What to Know About the KJV Only Idea
I know this can be a divisive subject, so I want to make sure to start here: the King James Version is a beautiful, majestic, and deeply respected translation of the Bible.
If you love the KJV, that’s great! But if you believe it’s the only valid Bible translation—the one true Word of God delivered directly by the Apostle Paul on a golden scroll (spoiler: he didn’t speak English)—we need to talk.
Because while it’s noble to cherish a version of the Bible, it’s another thing entirely to treat a 17th-century translation like it's the final word on God’s Word. So let’s dive in and lovingly unpack why insisting the KJV is the only true Bible just doesn’t hold up.
1. The Bible Wasn’t Written in English—Not Even Old English
This may be obvious, but it’s worth clearing up: Jesus didn’t speak in Shakespearean English. There were no “thee’s” and “thou’s” in Galilee. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, not in the language of powdered wigs and ruffled collars.
The KJV is a translation (or maybe even more accurately: an interpretation)—just like the ESV, NIV, NASB, and even The Message (more on that spicy choice later).
Every English Bible is a human effort to render God’s truth, as recorded in dead languages, into a modern language people can understand.
2. The KJV Isn’t Even the First English Bible
Contrary to what some folks believe, the KJV didn’t just drop from the sky one day in 1611 with angels singing “Holy, Holy, Holy.” I know, that’s a little reductive and possibly unfair. But the outsized reverence for the King James kind of invites the joke.
Anyway, there were faithful English translations before it, like John Wycliffe’s Bible (translated in the 1300s) and William Tyndale’s work (which, fun fact, got him executed—yikes).
In fact, the KJV translators borrowed heavily from Tyndale’s translation. So if you’re Team KJV, you might also want to give a slow clap for the earlier versions that paved the way.
While we’re on the subject, let’s ask the million-dollar question: who actually wrote the King James Bible? Was it King James himself, quill in hand, sipping tea and translating Greek by candlelight? Not quite. The man wasn’t a translator—he was a monarch. King James I of England simply authorized the translation. Think executive producer, not screenwriter.
The real work was done by a team of around 50 scholars, divided into six committees, each assigned different sections of the Bible. These were highly educated men fluent in ancient languages, ready to be English heroes for the Christian faith. Basically, the biblical Avengers of the 1600s (minus the capes, probably).
These scholars primarily used the Textus Receptus (a Greek manuscript compilation) for the New Testament and a Hebrew Masoretic Text for the Old Testament, along with several earlier English translations, and when they couldn’t decide how to translate something, they’d consult the Latin Vulgate.
And yes, they also debated stuff in fancy robes, because it was the 1600s and everyone dressed like they were headed to a Renaissance fair.
So the truth of the KJV’s translation may be a bit uncomfortable: it was simply the product of dedicated scholars, human effort, limited resources, and God’s grace. Just like every other faithful translation since.
3. Language Changes Over Time (Have You Tried Reading a Menu from 1611?)
The English language is a moving target. Skibidi rizz bang sigma something something.
What made perfect sense in 1611 might sound like a Hogwarts spell today. Words like “conversation” meant “conduct,” “meat” meant “food,” and “unicorn”... well, let’s not get started.
Imagine trying to explain TikTok slang to someone from the 17th century. Heck, I don’t even understand it when people try to explain it to me today. That’s why we have modern translations: to make sure we actually understand what Scripture is saying, not just sound holy while being confused. (Ope!)
4. We’ve Found Older, More Reliable Manuscripts in the last 400 years
When the KJV was translated, scholars were working with the best manuscripts available to them at the time (thanks Erasmus!). But since then, archaeologists and linguists have uncovered older and more reliable manuscripts, some dating back much closer to the original writings.
This isn’t a knock on the KJV—the translators did amazing work with what they had—but wouldn’t you want your GPS updated with the latest roads, not just the ones mapped in 1611?
“Take a left at the Black Plague graveyard, continue past the smallpox memorial, and arrive at your destination on the left past the monastery.”
5. Using Multiple Translations Brings Deeper Understanding
Reading the Bible in different translations is kind of like watching a movie with the commentary on. You notice things you’d miss otherwise.
The NASB gives you the word-for-word nerdy precision.
The CSB and NIV offer a balance of clarity and accuracy.
The NLT is so clear and readable, even your aunt who thinks Revelation is about current events can follow it.
And yes, The Message feel like a group chat summary from Eugene Peterson (RIP), but I fully believe there’s a time and place for it.
God’s Word is deep and layered. Multiple translations can help peel back those layers. Like peeling an onion—just with more divine truth and less Mike Myers.
6. The Bible Itself Says Not to Be Divisive About Non-Essentials
Here’s a kicker for me. I feel like it’s something a lot of believers who are super hung up on KJV Only ideology completely ignore.
Romans 14 and 1 Corinthians 1 both warn us about fighting over disputable matters (not to mention just about every other Pauline letter).
And guess what? Despite what TheoBrosᵀᴹ might try to tell you: Bible translation preferences are not a salvation issue.
Jesus didn’t say, “Thou shalt only readeth the King James Version or ye shall not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
The real danger isn’t which version we prefer—it’s when we let pride, arrogance, or division creep into our faith communities over something that should unite us: God’s Word.
7. God’s Word Is Alive—Not Trapped in 1611
Hebrews 4:12 says God’s Word is “living and active.” It’s not frozen in amber like a prehistoric mosquito. Modern translators have spared no expense in helping us have the most accurate, readable Bible that we can in modern languages. That’s a good thing. Because the Bible is meant to be read, wrestled with, and understood—by all people, in all languages, across all generations.
God didn’t give us the Bible so we could argue about font size and cover options. He gave it so we could know Him, love others, and live transformed lives. Whether that’s through the KJV, the ESV, or even a dramatized audiobook version read by James Earl Jones (I mean, c’mon. Mufasa reading the Bible?)
If you’re hearing the Gospel, God is speaking.
Don’t Worship a Translation—Worship the Author
We should respect the KJV. It’s a literary masterpiece, and it’s changed countless lives. But let’s not confuse the vehicle with the destination.
Holding up the KJV as the only “real” Bible is like saying the only real way to eat cereal is with a wooden spoon from the 1600s. You can do it, but it’s unnecessarily difficult, and there are better options that get the job done just as well, if not better.
Also, splinters.
So read what helps you understand the Gospel.
Dive deep.
Compare translations.
And above all, pursue the Word not just as text—but as a living encounter with the Living God.
