This is a mirror of "The KJV Controversy" by Darwin Fish. i
See also under point V. Anderson's KJV Folly
Thou shalt not revile the Gods, . . . . ii
Key Question To Ask A KJV Only Proponent
By what Biblical standard are the KJV translators and their translation iii exalted above the English translators and their translations before them? iv By what Biblical standard v are the KJV translators and their translation exalted above the English translators and their translations after them? By what Biblical standard are the KJV translators and their translation exalted above any individual translator and his translation at any time, in the past, now, or in the future? vi
I. Introduction
The KJV controversy is a massive subject, in which, literally thousands of arguments may be used by advocates of the KJV translation to "prove" their point. D. A. Waite, in his book, Defending The King James Bible, vii has at the end of his book viii a list of "OVER 900 TITLES DEFENDING THE KING JAMES BIBLE." ix The reason this arsenal of "evidence" exists is because, not only are they arguing over the entire text of Scripture, that is, any word(s) or verse that may not have been translated the way they believe they should have been, but they are also contending over several different English translations and different Greek manuscripts. This provides for them an enormous amount of words to contend over. They are among those who are "doting about questions and strifes of words." x
Typically, the KJV is set up as the standard, and therefore, anything that doesn't line up with the KJV is consequently erroneous. Peter S. Ruckman, xi who is on the far right of this controversy, wrote in his booklet entitled About the "New" King James Bible, xii
Now the New "King James" Bible, like every English translation since 1884, had to compare itself with the original Authorized Version of 1611, for this is the STANDARD that God set up whereby to judge all translations. xiii
Contrary to Ruckman's claim, xiv God sets up no such standard. Scripture xv sets no such standard. Yet, men do, xvi and they judge according to their own measure.
In Matthew 7:1-2 Christ said,
Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. xvii
Typically, KJV advocates acclaim the original 1611 KJV. And, they impugn all other English translations, including the NKJV. In their rejection of the NKJV, their folly is more easily manifested.
Not only are verse comparisons given, which are dealt with, in part, below, but fault is found by some xviii based on the triquetra symbol xix claiming that this symbol is a Satanic symbol. Using this same kind of measure, xx these KJV advocates should reject their own 1611 KJV.
In the 1611 KJV there are two Suns each having a face on the very front cover, and on the first page of the New Testament. Since when does the Sun have a face? Is not this imagery consistent with the worship of the Sun? Would this not then be a Satanic idolatrous symbol or picture?
Also, following Catholic tradition, xxi the 1611 KJV has an Easter calendar. xxii In the pages following this calendar, there are several "Holy days" listed, some of which include Christmas, xxiii different saints, "Epiphinie," "the purification of the blessed Virgin," and "the Annunciation of the blessed Virgin." Five pages from the Easter Calendar, at the bottom of the page are two naked Cupid xxiv looking beings with wings. Also, at the beginning of the New Testament, at the bottom of the pictorial page there is a Cupid looking head with wings. Using the same kind of measure some use, the 1611 KJV should also be rejected.
In fact, the 1611 KJV is worse. Because, between the Old and New Testaments lies the Apocrypha. This group of books has false doctrine in it. Please see our report on the Apocrypha. Right smack in the middle of the 1611 KJV is a group of books that teach contrary to God's Word. KJV advocates, who praise the original 1611 KJV Bible xxv and condemn the NKJV because of its triquetra symbol, are hypocrites, especially when they set the 1611 KJV up as the standard.
II. Verse Comparisons
Another sample of faulty measuring v can be seen in some of the examples KJV advocates give as they compare the KJV with the NKJV. Now, at times, the KJV does do a better job at giving a more literal translation. xxvi But, the NKJV also has its share of more literal translations. For example, in John 4:24 the KJV reads, "God is a Spirit." The NKJV reads, "God is Spirit." Since there is no indefinite article xxvii in the Greek, and there is no reason to insert it, the NKJV is more literal. xxviii
Moreover, in several passages xxix the KJV translates the Greek phrase "μὴ γένοιτο" as "God forbid!" The Greek word for "God" is not even there. xxx The first word xxxi means "no." The second Greek word xxxii means "may be." xxxiii The NKJV translates it, "Certainly not!" xxxiv
In Hebrews 10:23 the KJV translates "faith," but the actual Greek word is "hope" xxxv as the NKJV has it. In Acts 19:37 the KJV has "robbers of churches" where the Greek word is actually "robbers of temples." xxxvi In Amos 4:4 the KJV has "three years," but the Hebrew reads "three days;" xxxvii which is what the NKJV has. Both the KJV and the NKJV have their share of better translations when compared one with the other.
Finally, for some reason, there is no "Holy Ghost" in the KJV Old Testament. There is only a "Holy Spirit" in Psalm 51:11 and Isaiah 63:10-11. Yet, both "Holy Ghost" and "Holy Spirit" are found in the New Testament, even though the Greek is the same for both. xxxviii
A. Terry Watkins xxxix
But, some comparisons fall before the KJV itself when compared to itself. For example, Terry Watkins gives on his web site xl under the title, "The New King James Counterfeit" several verse comparisons comparing the KJV with the NKJV. xli One comparison reads as follows:
In 2 Timothy 2:15, the NKJV (like the NIV, NASV, RSV, NRSV) remove that "obsolete" word - "study"! The only time you're told to "study" your Bible. AND THEY ZAP IT! Why don't they want you to "study" your Bible? [Here lies an "evil surmising," 1 Timothy 6:4 KJV; NKJV "evil suspicion"] Maybe they don't want you to look too close - you might find out what they've ACTUALLY done to your Bible! The "real" KJV is the only English Bible in the world that instructs you to "study" your Bible! xlii
The Greek word in question here is σπούδασον. xliii Please note every other time the KJV translates this word. In Galatians 2:10 it's "forward," Ephesians 4:3 "Endeavoring," 1 Thessalonians 2:17 "endeavored," 2 Timothy 4:9 & 21 "diligence," Titus 3:12 "be diligent," Hebrews 4:11 "labor," 2 Peter 1:10 "diligence," 1:15 "endeavor," 3:14 "be diligent." The KJV itself testifies that the word can be translated exactly as the NKJV translates it in 2 Timothy 2:15. xliv In fact, nowhere else does the KJV translate this word "study." It is only translated "study" in 2 Timothy 2:15.
Another faulty measure v by Terry Watkins can be found in his contention over the word "virtue."
That "obsolete" word "virtue" is replaced with "power" in Mark 5:30, Luke 6:19, 8:46! How does anybody confuse "virtue" with "power"? Simple - by being "bosom-buddies" with the NIV, NASV, RSV, NRSV!
The Greek word in question here is δύναμιν. xlv The KJV translates this same word as "power" 71 times! xlvi The KJV itself testifies that it can well be translated "power."
Another example given by Terry Watkins is that Revelation 2:13 says "Satan's seat" in the KJV, but the NKJV xlvii reads, "Satan's throne." Here again, the KJV bears witness that this is a legitimate translation. The KJV translates the same Greek word, θρονος, xlviii as "throne" 50 times! xlix
Another argument used by Watkins is that the NKJV l translates Acts 4:27 and 30 as "holy servant" li rather than "holy child." xvii Again, the KJV testifies that this is a legitimate translation in Matthew 8:6, 8, 13; 14:2; Luke 1:54, 69; 7:7; 12:45; 15:26 in which the same Greek word, παις, lii is translated "servant." In fact, in Matthew 12:18 it is translated "servant" xvii and it is speaking of Christ.
1 Timothy 6:20 is also cited by Watkins, in that, the KJV gives the translation "science" where as the NKJV xlvii gives "knowledge." Yet, the KJV translates the same Greek word, γνωσις, liii as "knowledge" 28 times liv never again translating it "science." Once more, the KJV testifies that the NKJV translation is quite appropriate.
B. Mr. D. A. Waite lv
A few really pitiful examples of verse comparisons from a formidable KJV advocate can be found in D. A. Waite's book entitled, Defending The King James Bible. vii On page 150-151 Waite claims the NIV denies a literal fire in hell.
The Denial of Literal Fire in Hell.
"Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9:44) "Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched." (Mark 9:46)
. . . both of these verses are omitted in their entirety. Both verses teach clearly that hell is a place of unquenchable, literal fire. This is certainly a matter of doctrine and theology. lvi
It is true that the NIV omits these two verses, because it follows here the Greek texts B and Aleph. But, it is not true lvii that the NIV "denies a literal fire in hell." In this very same context, in Mark 9:48 the NIV reads, "where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched." By the same measure, Waite ought to reject his own KJV, for the KJV itself "omits" "hell" from Ezekiel 31:15. lviii
On page 157 and 158 of this same book, under the subtitle "The Denial of Redemption by Divinely Provided Blood" Waite writes,
But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all sin. (1 John 1:7)
Greek Texts: -B/ALEPH
English Versions: (-3) -NIV, -NASV, -NB
The italicized portion is ELIMINATED in the Greek texts and English versions specified above. Since Christian Science and liberals make a distinction (as in early church times) between the human "Jesus" and the Divine "Christ," the cleansing "Blood" might be considered as merely human blood rather than having its source in God Himself. It's the "Blood of Jesus Christ" not merely the "blood of Jesus" that "cleanseth us from all sin"! This is certainly a matter of doctrine and theology. lvi
It appears that the Greek texts and English translations cited here are deficient in this case, but to say what Waite says beyond this is foolishness and using a measure the Scriptures do not use. Hebrews 10:19 reads, "Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus." xvii There is no "Christ" mentioned in this verse! To use the same measure Waite uses, v in Hebrews 10:19 God Himself is leaving room for the error of "Christian Science and liberals!"
Also on page 157-158 under the subtitle, "The Denial of Salvation and Redemption Only in Christ," Waite writes,
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on Me hath everlasting life." (John 6:47)
Greek Texts: -B/ALEPH
English Versions: (-3) -NIV, -NASV, -NKJV-FN
The italicized portion is ELIMINATED in the Greek texts and English versions specified above. This is, perhaps, one of the CLEAREST theological errors in these three versions. To make salvation only a matter of "believing" rather than solely, as Christ said in this verse, "believing on Me," is truly "ANOTHER GOSPEL"! If you were trying to lead someone to Christ with the NIV or NASV, using this verse, they could "believe" in anything and still have "everlasting life" --whether in Santa Claus, in the Easter Bunny, in the Tooth Fairy, in Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer, or in any of the false world religions! This is SERIOUS THEOLOGICAL PERVERSION! This is certainly a matter of doctrine and theology. lix
The above is a graphic example of a "perverse disputing." lx To use the same measure v Waite uses here, then he must also accuse God for the same error, lxi because in the gospel of Mark Christ says, lxii "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned." lxiii
C. How about the "Easter" passage in Acts 12:4?
In Acts 12:4 the KJV translates the Greek word πασχα lxiv as "Easter." Πασχα lxiv is the Greek word for "Passover." The KJV bears witness to this fact 28 times. lxv In fact, the only time the KJV translates this word "Easter" lxvi is in Acts 12:4. Why? The answer to that question is gone with the KJV translators themselves. lxvii But, for whatever reason they may have given, it is not Biblically justified.
Some argue that the holiday mentioned was pagan in this context, thus we have "Easter." lxviii The problem is, the text lxix says no such thing, and in fact, Acts 12:3, the verse just prior to Acts 12:4, declares plainly that it was during "the days of unleavened bread." This identifies the time as the time of the Passover. The days of unleavened bread and the Passover go hand in hand, as Luke 22:1 exemplifies.
Now the feast of unleavened bread drew near, which is called the Passover. lxx
The Works of Josephus lxxi likewise illustrates this.
As this happened at the time when the feast of unleavened bread was celebrated, which we call the Passover, lxxii
Now, upon the approach of that feast of unleavened bread which the law of their fathers had appointed for the Jews at this time, which feast is called the Passover, lxxiii
D. The 1611 KJV Compared To The Present KJV
It might be expected that the present KJV would have, perhaps, more modern English than the 1611 KJV, since the 1611 is older. On the contrary, at least in the use of the term "ye" or "you," the 1611 is more contemporary. In John 18:29; 1 Corinthians 7:5, 35; 14:8; 2 Corinthians 9:4; 11:1; Galatians 3:10; and 1 John 2:13, the 1611 KJV uses the common "you" whereas the present day KJV uses "ye."
In addition, in the New Testament alone, the KJV of today does not follow the 1611 several times over. For example, in Matthew 6:3 the present KJV has "hand" where there is no "hand" in the 1611. In Acts 5:34 the 1611 has "the" where there is no "the" in the present KJV. In Acts 8:32 the 1611 has "the shearer," where the present KJV has "his shearer." In Acts 15:23 the present KJV has "they" where the 1611 has no "they." In 2 Corinthians 5:1 the 1611 has "hand," singular, while the present KJV has "hands," plural. In 2 Corinthians 11:26 the 1611 has "journeying" while the present KJV has "journeys."
Moreover, in the New Testament, in a few instances, in comparison to today's KJV, the 1611 follows more exactly the Greek. lxxiv For example, in Matthew 9:33 the 1611 has the article lxxv in keeping with the Greek, whereas the present KJV does not. In John 16:25 the present KJV adds "but," where the 1611 and the Greek have no "but." In Romans 7:2 the present KJV has "her husband" whereas the 1611 has "the husband" following the Greek. In Ephesians 6:24 the present KJV has "Amen" following the Majority Greek Text whereas the 1611 has no "Amen" following the Received Text, which also agrees, in this case, with the Critical Text. In 1 Timothy 1:4 the present KJV adds "godly" whereas the 1611 has no "godly" in keeping with the Greek. And, in 2 Peter 2:5 the present KJV has "sacrifices," plural, whereas the 1611 has "sacrifice," singular, in keeping with the Greek.
Although the 1611 KJV is acclaimed as the "STANDARD," lxxvi the 1611, several times over, does not follow the Greek Text lxxvii as closely as the present KJV. For example, in Matthew 16:16 the 1611 leaves out the definite article, whereas the present KJV follows the Greek leaving it in with "the Christ." In Mark 5:6 the 1611 translates the Greek word εδραμε lxxviii as "came" whereas the present KJV translates it more literally "ran." In Mark 10:18 the 1611 reads, "no man good," whereas the present KJV more literally reads, "none good." There is no "man" in the Greek. In Luke 1:3; 2 Timothy 4:8; and 2 Peter 2:1 the present KJV translates the Greek word "all" where the 1611 leaves it out. In John 7:16 the 1611 likewise leaves out "and said," where the present KJV includes a translation of these two Greek words, και ειπεν. lxxix In John 15:20 the 1611 has "the Lord" where the present KJV has "his Lord" in keeping with the Greek. In 2 Timothy 2:19 the 1611 has "the seal" where the present KJV has the demonstrative "this seal" which follows the Greek more literally. In 1 John 3:22 the 1611 has the singular "commandment" whereas the present KJV has the plural "commandments" in keeping with the Greek. In Acts 10:9 the 1611 translates the Greek word δωμα lxxx as "house" where the present KJV translates it more literally as "housetop." Elsewhere, the 1611 translates this same Greek word as "house top" or "house tops," and never again as house. lxxxi
In 1 Corinthians 12:28 the 1611 has "helpes in governmets" where the present KJV follows the Greek accusative with "helps, governments." In 1 Corinthians 15:6 lxxxii the 1611 has "And that" where the present KJV has more literally "After that." Yet, the 1611 translates this same Greek word, επειτα, lxxxiii as "After" in verse 7 of the same chapter.
In 1 Corinthians 8:12; 9:6; lxxxiv and 2 Peter 2:6 lxxxv the 1611 leaves out the word "also" because it does not translate the Greek word και lxxxvi whereas the present KJV follows the Greek and includes "also" in the translation. Likewise, in 1 Corinthians 9:5, at the end of the verse, and in Revelation 5:13 lxxxiv the 1611 is lacking the word "and" because it does not translate the Greek word και. lxxxvi The present KJV includes "and" in these passages as it follows the Greek in a more exacting way. Also, this same kind of thing is found in Jude 25 where the 1611 again does not translate the Greek word και, lxxxvi therefore there is no "both" where the present KJV has "both" in its translation of και. lxxxvii
The worst omissions found in the 1611 New Testament can be found in 2 Corinthians 11:32; 2 Timothy 4:13; and 1 John 5:12. In 2 Corinthians 11:32 the 1611 does not translate the Greek word δαμασκηνων, lxxxviii thus leaving out the phrase "of the Damascenes," whereas the present KJV follows the Greek and includes these words. In 2 Timothy 4:13 the 1611 does not translate the Greek words και τα βιβλια, lxxxix thus leaving out the phrase, "and the books," whereas the present KJV follows the Greek and translates these words. And, finally, in 1 John 5:12 the 1611 does not translate tou qeou, xc thus leaving out the phrase "of God," whereas the present KJV follows the Greek and includes these words.
In light of the above, the KJV advocates, if they are to be consistent, ought to reject either their own KJV Bibles or the 1611.
III. Manuscripts and Translations
A main part of this controversy involves "textual criticism" which is an effort in establishing a proper view of discerning between variant readings among the many Greek manuscripts xci that are available. There are three main camps in this field, and it is in no way an exacting science. The three main camps are the Critical Text approach, xcii the Received Text xciii approach, which KJV advocates acclaim, and the Majority Text approach. xciv
The Critical Text approach places much weight on two main manuscripts that they espouse to be supposedly "older," and there are several differently reasoned out arguments for picking any particular passage or reading in any particular situation. Most modern English translations xcv follow the Critical Text approach. xcvi The Received Text approach places authority on the Greek text from which the KJV xcvii was translated, and at least in part, it is argued that time itself bears witness that this is the text to follow; because it was used by so many for so long. xcviii The Majority Text approach simply places authority on the text that has the most Greek manuscripts that read exactly the same for that particular passage.
Deuteronomy 4:2; 12:32; Proverbs 30:5-6; and Revelation 22:18-19 all strongly imply that someone could add to or take away from God's word. Yet, at the same time, the Lord maintains that He will xcix preserve His Word. c Christ goes so far as to say,
Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all is fulfilled. ci
There may be questions in the mind of man regarding a particular passage whether or not a word, phrase, or verse should be regarded as Scripture, cii but the truth of the matter is, this does not change the fact that God has preserved His Word. It is man's responsibility to fear God ciii and attempt to discern what is correct.
KJV advocates maintain they have this all figured out, because they set the KJV up as the standard. Therefore, the Greek manuscripts that the KJV followed civ and the subsequent translation thereof, sets an exacting standard down to the very last word. This kind of thing would be nice if Scripture itself bore out such a standard, but the truth is, it does not.
IV. Scripture's Standard?
Based on the texts we have today, there is testimony to a "not-so-exacting" standard when it comes to either following the original language, or "exactness" in translation. For example, in the Greek Luke 3:36 has "of Cainan" cv which is not found in the Hebrew text cvi regarding the same genealogy, but it is in the Greek OT text. cvii
Similiarly, Luke records Jesus reading a passage out of Isaiah that does not exactly follow what we find in the Hebrew text.
The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord. cviii
Now, compare this with the Old Testament passage in Isaiah.
The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, cix
As can be seen, the wording is not the same. Luke adds "recovering of sight to the blind." This phrase is not in the Hebrew, but it is in the Greek translation of the Old Testament. cx Yet, this passage in Luke does not agree totally with the Greek cvii either. The phrase "to set at liberty them that are bruised" does not exist in the LXX. Moreover, instead of the phrase "to set at liberty them that are bruised," the Hebrew has, "the opening of the prison to them that are bound." The wording is not the same! So, Luke 4:18-19 follows neither the Hebrew nor the Greek in any kind of an exacting way.
If you believe the Word of God, you know that "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God," cxi and therefore, what Luke recorded was accurate and correct. Yet, both the Hebrew and Greek texts differ from what Luke records. In fact, Luke does not have "God" at the beginning of the passage, and adds an entire phrase that is not even found in the Hebrew, but is in the Greek. So, we have differences in the two passages. Yet, despite these differences, the words in Isaiah and in Luke are all the inerrant Words of God. This may blow the brain circuits of some, but nonetheless, this is what is found in holy writ.
Another example of variance can be found in Luke 3:4-6.
As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, the voice of one crying in the wilderness, prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be brought low; and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God. xvii
Now compare this with the passage in Isaiah. cxii
The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain: And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: cxiii
As can be seen, the wording is not the same. Luke follows the Septuagint closer than the Hebrew with "make his paths straight," cxiv as opposed to "make straight in the desert a highway for our God," cxv and with "valley shall be filled" (LXX), as opposed to "valley shall be exalted." cxv Luke also has "all flesh shall see the salvation of God" which is consistent with the Greek, cvii whereas the Hebrew reads, "all flesh shall see it together." Yet, when the LXX is compared with the Greek in Luke, it can be seen that Luke 3:4-6 does not follow the LXX exactly either. So, Luke again, concurs with neither the Hebrew or the Greek cvii in every word. And, unlike Luke 4:18-19 where Luke adds a phrase that is in the LXX but not in the Hebrew, here Luke completely leaves out "the glory of the Lord shall be revealed" which is found in both the Greek and Hebrew! As can be seen, there is no exacting standard in quoting the Old Testament!
Another example can be found in Acts 8:32-33.
The place of the scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before his shearer, so opened he not his mouth: In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. xvii
Compare this with the passage in Isaiah. cxvi
he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment: and who shall declare his generation? for he was cut off out of the land of the living: cxvii
Note Acts records, "In his humiliation his judgment was taken away," whereas we have recorded in Isaiah, "He was taken from prison and from judgment." In this phrase, Acts follows the LXX and not the Hebrew. In fact, the wording in Acts is very nearly identical with the LXX. Yet, even in this, Acts does not follow the LXX word for word. Acts adds two to four Greek words cxviii that are non-existent in the LXX. cxix Therefore, as we saw in Luke, Acts 8:32-33 is not completely consistent cxx with either the Hebrew or the Greek. cvii
Finally, the above three examples cxxi are only three of many other examples in which variation can be found when comparing New Testament quotations of the Old Testament. The above three are the clearest examples, because in these passages, the book is identified, and it is clearly referring to a specific written passage.
Other examples could be given, but they may not be so specifically and clearly identifiable cxxii with a particular passage. Typically, with a small amount of research cxxiii the Old Testament passage can be found. And, when it is, it very often does not follow the Old Testament passage word for word. This could be due to the same reason the above three examples manifest variations. cxxiv Or, it could be because the New Testament author simply chose not to quote the entire passage. Or, it could be that the quote is not meant to be a word for word exact quote. Or, it could be because the New Testament author is quoting something verbally spoken, similar to what is written, but nonetheless spoken, cxxv therefore, the wording may not be exactly the same.
In fact, the New Testament does quote "Old Testament" statements of which we have no written record. cxxvi Nevertheless, for whatever reason, the New Testament provides many statements that do not match verbatim Old Testament passages. cxxvii This is not to say that the New Testament does not also exemplify a word for word quotation. It does. cxxviii But, much of the time, the wording is not identical to what is found in the Hebrew Old Testament.
V. Conclusion
As the above illustrates, based on the texts we have, Scripture itself is not so exacting when it comes to quoting, or perhaps translating, Scripture. Even when it comes to having the same wording that exists in either the Hebrew or the LXX, cxxix even in this, there is a lack of word for word sameness. The kind of stringent exactness that KJV advocates place upon other translations, and the standard of one translation above all, is a standard unparalleled in the Word of God.
So, how is this variance properly understood? First of all, anyone familiar with linguistics, or who knows more than one language, should understand that translation cxxx is not an exacting science. Secondly, if and when there is a question, it is our responsibility to cry out for wisdom and understanding cxxxi that we might discern and find the answer to the question at hand. In specific, the Lord does not give an answer to this present dilemma. So, does this mean we have no stronghold? No, "In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence." cxxxii We can stand on the solid Rock cxxxiii of the Word of God that we do know.
When it comes to variant manuscripts, for the large majority of the Scriptures, there is no variant reading whatsoever in the original languages. cxxxiv Thus, most of the time, no question arises. If and when there is a question at hand, it can be studied out cxxxv and usually be safely discerned. When it comes to a particular translation, the safest approach cxxxvi is to find a translation that follows a more word for word literal bent toward translating cxxxvii as opposed to a concept to concept translation approach. cxxxviii A more literal approach keeps the interpretation of the translators down to a minimum. Usually, the preface of a particular version reveals the translation theory behind it.
In conclusion, the above may be quite difficult for some to accept, because, like Scripture, it does not set in cement a solid standard in dealing with this issue. Indeed, God has preserved His Word. But, what that means to some, is not what God means in His truth. Certainly, there may be some ambiguity regarding variant manuscripts, and even some ambiguity regarding some particular translation, but the bottom line to this whole issue is found in Psalm 119:89. "For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven." xvii Down here, "we know in part." cxxxix
Email Exchange:
- From: blandreneau1@charter.net
Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2014 9:47 AM
To: feedback@atruechurch.info
Subject: Nice site.. only one thing bothered me...
http://www.sound-doctrine.net/KJB-Vs-NKJB.html
You sure put in a lot of time and work on your site.. you must have great compassion for Souls.. may the Lord bless His work...
Y. Landreneau - From: Darwin Fish
Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2014 12:55 PM
To: blandreneau1@charter.net
Subject: Re: Nice site.. only one thing bothered me...
Thank you for the email.
I looked at the web page you gave. Could I ask you a few questions regarding it?
How do you know “whales” (KJV) is the proper translation in Genesis 1:21, since the KJV translates this same Hebrew word elsewhere as “serpent/s” (Exodus 7:9-10, 12) and “dragon/s” (Deuteronomy 32:33; Psalm 74:13; 91:13; 148:7; Isaiah 27:1; 51:9; Jeremiah 51:34; Ezekiel 29:3)?
The web page claims the NKJV has “major blasphemy!” because it says, “you will be like God knowing good and evil”. Doesn’t God know good and evil (Romans 11:36)? The web page claims this statement equals “God (with a big G) is not evil!” How does “God knowing good and evil” = “God is evil”?
Regarding Genesis 22:8 the NKJV is actually more accurate than the KJV. The Hebrew more literally reads,
God will provide for Himself the lamb . . . .
Why would you think the KJV is to be preferred here, when it is not as accurate as the NKJV in this verse?
Regarding Daniel 3:25, the KJV has “God”. The NKJV has in a footnote “gods”. Yet, the Aramaic word here is indeed in the plural, and the KJV translates it as “gods” everywhere else in Daniel (see Daniel 2:11, 47; 3:12, 14, 18; 4:8-9, 18; 5:4, 11, 14, 23). Daniel 3:25 is the only place the KJV translates this plural noun as a singular noun. Why then do you think it is wrong to translate this plural noun as a plural noun in Daniel 3:25?
The web page faults the NKJV for translating a Hebrew word “worthless” in Zechariah 11:17, but the KJV translates this Hebrew word as “of no value” in Job 13:4. Is the KJV to be faulted for translating it this way in Job 13:4 as well? If not, what justifies the condemnation of the NKJV in Zechariah 11:17, but no condemnation for the KJV in Job 13:4 for doing the same thing (in meaning and principle)?
The web page faults the NKJV for translating a Greek word “inquired” in Matthew 2:4, but the KJV translates this Greek word as “enquired” in John 4:52, “enquire” in Acts 23:20 and “asked” in Luke 15:26; 18:36; Acts 4:7; 10:18; 23:19. Why is the NKJV condemned for doing what the KJV does (just in different verses)?
The web page faults the NKJV for translating a past tense verb (aorist indicative verb, Matthew 18:11) in the present perfect (“has come”) as opposed to the KJV’s present tense (“is come”). It is actually in the Greek, “came” (past tense). By what standard is the NKJV faulted here and the KJV exalted, since neither are totally accurate?
The web page faults the NKJV in John 1:3 for translating the Greek preposition δι᾽ (di) as “through” instead of “by” (KJV). Yet, the KJV translates this same exact Greek word as “through” just a few verses later in John 1:7 and even with the same exact concept as in John 1:3 in John 1:10. John 1:3 (KJV) says, “All things were made by Him”. John 1:10 (KJV) says, “the world was made through Him”. Don’t you think this is a bit hypocritical to condemn the NKJV for doing the exact same thing the KJV does?
The web page faults the NKJV in John 4:24 for not having the indefinite article “a”. There is no indefinite article (“a”) in John 4:24 in the Greek nor in the entire Greek New Testament. So, how can the NKJV be faulted for not putting something there that is not there?
I could ask more questions, but I will leave it to that for now. Since you wrote, could you please address these things? - From: blandreneau1@charter.net
Sent: Saturday, August 9, 2014 1:27 PM
To: Darwin Fish
Subject: Re: Nice site.. only one thing bothered me...
but ... it is all academic.. some are statements and not questions.. and they all are mute when it comes down to..
It's a matter of trusting in the Lord... plain and simple...
Do you believe the Lord God is sovereign and all powerful and knew what He was doing when He gave those men the job of printing His word?
Do you believe that the Lord God did it correctly the first time or needed help in correcting it later..
Do you believe that He preserved and protected it?..
It's either all true the first time.. or not true at all
or we can all start making changes where we want.. Did you know that the other versions are copyrighted.. and that every new version has to be 30% different than the others by law.. so it's changed to meet legal requirements.. - From: Darwin Fish
Sent: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 8:02 AM
To: blandreneau1@charter.net
Subject: Re: Nice site.. only one thing bothered me...
I was really hoping that you would answer my previous questions specifically. Nevertheless, would you answer these?
It's a matter of trusting in the Lord... plain and simple...
How am I not trusting in the Lord, if I decide to read the Hebrew or Aramaic or Greek and see the KJV translation is not accurate in any particular passage?
Do you believe the Lord God is sovereign and all powerful and knew what He was doing when He gave those men the job of printing His word?
Yes, as He is likewise with any translation of His Word.
Do you believe that the Lord God did it correctly the first time
What is “the first time”? If you refer to the 1611 KJV as the “first time,” the KJV is not the first English translation. So what do you mean by “first time”?
or needed help in correcting it later
Does this question apply to the Great 1539, or Geneva 1560, or Bishops' 1568? How do you answer your question with these in mind? Isn’t this what the KJV translators did, since these other Bibles existed already?
Do you believe that He preserved and protected it?
The Bible teaches He both preserves (Psalm 12:7) and people can pervert (Proverbs 30:5-6; 2 Peter 3:16; Revelation 22:18-19). How do you know when it has been preserved and when it has been perverted?
It's either all true the first time.. or not true at all
Where is this concept found in the Bible in regards to translation (the subject at hand)? That it’s either all or none?
or we can all start making changes where we want
Changing what? Isn’t that what the KJV translators did in light of the other English translations before them? What passage in the Bible gave them the right to do so, but we can not?
Did you know that the other versions are copyrighted
Some are, some are not (e.g. Webster 1833, Young 1862, mine).
Finally, may I ask by what Biblical standard are the KJV translators and their translation (1611) exalted above the English translators and their translations before them (e.g. Great 1539, Geneva 1560, Bishops' 1568)? By what Biblical standard (Matthew 7:2?) are the KJV translators and their translation exalted above the English translators and their translations after them? By what Biblical standard are the KJV translators and their translation exalted above any individual translator and his translation at any time, in the past, now, or in the future (e.g. Wycliffe 1394, Tyndale 1531, Coverdale 1535, Matthew 1537, Webster 1833, Robert Young [YLT] 1862, Jay P. Green 1985, or you or I)?
a true church, P. O. Box 130, Moodys, OK 74444
1-800-HOW-TRUE; www.atruechurch.info
- an Overview ^
- Exodus 22:28, 1611 KJV
In the Hebrew text this is found in Exodus 22:27, and for "Thou shalt not revile the Gods" (1611 KJV, Exodus 22:28) it reads, אֱלהִים לא תְקַלֵּל ('elohiym lo' teqallâl). For more on the true Gods, see He Is Holy Gods.
Also, elsewhere the 1611 translates lower case "gods," e.g. in Genesis 31:30, 32; 35:2, 4; Exodus 12:12; etc., but in Exodus 22:28 they translate "Gods" with a capital "G," as they do also in Genesis 3:5; 1 Samuel 4:8 [current KJV also]; Daniel 4:8-9, 18; which all refer to the true Gods.
1611 also has "God" [capital "G"] for a god other than the true God. This can be found in Deuteronomy 3:24 [current KJV also]; 32:12; Psalm 81:9 [2x]; Isaiah 44:10, 15, 17 [2x]; Daniel 4:8 [compare to Daniel 1:2]; 11:38 ["a God whome his fathers knew not"]; Habakkuk 1:11; Malachi 2:11; Acts 7:43; 2 Corinthians 4:4 ["God of this world"]; Philippians 3:19 [current KJV also].) ^
- 1611 ^
- e.g. Great 1539, Geneva 1560, Bishops' 1568 ^
- Matthew 7:2 ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
- e.g. Wycliffe 1394, Tyndale 1531, Coverdale 1535, Matthew 1537, Webster 1833, Robert Young [YLT] 1862, Jay P. Green 1985, or you or I ^
- copyright 1992 ^ ^
- on pages 284-307 ^
- including a "suggested gift" for each title ^
- 1 Timothy 6:4 KJV; NKJV "obsessed with disputes and arguments over words" ^
- Bible Baptist Bookstore, P. O. Box 7135, Pensacola, FL 32514, ph. # 904-477-8812 ^
- copyright 1983, revised 1987 ^
- p. 15, italics and capitals in the original ^
- which is a lie ^
- Hebrews 4:12-13 ^
- Colossians 2:8 ^
- KJV ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
- e.g. Terry Watkins, New King James Counterfeit, tract ^
- found on many, not all, NKJV Bibles ^
- Matthew 7:1-2 ^
- which is demonic, 1 Timothy 4:1-3; Colossians 2:8 ^
- 28 pages from the page with "To The Most High and Mightie Prince, Iames . . ." ^
- a Catholic/pagan "Holy day" ^
- Roman god of love ^
- with its Apocryphal writings ^
- e.g. "pisseth against the wall" 1 Samuel 25:22, 34; 1 Kings 14:10; 16:11; 21:21; 2 Kings 9:8; "eat their own dung and drink their own piss" 2 Kings 18:27; Isaiah 36:12; "effeminate" 1 Corinthians 6:9 ^
- "a" ^
- following the Greek in a more exacting way ^
- Luke 20:16; Romans 3:4, 6, 31; 6:2, 15; 7:7, 13: 9:14; 11:1, 11; 1 Corinthians 6:15; Galatians 2:17; 3:21; 6:14 ^
- KJV likewise adds "God" in the phrase "God save the king" in 1 Samuel 10:24; 2 Samuel 16:16; and "God save king Adonijah" in 1 Kings 1:25. The word for God is not there. What is there is הַמֶּלֶךְ יְחִי (yechiy hamelekh), more literally, "May the king live." ^
- μὴ ^
- γένοιτο ^
- in this context ^
- The NASV translates this, "May it never be!" ^
- ἐλπίδος ^
- ἱεροσύλους (ierosulous) is a compound word. The first part = "temple" (KJV) as in Acts 3:8, ἱερόν. (ieron) The second part = "robbers" as in 2 Corinthians 11:8 where the verb form is found in which Paul wrote, "I robbed," (KJV) ἐσύλησα. (esulêsa) ^
- לִשְׁלֹשֶׁת יָמִים ^
- e.g. Luke 1:35/11:13; Ephesians 4:30/Hebrews 3:7 ^
- Dial-The-Truth Ministries, 5990 Willow Ridge Road, Pinson, AL 35126, ph. # 205-680-9206 ^
- www.av1611.org; and in tract form ^
- and other translations ^
- emphasis in original ^
- spoudason ^
- "Be diligent" ^
- dunamin ^
- e.g. Luke 5:17; 24:49; Acts 4:7 ^
- and NIV, NASV, RSV, NRSV ^ ^
- thronos ^
- e.g. Matthew 19:28; Luke 22:30; Colossians 1:16; Revelation 1:4; 3:21; 4:2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10; 20:4; etc. ^
- and NIV, NASV, NRSV, RSV ^
- speaking of Christ ^
- pais ^
- gnôsis ^
- e.g. Colossians 2:3; 1 Peter 3:7; 2 Peter 1:5, 6; 3:18 ^
- The Bible For Today, 900 Park Ave., Collingswood, NJ 08108; ph. # 609-854-4452 ^
- bold in original ^ ^
- i.e. it is a lie ^
- see Ezekiel 31:15 NKJV "hell"; KJV "grave" ^
- bold in original, FN = footnote ^
- 1 Timothy 6:5 KJV; NKJV "useless wrangling" ^
- "serious theological perversion" and "another gospel" ^
- without saying "on Me" ^
- Mark 16:16 KJV ^
- pasca ^ ^
- e.g. Matthew 26:2; John 2:13; Hebrews 11:28; etc. ^
- and not "Passover" ^
- Ecclesiastes 1:11 ^
- e.g. www.av1611.org/kjv/easter.html ^
- Scripture ^
- see also, Exodus 23:15; 34:18; Leviticus 23:5-6; Numbers 28:16-17; 2 Chronicles 30:21; 35:17; Ezra 6:22; Matthew 26:17; Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7; 1 Corinthians 5:7-8 ^
- the Jewish historian ^
- The Works of Josephus, The Antiquities of the Jews, book 14, chapter 2, section 1 ^
- The Works of Josephus, The Antiquities of the Jews, book 17, chapter 9, section 3 ^
- the Received Text and other Texts ^
- "the" ^
- e.g. Ruckman ^
- Received Text and other Texts ^
- edrame ^
- kai eipen ^
- doma ^
- Matthew 10:27; 24:17; Mark 13:15; Luke 5:19; 12:3; 17:31 ^
- printed as verse 5 ^
- epeita ^
- twice ^ ^
- Received Text ^
- kai ^ ^ ^
- kai. Depending on the context, the Greek word και (kai) can be translated as "also," "and," or "both." ^
- damaskênôn ^
- kai ta biblia ^
- tou theou ^
- New Testament books and passages ^
- Westcott and Hort ^
- Textus Receptus ^
- Hodges and Farstad ^
- e.g. NIV, NASV, RSV, NRSV ^
- at least, in general ^
- and NKJV ^
- about 400 years ^
- and does ^
- Deuteronomy 29:29; Psalm 12:6-7; Isaiah 30:8-9; Matthew 24:35; Luke 21:33 ^
- Matthew 5:18 KJV ^
- when considering the different manuscripts available ^
- Proverbs 2:1-12; 9:10; Job 28:28 ^
- The Received Text
The KJV does not actually follow the Received Text in Luke 23:34 on the word "lots." It follows the Critical Text. The Received Text has the singular "lot" (κληρον [klêron]). The Critical Text has the plural "lots" (κληρους [klêrous]). The KJV translates "lots."
The KJV and NKJV do not follow the Received Text in 2 Peter 1:1. They both leave out an "our." The KJV reads, "righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ." The NKJV reads, "righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ." The Received Text reads, "righteousness of our God and our Savior Jesus Christ" (δικαιοσύνῃ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν καὶ σωτῆρος ἡμῶν Ἰησοῦ Χριστου). The Critical and Majority Texts read, "righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ" (δικαιοσύνῃ τοῦ θεοῦ ἡμῶν καὶ σωτῆρος Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ). Notice, the KJV doesn't actually follow any of the three Greek texts. The NKJV follows the Critical and Majority.
Likewise, neither the KJV nor the NKJV follow the Received Text in Luke 24:19. Both translate "of Nazareth" which is what the Critical Text reads, τοῦ Ναζαρηνοῦ (tou Nazarênou). The Received Text reads, "the Nazarene," τοῦ Ναζωραίου (tou Nazôraiou).
Likewise, the NKJV does not follow the Received Text in 2 John 7. The NKJV reads, "have gone out," which follows the Critical Text εξηλθον (exêlthon), more literally, "went out." The Received Text has εισηλθον (eisêlthon) "came into" (KJV "are entered into").
Likewise, neither the KJV nor NKJV follow the Received Text in Revelation 1:4. The received reads, "καὶ ἀπὸ τῶν ἑπτὰ πνευμάτων, ἃ ἐστιν ἐνώπιον τοῦ θρόνου αὐτοῦ" that is, "from the seven Spirits who is before His throne." The Received Text has "ἐστιν" which is the singular "is," whereas the Critical and Majority Texts do not have "ἐστιν" nor any verb. The KJV; NKJV, NAS; etc. have the plural "are." ^
- τοῦ Καϊνάν ^
- Genesis 11:12 ^
- LXX ^ ^ ^ ^ ^
- Luke 4:18-19 KJV ^
- Isaiah 61:1-2a KJV ^
- called the Septuagint, abbreviated LXX ^
- 2 Timothy 3:16 KJV ^
- Esaias, KJV ^
- Isaiah 40:3-5 KJV ^
- "make straight the paths of our God" LXX ^
- the Hebrew ^ ^
- which has been translated from the Hebrew text ^
- Isaiah 53:7-8 KJV ^
- depending on the Greek manuscript ^
- αυτον [auton], αυτου [autou] 2x, and δε [de], all four are in the Majority and Received Texts ^
- i.e. word for word ^
- Luke 4:18-19, Luke 3:4-6, and Acts 8:32-33 ^
- in the text itself ^
- perhaps simply a cross reference ^
- a reason God knows, and we do not ^
- not written ^
- e.g. Matthew 2:23; Matthew 27:9-10 ^
- e.g. Matthew 2:6/Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:18/Jeremiah 31:15; Matthew 3:3/Isaiah 40:3; Matthew 4:4/Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 12:18/Isaiah 42:1-4; Matthew 13:14-15/Isaiah 6:9-10; Matthew 13:35/Psalm 78:2; Matthew 15:8-9/Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 21:5/Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 26:31/Zechariah 13:7; Romans 9:27-28/Isaiah 10:22-23; Romans 9:29/Isaiah 1:9; Romans 11:9-10/Psalm 69:22-23; 1 Corinthians 14:21/Isaiah 28:11-12; etc. ^
- e.g. Matthew 2:15/Hosea 11:1; Matthew 27:35/Psalm 22:18; Matthew 27:46 and Mark 15:34/Psalm 22:1; Hebrews 1:5/Psalm 2:7; etc. ^
- the Greek translation of the Old Testament ^
- going from one language to another ^
- Proverbs 2:1-7; James 1:5 ^
- Proverbs 14:26 KJV; 18:10 ^
- Matthew 7:24-25; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Peter 2:8; Psalm 18:2; 28:1; 62:2; 71:3; 92:15 ^
- Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek ^
- Proverbs 2, even if you do not know the original languages ^
- that we have seen ^
- like the KJV, NKJV, NASV ^
- like the NIV or NLT ^
- 1 Corinthians 13:9 ^
[...] The KJV is a suitable translation, but it is not perfect. [...]
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