King James Version: Its History and
Impact
In the four centuries since the
King James
version of the Holy Scriptures was first published, no one book has
affected mankind
more than this one. Winston Churchill declared, “The scholars who produced
this masterpiece
are mostly unknown and unremembered, but they forged an enduring link, literary
and religious
between the English-speaking people of the world.” The King James
Bible (KJV)
has inspired people in all walks of life, from poets, pastors, laborers,
homemakers to politicians
and heads of state.
King James VI, son of Mary, Queen of Scots, ruled
Scotland for more than
thirty-five years, when Elizabeth I died without an heir. He then became King
James I of England
and ruled both countries for 22 additional years. Shortly after his coronation
of King of England
he was approached by a group of Puritans armed with a petition to reform the
Church of England.
In response to the petition, which was signed by more than 800 clergymen, the
King convened the
Hampton Court Conference in 1604. During this conference it became apparent
that many of the
problems within the church could be addressed if a new, more accurate
translation of the Holy
Scriptures was authorized and the King James Bible was born.
Fifty-four of the best biblical
scholars and linguists
were appointed to the project. Late that year forty-seven scholars, all from the
Church of
England, were ready to commit to the work. The men were all proficient in Hebrew
and Greek, using
the Masoretic text for the Old Testament and the Textus Receptus for the New
Testament. They were
directed by the King to translate “out of the Original tongues: and with
the former
Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Majesties special
Commandment.” In
addition to the Bishops’ Bible, their primary source, the scholars also
considered the
Tyndale Bible, the Coverdale Bible, Matthew’s Bible, the Great Bible, the
Geneva Bible and
Douay Bible, while completing the new KJV translation.
The translators were not paid
directly for their work,
but the King asked the Archbishop of London, Richard Bancroft, who oversaw the
project, to write
to all the bishops encouraging them to appoint the scholars to paid positions as
they became
available. Many were supported by Oxford and Cambridge and others were promoted to positions
within the Church of
England.
The scholars carefully approached the
work of Bible
translation, mindful of the beauty of divine revelation. Accuracy was paramount
in the
translation, but the melodic cadence of the language was also an important
element of their work
They read it aloud to one another, rewriting phrases to implement the best
rhythm and punctuation.
After three years the scholars completed the translation, and then spent three
more years
reviewing and revising their work. The King James version of the Holy Scriptures
was finally
published on May 2, 1611, in London by Robert Barker, “Printer to the
Kings most
Excellent.”
Four hundred years later, most of us
cannot imagine the
impact the KJV Bible had on the lives of English
society; its importance cannot be
overstated. The beauty and influence of the KJV transcended personal faith and
became an
intrinsic part of English culture. Many households could only manage to acquire
one book: a
Bible. The King James Version was an essential primer for the young child;
students were often
taught to read with the family Bible. They would copy passages of scripture to
learn handwriting,
and memorize verses for recitation.
The King James Bible inspired nearly
every great
English writer since its first printing. Alistair McGrath declared,
“Without the King James
Bible there would have been no Paradise Lost, no Pilgrim’s Progress, no
Handel’s
Messiah, no Negro spirituals, and no Gettysburg Address.” Virtually every
element of our
lives has been shaped by the King James Bible.
Other translations in more modern
English have gained a
following in the last century. While some readers feel that a newer translation
is easier to
understand, the King James Version has remained the ultimate standard.
Its’ beautiful,
melodic flow of words has been quoted more than any other piece of English
literature.
Search the KJV online.
Find a King James Study
Bible.