The King James Bible: A History of Translation and Interpretation...

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, first published in 1611, remains one of the most influential and widely read translations of the Christian scriptures. It is revered for its majestic language and deep impact on Christian worship, but it has also been the subject of considerable scholarly scrutiny. Questions surrounding the accuracy of its translation, the motivations behind its choices, and its impact on Christian theology continue to stir debate. Some of these concerns are theological, others linguistic, and still others are tied to historical context. In this article, we will explore some of the more prominent issues related to the KJV’s translation choices, focusing on the potential errors, intentional additions, and the broader implications of those decisions.

The Translation of "Baptism" and the Question of Immersion

One of the earliest and most discussed translation issues in the KJV relates to the word "baptism." The Greek verb used in the New Testament for baptism, baptizo, literally means "to immerse" or "to dip." It carries a clear connotation of submerging something in water. However, during the time the KJV translators worked, Christian denominations were embroiled in a theological dispute regarding the proper method of baptism. The Anglican Church, for example, practiced infant baptism by sprinkling or pouring water on the infant's head, while Baptists advocated for the full immersion of believers in water.

To avoid inflaming this dispute, the KJV translators opted not to translate the word baptizo as "immerse," but instead transliterated it into English as "baptism." This decision effectively obscured the original meaning of the word and allowed for a broader, more flexible interpretation of the practice, depending on one’s theological perspective. The linguistic choice reflected a desire to maintain ecclesiastical harmony, but it also diluted the clarity of the original text.

This decision has had long-lasting implications. In modern discussions of baptism, many people continue to use the term "baptism" without fully understanding its meaning in the original Greek context. This example raises important questions about how translation choices can shape theological practices and interpretations.

The Comma Johanneum and the Trinity Debate

Another notable issue with the KJV’s translation involves the so-called "Comma Johanneum," a phrase that appears in 1 John 5:7-8 and is often cited as a key proof text for the doctrine of the Trinity. The KJV renders this passage as:

"For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one."

However, this phrase does not appear in any of the earliest Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. The passage was likely added later, probably during the 4th or 5th century, when debates about the nature of the Trinity were becoming more heated. Early Greek texts, including the manuscripts used by Erasmus in his edition of the New Testament, do not contain the Comma Johanneum. Erasmus famously omitted it from his first editions of the Greek New Testament because he could find no Greek manuscript containing the phrase.

The controversy over the Comma Johanneum escalated when a Latin manuscript was brought to Erasmus that included the phrase, and under pressure from religious authorities, Erasmus reluctantly added it back into his later editions. The KJV translators relied heavily on Erasmus’s edition of the Textus Receptus, which contained the Comma Johanneum, and thus it was included in the final translation of the KJV. This interpolation raises significant questions about the integrity of the text and how theological debates influenced the development of biblical translations.

Theological Bias in Translation Choices

Beyond specific phrases, translation choices throughout the KJV reflect the theological concerns and biases of the translators. One of the most glaring examples of this is found in the translation of Romans 8:5, where the Greek word sarx (meaning "flesh") is rendered in the KJV as "sinful nature." The term "sinful nature" reflects a theological interpretation that emphasizes the inherent corruption of humanity and the need for redemption, rather than offering a neutral translation of sarx as simply "flesh."

This translation choice mirrors the doctrinal concerns of certain Protestant denominations, particularly those that emphasized the depravity of human nature. The decision to translate sarx as "sinful nature" reinforces a particular theological view and is an example of how translation can shape religious understanding. Modern translations, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), aim to be more neutral, translating sarx simply as "flesh," while leaving room for readers to interpret the passage in light of the broader theological context.

Isaiah 7:14 and the Virgin Birth Controversy

Another area where translation choices have led to significant theological debate is the rendering of Isaiah 7:14. The Hebrew text of this verse reads:

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. The young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel."

The KJV, however, translates this verse as:

"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."

The key difference between the two translations lies in the Hebrew word almah, which is rendered as "young woman" or "maiden" in many modern translations, but as "virgin" in the KJV. The term almah does not strictly mean "virgin," though it may imply a young woman who has not yet been married. The Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, the Septuagint, used the word parthenos, which means "virgin," and it is from this translation that the Christian tradition of interpreting Isaiah 7:14 as a prophecy of the virgin birth of Jesus arises.

By translating almah as "virgin," the KJV further solidified this theological interpretation, which had profound implications for Christian doctrine, particularly the belief in the miraculous nature of Jesus' birth. Critics of this translation argue that the KJV translators may have been influenced by their Christian theological commitments, while others maintain that the term "virgin" captures the significance of the prophecy as understood within the broader Christian tradition.

The Influence of the KJV on Christian Doctrine

The King James Version of the Bible is more than just a translation of ancient texts; it is a cultural artifact that has shaped Christian theology and practice for centuries. The translation choices made by the KJV translators have had a profound impact on Christian worship, theology, and the way the Bible is read. As a result, some of the theological positions enshrined in the KJV, such as the doctrine of the Trinity, the virgin birth, and the concept of original sin, have become deeply ingrained in Christian orthodoxy.

However, the KJV’s translation choices have also contributed to theological controversies. For example, the omission of certain passages in earlier manuscripts, the introduction of phrases not found in the original texts, and the preference for certain doctrinal interpretations over others have sparked debates about the accuracy and faithfulness of the translation. Some modern translations, like the NRSV, seek to address these issues by relying on the most recent textual scholarship and providing more transparent footnotes to inform readers about textual variants.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Translation, Interpretation, and Debate

The King James Version of the Bible has left an indelible mark on Christian faith and culture. While its literary beauty and theological influence cannot be overstated, the translation choices it reflects reveal the complexities and challenges inherent in rendering ancient texts into a modern language. The KJV is both a product of its time and a foundational text for millions of Christians worldwide. Understanding its translation choices, and the theological and historical context in which they were made, is crucial for anyone seeking to engage deeply with the Bible and its meaning. As new translations continue to emerge, the legacy of the KJV remains a powerful reminder of the ways in which translation shapes our understanding of scripture and doctrine.

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