What Makes the King James Version Bible Different
Around the early 1600s, a division in the Church of England caused strife and could have potentially led to war until King James I took the throne. His wisdom and insight as somewhat of a renaissance man made him believe that he could seek peace between the church and England to bring about a new era where the country could be united outside of religious division. Here are some integral points made by King James I that led to what makes the King James Version of the Bible different and why it made such an impact then and now.
The Spread of Christianity and the English Culture
The rise of King James I to power meant that there would no longer be division throughout the land. His decision to translate a newly written version of the Bible that would be readily available to Protestants and Catholics alike was unlike anything that had been seen before. His version of the Bible would reach countries worldwide and become a cornerstone of language and religion. So, with or without his knowledge, James I became one of the most influential figures in history. His version of the Bible stands the test of time as the essential masterpiece to which most people flock, even today.
Pleasing Both Parties With One Book
At the time that this translation of the Bible was written, there was major division within the Church of England, as the hierarchy of bishops was challenging and being challenged by the laypeople and the Pope. Half the church read from the Geneva Bible, which had been the standard since the Reformation, and the other half read from the Bishop’s Bible. As a result, there were both Protestant and Catholic influences within the church that often clashed. When King James I released his version, it pleased both parties, leading it to become the official version of the Church of England.
Politics Within the Church of England
Because there was such division, certain items had to be changed within the text to seek a compromise. The sole purpose behind this was to make something unique to England that was not far a cry from Protestantism or Catholicism that it would not be accepted. The result was the new version that missed the entire Apocrypha—the first prequel wisdom books of the Bible.
Amidst all the chaos and division, King James I had insight and a vision. Because he chased this vision, he was able to single-handedly bring about unity to his country and faith to the world. English became either the dominant or second language in most Bible translations, as can be seen in any Bible store online even today. These are only a few mentions of what makes the King James Version of the bible different, but they are equally important and should not be missed.