Question:
Dear Greg,
Some
dogmatically teach that all of the modern versions of the Bible are based upon
an inferior Greek text and that the King James Version is the only Bible we
should read. Can you comment on
this?
Jack
Answer: Dear Jack,
The
King James-only bandwagon is not based upon sound principles of textual
criticism.
While
the King James Version is a reliable translation, numerous additional ancient
resources have contributed to constructing the more modern Greek texts.
Thousands of manuscripts much older than those employed by the King James
translators have been discovered and incorporated into modern texts.
Ancient
versions (early translations of the Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek texts), not used by
the King James translators, have been utilized for the latest Greek texts.
Profound improvements have been made in the study of the Hebrew, Aramaic
and Greek languages during the past 200 years.
Doctors,
dentists, engineers and historians, as well as scientists, scholars and
technicians of all stripes and flavors have seen significant advances in the
last 200 years—so have those who study biblical languages.
Are the “King James only” folks suggesting we should not consult a
doctor, dentist or car mechanic whose training does not include any information
available after 1611? It seems silly
to believe that the King James Version is the only reliable translation
available today.
Are
there problems with modern translations? Yes.
There are difficulties and controversies associated with any
modern version, but there are also problems with the King James Version and some
of them are serious.
For
further reading on this issue, PTM recommends “The King James Only
Controversy” by James R. White.
In
Christ,