Expert: Sal - 1/30/2004

Question
Hi Sal,

I have short questions this time.  Why are some Protestants so fond of the King James Bible?  Does it contain many translation errors?  Is it very different from the Douay-Reims Bible?  Why did King James decide to authorized a new version of the Bible?

Thanks,

Les  

Answer
Hello Les:

Nice to hear from you again.

Many Protestants practically worship the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. These people are known as KJV Onlyists. They believe that the KJV, and only the KJV, is an inspired translation.

Yes, the KJV contains numerous translation errors. There are also approximately 827 words and phrases in the KJV that no longer mean what they once did or that are simply no longer used at all. The bottom line is that a translation must be understandable to be of use. The KJV Onlyists are so blind that they would rather have a Bible which uses archaic words and obsolete phrases then read a modern translation.

The KJV was made by using a Greek manuscript that was no better then, and in some cases inferior to, others. It is informative to note that the KJV was made for use in the Church of England which no longer uses it! Also it is informative to note that the KJV now in use is markedly different then the original 1611 version which the KJV Onlyists revere.

King James probably was hoping for a version of the Bible to favor the Protestant heresy. He had as much right to authorize a new translation as does President Bush.

The Douay-Rhiems (DR) version is superior to the KJV. The DR is based on a better manuscript- the great St. Jerome's Latin Vulgate translation.

Thanks for the question, Les.

God Bless You,
Sal