The King James Version: Translating the World's Most Popular Book.

The Holy Bible is the most read, and one of the most influential, books in world history. But the choice of what to include, and translating ancient words into modern languages, created many pitfalls, and even included a "wicked bible." The History Guy recalls the convoluted path from Galilee to English translations of the world's most popular book.

This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As very few images of the actual event are available in the Public Domain, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.

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All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.

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Script by HCW and RAC

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[KManwarren]

Whether people agree or not with everything here, I HOPE they at least recognize that you kept to your usual way and allowed the history to speak rather than your opinion. Well done.

[sortedsortof]

Martin Luther's translation had another effect and that was to standardize the many variations of the German language spoken in the different regions.

[alcoholfree]

Spectacular episode! I’m a Christian and love anything about the Holy Bible! This is both educational and entertaining, thanks HG.

[mdhj]

I am not a Christian but that is not required to appreciate the history of the English Bible.

[NewTestamentDoc]

From a guy with a Ministerial Doctorate and great knowledge of Koine Greek, you did a great job on this historical piece . Love your channel for many other reasons as well.

[leehaseley]

This was a sensitive topic to talk about and I can only say that you did it with extreme impartiality and professionalism. Well done indeed History Guy.

[NotThatBob]

When I saw the title, I thought you had walked into a hornet's nest of 'Biblical proportions'! Hahaha. But you handled this with a master's touch. Great job sir. Great job.

[johntaylor-loqx]

Love how your videos are getting a little longer, allowing much more facts, and just a great channel. Ty history guy, and wife 🙂

[fanintexas]

History Guy, for a 12-minute video this is exceptionally well done, as usual.  I was a little leery when I saw the topic but just had to watch.  I am a seminary-educated Christian, a former pastor, and current military and civilian chaplain.  I am a history nut and have studied this topic thoroughly.  I appreciate your emphasis on historical facts and the way you avoid getting into the weeds of theological debate.  So many people have very strong feelings and opinions on this topic and you navigated it with professionalism and class.  Well done sir.  May God continue to bless your efforts as you educate the masses about "history that deserves to be remembered."

[markpaul]

HISTORY GUY, you are the best in history scholars because you cover everything in history, while every edition is superb.

[charliejohnson]

John Wycliffe's name lives on in the name of Wycliffe Bible Translators, an organization who''s goal is to translate the Bible into every language.

[donphillips]

To add perspective, ownership of Mao's LRB was almost mandatory in China during his reign

[awizardalso]

I did find that one of the 10 Commandments was improperly translated. In my KJV it reads "Thou shall not kill'.
In biblical Hebrew, as in English, killing (harag) and murder (ratzah) are two different words with two very different moral connotations, and the commandment uses the Hebrew word ratzah, which means that the proper translation of the commandment from Hebrew into English is, "Thou shalt not murder."

[rericksen]

This is such an awesome channel. Not religious myself, but can appreciate this from a historical perspective. As I sit here int he morning, drinking my coffee, I wonder if "The History of Coffee" is worth remembering? :) It's something I take for granted (like recent entries on TP and Soap), cant imagine a world where it isn't the first thing I reach for, and take for granted that it's 'just there'. Love the channel, thanks for all the hard work you put into these!

[stevenjp]

At the risk of showing my age, I enjoy this series as it brings to mind Paul Harvey, The Rest of the Story. Very well written and presented succinctly, The History Guy elucidates snapshots of history which are very interesting.

[Cadwaladr]

I have a Geneva bible that was printed in 1608 (my grandma's cousin bought it in England back in the 50s for £7/10/-), so a lot of times when I want to look up a passage I look in that one first, then the KJV to see what the difference is. They are very similar.


I actually have a whole collection of bibles, so if you ever need to swear on a stack of them, I have quite a stack.

[IamMe-]

William Tyndale was an amazing man. He was the first to seek to translate from the original languages to english. He was successful and smuggled bibles into England. He wanted the people to be able to read and not just the church. He was captured and imprisoned for doing so, he was strangled then burned. 30, 000 copies of his translated bible were available around his time of death.

[Zombeegun]

I like how he had to stifle a laugh when he said the 3rd most read book is the Harry Potter series! lol

[VisitorEarth]

Some years ago, I was visiting folks in a local nursing home as a volunteer Chaplain. One day a very sweet older lady saw my (Amplified Bible) I was carrying, and asked me what it was. I told her it was a newer translation that combines the different shades of meaning (of words) from the original languages. She then became quite upset, and very loudly and forcefully said "I use the King James Bible, and if it was good enough for Jesus to use when He was on Earth, then it's certainly good enough for ME"! Hey...it's a true story, and, I just agreed with the old Saint and went on my way. No need to upset her even more!

[LindysEpiphany]

That was a wonderful history lesson. Thank you History Guy!