![]() ![]() Some King-James-Only Christians believe that the King James Bible perfectly preserved the Scriptures for all time. ![]() The KJV has been through several editions. It was consequently the first (and only) English Bible formally authorized for public use.” 3. Thomas Cromwell, who was Vicar General and Henry’s secretary, issued an injunction that a copy of the Great Bible “be set up in every parish church. Henry VIII then authorised The Great Bible (1539). The 1537 edition of the Coverdale Bible was officially approved by Henry VIII and it bears the royal license on the title page. The KJV was not the first approved or first authorised English translation as is sometimes alleged. The KJV was not the first authorised English translation of the Bible. Much of the KJV, which was first published in 1611, borrows heavily from earlier English translations, especially Tyndale’s New Testament and the Bishop’s Bible. The Douay Rheims Bible (1582–1609) was translated from the Latin Vulgate, rather than Hebrew and Greek, for the Roman Catholic Church. The Bishops’ Bible (1568) was based on the Great Bible and edited by Church of England bishops, partly, in response to the Geneva Bible. The Geneva Bible (1556–1560) was published by and for Calvinist Puritans. Then came Richard Taverner’s Bible (1539), closely followed by the Great Bible (1539–1541). First came the Coverdale Bible (1535–1537) which used Tyndale’s NT, as did the Matthew Bible (1537). A decade or so later, full English Bibles began to be printed. In 1526, almost 100 years before the KJV was first published, William Tyndale’s English translation of the Greek New Testament was printed. John Wycliffe’s Bible was translated from Latin into English and hand-copied in the 1400s. The KJV was not the first English translation of the Bible.Ī few King-James-Only Christians believe that the King James Bible was the first English translation of the Scriptures. The following paragraphs contain seven pieces of information that some KJV-only people may not be aware of. Moreover, many accept incorrect statements that are frequently made about the KJV. (Note that the New King James Bible, commissioned in 1975, has replaced archaic and outdated words while retaining the basic text and style of the KJV, and it doesn’t contain the words “unicorn” or “satyr.”)Īpart from its dated language, there are a few other shortcomings that KJV-only people seem unaware of. 34:14 KJV) is also problematic, as unicorns and satyrs are regarded as mythological creatures rather than real animals- wild oxen and goats-that are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and in many contemporary translations. The fact that the KJV uses the word “unicorn” nine times ( see here, and here) and “satyr” twice (Isa. 15:24 KJV the last phrase in Joshua 15:3 KJV 2 Kings 10:27 KJV Song 5:4 KJV the first phrase in Ezekiel 24:23 KJV Matt. Words such as flowers, suffer, vile, quit, conversation, draught, anon, and bowels convey different meanings to modern readers than was intended by both the KJV translators and the original authors of the biblical texts. The current edition that is still commonly used has “an hungred” for “hungry” in nine verses and “terribleness” for awesome or terrifying deeds in three.įurthermore, the current edition of the KJV contains several words that have changed in meaning over time. He runneth upon him, even on his neck, upon the thick bosses of his bucklers: Because he covereth his face with his fatness, and maketh collops of fat on his flanks” (Job 15:26–27 KJV).Įarlier editions of the KJV also used outdated spelling which can be confusing for some readers (e.g., “sunne” for “sun”). For instance, how many people readily understand “Charity vaunteth not itself” (1 Cor. And it uses archaic expressions and phrases that are unfamiliar to modern readers. The KJV uses many archaic words no longer in use: words such as besom, jangling, subtil, privily, sunder, and holpen, etc. However, one of the biggest shortcomings for most people is its dated language. The KJV is an excellent English Bible and if you can easily understand it there is no real reason to change to another translation. The stance of these Christians has been referred to as King-James-Onlyism. Some Christians and churches are so enamoured with the KJV that they refuse to use, or give credit to, any other translation. Some Christians today maintain that the KJV is the superior English translation. The Bible was beautifully written by some of the best scholars of the day and its reputation as fine literature is deserved. The King James Version of the Bible is a great translation and has helped countless thousands of people to find and know God, to receive his gift of salvation, and to effectively serve him and his people. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |