The King James Version of the Bible

Description

About The King James Bible

The King James Version (KJV), first published in 1611, is the most influential English translation of the Bible and one of the most important books in the English language. Commissioned by King James I of England, it has shaped English literature, language, and culture for over four centuries.

Historical Context

In 1604, King James I convened the Hampton Court Conference to address Puritan concerns about existing Bible translations. Though intended as a compromise, the result was a masterpiece. Forty-seven scholars divided into six committees worked for seven years to produce a translation that balanced accuracy with literary beauty.

Structure

• Old Testament: 39 books from Genesis through Malachi, covering creation, law, history, poetry, and prophecy
• New Testament: 27 books from Matthew through Revelation, including the Gospels, Acts, Epistles, and Apocalypse
• Apocrypha: Originally included, later editions often omit these deuterocanonical books

Literary Influence

The King James Bible’s influence on English literature is immeasurable. Phrases like “the skin of my teeth,” “a drop in the bucket,” “the salt of the earth,” and “the writing on the wall” entered everyday speech through this translation. Writers from Shakespeare’s contemporaries to Faulkner and Steinbeck drew deeply from its well.

Key Features

• Majestic Language: The translators achieved a grandeur that still resonates
• Rhythmic Prose: Designed to be read aloud, with attention to cadence and sound
• Theological Precision: Careful attention to the original Hebrew and Greek texts

Enduring Legacy

Despite newer translations, the KJV remains beloved for its literary magnificence. For millions, its words are the voice of Scripture itself. As a work of English prose, it stands alongside Shakespeare as a pinnacle of the language.

This free ebook edition presents the complete King James Bible, one of humanity’s greatest literary and spiritual treasures.