So we, being many, are one body in Christ,
and every one members one of another.
Romans 12:5
The King James Bible
Contrary to popular belief, King James did not write the “King James Bible”. This bible is so named due to the fact that King James commissioned and financed this particular translation of the Holy Scriptures which was completed in the year 1611. The actual scriptures that were translated were in some cases written more than a millennia prior to their translation into the English language. Neither is the King James Bible the earliest of these English translations. It is instead the culmination of many prior versions which include the following:
John Wycliffe Bible (14th Century AD), Tyndale Bible (1526 – 1531), Coverdale Bible (1535), Matthew Bible (1537), The Great Bible (1539), Geneva Bible (1560), The Bishop’s Bible (1568), The King James Version (1611).
Till this very day, many scholars and theologians agree that the KJV is superior to its predecessors in terms of authenticity and accuracy in large part due to the intellectual stature or the assembled translators and the care and diligence of the translation process which took place over the course of seven years.
2 Peter 1:19-21 We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: (20) Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. (21) For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
There are many in this world who believe that it is impossible to translate such an important collection of books from the original Hebrew and Greek texts without losing some of the intended meanings and inherent power of the original words. While it is an indisputable fact that even the greatest of translations may fall short of conveying thoughts and ideas flawlessly, we must also remember the Heavenly Father in his wisdom not only inspired these words in the hearts of the prophets and scribes but also allowed the Bible to foretell its own translation in the scriptures below.
Isaiah 28:11 For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people.
1 Corinthians 14:21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Both Isaiah 28:11 and 1st Corinthians 14:21 agree that there would come a time when all the words of this law, along with the Gospels would go throughout the known world, spoken in the tongues of all peoples and nations. It was of necessity that this prophecy came to pass as a way for the teaching of Jesus Christ and the Gospel of repentance to reach the elect of God scattered to the four corners of the Earth.
Proverbs 30:5-6 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. (6) Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.
There have been many newer translations of the Bible in modern times, and while many are reputable there has also been a disturbing trend in which some versions have purposely altering or omitted scripture altogether. And while scholars and theologians rarely agree about the motives of these changes, they would do well to remember the warning contained in the Holy Bible about the punishment for such offences.
Revelation 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: (19) And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Although we encourage the use of the KJV in our studies and teachings we do not forbid the reading of other versions of the Bible. As with all things we encourage the reader to do their own research and “study to show themselves approved unto God” when making such decisions. 2nd Timothy chapter 2 also warns us against striving in matters that cause division and do not bring us closer to perfection. Regardless of the translation, our ultimate goal will always be to spread the Gospel of repentance through Christ as outlined in the words of the Holy Bible.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (17) That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.
Shalam!