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Is the King James Bible the true version?

by Benjamin Lloyd

Asking if the King James is the true version is very much like asking what is the true religion? It's a question that cannot truly be answered here on earth. To some people it is the only Bible out there. To others, it's old and outdated.

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is just that- a version. The people of the Bible never spoke OldeEnglish (thee, thou, thine, shalt, wert, etc.) They spoke in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. When King James asked for the Bible to be translated, he wanted a version that the English-speaking world could read and understand. He translated it from other written versions.

To say that the KJV is the true version is false. Many fundamental, legalistic churches would have you to believe all other versions of the Bible are of Satan. They believe the KJV is actually the words of Jesus that He spoke while on earth.

Many things written in the KJV are omitted in other versions. But how much was omitted when the translators were preparing the KJV? Only God knows. What is written in the KJV is enough to teach me the truth about God.

On the other hand, over 100 versions/translations have been published since the 1611 KJV. Many of these versions themselves have been revised once or twice. Publishers say they are trying to bring the KJV language into modern speech. They want to improve the reading style and change some of the older words to newer, easier defined ones. Well, after 100 tries and you still cannot get it right, maybe it's time to quit and move on.

In the Garden of Eden, Satan tempted Eve by changing the Word of God into a lie. He also did it while tempting Jesus Christ. He still does it today by bringing in all these different versions of the Bible.

Having twenty different Bible versions in the church can make for a confusing time, and God is not the author of confusion. Satan loves to bring confusion to the church.

Many people are satisfied with other versions of the Bible. Whatever helps them grow in the Lord, I'm all for it. However, too many people want to put their faith in the Bible rather than it's Author. The Bible cannot save you. You can read and study any version you want and still go to hell.

However, I prefer the KJV because of its Olde English. It also seems to be the Bible by which all other Bibles are compared. It is the only Bible for me. But I do not believe it is the true Bible or only Bible. "Thy word have I hid in my heart".

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