When it comes to Bible translations, I’ve been an ESV (English Standard) guy for quite some time. Though I’ve dipped into the NLT, the NIV, and the NASB, and I’ve heard good reports about the CSB, I settled with the ESV.
I admit, much of that had to do with convenience—my church uses it. And overall, I found it reliable and suitable for my needs. (There will always be translation choices to nitpick.) It just made sense. I never expected that I would set aside my ESV for a season. Least of all so that I could pick up the KJV.
But that’s exactly what I’ve done. Out of all of the English Bible translations available (and praise God for the abundance of translations accessible to us in the English language), the KJV was least desirable in my eyes. I had a bad case of what C. S. Lewis called, “Chronological snobbery.” But, as I am reminded yet again, newer does not necessarily mean better.
I’ve heard several arguments for the use of the KJV over the years, but none of them really won me over. For the most part, I still shrug at them.
But something did win me over, and it was just one verse. That verse is at the beginning of Revelation, and it is part of the passage that presents Christ in shining glory as He stands among the seven churches:
Revelation 1:13:
I admit, much of that had to do with convenience—my church uses it. And overall, I found it reliable and suitable for my needs. (There will always be translation choices to nitpick.) It just made sense. I never expected that I would set aside my ESV for a season. Least of all so that I could pick up the KJV.
But that’s exactly what I’ve done. Out of all of the English Bible translations available (and praise God for the abundance of translations accessible to us in the English language), the KJV was least desirable in my eyes. I had a bad case of what C. S. Lewis called, “Chronological snobbery.” But, as I am reminded yet again, newer does not necessarily mean better.
I’ve heard several arguments for the use of the KJV over the years, but none of them really won me over. For the most part, I still shrug at them.
But something did win me over, and it was just one verse. That verse is at the beginning of Revelation, and it is part of the passage that presents Christ in shining glory as He stands among the seven churches:
Revelation 1:13:
And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle.
As a lover of the English language, I could no longer resist. Those last 8 words convinced me. I needed to read the Bible in its entirety in the KJV. It’s established. It’s regal. It’s excellent. It’s as familiar as an old oak and as fresh as the stream that flows beneath.
I set out on my quest several days ago. I’m only in Genesis, but I am determined to make it from the front cover to the back. I feel like Bilbo Baggins as he started his unexpected journey. In one sense, I have some idea of what to expect. In another, I have no idea at all.
Already, I’m making observations I haven’t made before. Whether this is due to the KJV itself, a result of switching translations, or both, I am not yet sure. Regardless, I’m better for it. I have much wide-eyed wonder in the Word again.
Yea, I’m picking up those King James vibes.
Do you have any favorite verses or passages from the KJV?
