Is the King James Version the Most Accurate Bible? Let’s Take a Deep Dive into History...

It's quite common that whenever I have a video that goes viral and I mention a verse not in the King's English so speak, invariably someone will pop in with something akin "KJV only, or you're going to hell!" 🤪

Now, as an English lit guy, I love the poetic language of the KJV. It’s the most printed book in history and incredibly influential. But does that mean it’s the most accurate translation?

Let’s go back to 1603 when King James VI of Scotland became King James I of England. England was a religious mess: Catholics versus Protestants, Anglicans versus Puritans and Calvinists. Shortly after assuming the throne, King James was approached by Puritan leaders demanding church reforms. He rejected most of their ideas except one — a new Bible translation.

Why a new Bible? Politics. The Puritans used the Geneva Bible, which had notes that challenged the monarchy. The Anglican Church used the Bishop’s Bible, but these Bibles were often only used in churches. To unite the English Protestants and eliminate subversive ideas, James authorized what became the 1611 King James Bible, a blend of previous translations, aiming to create one standard version.

Fifty scholars worked for seven years, translating from available manuscripts: the Hebrew Masoretic texts, the Greek Septuagint, and the Textus Receptus for the New Testament. They drew heavily from earlier English translations, like Tyndale’s, and the language already felt outdated even in 1611.

While the KJV was groundbreaking, it had its share of issues. Early editions contained typos and inconsistencies. Yet, with the backing of the monarchy and its poetic flow, the KJV gained widespread popularity.

However, calling the KJV the most accurate Bible translation today is incorrect. Since the 17th century, many older manuscripts have been discovered, including various codexes and the Dead Sea Scrolls. These have shed new light on variances in Scripture. Modern translators use advanced techniques and better manuscripts to create more accurate translations.

The KJV remains valuable for its historical and literary significance. But, it’s important not to deify any Bible translation. Language and understanding evolve. The true Word of God is Jesus, not the printed text. Translations are tools to connect with Him, not divine artifacts.

In short, the KJV isn’t the most accurate translation, but it’s a significant piece of Christian history. What matters most is your relationship with God, not the Bible version you read. Whether KJV, NIV, ESV, or another, focus on the message—Jesus Christ.

Let’s stop making idols out of translations and seek the truth and love of Christ, spreading His glory across the earth. God bless, and see you soon.

#kingjamesbible #biblehistory #history #kenarrington

[soundlycreative]

Amen! I have been enjoying the NASB since it provides the alternate translations for disputed words ❤

[timingiseverything]

Amen to this message!! The message and the love of Christ is what's important, not which "Magic book" you prefer.

[PennyK]

AMEN. I put KJ aside a couple of months ago and have been reading many other versions, but primarily WM and TLV and LS. I go back to KJ rarely. Thank you for the information.

[jgrahamiii]

I "grew up" with the KJV and am intimately familiar with many of the things brought out in this video. Nevertheless, I still maintain it as my primary 'go to' version. I have at least 7 other versions that I occasionally refer to when necessary. Most of the variations among versions are minor and do not seriously alter the meaning of the text. There are several additions that KJV has that are noted in other versions, one of which is the inclusion of the trinitarian formula in 1John 5:7-8. I had a very good education in bible school that noted many of the variations which I have penciled into the margins of my Cambridge edition KJV. There are a few things that KJV employs that to my knowledge no other version includes, and these are: the translators of the KJV placed in italics words they added in an attempt to make better English sense. No direct word for word translation that I am aware of will read easily and simply, and these italicized words help. That they are additions and are not being hidden is one benefit KJV uses that others do not. Another translational feature in KJV is the use of the legal term "shall" instead of "will" in virtually all other versions I have. "Ye shall be witnesses unto me..." in Acts 1:8 and also, "Verily, verily, I say unto you, he that believeth on me, the works that I do, shall he do also and greater works than these shall he do because I go unto my Father." The use of 'shall' makes this declaration tantamount to a command, whereas to use "will" makes it less so, or an option. The legal profession uses the word "shall" as a command to this day.
The third one is the use of "-eth" on the verb in the sentence to make it an action begun at some time in the past but continuing into the present. "He that believeth on me..." in modern English would become "he that continues to believe on Me.." which is more cumbersome, or at least in my mind.
Similarly, the use of "ye" instead of "you" hies back to the time when English had a plural form of the pronoun "you". This is an unfortunate omission in modern English as the sense of many passages in the Epistles become clearer if one knows if you is singular or plural.
I may be a "Bible head" to many in my church but I still value the lexical aids I have (Concordance, Interlinear, Word Study volumes, etc.) which b.t.w. are all keyed to the KJV text, making yet another reason not to discard the use of the KJV. These are a few reasons why I will still continue to use the King James, even if others choose not to do so.

[Live-noxg]

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[bdawg-qjbq]

No. It was outdated when it was written.