The King James Version (KJV), also known as the Authorized Version, remains one of the most famous and influential Bible translations in the English-speaking world. Commissioned in 1604 by King James I of England, this translation was intended to be a unifying and authoritative Bible for the Church of England, free from the controversies that had surrounded earlier translations. Completed in 1611, the KJV has left an indelible mark on English language, literature, and religious thought.
The Vision Behind the King James Bible
King James I desired a Bible that would be widely accepted and used throughout England. He sought a translation that could surpass the popularity of the Geneva Bible, which, despite its widespread use, was associated with Puritan theology and contained marginal notes that were often critical of the monarchy. King James wanted a Bible that would be free from such controversies, unifying the English church under a single, standardized text. His goal was to create “a translation to end all translations.”
The Manuscripts and Sources
The translation of the KJV was based primarily on the Bishop’s Bible, the official Bible of the Church of England at the time. However, the translators also consulted a variety of other sources. For the New Testament, they relied heavily on the Textus Receptus, a Greek text compiled by Erasmus of Rotterdam in the early 16th century. Hebrew texts were used for the Old Testament, and previous English translations, including those by William Tyndale and others, were also extensively referenced. The translators aimed to create a version that was as close as possible to the original Hebrew and Greek texts, while also retaining the familiar language and phrasing of earlier English Bibles.
The Story of the KJV’s Creation
The genesis of the King James Bible can be traced back to the Hampton Court Conference of 1604. Dr. John Reynolds, a leading Puritan and President of Corpus Christi College, Oxford, proposed the idea of a new Bible translation. He argued that the existing translations, particularly those from the reigns of Henry VIII and Edward VI, were “corrupt and not answerable to the truth of the Original.” While most church leaders at the conference were opposed to the idea, King James I supported it, expressing his dissatisfaction with existing translations, particularly the Geneva Bible. He called for “an uniform translation,” to be done by “the best learned men in both Universities,” and subsequently reviewed and ratified by the bishops and the Privy Council.
With the King’s endorsement, it was resolved that a new translation would be made, “as consonant as can be to the original Hebrew and Greek,” and that it would be the only Bible used in all churches of England during divine service. Importantly, the new Bible was to be free of the marginal notes that had caused controversy in previous translations.
The Translation Process
To undertake this monumental task, fifty-four of the most distinguished biblical scholars in Great Britain were nominated, although only forty-seven are believed to have participated in the actual translation work. These scholars were divided into six groups, which were further divided between Westminster, Cambridge, and Oxford.
- Westminster: Two groups were based at Westminster. One group, consisting of ten scholars, was responsible for translating Genesis through 2 Kings, while another group of seven worked on Romans through Jude.
- Cambridge: At Cambridge, eight scholars translated 1 Chronicles through Ecclesiastes, and seven worked on the Apocrypha.
- Oxford: The Oxford groups handled the translation of Isaiah through Malachi (seven scholars) and the Gospels, Acts, and Revelation (eight scholars).
Each group worked independently, but their translations were carefully reviewed by the other groups. The work was done with the understanding that the final product must be a uniform text that would serve as the standard Bible for the Church of England.
The Scholars Behind the KJV
The translation was carried out by some of the most learned men of the time. Among the prominent figures:
- Dr. John Reynolds: The original proponent of the translation, renowned for his vast memory and knowledge.
- Dr. Miles Smith: An expert in Hebrew, who later wrote the preface to the KJV.
- Sir Henry Saville: Editor of the works of the early Christian writer Chrysostom.
- Lancelot Andrewes: Dean of Westminster and later Bishop of Winchester, a leading scholar in the translation effort.
These scholars brought their deep knowledge of Greek, Hebrew, and Latin, as well as other ancient languages, to the task. The translation was not only a linguistic feat but also a theological one, requiring the scholars to navigate various doctrinal issues and linguistic challenges.
Guidelines and Principles
The translators were guided by a set of fifteen rules designed to ensure that the translation would be faithful to the original texts while also being readable and suitable for public worship. These rules included:
- Adherence to the Bishop’s Bible: The Bishop’s Bible was to be the base text, altered only where necessary to reflect the original Hebrew and Greek.
- Retention of Ecclesiastical Terms: Words with long-standing ecclesiastical significance, such as “church,” were to be retained rather than replaced with more generic terms like “congregation.”
- No Marginal Notes: Except for explanations of Hebrew or Greek words, the translation was to be free of marginal notes to avoid the controversies that had plagued the Geneva Bible.
Each scholar was required to translate or revise their assigned portions independently before meeting with their group to agree on the final wording. After a group completed a book, it was sent to the other groups for review, ensuring a high level of scrutiny and consistency across the entire Bible.
The Published Work
The translation work was completed in 1610, and the King James Bible was first published in 1611. The title page of the KJV read:
The Holy Bible, Containing the Old Testament and the New; Newly Translated out of the Original tongues, with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by His Majesties speciall commandement. Appointed to be read in Churches. Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie. Anno Dom. 1611.
The New Testament had a separate title page, emphasizing its translation from the original Greek.
The translators also wrote a Preface to the Reader, where they outlined their philosophy and approach to the translation. They emphasized the importance of consulting a wide range of sources, including previous translations and commentaries in various languages, to ensure that the KJV would be as accurate and comprehensive as possible.
The Impact and Legacy of the King James Bible
The King James Version quickly became the dominant Bible in English-speaking countries. Although the Geneva Bible remained popular for a time, the KJV eventually supplanted it as the standard Bible for public and private use. Its influence extended far beyond the church, shaping the English language and leaving a lasting legacy in literature and culture.
The language of the KJV has become deeply embedded in the fabric of English-speaking societies. Many common phrases and expressions—such as “the fat of the land” (Genesis 45:18), “the skin of my teeth” (Job 19:20), and “a thorn in the flesh” (2 Corinthians 12:7)—originated in the KJV and are still in use today.
Over time, the KJV underwent numerous revisions and corrections. By 1760, it had incorporated over 30,000 new marginal references, and the Oxford Standard Authorized Version, which differs in over 75,000 details from the original 1611 version, became the standard text. Despite these changes, the KJV’s influence remained unparalleled until the publication of the Revised Version in 1881.
Conclusion
The King James Version stands as a monumental achievement in the history of English Bible translation. It was a product of its time, reflecting the linguistic and theological concerns of early 17th-century England. Yet its enduring legacy lies in its ability to convey the scriptures in a language that has resonated with generations of readers. Even today, more than four centuries after its initial publication, the KJV continues to be revered for its literary beauty and its profound impact on the English-speaking world.