The Translation of the Authorized King James Bible: Why It Was Important Then, and Why It Is Important Now

It is right that Christians should take time to consider and reflect upon the origin, use and acceptance of the Authorized version of the bible also known as the King James.  It is also necessary because of the implications arising from such a study.   For 1300 years English speaking people were without a bible and during that time idolatry and superstition reigned.  This was known as the Dark Ages.  We should value the privilege we have to read the King James bible that we have now.

There was a pressing need of an acceptable, reliable and good translation that would be of great use to the cause of Christ,  from Hebrew and Greek into English.  The King James bible was authored by the cream of English scholarship. (for detailed information regarding these scholars please listen to the audio of this sermon linked to at the bottom of this post.)  When these men were all summoned to engage in the King's business we must remember that this was to be an international enterprise.  The translators were grouped into companies and not committees, because this was to be an imperial project, done publicly for English speaking people across the world.  Once the companies had finished their work it was sent to a final group of 12 that examined the entire translation before publication.   These men were not perfect, they were like you and I except God gave them certain abilities he did not give to us.  What did they think of themselves?  There were many chosen for this task that were greater in other men's eyes than their own, these were men that sought the truth rather than their own praise.  They were not interested in themselves.  They were humble.   These men were not ashamed at what they believed.  

There were rules which governed them:

1-5 emphasizing continuity with previous work done (Tyndale, Wycliffe, the Geneva Bible; (these were bibles which were despised by authorities and hated for their spread of the word of God across the land).  The translators were to make use of all that was done before. 

6-7 regarding commentary and explanation.  Cross references had a double purpose, to assist in understanding the text and also to demonstrate that it was one bible, a unity and a harmony in God's revelation.  It's all God's word, it's all authoritative, it's all from God, from Genesis to Revelation.

8-15 regarding the mechanics of translation.. there was a resolution of disputes, then the completed work was sent to a group of 12 that examined the entire translation.