King James Version | KJV
The King James Bible was commissioned by King James I in 1604 and given to the public in 1611. It was a revision and advance of the English versions that had gone before it, pursuing not only accuracy of translation but also beauty and style of language.
Many students of the Bible and churches remain committed to this much-loved traditional version of the Bible. Some modern readers, however, find the antiquated syntax and vocabulary a deterrent from their understanding of the text. It should also be noted that since the production of the KJV manuscripts have been discovered that have been deemed more accurate than the texts used in producing this version. These more recently found manuscripts form the basis for the translation of modern English versions of the Bible.
What does it sound like?
John 3:16-17 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
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I recently bought The New Defender’s Study Bible and I REALLY like it. Much of the commentary is defense of the scientific accuracy of the Bible. There is a great deal of commentary in Genesis - especially concerning the creation. For example, Genesis 1:14 mentions “seasons” and the commentary says “The establishment of “seasons” indicates that the earth was formed with an axial inclination from the beginning, for this is the basic cause of seasons.”
Some people are afraid that the language in the KJV is too archaic to read today. While you do run into words lake “doeth, hearken, and sayeth” I have not encountered anything I can’t understand. Furthermore, I think that the older language illuminates deeper meaning for me.
Lastly, I like the way the KJV is an uncompromising translation of the Bible. For example, during the creation week the KJV says “the first day”, “the second day”, etc. Where other translations often say “one day” and “a second day” clearly allowing room for a misunderstanding that the creation took place on some other day other than the first day - in the beginning.
Overall I am very satisfied with this Bible and wake up excited to read it. I even love the smell of it with it’s black leather cover. Highly recommended for anyone interested in an accurate study Bible that gives scientific reasons to support your scriptural beliefs.
When I’m reading for the purpose of exegesis, I start with the KJV, and reference other translations as I study the original languages. I prefer the KJV for memorization.
The reasons are two-fold. First of all, the church I grew up in used the KJV - it sounds familiar to me, I am comfortable with it’s language, and there are many passages I know because I have heard them so many times.
The second reason is a bit more vague. The King James version set the standard for English translations of the Bible. The translating committee had a healthy respect - almost fear - for their task. When they came to words such as baptism, for instance, rather than try and translate them, they transliterated. For this reason, though the original word could be translated as washed, immersed, dipped, sprinkled, showered, etc, they chose to leave it as it was - they were translating the Bible, not interpreting it.
On the flip-side, there are undoubtedly cases where their culture and times did influence their translation.
As a commentary, I feel that every student of the Bible should be free to choose their preferred translation. The responsibility of pastors and teachers should be to educate about the translation process, translation philosophies, and the strengths and weaknesses of various translations.