The text of the King James is written in Old English vernacular, complete with colorful idioms and wonderful—almost poetic—imagery that is unsurpassed from a literary point of view! This is not to suggest that it has no profound value beyond that, but only that I can recognize and appreciate it for the qualities that distinguishes it from any other version of scripture. However, I found as a young child and as many people young and old have found, that comprehending something is the key component to reaping benefit.
Although I was able to effortlessly glean understanding from some of the passages, there were many others I could only grasp bits and pieces. I liken reading some of it to Spanglish or some other language where occasionally an identifiable word of English would be understood, which may or may not give you a clue to the context of what is being conveyed. This spotted comprehension resulted in my not fully enjoying my bible reading, and I felt cheated of the full experience of discovering God’s truth.
Now there were some commentaries available even back then, but they were structured in a way that assured the King James Bible of retaining its mystery, at least for me, for they offered little expository help. In fact, some were written pretty much using the same style, form, and with the same wording. To me it was like having a question answered with a question! But I kept on plugging away at it, relying heavily on pastors and lay leaders who appeared to have a greater depth of understanding of it and could bring its message into focus for me. This went on for several years until new versions of scriptures began to appear, including the more modern New King James Version. I considered a few before finally deciding on the New International Version, which I still use to this day. I enjoy this version because it conveys the same biblical message but within the framework of modern day speech. In other words, it spoke to me in a language that I could best understand.
For that same reason, there seem to be an opposition to the usage of this version of scripture. There are people who feel that the NIV is not only an inferior text, but argue its authenticity as an inspired work. These feelings are not limited only to the NIV but any version other than KJV. Somehow, some people have acquainted the KJV bible to being the legitimately true version of scriptures, even though the original manuscript was not written in English. Their sentiments seem to suggest that how something is worded is more important than what is being conveyed; and, because it was the first version written in English and offers a lot of archaic words like ‘thee’ and ‘thou’, it bears the factory seal of approval from God. There are obviously differences in style between the various biblical versions, now widely available for spiritual consumption. They each employ terms and words not traditionally used, but that is the whole point. It is a matter of taste and clarity! To many people’s credit, KJV is their favorite version and they have no difficulty relating to it, and that is great! However, the preference of others are for varying flavors of scripture that appeals to their taste and is much easily understood. This is not to imply that one version is best or better, only that it allows every reader full access to God’s word.
As I illustrated earlier with a page from my childhood, my enjoyment of reading scriptures was greatly diminished because of the language barrier and my own inability to fully comprehend all that I read. It is for those like me that these different versions of scriptures were created, that we can experience the entire inspirational message without its meaning being shrouded by tradition. Those that persist on having tunnel vision in terms of versions of scripture and what language is to be used should consider this. Wherever the bible is translated into other languages it undergoes subtle changes. Some English words do not translate well in other languages and visa versa, so subsequently other words must be substituted that bear similar meaning to the original text. What is most important here is conveying God’s essential truth without compromise. That is the key thing, to not breach the integrity of scripture. Whatever version a reader chooses it should consistently adhere to the universal truth of scripture and does not distort the character of God.
How do we know if the scriptures have been compromised or violated? I am a firm believer that God has written His truth on the heart of every man (gender plural), and that even if there were an absence of scripture those that are His would have a sense of them. In other words, I believe that the spirit of God quickens a righteous man’s heart to be able to discern and distinguish right from wrong even in the absence of the written word. The bible, in a sense, is the written translation and affirmation of the truth. It is the transcription of what God has already written on the heart, put into a comprehensible form known as the written word for universal understanding and application. That said, the different versions of scripture attempts to insure that each reader is on the same page, at least in terms of understanding what is being conveyed.
What about interpretation? Well that is another matter! I would only suggest that the reader first equip himself (gender plural) with a clear understanding of scripture, and then entrust God with the task of translating their true nature, meaning and applications as they relates to him personally!
May God’s truth become apparent to you regardless of which flavor you choose, and that your Spirit would be filled with gladness and satisfaction! Amen and Amen!!!