The Place of the King James Bible in Today’s Church: A Case for Retention and Study
References:
- TBS Word List
- Mark Ward’s article where William Sandell Refutes his thesis in the comments: https://byfaithweunderstand.com/
The King James Bible (KJV), first published in 1611, remains a pivotal translation in the history of the English Bible. However, in recent decades, its readability has come under scrutiny, with critics like Mark Ward advocating for more contemporary translations. In Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible, Ward emphasizes the challenges posed by “false friends” (words whose meanings have changed over time) and “dead words” (archaic words no longer in use). This has led him to recommend that churches consider more modern translations to improve accessibility and understanding for today’s readers.
In contrast, this article aims to reaffirm the significance of the King James Bible in contemporary church life by emphasizing the sufficiency of contextual study, the role of dictionaries, and the value of intellectual engagement with Scripture. This perspective aligns with the principles upheld by the Confessional Bibliology movement and the Trinitarian Bible Society (TBS), which hold that the KJV remains the most faithful and accurate English translation based on the preserved texts of the Hebrew Masoretic and Greek Textus Receptus manuscripts.
Understanding the KJV: A Balanced Perspective
In Authorized, Ward rightly notes that languages change over time. Words that were once commonly understood can take on new meanings or fade into obscurity. However, the Trinitarian Bible Society’s Bible Word List and the underlying principle of Confessional Bibliology advocate a balanced approach. Readers are encouraged to engage with the KJV’s historical and linguistic depth without requiring an overhaul of the text itself.
William Sandell, in his critique of Ward’s article, highlights a fundamental flaw in Ward’s argument: the implication that no reader should ever be expected to look up a word in a dictionary or exert mental effort to understand Scripture. This perspective risks undermining the role of diligent study and intellectual growth in the Christian life. The Bible calls believers to actively pursue knowledge and wisdom, which involves both mental effort and a commitment to study.
For instance, Proverbs 2:1-5 states:
“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.”
This passage does not advocate for a simplistic approach to Scripture. Instead, it calls believers to seek wisdom and knowledge as one would seek hidden treasure—an endeavor that involves effort and determination. By expecting Bible translations to eliminate all linguistic challenges, one risks neglecting this biblical call to diligence and study.
The Role of Dictionaries and Context
One of the primary objections raised by Ward and others is the presence of unfamiliar or archaic words in the KJV, such as “subtil,” “besom,” or “to wit.” However, it is essential to recognize that dictionaries and word lists, like those provided by the Trinitarian Bible Society, offer a solution that does not involve altering the text. These resources encourage readers to expand their vocabulary and deepen their understanding of the historical and theological contexts of these words.
Furthermore, the argument for changing words simply because they are “old-fashioned” or infrequently used misses a crucial aspect of linguistic study: context. The Confessional Bibliology position acknowledges that many of these words can be understood when read in their full context. The words “to wit” or “halt” may initially seem obscure, but their meanings become evident as the reader gains familiarity with the KJV’s style and syntax.
Sandell points out that the process of understanding unfamiliar words is not an unreasonable expectation for readers. Rather, it is a sign of intellectual growth and engagement with the text. Just as a student studying Shakespeare would be encouraged to consult a glossary or commentary to understand older English, so too should modern Bible readers be encouraged to use resources to aid their comprehension of the KJV.
Precision and Faithfulness in Translation
A crucial point often overlooked in the debate over readability is the importance of precision and faithfulness in translation. The KJV’s translators employed archaic forms like “thee” and “thou” not because these were common in 17th-century English, but to preserve the singular and plural distinctions found in the original Hebrew and Greek. This precision allows the reader to discern nuances in the text that are often lost in contemporary translations.
The Confessional Bibliology movement holds that the Textus Receptus and the Masoretic Text are the preserved and authoritative texts of Scripture. Consequently, any translation endeavor must prioritize faithfulness to these texts over stylistic modernization. The Trinitarian Bible Society has consistently argued that the KJV’s use of these older forms is not a flaw to be corrected, but a feature that enhances the accuracy of the translation.
Consider the translation of the Hebrew second-person pronouns in the KJV:
– “Thee” and “Thou” are used to indicate singular pronouns.
– “Ye” and “You” indicate plural pronouns.
This distinction is lost in modern English, where “you” serves as both a singular and plural pronoun. As a result, many modern translations obscure key details about the text’s original meaning. The KJV’s retention of these forms reflects a commitment to conveying the full intent of the inspired authors.
The Necessity of Study and Mental Effort
The notion that Bible reading should never be mentally straining is unsupported by Scripture. The Bible itself recognizes the difficulty of understanding certain passages and calls believers to diligent study. In 2 Peter 3:16, the Apostle Peter acknowledges that some of Paul’s writings are “hard to be understood.” Yet Peter does not suggest that these passages be simplified. Instead, he implies that readers must approach them with diligence and patience.
The Apostle Paul similarly calls Timothy to “study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). This call to study and exert mental effort aligns with the Reformation principle of sola Scriptura, which emphasizes the centrality of the Word of God in the life of the believer. Diligent study is not merely an academic exercise but a spiritual discipline.
Sandell’s critique of Ward touches on this issue directly. He argues that expecting readers never to encounter unfamiliar or challenging words undermines the very purpose of Scripture, which is to reveal God’s truth in a way that invites deep contemplation and study. The KJV, with its historical and theological depth, calls believers to engage intellectually with the Word, just as they would with other significant and meaningful texts.
The Sufficiency of the KJV for Contemporary Readers
The preservation of the KJV in church life is not merely a matter of tradition but of faithful adherence to the most accurate English translation of the preserved texts. While Ward’s emphasis on accessibility has merit, the proposed solutions—modernizing the language and simplifying the text—are neither necessary nor entirely beneficial.
Critics of the KJV often present a false dichotomy between readability and faithfulness. However, the use of resources like the Trinitarian Bible Society’s Bible Word List and other study aids provides a balanced approach that does not compromise the integrity of the translation. Moreover, the implicit argument that readers should not be expected to consult a dictionary overlooks the historical reality that Christians throughout history have always relied on study tools to deepen their understanding of Scripture.
The KJV’s role in contemporary church life extends beyond mere readability; it serves as a link to the theological and linguistic heritage of the Christian faith. The Confessional Bibliology movement and the TBS recognize that faithfulness to the text involves preserving not only the words but the theological and historical weight carried by those words.
Conclusion
The debate over the readability of the King James Bible is not merely a matter of linguistic preference but touches on deeper issues of tradition, faithfulness, and the pursuit of understanding. While critics like Mark Ward raise concerns about accessibility, the solutions they propose risk undermining the richness and historical continuity of the KJV. By encouraging readers to use dictionaries and engage with context, rather than avoiding challenges altogether, we uphold the value of intellectual growth and spiritual maturity.
The Trinitarian Bible Society’s Bible Word List and other resources offer practical solutions that maintain the integrity of the KJV while aiding comprehension. Rather than abandoning the traditional text in favor of modern revisions, believers can be equipped to understand the Scriptures in faithful translations of the Greek & Hebrew texts as they have been handed down through the centuries.
Ultimately, the retention of the KJV is not merely a matter of linguistic fidelity but of faithfulness to God’s inspired Word in faithful translation of the providentially preserved original Hebrew and Greek texts. By embracing the intellectual challenge of engaging with the KJV, we affirm the value of studying Scripture diligently and seeking to grow in our knowledge of the truth. The King James Bible remains a vital and relevant text for believers today, calling us to a deeper understanding of God’s Word and a richer appreciation of its historical and spiritual legacy.
