.”
John 9:10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
John 9:10 Therefore said they unto him, How were the eyes opened?
John 12:17 The people therefore that was with him when he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
John 12:17 The people therefore that was with him because he called Lazarus out of his grave, and raised him from the dead, bare record.
John 18:20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews always resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
John 18:20 Jesus answered him, I spake openly to the world; I ever taught in the synagogue, and in the temple, whither the Jews on every side resort; and in secret have I said nothing.
John 21:12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Lord.
John 21:12 Jesus saith unto them, Come and dine. And none of the disciples durst ask him, Who art thou? knowing that it was the Christ.
Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ.
Acts 2:36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, Lord and Christ.
Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
Acts 4:25 Who by the mouth of thy servant David hast said by the Holy Spirit, Why did the heathen rage, and the people imagine vain things?
Acts 4:27 For of a truth against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Acts 4:27 For truly in this city there were gathered against thy holy child Jesus, whom thou hast anointed, both Herod, and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles, and the people of Israel, were gathered together,
Acts 7:2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
Acts 7:2 And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto your father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit suffered them not.
Acts 16:7 After they were come to Mysia, they assayed to go into Bithynia: but the Spirit of Jesus suffered them not.
Acts 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.
Acts 16:17 The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto you the way of salvation.
Acts 21:3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
Acts 21:3 Now having discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
Acts 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
Acts 21:11 And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound hands and feet, and said, Thus saith the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owneth this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
Acts 24:8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all these things, whereof we accuse him.
Acts 24:8 Commanding his accusers to come unto thee: by examining of whom thyself mayest take knowledge of all, whereof we accuse him.
Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
Acts 25:6 And when he had tarried among them not more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
Acts 26:8 Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
Acts 26:8 Why? Should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?
Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Romans 1:29 Being filled with all unrighteousness, maliciousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers,
Romans 11:28 As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
Romans 11:28 Therefore, as concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes: but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.
1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 2:11 For what man hath seen the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God hath seen no man, but the Spirit of God.
1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1 Corinthians 3:3 For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among us envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?
1 Corinthians 7:29 But this I say, brethren, the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
1 Corinthians 7:29 But this I say, brethren, because the time is short: it remaineth, that both they that have wives be as though they had none;
1 Corinthians 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not.
1 Corinthians 11:22 What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you? In this I praise you not.
2 Corinthians 2:5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part: that I may not overcharge you all.
2 Corinthians 2:5 But if any have caused grief, he hath not grieved me, but in part (that I may not overcharge you all).
2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ.
2 Corinthians 3:14 But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; because the vail is done away in Christ.
2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
2 Corinthians 8:24 Wherefore shew ye to them before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.
Galatians 4:17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them.
Galatians 4:17 They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude us, that ye might affect them.
Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better:
Philippians 1:23 For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; for that is far better:
Philippians 2:24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.
Philippians 2:24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come to you shortly.
Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Philippians 3:20 But our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:
Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1:2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Jesus Christ which are at Colosse: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.
1 Thessalonians 1:4 Knowing, brethren beloved of God, your election.
1 Timothy 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
1 Timothy 6:15 Which in his times he shall shew, which is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords;
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
2 Timothy 2:22 Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Christ out of a pure heart.
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,
Titus 2:7 In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing gravity, sincerity,
Hebrews 9:28 So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Hebrews 9:28 Even so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.
Hebrews 10:2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
Hebrews 10:2 For then would they have ceased to be offered? because that the worshippers once purged should have had no more conscience of sins.
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
James 3:6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of our nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
1 Peter 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called you unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
2 John 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
2 John 9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.
Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
Revelation 6:12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the full moon became as blood;