How did we get the King James Version?

Summary

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, published in 1611, was not a direct translation but a revision of earlier English Bibles, notably the Bishop’s Bible. It was influenced by Erasmus’ Greek New Testament and became influential due to royal backing and its popularity during religious revivals in America. While initially criticized for its archaic language, the KJV became a cultural and religious cornerstone. Modern translations, based on more reliable texts, have since surpassed the KJV for accuracy and readability, though the KJV remains a significant part of Christian history.

Takeaways

• 😀 The King James Version (KJV) is more of a revision than an entirely new translation, as it primarily updated previous English translations like The Bishop's Bible.
• 😀 The KJV translators were tasked with revising the 1602 edition of The Bishop's Bible, not translating directly from Hebrew and Greek texts.
• 😀 English Bible translations in the 1500s were part of a movement to move away from the Latin Vulgate, starting with William Tyndale’s 1526 New Testament translation.
• 😀 Tyndale's work influenced the KJV greatly, with approximately 84% of the New Testament in the KJV being identical to Tyndale's translation.
• 😀 The KJV was commissioned by King James I in 1604 after John Reynolds requested a new English translation, leading to the Hampton Court Conference.
• 😀 The translation process followed strict guidelines, such as keeping ecclesiastical terms like 'church' instead of 'congregation' to avoid theological controversy.
• 😀 Initially, the KJV was not a major success due to its outdated language, and it wasn’t until the 1660s that it gained widespread popularity.
• 😀 The KJV became the dominant Bible translation in America, especially after the Geneva Bible went out of print and during religious revivals like the Great Awakenings.
• 😀 The KJV's language became tied to the American religious identity, with many archaic terms like 'warfare' making a comeback due to the KJV's influence.
• 😀 Although beloved for its poetic style, the KJV is based on less reliable Greek manuscripts than more recent translations like the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
• 😀 Modern Bible translations like the NRSV use more accurate and earlier manuscripts than the KJV, offering a clearer and more reliable understanding of the Bible today.

Q & A

What is the King James Version of the Bible and how did it come about?

The King James Version (KJV) is not strictly a translation but a revision of earlier English translations. The translators primarily worked from the 1602 edition of the Bishop's Bible and incorporated changes based on existing translations, particularly those from William Tyndale, Miles Coverdale, and others. The KJV, published in 1611, was authorized by King James I after John Reynolds requested a new translation during the Hampton Court conference.

Why is the King James Version considered a revision rather than a new translation?

The King James Version is considered a revision because the translators did not directly translate from the original Greek and Hebrew texts. Instead, they revised an existing translation, mainly the 1602 edition of the Bishop's Bible, by making changes and updates to improve accuracy and readability.

What was the role of Desiderius Erasmus in the development of the King James Version?

Desiderius Erasmus played a significant role by producing the first printed edition of the Greek New Testament in the early 1500s. His work, published alongside the Latin Vulgate, became the primary source text for later English translations, including Tyndale's translation, which in turn influenced the King James Version.

What were some of the key English translations that influenced the King James Version?

The King James Version was influenced by several earlier English translations, such as William Tyndale's New Testament (1526), Miles Coverdale's Bible (1535), the Matthews Bible, the Great Bible, the Geneva Bible, and the Bishop's Bible, which was the immediate source text for the KJV.

How did the Hampton Court Conference influence the creation of the King James Version?

The Hampton Court Conference of 1604 led to King James I commissioning a new translation of the Bible. John Reynolds' request for a new English Bible translation was approved, and King James set forth guidelines for the translators, which emphasized using the Bishop's Bible as the foundation, with minimal alterations, and keeping ecclesiastical terms intact.

What was the significance of the rules laid out by King James for the translators?

King James set forth 15 rules for the translation process. Some of the key rules included sticking to the Bishop's Bible as the base text, maintaining ecclesiastical terms (like 'church' instead of 'congregation'), and avoiding marginal notes with theological commentary, which was a critique of the Geneva Bible's anti-monarchic stance.

Why was the King James Version initially not widely accepted?

When the King James Version was first published in 1611, its language was already considered outdated. Critics noted that it was difficult to understand, and it was not immediately embraced. It gained popularity later, particularly after the Geneva Bible went out of print around 1660.

What factors contributed to the widespread adoption of the King James Version in America?

The King James Version became widely adopted in America due to its association with the British crown and its use during the Great Awakenings. As Americans looked back to their religious ancestors, the KJV became a symbol of religious authority and tradition, further cementing its popularity.

How did the King James Version influence the English language?

The King James Version had a lasting impact on English, particularly in the United States. Some words and phrases that fell out of use, such as 'warfare,' were revived due to the KJV's influence. The language of the KJV was also seen as a model of literary expression, despite being outdated.

How have modern Bible translations improved upon the King James Version?

Modern Bible translations have benefited from more reliable Greek and Hebrew manuscripts discovered in the 18th and 19th centuries. These translations, such as the Revised Standard Version (RSV) and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), rely on earlier and more accurate texts, offering a better reflection of the original scriptures compared to the KJV, which used the less reliable Textus Receptus.