Have you ever heard someone say the KJV is the only real Bible? If you’ve spent time in church circles, you probably have. Maybe someone handed you a tract or quoted a verse with conviction, insisting all other Bibles are corrupt. That view is often called the KJV only position. People who hold it believe the
We want to be honest, many of us grew up loving the King James Bible. Its cadence and poetry still ring in our hearts. For generations, believers have read, memorized, and preached from its pages. We don’t write this to tear it down. Instead, we want to explore the issue with grace and clarity. After all, if the Bible is God’s Word, then understanding where our translations come from matters.
So, how did the KJV come to be? Why do some believe it’s the only faithful Bible? And how should we think about newer translations? These are important questions, especially if we want to grow in our understanding and love for Scripture. We may not all agree, but we can learn together.
Brief History of the King James Bible
The story of the
To settle the matter, King James called for a new translation. His goal wasn’t just clarity—it was unity. He wanted a version everyone could use during worship. That decision would lead to the creation of one of the most famous English Bibles in history.
A Careful, Collaborative Effort
The translation work officially began soon after. Forty-seven scholars were chosen and divided into six companies. Two groups met at Oxford, two at Cambridge, and two at Westminster. Each group was assigned different sections of the Bible.
They didn’t start from scratch. Instead, they leaned heavily on previous English translations — especially William Tyndale’s work. They also worked from the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts available at the time. Although these manuscripts were limited compared to what we have now, the translators aimed to be as faithful as possible.
Even today, we admire the literary beauty of the KJV. Its influence on English language and worship is undeniable.
The 1611 Edition and Beyond
The first edition was published in 1611. Interestingly, it included the Apocrypha—books not found in the Hebrew Bible. Later editions would remove these, especially as Protestant influence grew.
Over the years, the text of the KJV was revised to correct printing errors and update spelling. The version most of us read today is not the 1611 edition. It’s actually based on a major revision done in 1769 by Benjamin Blayney.
A Respected Translation, Not the Only One
Many of us treasure the KJV. It helped shape generations of believers. However, it wasn’t the first English Bible. And it wasn’t meant to be the final one either.
Understanding its history helps us see why the kjv only view deserves a closer look. The King James Bible is valuable—but it’s not the only way God’s Word reaches us.
KJV is a Translation, Not the Original
Before we had English Bibles, God’s Word was written in other languages. The Old Testament was mainly written in Hebrew. Some parts, like sections of Daniel and Ezra, were written in Aramaic. The New Testament was written in Greek—specifically Koine Greek, the common language of the time.
Because of this, every English Bible—including the KJV—is a translation. It’s not the original text that prophets and apostles wrote. While translations help us understand God’s Word, we must remember they’re not the source. They’re tools to help us connect with what God originally inspired.
The KJV Is a Translation, Too
Some who hold to the KJV only view the King James Bible as though it’s perfect and untouchable. However, even the KJV translators didn’t think that way. In their original 1611 preface, they admitted the possibility of imperfection. They also said future updates might be helpful. That shows humility and honesty.
They knew they were translating God’s Word—not replacing it.
So when we study Scripture in English, we’re reading someone’s careful rendering of ancient words. That includes the KJV. Other versions do the same thing, aiming to express the same meaning in today’s language.
Inspiration Belongs to the Originals
Let’s be clear: the Bible is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16). But inspiration applies to the original writings—the actual scrolls penned by Moses, Isaiah, Paul, and others. No English version can claim that same level of divine authorship.
Of course, translations can be faithful. Many are. But none are perfect because they are human efforts to express God’s perfect Word.
Why This Matters
When we say the KJV only view goes too far, this is what we mean. The KJV is valuable, but it’s not the original. Understanding this helps us appreciate all the tools God gives us to understand His truth. And that includes other trustworthy translations, too.
Language Has Changed
The English language has changed a lot since 1611. When the King James Bible was first published, people spoke and wrote very differently. Although the words may look familiar, their meanings often aren’t the same anymore.
Because of this, many readers today struggle to understand what the KJV is actually saying. It’s not that the message has changed—it’s that the words don’t mean what they used to.
Old Words, New Confusion
Let’s take a few examples. When Jesus said, “Suffer the little children,” He wasn’t talking about pain. “Suffer” used to mean “allow.” The word “let” meant “to hinder,” not “to permit.” “Conversation” meant lifestyle, not speech. And “quick” meant alive, not fast.
So even though the sentences sound poetic, the meaning can get lost. That’s a big deal when we’re trying to learn and apply God’s Word.
Clarity Helps Us Grow
God doesn’t want us confused—He wants us to understand. After all, the Bible says, “The unfolding of your words gives light” (Psalm 119:130). If we can’t understand the words, how can we grow?
This is why clear language matters. It doesn’t make the Bible less holy—it makes it more accessible. In fact, using understandable language honors the heart of God. He wants His truth to be known, not hidden behind outdated phrases.
It’s Okay to Use Help
Some who support the kjv only position believe modern language weakens the message. However, that isn’t the case. In truth, updated wording helps readers grasp what God intended all along.
We’re not replacing the Bible. We’re opening it up so more people can read and obey it.
Understanding doesn’t lessen reverence. Instead, it deepens our respect for God’s Word. As language changes, we can be thankful that faithful translations help us hear God’s voice in words we understand.
Modern Translations Are Faithful Too
Since 1611, thousands of additional biblical manuscripts have been discovered. Some are much older than the ones used by the King James translators. Because of that, modern translations often have a more accurate view of the original text.
These discoveries include fragments and full manuscripts in Greek and Hebrew. The Dead Sea Scrolls and earlier Greek copies of the New Testament have helped clarify difficult passages. So, while the KJV was excellent for its time, it didn’t have access to these resources.
Skilled Teams and Careful Work
Modern Bible translations are not the work of one person or one denomination. Most are created by teams of scholars from various Christian backgrounds. These teams work carefully and prayerfully through every verse.
They use original language texts and compare hundreds of sources. In fact, many of these committees include Hebrew and Greek experts who specialize in just one book or section. That kind of attention brings greater accuracy to today’s Bibles.
Two Main Translation Styles
You might hear terms like “formal equivalence” and “dynamic equivalence.” These are different approaches to translation.
Formal equivalence tries to follow the original wording as closely as possible. This includes translations like the NASB and ESV. Dynamic equivalence, used in the NIV, focuses more on meaning. It tries to express what the text says in natural English.
Both approaches have value. In fact, using both types together can give us a fuller understanding of the passage.
Faithfulness to the Originals
Some believe the KJV only position protects doctrine. However, modern translators are just as concerned with accuracy and faithfulness. Their goal is not to change God’s Word—but to help more people understand it.
Faithfulness doesn’t mean holding to an older English form. Instead, it means staying true to what was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.
Because language and scholarship have grown, modern translations can bring us even closer to the inspired text. That’s something we can be grateful for—not fear.
What About Erasmus, and Westcott & Hort?
Let’s start with Desiderius Erasmus. He was a brilliant scholar working in the early 1500s. His goal was to produce a printed Greek New Testament.
Erasmus had limited resources. He worked with a handful of late medieval Greek manuscripts—none older than the 12th century. Because he was under pressure to publish quickly, he sometimes filled in missing Greek passages by back-translating from Latin.
Still, his work was groundbreaking. It allowed scholars across Europe to study the New Testament in Greek. His third edition became the foundation for what we now call the Textus Receptus.
The King James translators used that third edition when they created the KJV New Testament. So, while the KJV is valuable, it’s based on a limited Greek text that Erasmus rushed to complete.
Westcott & Hort and Older Manuscripts
Now let’s fast-forward to the 1800s. Brooke Westcott and Fenton Hort were two respected Bible scholars. Unlike Erasmus, they had access to much older and more diverse manuscripts.
They worked from sources like Codex Vaticanus and Codex Sinaiticus, which date back to the 4th century. These manuscripts were closer in time to the original writings and more reliable.
Some KJV only advocates have spread false claims about Westcott & Hort. They’ve been accused of all kinds of ungodly beliefs. However, historical records show they were sincere Christian men devoted to God’s Word.
Their work helped shape the modern Greek New Testament that most scholars use today. This critical text aims to remove copyist errors and restore what the original authors wrote.
Closer to the Source
The goal wasn’t to rewrite Scripture—it was to get back to what Paul, Peter, and John actually wrote. Because of their work, today’s translations are more accurate than ever.
Instead of fearing that, we can thank God. He has preserved His Word and allowed us to read it with more clarity than ever before.
What Is the King’s Copyright?
Some people hear about the “King’s copyright” and assume the King James Bible is owned or controlled by the government. That’s not true.
In the United Kingdom, the KJV is still protected under a Royal Patent. This means only certain publishers have the legal right to print it. However, this isn’t a copyright in the modern sense. It doesn’t mean the text has been altered, hidden, or corrupted.
Here’s something important: in the United States and many other countries, there’s no such restriction. Anyone can publish the
So, while the Royal Patent limits printing in the UK, it doesn’t affect the rest of the world. It’s a legal tradition that dates back to the time of King James I, not a secret plot to control God’s Word.
Some KJV only teachers use this legal fact to raise suspicion. But really, it’s just a publishing detail. It shouldn’t be used to make spiritual claims about the KJV or any other Bible. What matters is how we read, believe, and live what Scripture says.
Salvation Doesn’t Come from a Translation
Salvation doesn’t come from a Bible version. It comes from Jesus. He is the Savior—not a specific English translation of the Bible.
People have come to faith reading the KJV, the NIV, the ESV, and many others. The power isn’t in the version—it’s in the message. God’s Spirit works through His Word, no matter what translation we’re holding in our hands.
That’s why we should be careful not to divide over tools that are meant to help. While some may prefer the King James, others might understand God’s truth more clearly in a modern translation. And that’s okay.
Let’s remember what truly matters: the gospel. Jesus died for our sins, rose again, and offers eternal life to all who believe and obey. That message hasn’t changed—even if the words look a little different from one Bible to another.
Some who support the KJV only position mean well, but the focus can shift from Christ to a translation. When that happens, we miss the point.
We’re called to unity and grace, not arguments over versions. Let’s celebrate every heart that turns to Jesus—no matter which Bible helped lead them there.
Closing Thoughts: Let’s Seek Truth, Not Traditions
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That’s why we don’t need to hold a KJV only view to honor God’s truth. What matters most is growing in grace, walking in obedience, and loving His Word—no matter the version.
Instead of arguing over translations, let’s encourage one another to read the Bible regularly. Let’s choose the version that helps us understand and apply what God is saying. After all, it’s more important to live the Word than to debate the format it comes in.
As believers, we’re called to kindness and unity. Even when we disagree on secondary issues, we can still show grace and patience. Jesus prayed for our unity—not for uniformity.
He said in John 17:17, “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” That’s our goal. So let’s seek truth together, not just cling to tradition. The Bible is a gift—let’s treasure it and use it to draw closer to the Author.
Keep Growing in the Word
To continue studying topics like this, take a look at the Building on the Word category for additional lessons. You can also find structured Bible studies and beginner-friendly tools at Bible Study Toolbox. If you need help, want prayer, or have feedback, you can contact us anytime through our contact page.
