Brief Examination Of The KJV
Before I begin this article, I want all to understand that this article was not thought of or designed to belittle the King James Version. I enjoy reading the King James Version.
The problem that I have is with people that claim the King James Version is the only version used. They seem to accept the small number of manuscripts used by Erasmus as being enough and all the other manuscripts are deemed unworthy.
My time of researching this topic and admitting that I do look at other versions has resulted in my being told that my studying is not proper because of use of other versions. I have been related to a phony, have been told I was full of pride, and related to a false prophet. Other names given to people who do not hold the view of the King James Version Only are “Apostates,” “Fool,” “Bible Hater,” “Servant of Satan,” etc.
As you may notice, these are all overheated opinions not backed up with any sort of facts. It is also VERY unchristianlike for the ones who hold the view to believe that they are closer to God because of the version they use.
My goal for this paper is to show that God did not inspire the King James Version in some special way. God inspired His Holy Word and has preserved it down through the centuries, whether that be the Greek manuscripts, Latin manuscripts, Alexandrian manuscripts, the Geneva Bible, Wycliff Bible, Tyndale Bible, King James Bible, New American Standard Bible or the English Standard Bible.
HISTORY OF THE KJV
Erasmus
Erasmus was a boy born under circumstances that would have been frowned upon, his father being a Roman Catholic priest. As Erasmus grew older, his interest in Greek and the study of manuscripts grew.
A quote by Erasmus is one I believe that holds much truth: “If the Gospel were truly preached, the Christian people would be spared many wars.”
Even though Erasmus died a Catholic, some like to try to claim he was one of the leaders of the Reformation. One time while writing to Pope Leo X, Erasmus could write about Martin Luther saying that he was a “Mighty trumpet of Gospel truth.”
Erasmus’ colleagues would accuse him of association with Luther and eventually, due also to differences of opinions on certain truths, Erasmus separated himself from Luther.
When Erasmus was working on the translation of the Bible, he did not use a method of carefully examining a number of different manuscripts. In fact, the manuscripts he used were missing the last 6 verses of Revelation. So he had to rely on the Latin Vulgate, translating from Latin back into Greek. The translations Erasmus had were limited, and were later used to give us what we today call the Textus Receptus.
It is reported that when Erasmus died he did not ask for the last sacraments of the Catholic Church, but that the last words out of his mouth were “dear God.”
KING JAMES TRANSLATORS
The reason for this section is due to the fact that many King James Version Only defenders claim that translators of other versions are heretics, ungodly, unsaved men. Where, if they took the time to research the men behind the translations, they would learn that many feared God and claimed Christ to be their Saviour. This section is an attempt to show KJVO advocates that the translators of the KJV were human as well, just like the translators of the NASB, NIV and ESV.
King James
I am beginning with the King, for the simple reason that he was the king at the time and behind the translation. He did not take part in any of the translation. I’m sure King James had some good qualities, but a man who has studied the history of the King could say that King James was very unprincipled and would often break many of his most solemn pledges. It came to a point where people had problems believing anything the King would say.
Lancelot Andrewes
Many will give this man a high title and my attempt is not to affect the character of any of these people. I simply want to show KJVO advocates that the translators (contrary to their belief ) were not men who feared God, as they imagine, but men who were very much consumed by their own greed and plan. Many KJVO advocates, as well, will attempt to belittle anything with a Catholic connection to it, not realizing that many of the KJV translators had very strong Catholic connections.
In the book “England in the Seventeenth Century” on page 41-42, it describes Andrewes as one that sought to reconcile the Catholic ceremonies and Protestant beliefs. It is also believed that even though Andrewes attempted to refute Catholicism, he was “crypto-catholic” (Andrewes, Sermons, p xiii).
KJVO advocates who hold to Lancelot Andrewes so highly perhaps aren’t aware of his theology. Andrewes would teach on the doctrine of absolution and confession using John 20:23 and also that there is power of remission of sin through baptism and Eucharist. Andrewes was very critical of Calvinist doctrines and also Puritan Reform.
Archbishop Bancroft
In the preface of the KJV that the translators produced, they could write: "chief overseer and task-master under his Majesty, to whom were not only we, but also our whole Church, much bound."
Bancroft was a very bold and arrogant man, harassing Puritans, non-conformists and Baptists. In a book titled “The Bible Question” (p.38) Baptists could call Bishop Bancroft “one of the most bigoted and bloody sectarians in the civilized world.”
Bancroft was head over the translation of the KJV and it is reported by some that after the translation was complete, he made 14 changes to the KJV. As you can see in the New Testament, some of the teaching is very much worded in favour of the church with which he was associated (i.e. bishops, deacons etc). A Baptist Pastor at the time named Henry Jessey could say that Bancroft made changes to the KJV making it favour episcopacy (government of a church by ranks) and also speak the language of prelacy (office of one such as an Archbishop that was head over more then one local church) (Williams Common English Version).
There were some good translators on the committee to have the KJV translated that is true. Yet these men that attempted to make changes and caused problems, were they inspired by God to do so? To tamper with His word?
Perhaps the following instead of the previous:
***While it is true that there were some good translators on the committee that translated the KJV, were the men that attempted to make changes and caused problems inspired to do so by God? To tamper with His word?
High Commission Court of the 1500 and 1600’s
Translators of the KJV that were part of this High Commission court were Bancroft, Andrewes and another man named George Abbott.
The high commission was very powerful during the time period of the KJV. They had the ability to jail anyone, especially ones that did not conform to the ways of the state church.
Abbott and Andrewes, it is reported, played a part in ensuring that two men were burnt at the stake for their religious views. Something very interesting about the High Commission council and Abbott, that later became Archbishop, is that, according to the book “Moorman Forever Settled,” they forbid the publication of the bible without the Apocrypha in it. (This point will be addressed later on.)
If the men were truly God fearing men like no other translators, why is it that they allowed many awful acts to take place under the High Commission? An organization that some were part of themselves.
A PROBLEM WITH THE KING JAMES VERSION
Some of these arguments may already have been heard by KJVO advocates, but the question arises. If the KJV were the inspired English version, the only true version that we can read in English, some claiming that even the Greek manuscripts should be compared to the KJV, then why is it that God would not intervene and ensure these discrepancies would not appear? Why is it that God instead seems to have made His manuscripts well known so that He can show us all that there are certain problems with the KJV, another English version.
Luke 17:36
Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
This verse is lacking in the majority of the manuscripts, yet it is here. To say that God allowed it because it is correct, is to say that all the many, many other manuscripts are incorrect. The simple fact is that it could have been added by later scribes to add emphasis. Try reading the passage without that verse and you lose nothing. For one to claim that others and me are taking away from God’s word is a very unfounded argument and can be directed both ways. I could easily counter that KJVO advocates are adding to God’s word.
Acts 8:37
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
This passage is lacking in many of the earlier manuscripts, which could possibly mean it was added later by someone attempting to bring a point home. It is worth mentioning though that this was referred to by Irenaeus in the 2nd century and by Augustine in the 4th century; which clearly states that the profession of faith and reality of faith had to be evident, even among early Christians before baptism took place. Removing this verse, like earlier manuscripts did, or keeping it does not in any way remove a doctrine from God’s word.
1 John 5:7
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.
In all of the oldest manuscripts this verse is not included. Spurgeon himself could agree with this, that this verse was added later. None of the older Greek manuscripts contain it; neither do the early Latin ones. The verse appears to be added in an attempt to confirm the Trinity. There is no reason at all for us to use this verse that has been added later to confirm the truth of the Trinity.
Revelation 22:19
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.
The term “book of life” is not supported by Greek manuscripts but the correct understanding is “tree of life.”
Colossians 1:14
In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
Earlier manuscripts remove the term “through his blood.” It is very likely that the term was borrowed from Ephesians 1:7. Many people will say that to remove the blood, as I am mentioning here, is taking away from Christ, is not valuing His blood. When in reality, what we are claiming is that it is not in the early manuscripts and that my faith in the blood of my Saviour is not based on that one verse.
USING GOD’S NAME IMPROPERLY
Names at one time held a lot more meaning than they seem to now. A name not only made distinct a certain man or woman but told about their complete character, who they were. The same is true about God.
But does it matter if we use God’s name improperly? The translators of the KJV had no problem using God’s name freely. It is not necessarily using God’s name in an improper way, yet it is using His Holy name in places that were never in the original manuscripts.
GOD SAVE THE KING
1Sa 10:24 And Samuel said to all the people, See ye him whom the LORD hath chosen, that there is none like him among all the people? And all the people shouted, and said, God save the king.
2Sa 16:16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, was come unto Absalom, that Hushai said unto Absalom, God save the king, God save the king.
2Ki 11:12 And he brought forth the king’s son, and put the crown upon him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king.
2Ch 23:11 Then they brought out the king’s son, and put upon him the crown, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him, and said, God save the king.
In every one of these translations, it is to be correctly rendered “long live the king”. This of course may be a very nice thing to say to a king or queen, to wish all well upon them. However, the point is that it is not in our Hebrew Bible.
GOD FORBID
Jos 24:16 And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods;
In the Old Testament the term “God Forbid” is a term that has been taken from “far be it from me.”
Ro 3:4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Ga 6:14 But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.
In the New Testament the term is usually rendered “let it not be so.” A quote from a JFB commentary sums it up very well in saying: "The Scriptures do not authorize such a use of God’s name as must have been common among the English translators of the Bible" [HODGE].
GOD SPEED
2Jo 1:10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:
2Jo 1:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.
The term God is not used at all in these passages, but usually renders a greeting of one; a fellowship with them.
WOULD GOD
Nu 20:3 And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD!
De 28:67 In the morning thou shalt say, Would God it were even! and at even thou shalt say, Would God it were morning! for the fear of thine heart wherewith thou shalt fear, and for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see.
This term seems to be a very careless use of God’s holy name. Where the term “would God” is, it is actually supposed to be rendered a simple “Would” or “Would I.”
Although it may have been done innocently enough, some English translations use God’s name very loosely, and that is not the way God’s name is to be used. Did God inspire the KJV translators to use His name this way?
APOCRYPHA
Many KJVO advocates will claim that to bring up the Apocrypha is wrong and it is not part of God’s inspired word. I would agree with them but the problem I have with this claim is the simple fact that the leaders of the translation of the KJV felt it should very much be there. Did God instruct this?
For a couple of years following the printing of the KJV, it was a punishable crime to remove the apocrypha from the KJV.
So to admit that they were wrong in doing that, is it not possible that they may have made small errors in some of the translation as well?
OLDEST MANUSCRIPTS
Some claim that the older the manuscript, the less reliable they are. Some claim that the reason we have some very old ones is because they have errors in them, so people stored them away and wouldn’t use them.
That is one good point but it can be easily argued that the Bible was such a sacred document to some that it was used very gently and preserved.
We simply cannot completely discredit some manuscripts just because we feel like it. God has preserved them for a reason and they need to be taken into consideration in studying God’s word.
THE AGREEMENT OF THE KJV, NASB and ESV
Many people will call any of the versions I have mentioned above other then the KJV as corrupt versions, satanic bibles, etc. They will even claim that in 1901 when the ASV came into print, there was a surge in false teachings concerning speaking in tongues, etc. They claim that this is evidence of satanic origin.
When I read something like this, it leads me into another thought; that the translation was of heavenly origin.
Look at examples in the New Testament. In Acts 16 when Paul was going through preaching, there was a woman with divinations bothering him. Does this mean that Paul’s presence was evil? It shows that Satan is behind the scenes attempting to discredit God’s work. The birth of Christ caused a surge of violence at the hands of Herod. The presence of Paul in Acts 17 in Athens caused mockery to begin by the people.
When a KJVO advocate attempts to use the 1901 example, I have to smile because it adds a firmness to me that what that version did was greatly assist in spreading God’s word.
Some of the foundational doctrines of the Christian faith are salvation through Christ alone, the blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us, Jesus Christ is God, and we have eternal security in our salvation.
If the other versions of the bible are corrupt and satanic, they are in no way going to support these doctrines.
______________________________
Salvation Through Christ Alone
KJV:
Ac 4:12 Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other
name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
NASB:
Ac. 4:12
And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under
heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved.
ESV:
Ac 4:12 And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other
name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
________________________________
KJV:
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no
man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
NASB:
John 14:6
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one
comes to the Father, but through Me.
ESV:
John 14:6
Joh 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.
__________________________________
KJV:
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:
it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
NASB:
Ephesians 2:8-9
8. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves, it is the gift of God;
9. Not as a result of works that no one should boast.
ESV:
Ephesians 2:8-9
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your
own doing; it is the gift of God,
9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast.
______________________________
KJV:
Ro 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God
through our Lord Jesus Christ:
NASB:
Romans 5:1
Therefore having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through
our Lord Jesus Christ.
ESV:
Romans 5:1
Ro 5:1 ¶ Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
_______________________
The Blood Of Christ
KJV:
Acts 20:28
….to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.
NASB:
Acts 20:28
….the church of God which He purchased with His own blood.
ESV:
Acts 20:28
…. the church of God, which he obtained with his own blood.
_____________________________
KJV:
Romans 5:9
Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from
wrath through him.
NASB:
Romans 5:9
Much more then; having now been justified by His blood we shall be saved
from the wrath of God through Him.
ESV:
Romans 5:9
Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more
shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.
_____________________________
KJV:
Ephesians 1:7
In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins,
according to the riches of his grace;
NASB:
Ephesians 1:7
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our
trespasses, according to the riches of His grace.
ESV:
Ephesians 1:7
In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our
trespasses, according to the riches of his grace,
________________________
Deity of Christ
KJV
John 8:58
Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham
was, I am.
NASB:
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was
born, I am.”
ESV:
John 8:58
Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I
am.”
KJV
John 4:25-26
25 The woman saith unto him, I know that Messias cometh, which is called
Christ: when he is come, he will tell us all things.
26 Jesus saith unto her, I that speak unto thee am he.
NASB
John 4:25-26
v.25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah is coming (He who is
called Christ); when that One comes, He will declare all things to us.”
26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
ESV
John 4:25-26
25 The woman said to him, “I know that Messiah is coming (he who is
called Christ). When he comes, he will tell us all things.”
26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am he.”
________________________________
KJV:
Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are
in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions,
or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for
him:
17 And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
NASB
Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth,
visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
authorities – all things have been created by Him and for Him.
17 And he is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.
ESV:
Colossians 1:16-17
16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible
and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or
authorities––all things were created through him and for him.
17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
___________________________
Eternal Security
KJV
1 John 5:13
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son
of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may
believe on the name of the Son of God.
NASB:
1 John 5:13
These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of
God, in order that you may know that you have eternal life.
ESV:
1 John 5:13
I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God
that you may know that you have eternal life.
As you will notice in this example the NASB and ESV has the superior
translation of this verse (rf. 1 John 5:11)
________________
KJV
Joh 10:28
28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish,
neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
NASB:
John 10:28
28 And I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish; and no
one shall snatch them out of my hand.
ESV:
John 10:28
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will
snatch them out of my hand.
________________________________
People who say that the NASB or ESV is corrupt or satanic have no
knowledge whatsoever of what something satanic is. They have no grasp on
corruption. Someone that picks up an NASB, and ESV can easily learn the
truth of the Saviour.
DESIGNED TO UNDERSTAND
1Co 14:9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be
understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak
into the air.
1Co 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in
all churches of the saints.
The pattern of the apostles and disciples was to preach a message that
was easy to understand. As you can see by Paul, speaking something that
is not understood is like talking to air. It is also noted that God is
not one of confusion.
So why should it be that today God’s word should read so that some
cannot understand? It was written in very basic koine Greek for people
to understand. Look at all the other different languages manuscripts are
written in. The core of wanting all to understand. English is constantly
changing. God’s word is for all to understand. Therefore, God has
allowed versions such as the NASB and ESV to assist people that may be
confused on some of the structure of the KJV. This does not lesson the
value of the KJV to ones that enjoy it.
But what about the ones that condemn people for supporting other
versions? It used to happen in the New Testament, too. The Pharisees
used to think they were better than everyone else but the Lord showed
them otherwise.
SUMMED UP
If you look at the errors within the KJV, you notice that not one of
them is an error in doctrine. Most of the errors are made by a human who
is overzealous concerning a topic, feeling that God’s word cannot do its
job. Other errors, such as the “book of life” problem in Revelation, are
a basic error in copying.
The KJV is a wonderful version of the Bible, as is the NASB and the ESV.
All can be enjoyed and used to study God and for people to learn about
the Saviour and Salvation.
Upholding one version over another in a way where you condemn another is
very wrong. Are we going to condemn manuscripts that other versions are
based on? Are we attempting to say the preservations of those texts that
have been used to lead to people getting saved was not of God?
I do agree that there are some versions out there that seem to belittle
certain truths, but the ones mentioned and discussed here are 3 among a
small number that hold true to God. Instead of going around calling
people servants of Satan, phonies, etc. let us realize that all of these
translations were done by men who were dedicated to what they were
doing, who feared God in some way.
CONCLUSION
To the KJVO advocates, please realize that God’s word is pure, but men
make errors. As you can point out in the NASB or ESV, it too can be
picked out in the KJV.
For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye
not carnal?.... For we are labourers together with God:…. 1 ¶ For other
foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1
Cor. 3:4-11
I do not put my banner up in defending King James and His version. But
may my banner fly high in proclaiming Christ and the ultimate
preservation of His word.
