Introduction
The King James Version of the Bible, also known as the KJV, is one of the most popular translations of the Bible in the world. It has been used by millions of people for centuries, and its impact on the English language and culture is immeasurable. However, many people don't know what the KJV was translated from. In this article, we will explore the origins of the KJV and what it was translated from.
History of the KJV
The King James Version of the Bible was first published in 1611. It was commissioned by King James I of England, who wanted a new translation of the Bible that would be more accessible to the common people. At the time, the most popular English translation of the Bible was the Geneva Bible, which was translated by English exiles in Geneva, Switzerland, during the reign of Queen Mary I.
The KJV was translated by a group of 47 scholars, who were divided into six panels or companies. Each panel was responsible for translating a different section of the Bible. The scholars were chosen for their expertise in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, the languages in which the Bible was originally written.
What Was The KJV Translated From?
The King James Version of the Bible was translated from a Greek text known as the Textus Receptus, which means "received text" in Latin. The Textus Receptus is a collection of Greek manuscripts of the New Testament that were compiled during the 16th century.
The Textus Receptus was based on the majority of the Greek manuscripts that were available at the time. These manuscripts were written in different regions and at different times, and they contained some variations in the text. However, the scholars who compiled the Textus Receptus believed that the majority of the manuscripts represented the original text of the New Testament.
The Old Testament of the KJV
While the New Testament of the KJV was translated from the Textus Receptus, the Old Testament was translated from the Hebrew Masoretic Text. The Masoretic Text is a collection of Hebrew manuscripts of the Old Testament that were compiled by Jewish scribes known as the Masoretes between the 6th and 10th centuries AD.
However, the KJV translators also consulted the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Old Testament that was translated by Jewish scholars in Alexandria, Egypt, during the 3rd century BC. The Septuagint was widely used by Greek-speaking Jews in the ancient world, and it was also used by many early Christians.
The Impact of the KJV
The King James Version of the Bible has had a profound impact on English language and culture. Its language and style have influenced English literature and speech for centuries. Many phrases and expressions from the KJV have become part of the English language, such as "the apple of his eye," "the powers that be," and "the writing on the wall."
The KJV has also had a significant impact on Christianity. It has been used by countless preachers and missionaries to spread the gospel around the world. It has also been the subject of numerous theological debates, particularly concerning its accuracy and the reliability of the Textus Receptus.
Conclusion
The King James Version of the Bible is one of the most beloved and influential translations of the Bible in the world. It was translated from the Greek Textus Receptus and the Hebrew Masoretic Text, with consultation of the Septuagint. Its impact on English language and culture is immeasurable, and its influence on Christianity is profound. By understanding what the KJV was translated from, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its significance and enduring legacy.