Methods of Bible Study

I hope you’ve taken the time to read part one of this three-part series. In it, we saw that the Bible declares itself, leaving (in my mind) no argument, issue, or need for any updated or modern version. However, there are those who do not wish to take God’s Word at face value. In the second article I lightly trace the path of the manuscripts from which the King James Bible and the modern versions are derived. It reveals that there are not dozens—or even hundreds—of Bibles out there, but two: the King James Bible (the King’s Path) and all the modern versions (the Scholars’ Path).

Even so, if you’re reading this article, you may still not be convinced, as I am, that the King James Bible is the only Bible for English-speaking people. In the information that follows, you will see that the claim that modern versions are “easier to read” or “simply remove the thee’s and thou’s” does not hold true. The changes and departures these versions introduce stand in direct contradiction to the King James Bible (the Received Text or Majority Text).

I should also note that across all three articles, I have only scratched the surface of these perspectives. In the first article, I did not list the hundreds of verses in which God declares His truth and His purpose for the purity of His Word to His people. In the second article, I provided only a small sample of the vast historical and manuscript evidence identifying these two major translation lines. Finally, in the information below, we’ll touch on only a fraction of the thousands of changes found in the modern versions.

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List of Verses Omitted from most Modern Versions:

Matthew 17:21: “Howbeit this kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.”
Matthew 18:11: “For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost.”
Matthew 23:14: “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye devour widows’ houses, and for a pretence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation.”
Mark 7:16: “If any man have ears to hear, let him hear.”
Mark 9:44: “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”
Mark 9:46: “Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.”
Mark 11:26: “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Mark 15:28: “And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors.”
Luke 17:36: “Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.”
John 5:4: “For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool, and troubled the water: whosoever then first after the troubling of the water stepped in was made whole of whatsoever disease he had.”
Acts 8:37: “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
Acts 15:34: “Notwithstanding it pleased Silas to abide there still.”
Acts 24:7: “But the chief captain Lysias came upon us, and with great violence took him away out of our hands,”
Acts 28:29: “And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.”
Romans 16:24: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.”
1 John 5:7: “For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and these three are one.”

Modern “Scholars” will say that these verses were omitted because they weren’t in their manuscripts so we were honest and left them out. Really? Is God the author of confusion? If the goal was to translate “the Bible” into modern English, why not just update the language from the King James Bible? If their goal was to bring together ALL the manuscript evidence and simply update the verses; why leave them out? Unless that wasn’t the goal at all? Looking at what was omitted we see verses that speak to the deity of Christ, the Trinity, the rapture, religious heretics, forgiveness, miracles… In fact when you look at it in this perspective, it makes more sense that modern religions that don’t believe in those things; promote or use those modern bibles. 

It has been told that Charles Taze Russell, the founder of the the jehovah’s witness cult grew up under the traditional preaching of the Word of God. Hearing that he could go to hell so infuriated him that he sought to have a religion and a bible that removed that teaching. It makes you think about the motives of these other “scholars” when they choose what verses gets used, added or removed from a translation. 

Words and Verses Omitted or Added in Modern Versions

The chart seen below helps to get a graphic of just how many changes there were in many of the most popular translations. Ones that are watered down even more like the street bible, the slang bible, the comic book bible… barely have enough scripture in them to be called a bible.

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Are the Modern versions easier to understand? As for the unsubstantiated assertion that the modern version are easier to understand, the Flesch-Kincaid Research Company’s Grade Level Indicator shows this to be a fallacy. Their research shows the language of the King James was actually easier to understand in 23 out of 26 comparisons. In their study they compared the first and last chapters of the first and last books of the Bible (Genesis and Revelation), one Gospel (John), one Pauline epistle(Galatians), and one General epistle (James). The result of their research can be seen on the following chart.

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2 Sides to Every Story

When my wife and I visited her hometown, we went to the church she grew up in. The pastor was preaching that day. Now, this particular church made no preference for any one Bible version. During the sermon, the pastor actually stopped mid-message because the version he had written in his notes contradicted the point he was trying to make! (If I’m lyin’, I’m dyin’.)

So, he asked the congregation—who had dozens of different versions—to read aloud from their Bibles until he found one that supported his point. That moment proved to my wife and me that this issue was about more than just finding an “easier-to-read” Bible. He wasn’t preaching the Word; he was deciding what he wanted to say and then searching for a version that fit his narrative.

Later, I asked him about the different versions, and his answer shocked me. This “man of God,” who held a Doctorate in Theology, told me there was no true Word of God—that all versions contained errors and that we needed all of them to “piece together” whatever little truth there was. I couldn’t believe it. Why would anyone build their life and faith on something they believe to be corrupt or untrue?

This also helps explain the rise of many non-denominational churches. If you don’t believe there is one God, one faith, one salvation, and one truth, then it’s easy to make a church where everyone can “believe whatever they want—just show up!”

Let me be clear: these three articles are about why I believe the King James Bible is the Word of God. Those who defend the modern versions have plenty of data to support their arguments, and I’ve listened to many of their presentations. But too often, their discussions turn into name-calling or academic showmanship, flashing Doctorate degrees as if that settles the issue.

This debate kept me from getting saved until I was in my twenties, and it was the first topic I researched on my own after salvation. That’s why I get so frustrated when people simply repeat what “so-and-so” said, or what “Dr. Doodledigger” or “Professor Smellfungus” claim, instead of laying out the Scriptures, noting the differences, praying for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and forming a personal conviction.

This indifference divides us rather than unites us. God’s desire is that His people be one in Christ, moving in the same direction. Shouldn’t that mean we’re all reading the same Bible—one that is above question and free from error?

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Resource information

The following sermons on the King James Bible issue were preached at the 400th Year Anniversary of the KJV Conference in April 2011 at the Hope Baptist Church in Toledo, Ohio.

• The Final Authority – Pastor Rick Sowell – Watch Video 
• God’s Preserved Words – Dr. Sam Gipp
• One Books Stands Alone – Dr. Doug Stauffer
• The Power of God’s Word – Dr. Mickey Carter
• King James Stuart – Dr. Sam Gipp
• Inspiration & Preservation – Dr. William Grady
• History of the King James Bible – Stephen Shutt
• Use What God Uses – Dr. Mickey Carter
• Not Getting Caught in the Wrong Battle – Pastor Rick Sowell
• Modern Day Attacks – Dr. Doug Stauffer

 

 

Two Paths: The Story Behind the Bible Versions

Choosing what Bible to read is one of the most important spiritual decisions a believer can make. Behind every English Bible lies one of two paths of manuscripts. One path was faithfully preserved by believers who viewed Scripture as holy and unchangeable. The other was critically reconstructed by scholars who compared fragments and chose what they thought the text should say. At first, it may seem like both lead to the same message—but when compared closely, the differences matter. In the pages ahead, we’ll look at how these paths formed, what makes the King James Bible unique, and why its foundation, language, and freedom from copyright continue to make it the most trusted English Bible in the world.

How the King James Bible Was Translated

One of the greatest misunderstandings about the King James Bible is that it was the work of just a few men sitting in one room, deciding what they thought God meant. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

The translation of the King James Bible began in 1604 under the direction of King James I of England and was completed in 1611. The team included about fifty of the most respected scholars and theologians of their day, drawn from the great universities of Oxford, Cambridge, and Westminster. These men were not random clergy; they were experts in Hebrew, Greek, Latin, Aramaic, and English — many fluent in several ancient languages.

The process was incredibly structured. The translators were divided into six independent committees, or “companies.” Each company was assigned a different portion of Scripture — for example, one group worked on the Pentateuch, another on the Gospels, another on the Epistles, and so on.

When a section was finished, it was passed along to another company for review — without commentary, notes, or explanation — so that no one’s personal opinion could influence the meaning. Each group examined the text afresh, judging the translation purely on accuracy and faithfulness to the original languages. In this way, every verse of the Bible was examined and re-examined multiple times by multiple independent scholars.

After these rounds of review, a final committee compared the entire Bible to ensure unity and consistency of wording and doctrine. The result was not one man’s interpretation, but the consensus of many godly scholars, each holding the text itself — not human reasoning — as the final authority.

But beyond the method, there was a mission: to make God’s Word accessible to everyone, not just church leaders or scholars. For centuries, Scripture had been locked away in Latin — a language few could read — and interpretation was left to priests and theologians. King James believed that every man and woman should be able to hear the Word of God in their own tongue. The translators shared that vision, writing that “translation it is that openeth the window to let in the light… that putteth the key in the hand, to let out the imprisoned truth.”

For the first time, a single English Bible was authorized for public reading in every church, uniting the people under one text of Scripture. It was not only a work of scholarship but a work of spiritual liberation — the Bible brought out of the study and into the hands of the people.

Unlike modern translation methods, which often rely on committees bound by publishing deadlines, denominational preferences, or profit motives, the King James translators approached their work with deep reverence and humility. They viewed themselves not as editors, but as guardians of God’s Word.

It’s no wonder the finished work has stood the test of time. When translation is done through prayer, collaboration, and a shared belief in divine preservation, the result isn’t opinion — it’s truth faithfully carried forward.

1. The Traditional Text – The King’s Path

A long time ago, most Christians used copies of the Bible made from what’s called the Traditional Text, also known as the Textus Receptus or Received Text. These copies came from thousands of handwritten manuscripts that agreed with each other very closely. They were used by early churches across Europe, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. When King James of England wanted a Bible for English-speaking people in 1611, his translators used this traditional family of manuscripts. Because it was copied and shared so much among believers, many people believe God protected this line of text through the centuries. That’s why this is often called the preserved path or the majority text—because the majority of existing manuscripts agree with it.

The King’s Charge for Accuracy

When King James I authorized the translation of what would become known as the King James Bible, he made it clear that the work was to be done with unquestionable accuracy and spiritual integrity. His goal was not to create a “new” Bible, but to refine the existing English translations into one clear, unified, and faithful to the Word of God.

In The Epistle Dedicatory, the translators praised the King’s devotion to truth and the preservation of Scripture, writing that “among all our joys, there was none that more filled our hearts than the blessed continuance of the preaching of God’s sacred Word among us.” They recognized that under his leadership, the nation was blessed with “the inestimable treasure which excelleth all the riches of the earth.”

King James’s involvement was deliberate and exacting. He required that the translation be free from bias and sectarian influence. Each passage was to be cross-checked, compared, and confirmed by multiple scholars working independently. His charge was clear: accuracy before opinion, Scripture before scholarship, and truth before tradition.

The translators themselves affirmed this spirit in “The Translators to the Reader.” They declared that their purpose was not to rewrite Scripture, but to purify and preserve it:

“We never thought from the beginning that we should need to make a new translation, nor yet to make of a bad one a good one… but to make a good one better, or out of many good ones one principal good one, not justly to be excepted against.”

That statement alone reveals their humility and reverence. They were not inventing truth — they were guarding it. They acknowledged that translation is “a sacred work,” noting that “the very meanest translation of the Bible in English containeth the Word of God, nay, is the Word of God.” Yet they also believed that through diligent comparison and prayerful labor, the text could be presented with greater purity.

To ensure this, King James established strict rules of translation. (see points at the end of this article) Among them were:

• “The ordinary Bible read in the Church, commonly called the Bishops’ Bible, to be followed, and as little altered as the Truth of the Original will permit.”
• “No marginal notes at all to be affixed, but only for the explanation of the Hebrew or Greek words.”
• “These translations to be reviewed by the Bishops and the chief learned of each Church.”

Every safeguard pointed to one central goal — that the authority of Scripture would stand above the authority of men.

The translators concluded their preface with deep humility, giving credit not to scholarship but to God Himself:

“It is not possible to have a translation so sound and so perfect, but it may be corrupted by others… Yet we desire that the same God who blessed the former work, will bless ours also, that it may be approved to His glory and to the edifying of His Church.”

Their words echo the heart of King James’s charge: truth must not be tampered with, nor shaped by human opinion. This was not about “making it easier to read,” but about preserving the unchanging Word of God in a language His people could trust.

In short, the King demanded accuracy — and the translators delivered it with prayer, precision, and profound respect for the Scriptures. Their work remains a testimony to what happens when faith and scholarship walk hand in hand under divine authority.

The Masoretic Text – The Old Testament Foundation

The Masoretic Text is the official Hebrew text of the Old Testament that the King James translators used. It was preserved by Jewish scribes called the Masoretes, who lived between about 500 and 1000 A.D. Their life’s work was to copy the Hebrew Scriptures with incredible accuracy so that not a single word of God’s message would be lost.

They followed strict rules:

• They counted every letter and word on each page.
• If one letter was wrong or missing, they threw away the entire scroll and started over.
• They added tiny marks called vowel points to help people pronounce Hebrew words correctly.

Because of their care, the Masoretic Text became the standard Hebrew Bible used in Jewish synagogues and by Christian translators alike.
When the King James Bible was created, its translators used:

• The Masoretic Text for the Old Testament (Hebrew), and
• The Textus Receptus for the New Testament (Greek).

That combination gave the King James Bible a foundation built on what many call the Preserved Texts—copies faithfully protected and passed down through generations. Even modern discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls have shown how closely the Masoretic Text matches ancient copies of Scripture, proving how carefully God’s Word was guarded.

Inspired by the Holy Ghost

But there’s something even more important than how carefully the words were copied: who gave the words in the first place. The Bible says, “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). That means the writers of Scripture didn’t just write from memory or tell stories about what they saw. They were moved by God’s Spirit—their words were God-breathed. Anyone can copy what the Bible says, or even record what they saw at an event like Jesus feeding the 5,000 or Moses parting the Red Sea, but that doesn’t make their writing inspired. It isn’t the age of the manuscript or the eyewitness that gives it power—it’s whether the Holy Ghost inspired it.

King James Bible believers hold that God not only inspired His Word when it was first spoken, but also preserved those inspired words through the faithful line of manuscripts—the same ones used in the King James Bible. So while other manuscripts might be older, the King James Bible is trusted because it follows the line of God-ordained, Spirit-guided writers and preservers.

2. The Critical Text – The Scholar’s Path

In the 1800s, two Cambridge scholars named Brooke Foss Westcott and Fenton John Anthony Hort began re-examining the ancient Greek manuscripts of the New Testament. Their goal sounded simple: to build what they believed would be a more “accurate” Greek text by comparing and editing the oldest copies they could find. Among the manuscripts they used were two Egyptian discoveries—Codex Sinaiticus (found in a monastery near Mount Sinai) and Codex Vaticanus (stored in the Vatican Library). These came from the region of Alexandria, Egypt, which is why this family of writings is often called the Alexandrian Text or Critical Text.

A Smaller, Different Family

Even though these Egyptian manuscripts were older, there were very few of them—only a handful compared to the thousands of manuscripts that agreed with the Traditional Text (also called the Textus Receptus). Worse, they often disagreed with one another, and sometimes even contradicted themselves within the same document! Entire words, sentences, and verses were missing or rearranged.

Westcott and Hort reasoned that because these manuscripts were older, they must be closer to the originals. But “older” doesn’t always mean “better.” A bad copy from the 3rd century is still a bad copy. They built a new Greek New Testament using these few Alexandrian manuscripts as their base and gave less weight to the vast majority of manuscripts that supported the Textus Receptus. It was a bold move—and it became the foundation for nearly all modern “critical” Greek texts, including the Nestle-Aland and United Bible Societies editions used by most translators today.

Modern Tools, Modern Problems

Here’s where things start to go off the rails. Modern translators don’t just use a different Greek text—they also use modern lexicons, grammar rules, and translation tools that would have made no sense to the King James translators.

The KJV translators worked from the understanding that the Bible was the final authority, not the scholars. Their tools, dictionaries, and language guides were built on a belief that Scripture interprets itself and that the Holy Spirit leads in understanding truth.

But modern translators often flip that around. Instead of letting the Bible define its own terms, they let modern scholarship decide what the Bible should say. Many modern lexicons and dictionaries are updated every few years based on the opinions of committees—men and women who don’t always agree with one another and often don’t even believe the Bible is perfect. So, if your “authority” keeps changing, your translation will too.

Think about it: if the meaning of a Greek word shifts every time a new edition of a lexicon is printed, how can anyone say they’ve produced a “more accurate” Bible? That’s like trying to hit a moving target. The King James translators worked from fixed sources with consistent meanings; today’s scholars work from flexible sources with ever-changing definitions.

The Shift in Authority

This is why the difference isn’t just about reading level or language—it’s about authority. The King James Bible stands on the belief that God preserved His words and gave them to us to trust and believe. The modern versions stand on the belief that man must reconstruct God’s words, compare them, edit them, and update them as needed.

When you start with a shifting foundation, you end up with shifting truth. That’s why, when someone points to an “error” in the King James Bible, what they’re really doing is measuring it by a different standard—one that the translators themselves never used and never accepted.

In short, it’s not that the King James Bible changed—it’s that the tools, methods, and authorities used to judge it did. And when you change your measuring stick, you’ll always find a new place to say, “That’s wrong.”

The Languages of the Bible

The Bible was not originally written in English!

• The Old Testament was mostly written in Hebrew, the language of the Jewish people.
• A few parts, like sections of Daniel and Ezra, were written in Aramaic.
• The New Testament was written in Greek, the main language of the Roman world at that time.

The Aramaic Text – The Everyday Language of the Bible Lands

Aramaic is a sister language to Hebrew. It became common during Israel’s captivity in Babylon and was widely spoken across the Middle East by the time of Jesus. While Hebrew was the language of Scripture, Aramaic was the language of the people—used in homes, marketplaces, and everyday speech.

Parts of the Old Testament were written in Aramaic:

• Ezra 4:8–6:18
• Ezra 7:12–26
• Daniel 2:4–7:28
• Jeremiah 10:11

In the New Testament, Jesus Himself sometimes spoke in Aramaic:

• “Talitha cumi” — “Little girl, arise.” (Mark 5:41)
• “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani” — “My God, My God, why hast Thou forsaken Me?” (Matthew 27:46)
• “Abba” — “Father.”

Later, ancient scholars made Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Scriptures called the Targums to help people understand God’s Word in their everyday language. However, the King James translators relied on the Hebrew Masoretic Text and Greek Textus Receptus—the manuscripts believed to have been preserved by God’s direction through holy men, not just through everyday record-keepers.

Translation and Transliteration

When the Bible was brought into English, translators had to move from these ancient languages into words we could understand. That’s where translation and transliteration come in.

Translation means changing the words from one language into another so the meaning stays the same.
Example: the Hebrew word shalom means “peace.”

Transliteration means writing the sounds of a word from one language into another alphabet, without changing its meaning.
Examples:

• The Greek word baptizo becomes “baptize.”
• The Hebrew name Yeshua becomes “Jesus.”

Both translation and transliteration were necessary when bringing the Bible into English. The translators of the King James Bible worked carefully to decide when to translate the meaning and when to transliterate the sound—so that readers could both understand and honor the sacred words of Scripture.

The Heart of the Matter

Those who love the King James Bible believe it stands on the strongest foundation because:

• It comes from the majority of manuscripts used by believers for centuries.
• Its translators were careful and believed they were handling God’s perfect Word.
• Its language, though old-fashioned, is precise and powerful.
• It follows the line of inspiration and preservation given by the Holy Ghost through holy men of God.

Clearing Up a Few Thoughts

Some people think the “thee’s” and “thou’s” in the King James Bible were added just to sound old-fashioned or royal, since the translation was made for King James. Others even call it “the King’s English,” as if the style was meant to sound fancy or poetic. But the truth is, those words weren’t chosen for decoration—they were chosen for clarity and accuracy. The translators used them on purpose to help readers understand exactly who was being spoken to in each verse.

Why “Thee” and “Thou” Matter

In the early 1600s, English had two ways to say “you,” just like some languages do today.

• “Thou,” “thee,” and “thy” were singular — used when talking to one person.
• “Ye,” “you,” and “your” were plural — used when talking to more than one person.

Over time, English speakers dropped this difference and just started using “you” for everything. But in the Bible, that difference still matters!

For example, in Luke 22:31–32, Jesus says:

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat:
But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not.”

In this verse:

• The word “you” is plural—Jesus is talking about all the disciples being tempted.
• The word “thee” is singular—He is speaking directly to Peter in particular.

Without those older forms, you might miss that Jesus gave Peter a personal warning and encouragement separate from the group.

A Language with Purpose

Think of it this way:
In Spanish, words change to show whether you’re talking to a man or a woman, one person or many. In the King James Bible, “thee’s” and “thou’s” serve a similar purpose—they show number and closeness in a way modern English no longer does.

• “Thou” is personal—one person, often close or intimate.
• “You” (in 1611 English) was more formal or plural.

The translators didn’t keep these words to sound royal; they kept them because they carried meaning that newer English words can’t easily replace.

Precision Over Popularity

The King James Bible translators could have modernized their language even in their day—after all, “thou” and “thee” were already fading from common use. But they chose to preserve these distinctions so readers could know exactly what God said and to whom He said it. So when you read a “thee” or a “thou,” remember: it’s not there to sound fancy—it’s there to help you see God’s Word more clearly. That’s one of the reasons many believe the King James Bible isn’t just beautiful—it’s precisely inspired and intentionally translated.

God’s Word Has No Boundaries

Another important truth about the King James Bible is that it’s free for everyone to share. Unlike most modern Bible versions, the King James Bible is not under copyright. You can print it, quote it, record it, or distribute it anywhere in the world without paying a fee or asking permission. That’s because it belongs to everyone—not to a publishing company, not to a committee, and not to a corporation. It belongs to God’s people, and ultimately, to God Himself.

The Bible says, “The word of God is not bound.” (2 Timothy 2:9)
God’s truth is meant to go out freely, crossing borders, languages, and generations.

Most modern versions, however, are copyrighted. That means you can’t freely reproduce large sections without special permission. Publishers hold the rights, and many times, those rights are used to control printing or profit from sales. King James Bible believers see this as more than a legal matter—it’s a spiritual one. The Word of God was never meant to be locked behind a copyright symbol. It was given so that “all the earth may know that the LORD is God.” (1 Kings 8:60) The King James Bible stands as a testimony that God’s Word has no boundaries, no restrictions, and no price tag. It is a gift of grace, freely given to all who will receive it.

It’s worth noting that for a Bible to receive a copyright, it must be considered a “new” creative work — not simply a revision of a public-domain text. In other words, a publisher can’t copyright the King James Bible itself, but only a version that differs enough to be legally distinct. This means that translations like the New King James Version had to be changed significantly, not just polished. Those changes weren’t only linguistic — they were required to create something that could be owned, controlled, and sold. The King James Bible, by contrast, remains free to all because it belongs to none but God’s people.

(see more in the resource section below)

Why People Think the King James Bible Has Errors

Let’s be honest—of course you can make the King James Bible look like it has errors if you’re not using the same tools and sources the translators used. That’s just common sense.

The King James Bible was translated in 1611 by scholars who used the Greek and Hebrew texts available to them and the English language as it was understood at that time. Their word choices were clear and accurate based on the meanings those words had then.

But today, many people look at the King James Bible through the lens of modern lexicons and modern dictionaries—books that are constantly being rewritten and redefined by new “experts.” When the meanings change, of course the old words will look “wrong.” That’s not a mistake in the Bible—that’s a mistake in the comparison.

It’s like grading a 400-year-old test with a brand-new answer key. If your “authority” keeps changing, you’ll always find “errors,” even where there aren’t any.

Here’s an easy example: the word “conversation” in 1611 didn’t just mean talking—it meant your way of life or manner of living. If you read it with today’s definition, it seems off, but when you understand the original meaning, it makes perfect sense.

So the problem isn’t with the King James Bible—it’s with people using shifting, modern sources to judge a book that never changed. The translators had one set of standards. The modern crowd has another. When you mix them up, confusion is guaranteed.

The Big Picture

Now that we’ve seen how the Bible was preserved and translated, let’s look at why choosing the right version truly matters.

Choosing what Bible to read is a very important decision.

Dr. Mickey Carter was famous for coining the term: “Things that are different are not the same.” This statement (and book) help to identify how important this choice of your spiritual foundation really is. This series of articles scratches the surface of the weighty arguments on both sides. My take, why mess with perfection?

While it is true that modern versions contain many of the words of God and often succeed in updating old expressions into modern language, they didn’t stop there. The differences between Bible versions aren’t just about easier wording—they trace back to different families of manuscripts. This is where manuscript identity becomes important. The King James Bible follows the Textus Receptus (for the New Testament) and the Masoretic Text (for the Old Testament)—the traditional and preserved line of Scripture that believers have trusted for centuries. Many modern translations, however, are based on Critical Text manuscripts, which sometimes change or omit words, phrases, or even verses that appear in the Textus Receptus. In most cases, those changes are minor, but in others they alter the meaning entirely—even reversing what the verse teaches.

For example:

• Psalm 4:5 – where “put your trust in the Lord” becomes clouded or reworded.
• Ecclesiastes 8:10 – changes the focus of who is forgotten and who is remembered.
• Isaiah 9:3 – flips the message of joy into one of lessening.
• Colossians 2:18 – turns a warning into a permission by adjusting a single phrase.
• Hosea 10:1, Isaiah 9:1, and Isaiah 18:2 – show shifts in meaning that go beyond modern phrasing to doctrinal contradiction.

These examples show that modern versions don’t simply update language—they sometimes depart from the foundation that the King James Bible was built on. For that reason, those who believe in preservation through the Holy Ghost hold that the King James Bible stands apart—not just for its beauty, but for its purity and consistency. Its translators didn’t seek to modernize or simplify; they sought to be faithful to what God had already said.

“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.”
— Psalm 12:6–7 (KJV)

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Additional Reference Section

Rules of Translation: King James’s Guidelines

When King James I commissioned the Bible that now bears his name, he didn’t simply tell a few scholars to “get it done.” He laid out a clear set of rules and safeguards to ensure faithfulness to the Word of God. These rules, issued in 1604, governed every stage of the work and reflected the King’s conviction that accuracy and unity were essential.

Here are the 14 primary rules (summarized and explained):

1. Follow the Bishops’ Bible.
   The Bishops’ Bible was to serve as the base text and only be altered when the truth of the original Hebrew or Greek required it.
2. No marginal notes of opinion.
   Notes could be added only to explain difficult Hebrew or Greek words — not to insert commentary or doctrine.
3. Keep traditional church words.
   Words like church, baptism, bishop, and minister were to be retained, rather than replaced with looser modern terms.
4. Cross-check consistency.
   Each translation section was to be reviewed by all the other translation companies to ensure unity and accuracy.
5. Consult learned men outside the group.
   If any company was uncertain about a word or phrase, they were to seek advice from scholars across the kingdom.
6. All bishops to review the work.
   The completed translation would be presented to the Bishops of the Church of England and other leading scholars for final examination.
7. Invite feedback from all churchmen.
   Pastors and scholars in England were encouraged to send their observations or notes to the translators for consideration.
8. Keep names consistent with ancient forms.
   Proper names were to remain recognizable and consistent with earlier English Bibles unless there was a compelling reason to change them.
9. Divide the work fairly.
   The translation was divided among six companies at Oxford, Cambridge, and Westminster — each responsible for different books of the Bible.
10. Pass every section for review.
    When one group finished, they sent their work to the others for independent review — without notes or commentary — to prevent bias.
11. Final review by senior editors.
    A select group of twelve senior translators (two from each company) performed a final unified review of the entire Bible.
12. Consult early translations.
    The translators were to reference earlier English versions such as Tyndale’s, Coverdale’s, Matthew’s, and the Geneva Bible, recognizing the foundation those faithful men had laid.
13. Uphold doctrinal soundness.
    No translator was to insert any reading that weakened or altered essential Christian doctrine.
14. Prayer and reverence in every stage.
    The entire work was to be done in the fear of God, recognizing that this was not merely literature, but the living Word of the Almighty.

Why These Rules Mattered

These rules ensured that the translators were accountable to one another and to God, not to any private agenda or institution.
Their method was so thorough that every verse of the Bible was reviewed at least 14 times before it was printed.

This was not a casual effort or a “committee opinion” like many modern versions. It was a sacred labor of unity and conviction, grounded in the belief that God’s Word does not need to be rewritten — only faithfully rendered.

The Truth About Copyright and Bible Versions

In modern publishing law, copyright is granted to an original creative work — not to a copy of an existing one.
For a work to qualify for copyright protection, it must be “substantially different” (legally, “an original expression”) from what came before it.

This means that if a publisher wants to produce a new version of a public-domain text — like the King James Bible (which has been public domain for centuries) — they can’t just “clean up the language” or fix spelling and punctuation. Those minor changes wouldn’t qualify as a new creative work under copyright law.

To obtain copyright protection, a publisher has to demonstrate enough original content — such as:

• New wording (even subtle paraphrasing)
• Reordered phrases or clauses
• Changed punctuation and structure
• Added footnotes, prefaces, and study materials
• Modernized grammar and reinterpreted meanings

So yes — when publishers created the New King James Version (1982), they couldn’t simply make a few word updates and call it new. They had to alter it enough to qualify as a distinct, copyrightable translation. That’s one reason the NKJV includes noticeable rewordings and stylistic differences from the 1611 KJV, even though it claims to follow the same Hebrew and Greek texts.

The Practical Result

The King James Bible is public domain — meaning anyone can freely print, share, quote, or distribute it without permission or fees. It belongs to the people, not to a publisher.

The New King James Version, NIV, ESV, NLT, and nearly all modern versions, however, are copyrighted.
That means:

• Permission is required for large reproductions.
• Royalties are collected on sales and licenses.
• The text is legally owned and controlled by a publisher (often for profit).

 

When people talk about the Bible today, they often mention many different versions—new translations, modern updates, and “easier to read” editions. I want to explain why I believe the King James Bible (KJV) is not just another version—it is the preserved Word of God. This isn’t about tradition or nostalgia. It’s about trusting what God said about His Word and how He keeps His promises. I also look at it in this way: Counterfeit experts don’t study the reproductions, they study the perfect original. While so many spend time picking apart the modern versions I prefer to allow the bible to declare itself. Naturally there is a need for some to be shown where the issues lies in these modern translation, but this isn’t a matter of choice, this is a conviction. This is the text that ALL matters of faith and practice will be measured against, so you might wanna make sure you are right. 

2 Peter 1:3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:

God Promised to Preserve His Word

The Bible makes it clear that God doesn’t just speak truth—He protects it.

Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

That’s plain and simple. God’s words are pure, and He promised to preserve them forever. If God said His words would be preserved, then we must believe they still exist somewhere on earth today. If His Word disappeared or changed beyond recognition, then God would have broken His own promise—and that can’t happen.

Titus 1:2 In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;

So, if we believe God, then His Word must still be whole, unbroken, and trustworthy. Within weeks of getting saved I went on this journey. I could NOT accept that One God with One Way had many bibles that all said something different. (see more later on this)

Psalm 119:160 Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

God Does Not Change—Neither Does His Word

Malachi 3:6 For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

That means God doesn’t need to be updated, modernized, or change His mind. When He sets a law, a truth, or a command, it stands forever.

Psalm 119:89 For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.

If God’s Word is settled in heaven, then it doesn’t need to be rewritten on earth. God’s truth is not like human opinions that shift with time. The same God who created the world is the same God who gave His Word, and He meant it to last. He even identifies the path this would be done in scripture:

2 Peter 1:20 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.
21 For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Numbers 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?

Psalm 33:11 The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations.

Because God is unchanging, His Word reflects that same perfection and has no need of change. He doesn’t “revise” His truth to fit modern times. The King James Bible stands as a witness to the God who never changes His message—only hearts through His Spirit.

God Has No Variableness—Neither Should His Word

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

The Bible makes it clear—God doesn’t waver. There is no “variableness” in Him. His light doesn’t flicker, and His truth doesn’t bend. Everything He does, from creation to salvation, reflects His perfection and consistency and ON PURPOSE!

When we look through Scripture, we see that same pattern of unchanging precision.

• God gave specific instructions for how the priesthood should dress (Exodus 28).
• He gave specific laws for offerings and sacrifices.
• He gave specific directions for building the Ark, the Tabernacle, and the Temple.
• He gave one way to approach Him in the Old Testament through the priestly system and the Law.
• And He gave one way to approach Him in the New Testament—through Jesus Christ alone.

In every dispensation, God’s plan has been exact and unwavering. He does not leave the details of His holiness to man’s interpretation. If He required precise obedience in worship, garments, offerings, and ordinances, then surely He requires the same care in how His Word is kept and transmitted. God has never had any variableness in His Word. From the law to grace, from the prophets to the apostles, His message has remained the same: man is sinful, God is holy, and salvation comes only through faith in Him. So why would we believe that this same God—who demanded such exactness in everything He established—would suddenly celebrate His Word being scattered into dozens of differing translations and interpretations? Today, there are over 60 “popular” Bible versions and hundreds of lesser-known ones—some rewritten for culture, some simplified until they lose meaning, and some made to sound like comic books or street slang. But God never needed help making His Word clearer or even more clever—He only calls us to believe it. If the Father of lights has “no variableness, neither shadow of turning,” then His Word should reflect that same constancy. The King James Bible has stood the test of time because it doesn’t change with the world—it stands with God.

Ecclesiastes 3:14 I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

John 10:35 If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Ephesians 4:5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism,
6 One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.

2 Timothy 2:13 If we believe not, yet he abideth faithful: he cannot deny himself.

James 1:8 A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

The Narrow Path—One Way, One Book

Matthew 7:14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

God has always made His path clear and narrow—not wide and open to every new idea. He gave one way to salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. And He gave one book that tells that story perfectly. Just as there is only one Savior, I believe God made sure there would be one pure Bible that points directly to Him without confusion.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

God’s pattern has always been unity and clarity. He provided one way of salvation, one faith, one truth—and one preserved book that declares it. When dozens of versions say slightly different things, confusion follows. But the God who authored peace preserved one faithful witness to His Word.

John 10:1 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber.

If you are going to acknowledge that modern versions are not perfect, but “acceptable”, let me ask you this way…

• How many lies do you need to tell to be a liar? (one)
• How many things do you need to steal to be a thief? (one)
• How many sins do you need to commit to be a sinner? (one)
• How many errors in a modern translations are needed to make it corrupt? (see my point?)

God Warns Against Adding or Taking Away

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”

That’s not a small matter. God takes His Word seriously. When people add or remove words, they change what God said. Over time, that can lead people away from the truth. The King James Bible has stood for over 400 years without being rewritten or watered down. It has guided preachers, missionaries, and entire nations. That kind of lasting fruit is not a coincidence—it’s evidence of God’s hand of preservation. Depending on who you ask (which is part of the problem) there are over nearly 400 core changes between the King James and modern versions with thousands of words changed to make them read more “modern”. That’s pretty far away from Revelation 22 (just sayin’)

Deuteronomy 4:2 Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”

God’s warnings are not suggestions—they’re safeguards. When we tamper with His Word, we risk distorting divine truth. The King James Bibles longevity and unchanged nature are testimonies that it honors this warning, standing as a pure vessel of God’s message.

The Power and Fruit of the King James Bible

The King James Bible has produced revival after revival. It has been the Bible used by evangelists like Charles Spurgeon, Dwight L. Moody, and Billy Sunday. It shaped the hearts of believers for generations. The Holy Spirit has used it to bring millions to salvation. It is the ONLY bible seen to lead national revivals, topple corrupt governments, change the path of pagan countries and states to be identified as Christian. No modern translation can lay claim to changing a pagan country to Christian structure with laws and societal changes. The United States of America, England / Great Britain, Canada, Zambia, Uganda, Burma (Myanmar), Nigeria, Finland, Iceland, Switzerland, Scotland, Ethiopia, and South Korea are examples of countries that have recognized through legal means the teachings of the Bible as the basis of their laws. Either from a position of leadership or through constitutional changes. All before any influence of all those “easier to read” modern versions…

Matthew 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

The fruit of the King James Bible is clear: it has brought people to Christ, strengthened faith, and stood firm against compromise.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Isaiah 55:11 So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Every revival, conversion, and transformed life stands as proof that the Word of God is alive. The King James Bible has not lost its edge or power—it still cuts through deception, comforts the hurting, and convicts the sinner.

The Simplicity of Faith

At the end of the day, this isn’t about which version has the “best Greek manuscripts” or “modern English.” It’s about faith. If God said He would preserve His Word, then I believe He did. The King James Bible matches what God promised: it exalts Jesus Christ, it doesn’t change with culture, and it’s been proven trustworthy for centuries.

Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The King James Bible has been that lamp for generations. It’s not just old—it’s alive.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful…” (see above)

That power hasn’t faded. God’s Word still convicts, comforts, and converts hearts today. When I read the King James Bible, I’m not reading man’s attempt to understand God. I’m reading what God wanted man to understand about Him.

Romans 10:17 So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.

Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.

Faith doesn’t rest on intellect—it rests on believing that God meant what He said. The KJV invites that simple, childlike faith that trusts the Author rather than the editor.

We need versions that are easier to read

This is the argument that honestly kept me from taking church seriously until I was an adult. As a 9 year old I wanted to “join the church”, they sat me through a couple classes and baptized me; then gave me an NIV. I was excited to have a bible to follow along in church only what the guy at the pulpit was reading… didn’t match what I had. I was VERY confused and ask my Mom why they were different. She said the NIV was easier to read, but it wasn’t easier because I couldn’t even follow along in church. Shortly after I concluded that church was a joke… and didn’t even try. Everyone assumed as a kid I was stupid or something, they didn’t make an effort to teach, so why should I make an effort to listen. 

God’s Word was never meant to be diluted to match man’s (or child’s) limited understanding or modern convenience. It was given to elevate our hearts and minds to meet the holiness of its Author. Scripture is not a mirror of human culture—it is a mirror of God’s character. When we alter or simplify it to fit our preferences, we lose its transforming power. The Bible challenges us to grow, to study, and to seek wisdom diligently. As 2 Timothy 2:15 instructs, we are to study to shew ourselves approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of truth. This means approaching Scripture with reverence, effort, and humility, allowing it to shape us rather than reshaping it to suit us. The call of God’s Word is upward—it demands spiritual maturity, discernment, and obedience. We do not lower the standard of Scripture; we raise our lives to align with it.

2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

Proverbs 2:3 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding;
4 If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures;
5 Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.

Psalms 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word.
10 With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments.
11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Acts 17:11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Hebrews 5:12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

Without Blemish

If God required every sacrifice to be without blemish to be accepted, then surely His Word, the spiritual offering that reveals His will, must meet the same divine standard. If we acknowledge that modern versions contain errors, omissions, or corruption, then by that very standard, how could a Holy God accept them? God has already shown, through history, tradition, conviction, and the fruit it bears, which Bible He has placed His approval upon. The King James Bible has stood unblemished for centuries—producing revival, repentance, and righteousness on a national and global scale. It is the only Bible in history to ignite such widespread awakening, proving by its fruit that God accepts it as the pure and perfect Word for English-speaking people.

Leviticus 22:21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.

Deuteronomy 17:1 Thou shalt not sacrifice unto the LORD thy God any bullock, or sheep, wherein is blemish, or any evilfavouredness: for that is an abomination unto the LORD thy God.

Exodus 12:5 Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year: ye shall take it out from the sheep, or from the goats:

Leviticus 1:3 If his offering be a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish: he shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD.

1 Peter 1:18 Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;
19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Final Thoughts

So why do I believe the King James Bible is the Word of God?

• Because God promised to preserve His Word.
• Because God does not change.
• Because His way is narrow and sure.
• Because the KJV bears the fruit of truth and power.

I don’t need to bash your modern version, listen to yourself when you try to defend it. I don’t need to defend the King James Bible, I just need to believe it, learn from it as my final authority in all manners of faith and practice. In a world full of noise and opinions, I choose to stand on the unshakable foundation of God’s preserved Word—the King James Bible. It’s not about being old-fashioned. It’s about trusting a God who never lies, never changes, and never fails. Many modern translation proponents want to make this an argument, a point of contention; and for many, it sure can be.

When presented with the information in this article they even start name calling. However, if you are honest with yourself you just might come to the same conclusion as the points I’ve made. If not… Then I quote Dr. Gib Wood: “If you believe that the NIV or any other new bible is the pure, unchangeable word of God, own it! Don’t make excuses for it, make it a conviction in your life. But before you do, set your pride aside for just a few moments and listen to what us crazy King James Bible people are saying; you might find we’re not as crazy as all the internet theologians say we are.”

Isaiah 59:21 As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the LORD; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the LORD, from henceforth and for ever.

Psalm 119:90 Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth.
91 They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants.”

The same God who preserved the earth by His word has preserved His Word for the earth. From generation to generation, His truth endures, and those who build their faith upon it will never be moved.