Although many Christians favour the newer versions of the Bible, I have stuck to the King James Bible since the age of 13. In this blog, I share with you many reasons to read King James Bible.
For more than four centuries now, the King James Bible has been read by most Protestants from across the World. This version has stood the test of time to become the most popular Bible Translations in the World.
My 27 Most Important Reasons to Read King James Bible
The Bible is an inseparable part of my life and I have been reading it for over 15 years now. It has stood with me through thick and thin, and guided me to follow and choose the right path.
Amongst the many options available, I have always strongly advocated the use of the King James Bible for numerous reasons. Here are my topmost reasons to read the King James Bible.
1. The King James Bible is a Literal Translation, Which Makes it Free From Translation Bias
One of the most important reasons to read King James Bible for me and many others is because of the way it has been translated. The King James Bible is based on the “word to word” translation of the scriptures.
The translation of the King James is based completely on the texts without any room for interpretation. Most modern versions are more interpretive than a translation which can leave room for the bias of the translator.
2. The King James Bible is Based on the Original Manuscripts
The King James Bible is based on the very old manuscripts that were written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. texts. One particular lesser-known fact about the King James Bible is the only translation of the “Textus Reciptus,” also known as the Received Texts.
This makes the King James Bible a more complete text and true to the original scriptures.
3. The Poetic Language of the King James Bible Makes it Ideal for Readings & Recitals
One of my most important reasons for reading King James Bible is the Poetic style of the King James Version (KJV). The beautiful poetic style of the Bible makes it perfect for recitals and Readings.
My personal favourite books are Psalms, The Epistle of James, and The Book of Ephesians. I seldom read them aloud because they sound so good and soothing.
4. The Absence Of Quotation Marks in KJV prevents readers from Being Mislead
All modern translations of the Bible have Quotation marks, except the King James Bible. The original Hebrew and Greek texts do not contain any quotation marks.
The quotation marks in the Bible add extra information that isn’t present in the original texts. This can be misleading for the readers who might be influenced by the translator’s opinion in the interpretation of the text.
5. The Use of Italics In the King James Bible Helps Readers Understand the Meaning of Sentences
Since King James Bible was translated from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, the words in italics were added by the translators to help readers understand the meaning of sentences more clearly.
While reading the King James Bible, these italicized words make the meaning of the sentence much clearer without interfering compromising with the authenticity of the scriptures.
6. The King James Bible is Suitable for Young Readers
Although many people believe that the language of the King James Version makes it less readable to a younger audience, I do not agree with it.
I started reading the King James Bible at the age of 13 and have been reading for well over 15 years now. I have never had any trouble deciphering the meaning of the Bible in my readings.
7. The King James Bible is the Only Version that Distinguishes Between Second Person “Singular” and “Plural”
Another incredible reason for reading the KJV Bible is the use of different words for distinguishing between the second person singular and the second person plural.
The King James Verison uses “Thou, thee, thy” refer to one person whereas “ye, you, your” refer to more than one person. This actually comes quite handy when you need to understand whether a line is for an individual or a group.
8. The KJV Bible Conforms to the Original Structure and Style
The King James Version of the Bible is the closest when it comes to copying the style of the original texts in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.
The sentence formation in the King James Version is very close to the original scripture. This gives a very rich and enriching experience to the one reading.
9. The Translation Was Authorized by a Christian King Who Oversaw The Entire Translation Process
The KJV Bible was authorised by King James who was a devout Christian himself with a scholarly bent. The translation of the Bible under him was done in a meticulous manner.
The translators were chosen very carefully, committees were formed that oversaw the entire translation and the translators were given specific instructions on how not to distort the original work.
10. King James Version of the Bible is Free from Modern Bias
King James Bible has relatively remained unchanged in the last four decades. While modern translations have been influenced by modern philosophies, KJV has remained untouched by it.
The King James Bible does not deviate from the original work in an effort to appease the modern times.
11. King James Bible is a Literary Masterpiece that should be read by Everyone
An undeniable fact about the King James Bible is that it is a literary masterpiece. The Elizabethan language is the defining character of the King James Bible
The KJV, also known as the Authorized Version has been called “the most influential version of the most influential book in the world, in what is now its most influential language”, “the most important book in English religion and culture”, and “the most celebrated book in the English-speaking world”.
12. The Popularity of the KJV Speaks Volumes of the Trustworthiness of the Book
King James Bible is the most read, bought and distributed version f Bible in the World. The relative popularity of the Bible makes it easy for people to access it.
Despite the availability of modern versions, the King James Bible still remains the most popular Bible
13. The King James Bible is Easily Available in Every Corner of the World
Because of the popularity of the King James Version of the Bible, it is also the most easily available. The KJV Bible can be found in any part of the World.
Therefore, for someone who is just looking out for a copy of the Bible, the King James Bible is the most readily available version.
14. KJV is Important if you wish to Understand the Influence on the English Language
Another reason for reading King James Version is to understand its influence on the development of the English Language. Several of the modern phrases and idioms have been influenced by the KJV
A British Linguist David Crystal has suggested that the KJV Bible responsible for over 250 idioms in English. Popular idioms that you will come across while reading the King James Bible are Let there be light, old wine in new bottles, a fly in the ointment, etc.
15. The King James Bible has a Strong Sense of Familiarity
As a child, my mother read The King James Bible to me. Reading the King James Bible as an adult brings out a certain sense of familiarity to me.
The King James Bible reminds of the sermons and masses I attended while growing up.
16. Translators selected for the translation were Experts in languages Hebrew, Greek, and Latin
The forty-seven translators were selected meticulously for the translation of the Bible under the of the King. These translators of the KJV were experts in Hebrew, Greek, as well as in cognate languages such as Aramaic, Chaldee, Syriac, Arabic, etc.
Many modern scholars are not proficient in the older languages which makes the modern translation a little doubtful.
17. Hebraisms are Uniquely Preserved in the King James Bible
Hebraisms are Hebrew Idioms & Expressions that can be found throughout the King James Bible. Many modern versions do not give us the proper translation of Hebraism.
Since the King James Bible stays true to the original scriptures, the use of Hebraisms in KJV is dealt very beautifully all through the translated work.
18. King James Bible is Tried & Tested Over Time
The King James Bible has been in existence for more than 400 years now. Over this period of time, it has been read by millions of people.
In the last four centuries, grammatical and typing errors in the King James Bible have been edited. Therefore, all modern editions have been tried and tested over time.
19. The Language Used in the King James Bible is Beautiful
The King James Bible used the language contemporary to that of the works of Milton and Shakespeare. Therefore, the entire King James Bible is filled with beautiful passages.
This is one of the most important reasons to read King James Bible for anyone who loves literature and language.
20. The King James Bible Gives the Readers Adequate Freedom for Interpretation
The King James Bible is a complete word by word translation of the scriptures. The translators have not tried to add their own interpretations to the text.
This is definitely one of the most important reasons to read the King James Bible. As a reader, you are free to do your own interpretation from the literal translation.
21. The King James Bible Contains all the Verse so you Do Not Miss Out on Anything
Another reason, I follow the King James Version of the Bible is because it is the most complete in the sense that it does not miss out on anything.
Many modern versions of the Bible omit verses that were part of the original scriptures. Therefore they cannot be considered complete.
22. The King James Bible Helps You Build a Spiritual Vocabulary
Although many people believe that the King James Bible is hard and difficult to understand because of the language, I do not agree. I think that language of the KJV is very important in forming a spiritual vocabulary.
The use of words such as “thee”, “thou,” etc. helps me form a separate vocabulary for spiritual purposes.
23. Reading the King James Bible is Very Enjoyable
Although it might sound simple, the truth is that one of the reasons to read the King James Bible is that it is very Enjoyable. The whole structure, style and language of the KJV, make it a very enjoyable read.
I enjoy reading the Bible every day and I find a lot of comfort in it.
24. Because of the Style of Translation, the King James Bible is Free from Interpretations
As I have mentioned several times before, the King James Bible is based on a literal translation. This means that the scriptures were translated from “word to word” rather than “thought to thought.”
Because of this literal style of translation, the King James Bible has largely remained free from the interpretations. Most modern versions of the Bible that we see today are thought by thought translations, where the interpretation of the author creeps in.
25. King James Bible is the Most Standard Text
Over the years, many translations of the Bible have cropped up. Most of these translations are mere money-making gigs that try to fool the readers with fancy words and claims.
One reason why King James Bible holds so much prominence in the Christian world is because of the standard texts it is based upon. King James Bible however has remained standard text on the word of God for more than four centuries now.
26. The King James Bible is Philosophical
Another reason why should pick up your copy of the King James Bible is because of its philosophical nature. This again can be attributed to the language and style of the text.
While reading the King James Verison of the Bible, one gets lost in the questions and philosophies of life.
27. Reading the King James Bible to Help Preserve the Cultural Heritage
The King James Bible not only hols an important place in religious history but also in the cultural history of the times.
Choosing the King James Bible is definitely a step towards conserving the cultural heritage of all us Christians.
These were my topmost reasons to read the King James Bible. Which Bible do you prefer and why? I would love to know more in the comments section below.