#57 The Sin of KJV Onlyism (Part 1)

Throughout Christian history there have been many arguments about the Bible being the authoritative word of God or not. And whether or not any particular version of the Bible carries more weight than another. I not uncommon viewpoint today is that of "KJV Onlyism" which asserts that the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is the best and only authoritative version of the Bible. This belief requires careful review as it carries a lot of weight theologically.

Origins of the KJV

The (KJV) grew out of 17th century England where King James I sought a solution to religious tensions between the puritans and the church of England. The (KJV) drew on earlier versions of the English Bible including William Tyndale’s Bishop Bible. A team of scholars appointed by King James worked for seven years on the (KJV). Their version was meant to reflect the beauty of the original Hebrew and Greek texts that all Bibles today are based on.

The Argument for KJV Onlyism

Proponents of KJV Onlyism primarily make four arguments for the (KJV). 1. Perceived Superiority: that it is the most accurate version of the Bible, 2. Historical Endorsement: It has been accepted for a long time and is blessed by God, 3. Doctrinal Soundness: not influenced by Liberal Theology that compromises doctrinal truth, 4. Linguistic Majesty: that it is written more beautifully than other versions of the Bible making it a better reflection of God.

Perceived Superiority

The KJV is not the most accurate version of the Bible. The reason for this is that the KJV is built on the versions of the Greek and Hebrew Bible that were available at the time. Since the 17th century more Greek and Hebrew manuscripts have come to light and we are able to identify which ones are newer or older. Thus making any translations that take these texts into account more accurate. Further our understanding of Hebrew and Greek has improved since the 17th century allowing for more accurate understanding of the texts available. For more on this read The Text of the New Testament: Its Transmission, Corruption, and Restoration by Bruce M. Metzger.

Historical Endorsement

The historical endorsement of any thing related to our faith is extremely important and we should be loathe to dismiss any practice. When it comes to the KJV it may be traditionally relevant to continue using it in the same way as the Lutherans continue to use vestments. Yet historical endorsement alone is no reason to do anything, and in fact may be a reason not to do that thing. Just because the KJV has been used by God does not mean that it is endorsed by God. Consider that the Catholic Church has been around for a very long time and is used by God. And what's more consider Matthew 7:21-23 which says that “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” In the same way we cannot account the KJV as good or bad on a basis of its historical effect.

Doctrinal Soundness

Another claim is that the KJV is more doctrinally sound than any other version of the Bible especially because of Liberal Theology. This claim is in many ways unfounded. First of all, all books are influenced by their authors. The KJV for example was written by scholars that had to report to King James who divorced his wife. This is conjecture but perhaps may have been a consideration for some of the verses they translated. The point is that Liberal theology is an issue to watch out for in any modern translation but there is also contemporary issues to account for in older Bible translations that we may not be used to or fully understand.

Linguistic Majesty

The final argument is that the KJV is more poetic and beautiful than the other versions of the Bible; this may be the case. I particularly care for how the KJV writes Psalm 23:4, “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” compared to say the New International Version (NIV) which reads “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Yet when we read the Bible we don’t read it as we read other books simply to tickle the ears or mind. We read to understand the nature of God or to connect with Him. To that end I find the New American Standard Bible (NASB) to be better as it is more accurate to the Greek and Hebrew. Whereas the KJV is more beautiful what worth is it to someone who is not used to the archaic language it employs? The answer is simple probably quite little.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the debate over KJV onlyism presents a nuanced examination of how Christians perceive the authority and beauty of Scripture. While the KJV holds a cherished place in history and literature, asserting it as the exclusive or superior translation disregards significant advancements in biblical scholarship and linguistic understanding since its inception. The argument for its doctrinal soundness over modern translations lacks empirical support and overlooks the diverse theological insights available through contemporary versions. Moreover, while the linguistic majesty of the KJV resonates with many, Scripture's primary purpose is not merely aesthetic appeal but the revelation of God's truth accessible to all. Therefore, a balanced approach encourages the study of Scripture across various translations, appreciating both historical tradition and scholarly progress, to deepen our understanding and relationship with God rather than limiting it to a single version's interpretation.