The language barrier in scripture

54%

of American adults read below a 6th-grade level — U.S. Department of Education

Grade 12

The KJV averages a 12th-grade reading level with archaic vocabulary throughout

Unfamiliar Words

Words like “thee,” “hath,” “whence,” and “wherefore” create real barriers for modern readers

Willing Hearts

Many people want to engage deeply with scripture but struggle with the language itself

The Clarity Edition bridges this gap: same verses, same meaning, simpler words.

Before & after examples

John 3:16

King James Version
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Clarity Edition
“God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son. Anyone who believes in him will not be lost but will have eternal life.”

Romans 8:28

King James Version
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Clarity Edition
“We know that God works all things together for the good of those who love him — those he has called according to his purpose.”

Philippians 4:13

King James Version
“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Clarity Edition
“I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.”

Complete coverage, every verse

VOLUMES 5 Volumes Old Testament, New Testament, Book of Mormon, D&C, Pearl of Great Price
TOTAL VERSES 41,995 Verses Every verse preserved 1:1
STUDY AIDS 18,334 Study Aids Introductions, themes, applications, cross-references
READING LEVEL Grade 5.56 Achieved reading level — target was 6.3
REWRITTEN 2 Volumes Rewritten Old Testament and New Testament with Clarity rewrites
ENRICHED 3 Volumes Enriched BoM, D&C, Pearl of Great Price — original text preserved with full enrichment

How it works

For the Old & New Testaments

Most modern translations rewrite everything. The Clarity Edition takes a different approach: if the KJV is already clear and accessible, it stays. Only passages with archaic language, complex syntax, or ambiguous phrasing are rewritten at a 5th-grade reading level.

For the Book of Mormon, D&C & Pearl of Great Price

The original scripture text is preserved entirely — no rewrites. Instead, the Clarity Edition adds layers of meaning: historical introductions, thematic sections, key themes, life applications, and cross-references linking insights across all five volumes.

Across All Volumes

Every verse carries layered study context. A reader studying a passage in the New Testament can instantly see connections to the Old Testament, Book of Mormon, and other volumes. Scripture study becomes a unified, cross-referencing experience.

Enrichment breakdown

Every verse is wrapped with carefully constructed context. Here is exactly what that looks like across all five volumes:

Book & Chapter Introductions

1,668

Historical context and reading guidance before every book and chapter

Thematic Sections

5,539

Topical groupings within chapters so you can follow ideas as they develop

Key Themes

7,387

Core spiritual concepts identified per passage for focused study

Life Applications

1,582

Practical guidance connecting ancient teachings to modern daily living

Cross-References

2,158

Curated connections linking insights across all five volumes of scripture

Reading modes

Choose the experience that fits your study session. Switch at any time. Learn about all Covenant Path features built around scripture study.

Original

KJV text only. The traditional experience, exactly as you know it.

Clarity

Modern English only. Accessible reading at a 5th-grade level without distraction.

Side by Side

Both versions in parallel columns for deep comparative study.

Tap any verse to peek at the alternate version — without leaving your current mode.

Scholarly precision

The Clarity Edition is not a casual paraphrase. Every word choice was made deliberately, with systematic review and validation.

Systematic Vocabulary Mapping

Archaic terms are mapped consistently throughout — thee→you, hath→has, verily→truly, and dozens more — so the same word always reads the same way.

Greek Word Distinctions Restored

Important distinctions lost in the KJV are reinstated. For example, hades, gehenna, and tartarus are rendered distinctly rather than collapsed into the single word “hell.”

KJV Semantic Shifts Corrected

Words whose meanings have shifted since 1611 are updated: charity→love, conversation→way of life, prevent→go before. The text now says what it meant.

Disputed Passages Preserved

Passages like Mark 16:9–20 and the Johannine Comma are kept consistent with the KJV, with context notes where relevant. Nothing is quietly removed.

Flesch-Kincaid Validated

Every rewritten verse was scored with Flesch-Kincaid readability analysis. No verse that already scored at or below the target level was rewritten. The data drove every decision.

Start Reading Today

Experience scripture in a whole new way — with the clarity you need and the reverence you expect.