Friday, April 29, 2011

400th Anniversary of the King James Bible

I will be away from my computer for a little while and unable to post, so I thought I'd write this today. May 2 is the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible. Most people think, "Big deal", but it IS a big deal. Unfortunately I do not have the time nor space to tell of the history of the Bible. I will say that people--many people--could not read the Bible in their native tongue. Only the "religious leaders" could read it and, thus, had control of it and it's precepts. The common person could not read it in their language--including the English speaking people. People like Martin Luther, John Wycliffe, and William Tyndale were historically instrumental in the process of getting our KJV to us today. Thankfully King James the I of England was a godly man who saw the need to put the Bible--an accurate translation of the Bible--into the hands of the common, English-speaking person. His translation team was varied...his team was not made up of many of a particular religious persuasion. A passage that was translated had to be checked for accuracy in translation many times by different teams so that people's opinions, persuasions, and religious affiliations did not affect the final draft. He was extremely particular about accuracy. AND, most importantly, the KJV was translated from the correct text--the Textus Receptus. Of course, the original texts were no longer around--they had been read and read and reread until they fell apart, then people copied those "original" writings so that they could be read and read...then on and on it went through history. There are other texts--the Siniaticus and Vaticanus--which have been "corrupted" in that they leave out passages, change passages, etc. All of the modern translations are from these texts. Compare your KJV with all the other "Bibles" out there--meanings are changed, words are different, words are left out, words are added, the deity of Christ is watered down (like I 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. ...the great passage proving the Trinity exists is changed in all other versions)...and they are all copywrited!!! Only the KJV is not copywrited and is free for all to read and write and sell. It has the power that the other translations don't have. It is archaic and hard to read?? Ha! Hardly! It has a lower grade level of reading than other translations. The "thee's" and "thou's" are there for a reason contrary to the word "you" which has many interpretations in the English language. The KJV has power and authority. God promised to preserve His Word, and He did in the KJV. Psa 12:6,7 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever. I challenge those who do not agree with me to study--really study--these things out for yourself. I know most people blindly use other versions and do not know there is an issue--but there IS an issue...an important one. Many thanks to the Lord for having King James give us a clear, accurate translation in the English language. I know I have God's Word, and I know it is right with nothing changed, left out, or added. The Bible gives comfort, encouragement, instruction, direction, and because of it I have learned how to go to heaven and live for the Lord. Praise the Lord for His Holy Word.

2 comments:

Pauline said...

Amen!! My church uses the King James Version. Thanks, Michele, for this lovely post; I hope many will be blessed by it :o)
Hugs

Cottage Rose said...

What a great post on the KJV bible,, thanks for sharing it,,, I knew some of the history but not all of it so this was so amazing to read.. have a great Mothers Day.

Hugs;
Alaura