Posted on 12/11/2011 2:17:18 PM PST by NEWwoman
This year, 2011, has marked the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.
Check out this article:
Happy 400th Birthday To The King James Bible -- The Most Influential Book In The English Language
The headline of this article is no hyperbola.
From a literature standpoint - this translation is one of the greatest piece of literature in the English language. (reference: Why the King James Bible Endures)
From a scholarly standpoint - the bar was set very high in making this translation. (reference: An enduring legacy)
From a cultural standpoint - no other book has influenced so much of the English speaking world, such as the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, .... (reference: King James Bible - Influence)
From an American standpoint - this version had a great influence in many of the American founding documents and laws. (reference: Concurrent Resolution (House & Senate) Recognizing the 400th Anniversary of the KJV)
The story of how this translation came about is rich in historical twists and players - saints, sinners, martyrs, persecutors. (For further reading, check out: English Bible History)
And now for the video clips highlighting the King James Bible ....
(Excerpt) Read more at smithsk.blogspot.com ...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EreYmNM0N0s&feature=player_embedded
The KJ Bible is the only English language Bible I trust through and through.
Its majestic cadences are easy to memorize and exude the authority you would expect from the Word of God.
There are more reasons.
Yes, the good old days when we were an optimistic country who felt that we could accomplish anything. When our space program existed to push the frontiers of space rather than to show muslims that they contributed something.
I know I'm off topic here but I'm so tired of our "managed decline". I wish we could go back to the time when our country was forward looking and our President was proud of the nation and people he governed.
From the Nat Geo Mag:
Apple of your eye...
old as the hills...
at death’s door...
at your wits end...
bite the dust...
haves and have nots...
buttering up...
scum of the earth...
skin of one’s teeth...
etc., etc.,
All from the KJV
I usually quote from the King James Bible, with Apocrypha, even though I’m a Catholic. It has been by far the most-used and most-quoted Bible in the English speaking world.
There are a few minor problems with the translation, but nothing serious. And nothing like the problems with the modern, politically correct translations, which are far less accurate and stunningly ugly in style.
When I taught the Bible as literature, I used the Revised Standard Version, based on the KJV but slightly modernized. But that has been replaced by the New RSV, which is a major step backward into political correctness and stupidity. So I find myself continuing to go back to the KJV.
For your info, there was a digitally remastered replica of the 1611 bible available at Wal-Mart (and likely other stores) recently. I picked up a copy and, as I recall, it was just under $10.00. They probably still have them. Its Gothic print is difficult to read but I enjoy making the effort.
My brother was asked to read a KJV passage for a Christening. We went over the text and he asked for my advice on how it should be read. I told him that this was a LEGAL document, and, as a pre-law student, he should read it as such.
He ACED it.
Later, the congregation was effusive in their praise for his rendering...
Also, as a former Gideon, this is the ONLY version of the Scriptures, that they will place...
There are many good translations and more old texts to compare. But the KJV did set the bar very high and was made without the biases we have in our present age. And ... it’s beautiful.
As Homer Hickam (The Rocket Boys, aka October Sky) said - It’s time to be great again.
As long as “We the People” have the Spirit of 1776 - we can overcome a bad adminstration. If we loose our will, .... we get the leaders we deserve and we kill our country from within.
So I see your ...
handwriting on the (cyber) wall
From some of my reading, I understand the King James Version included the Apocrypha, until the 19th century. (In fact, in England there were heavy fines if the Apocrypha was not included in the early days.)
It is a beautiful version. And as any translation, some things are lost in translation.
I picked up one of these ... $4.99. What a deal!
To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Vanity, vanity, all is vanity and vexation of spirit.
There is nothing new under the sun.
I've often wondered at his frequent repetition of "under the sun" and the sense of gravity that it carries. It has such effect. But, I'm not sure why. More reading, historical background of Solomon is in order.
The claims by contemporary translations to be based on superior critical apparatuses are mostly based on how early a given text is. The claim that the oldest manuscript is also the most accurate is just that, a claim. Prove it.
The claim that the language of the KJV is so archaic that people today cannot make heads nor tails of it is more often than not a self fulfilling prophecy.
An interesting thing about language is that there must be about a gazillion ways to say the same thing, which gives rise to to old adage that it “aint so much what you say as how you say it”. In my very humble opinion, the KJV translators have said things very well indeed.
Amen. :)
Let there be light... my brother's keeper... the tree of life... east of Eden... windows of heaven... gave up the ghost... for such a time as this... count the cost... it came to pass... fear not... eat, drink and be merry... sweet-smelling savor... scapegoat... a rod of iron... snared in the work of his own hands... heart's desire... judge not... the land of the living... contrite heart... the meek shall inherit the earth... let this cup pass... sheep for the slaughter... the ends of the earth... tender mercies... waxed strong... cup runneth over... beat their swords into plowshares... pride goeth before a fall... evil eye... a brawling woman... iron sharpeneth iron... strong drink... under the sun... vanity and vexation of spirit... to everything there is a season... a good name... the race is not to the swift... striving after wind... dead fly in the ointment... woe is me...
There are so many. And they are part of our discourse.
The purpose of the King James Bible, which is based on the Wycliff Bible, was to present the Scriptures to the people in a language they understand. That is why it is written in 16th Century English.
This isn’t the 16th Century and we do not speak Middle English in everyday discourse. To insist on the sole use of the KJV in public worship runs against the very ideal that lead to the KJV in the first place. As Article XXIV says “It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of God, and the custom of the Primitive Church to have public Prayer in the Church, or to minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not understanded of the people.”
bttt
The KJV is the only Bible I trust...
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