Is the King James Version the "real" version?
A friend of mine recently told me that the King James Version of the Bible was the only "real" version. He also mentioned that modern translations were perversions of God's Word. Should I only read the KJV Bible?
The KJV Bible holds a cherished place in the traditions of Christianity. I would caution, though, again completely discounting other versions simply due to their relative newness. The KJV was itself novel when it was released in 1611. Here are a few general points that may help you make a better decision.
Bibles come in two basic types. They are either translations or paraphrases.
A translated version comes from translating the Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic manuscripts, of which more than 20,000 exist, into the targeted modern language.
A paraphrased version is simply derived by rewriting a translation into simpler language. Some paraphrased versions are easily understood and enjoyable to read, but may fall short of translated versions in reflecting the original intent of the writers.
Notice that English was not the original language of the Bible, and that the KJV is a translation just like many other modern translations. Subsequent translations have served to reinforce the clarity, beauty and accuracy of the KJV.
Some would claim one translation over another. Reading and cross-referencing different, reliably translated version, however, only deepens our understanding of God's Word.
Rather than promoting one version over another, I am simply thankful for the common, recurring theme of the various versions: Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, came to save a lost and dying world (John 3:16). On that note, there is not dispute.
Love Worth Finding Ministries. Website. www.lwf.org.
Dr. Adrian Rogers, preacher/teacher of Love Worth Finding Ministries, and one of
Most important to Dr. Rogers have been the tens and thousands of believers who have had their faith strengthened and thousands of others who have for the first time entered into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Dr. Rogers passed away on November 15, 2005
Originally published March 15, 2007.
