Webster's Bible Translation (WBT)
Noah Webster, the father of the American dictionary, published his Bible Translation in 1833 as a revision of the King James Version (KJV), correcting grammar and archaic wording he felt had grown unclear over two centuries. Start reading at Genesis (WBT) to see how closely it still follows the KJV's structure.
The Old Testament (often abbreviated OT) is the first division of the Christian biblical canon, which is based primarily upon the 24 books of the Hebrew Bible (or Tanakh), a collection of ancient religious Hebrew writings by the Israelites believed by most Christians and religious Jews to be the sacred Word of God.
The New Testament (NT) is the second division of the Christian biblical canon. It discusses the teachings and person of Jesus, as well as events in first-century Christianity.
About the Webster's Bible (WBT) Translation
The Webster Bible Translation (WBT), published in 1833 by Noah Webster — the father of the American dictionary — was designed as an updated revision of the King James Version to correct what Webster saw as grammatical errors, archaic language, and words whose meanings had shifted significantly since 1611. Webster preserved the literary beauty and structure of the KJV Bible while modernizing its vocabulary, replacing obsolete words and improving readability without departing from the KJV's textual basis. A deeply devout Christian, Webster believed that making the Bible's language more accessible was an act of reverence, not revision. Though less widely known than some other translations, the Webster Bible Translation offers a valuable middle path between the classic KJV and more modern versions, retaining familiar phrases while updating problematic expressions. Read the Webster Bible Translation online here, chapter by chapter from Genesis through Revelation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Noah Webster and why did he create his own Bible translation?
How closely does Webster's Bible follow the King James Version?
Was Webster's revision a religious project or a linguistic one?
Who would find Webster's Bible Translation useful today?
Can I read Webster's Bible Translation chapter by chapter online?
Today's Verse
For the lips of a strange woman drop honey, And her mouth is smoother than oil:
Verse Of The DayWebster saw plainer language as an act of reverence rather than a break from tradition, so his translation offers a middle path between the classic KJV and fully modern versions like the American Standard-ASV1901 (ASV). Continue through poetic books such as Psalms (WBT).
