What is the King James Version (KJV)?

Answer

In 1604, King James I of England authorized a new translation of the Bible into English to begin. It was completed in 1611, just 85 years after the initial translation of the New Testament into English by Tyndale in 1526. In the preface to the 1611 edition, the translators of the Authorized Version, also known as the King James Version, stated that their aim was not “to create a new translation . . . but to improve a good one.” The King James Version quickly became the standard for English-speaking Protestants. Its eloquent language and prose rhythms have had a significant impact on literature over the past 400 years.

King James Version – Translation Method

The King James translation was carried out by 47 scholars, all of whom were members of the Church of England. Similar to most other translations of that era, the New Testament was translated from the Textus Receptus (Received Text) series of Greek texts. The Old Testament was translated from the Masoretic Hebrew text, while the Apocrypha was translated from the Greek Septuagint (LXX), except for 2 Esdras, which was translated from the Latin Vulgate. In 1769, the Oxford edition, which did not include the Apocrypha, became the standard text and is the version that is almost unchanged in most current printings.

King James Version – Pros and Cons

For nearly four centuries, and across various revisions of the original, the King James Version has been highly esteemed by English-speaking people globally, not only for the accuracy of the translation from the original languages but also for the elegance and grandeur of the style, which has significantly influenced literature for centuries.

Regrettably, there is much unnecessary discord among Christians regarding the use of the King James Version. While many individuals argue that the KJV is the sole “true” translation, they rarely possess the 1611 Authorized Version.The King James Version. Instead, they use the more readable 1769 version. The distinction between the two becomes evident when comparing passages from both versions. For instance, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 in the 1611 version reads as follows:

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge: and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have no charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”

On the other hand, the 1769 version is much more readable and understandable:

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”

Moreover, in addition to the enhanced readability of the 1769 edition, subsequent translations into modern English have been invaluable for millions. Modern translations like the New King James Version, the Modern King James Version, and the 21st Century King James Version have eliminated the confusing “thee’s” and “thou’s” and “-eth” verb endings, while still staying faithful to the original texts and preserving the beauty of the language.

King James Version – Sample Verses

John 1:1,14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world, that he gave

His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

John 8:58 – “Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Before Abraham was, I am.”

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, so that no one can boast.”

Titus 2:13 – “Awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.”