By: Kenneth Stepp
I have been studying the creation of the KJB for about 6 weeks. Scholarly studies, by the top names in textual criticism, bible history, and seminary professors.
One major problem with the thought that the KJB is the "only" real bible, inspired by God, is that it has been revised and changed so many times. So, the big question would be, what version of the KJB was inspired by God? There are so many.
Created in 1607 by a 47 man "task force". The KJB was the most beautifully written book in the western world. But what most people do not understand is that 92% of it was taken directly from Tyndale's version. It wasn't that long before it that the church fathers burned Mr Tyndale at the stake for writing it. Then they stole most of it for their bible. I wonder if they apologized to his family?
It was revised in 1613, with 413 changes, again in 1759, 1853, and in 1982, the NKJB was published. Each time with significant changes. All could not be inspired by God. Because they say different things. At times even hiding what was said on purpose. If they believed it to be inspired by God, why would they believe they had better ideas? Many versions were nicknamed for their mistakes.
The Unrighteous Bible. 1653, where in 1st Corinthians 6:9 it proclaims the unrighteous shall inherit the earth.
The Sin On Bible, 1760, where Jesus tells the woman caught in adultery, to, go and sin on more.
The Vinegar Bible, 1770, where instead of the parable of the vineyard, it says vinegar.
The Lions Bible, 1804, where speaking of King David it states, The son will come out of your lions.
The Wicked Bible. 1631, where in the 7th commandment "thou shall commit adultery.
These are obviously simply mistakes, humans being humans. I put them in here to show that there is always human error. Even in the bible. No way around it.
But, the most important reason the KJB is the worst study bible to know what the authors were saying is that there was only 8 manuscripts available in that time to base what the authors were saying on. And in comparison to the almost 5800 manuscripts we have today, they were the worst manuscripts of the lot. The other bibles, for example, the New Revised Standard Bible, is updated when more manuscripts are found. They are being found every year.
Why are there a few people that believe the KJB is the only "real" bible? I will list some.
1. A mentor told them this
2. The flowery writing sounds more authoritative
3. Because it is written in a confusing dialect, they can't understand it
4. Their particular type of church warns them against using critical thinking
5. If they even think differently about it, they are outraged a person would question it's authority and an inspired work
Whatever the reason. Biblical Scholars have long known two things. It is a beautiful compilation of books. And it is historically and factually full of flaws. Hoping someone learns something from what I write. God bless.
k@kstepp.com
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Kenneth Stepp
