Why I Don't Recommend the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible

Personal Affinity for KJV

• KJV admired for its beauty and historical significance in Christianity.
• Author memorized many Bible verses in KJV English as a child.
• Recites famous passages like Psalm 23 from KJV.

Academic Perspective: Textual Criticism

• Textual criticism: Study of original texts and manuscripts to identify copyist errors.
• Author learned Greek and Hebrew texts behind the Bible had some minor issues with KJV.
• These issues do not change theological conclusions but appear differently in modern translations (2022 vs. 1611).

Main Reason for Not Recommending KJV

• Not primarily due to textual criticism.
• 1 Corinthians 14 emphasizes the need for intelligibility in edification and instruction.
• English language has evolved over 500 years, making KJV less intelligible today.

Language Evolution and Translation

• William Tyndale: Wanted the Bible to be intelligible to the average person.
• Hundreds of obsolete words in KJV (e.g., "besom" vs. "broom").
• False Friends: Words whose meanings have changed (e.g., "halt" meant "limp" in 1611).
• Language change not predicted by KJV translators, they themselves recognized the need for updates.

Impact of Language Changes

• Misunderstanding due to evolved meanings of words like "halt" in 1 Kings 18:21.
• Language changes naturally, as illustrated by the 23rd Psalm over time.

Recommendation on Bible Translations

• Not all Bible translations are equal; aim for accurate, legible English.
• KJV is not the most accurate or best translation today.
• Importance of understanding the Bible over sticking to one translation.

Further Reading and Resources

• Books: Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible by Mark Ward, and The King James Only Controversy by James White.
• Encouragement to explore more content on theology and biblical studies.

The speaker emphasizes that while the KJV is cherished for its historical and linguistic contributions, it is no longer the most practical choice for clear understanding due to language evolution.