Why I Love the KJV
For the past 17 years, I have only used the KJV. At first it was a bit difficult to understand, but now it’s easy. I love it!
Did you know that the word “homosexual” isn’t in the KJV nor in the 1828 Webster’s Dictionary? The term “homosexual” and “heterosexual” were created by a man in 1869: “Kertbeny’s role in fighting for gay rights is rarely mentioned. His one lasting legacy was that he was the man who invented homosexuality, or to be more precise, the one who coined the terms ‘homosexual’ and ‘heterosexual.’ Kertbeny felt that the common phrases of the day were unfairly pejorative and wanted more neutral terms.”
The KJV uses the word “sodomite.” If you look up the definition of sodomy in the 1828 Webster Dictionary, it reads, “a crime against nature.” The authors of the KJV didn’t even want to give any details of what it was. Kertbeny didn’t like that term, so he created “homosexual” instead.
“And there were also sodomites in the land: and they did according to all the abominations of the nations which the LORD cast out before the children of Israel” (1 Kings 14:24). The NIV uses the term “male shrine prostitutes” in this verse. The NLV uses “male and female shrine prostitutes.” The NLV must show “equality” in their translation, I guess.
All of the other translations use male prostitutes, cult prostitutes, perverted persons, or something similar, except for the ASB which is the only other one to use “sodomites.” The NASB which uses “male cult prostitutes” was released in 1960. The ESV in 1971. The NIV was released in 1978. The ASV was written in 1901. So it seems that all of the translations that were released after 1960 used something other than sodomite. Modern versions use the word “homosexual” or “homosexuality” in them (check out 1 Corinthians 6:9) even though this word was invented by a man who supported “gay” rights. (Gay originally meant “merry; cheerful.”)
When we listened to Michael Pearl preach through Hebrews in person 17 years ago, he referred to them as “sodomites.” Now, I understand why. Since listening to him, I only use the KJV which was written in 1611. Michael Pearl explains in this video why the KJV is the best translation. I agree with him, but I don’t make a big issue over it. It was used for hundreds of years before the “new and improved” versions. I love the KJV!
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
2 Timothy 3:16
17 thoughts on “Why I Love the KJV”
Yes!! I love the KJV too! It’s more difficult to find KJV books/devotionals but there are some. I also like Michael & Debbie Pearl. I bought their book “Preparing to be his Helpmeet” for my daughter.
Thank you for sharing! My husband and I were just talking about this over breakfast, and then I saw your post – great timing! This is just one of the many, many reasons I love the KJB too!
What are your thoughts on the NKJV? I can see it as very helpful for bridging the gap between the language of the KJV and modern language, but I’m wondering if there are any concerns with it/pitfalls I’m not aware of.
I decided to read the KJV this year, and I keep a NLT ready to translate if I don’t understand a phrase. I’m really enjoying it! In many verses it provides greater clarity than newer versions. I’m reading it from The Rainbow Bible, which color coordinates each verse…yellow for family, grey for sin, purple for God, light blue for salvation, light green for commandments, etc. This has also helped with clarity.
Michael Pearl calls it a “perverted” version.
Very interesting! I’ve always used the KJV because I had read that it was the most accurately translated version. I also find the “old” language beautifully written.
The history as to how the KJV came about is really interesting!
Dear Lori and Friends, the new “bibles” (anything other than the KJB) give me the willies. i am no Bible expert, but keeping up with the “new versions” sounds like a pointless exercise in confusion. Prefer to stick with the old path.
I also love the King James Bible!
In fact, I read it in 20 days. Twice.
From August 20, 2020 until January 25, 2021, I read the whole King James Bible three times.
They say it is hard to read.
Hard to understand.
Intimidating.
That in order for a regular person like me to understand it, I need the guidance of the scholars.
They know Greek and Hebrew.
But God knows them, too.
And we know that He knows more than we do.
He asked in Jeremiah 32:27,
Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing too hard for me?
Is it hard for Him to make me understand His word?
I don’t think so.
Besides, it is His word.
His message.
—
This is an article I wrote explaining King James Bible’s “intimidating” words and suffixes:
https://www.facebook.com/102911581858919/posts/104690298347714/?d=n
Kjv is the perfect translation and all the modern version are corrupt and perverted. Everybody should reject them and stick to the kjv only. In ephesians the NIV use the word respect instead of submit which is wrong. Submit is a strong word that the bible use to show the level of respect that a wife should have toward her own husband. I’ve heard christian womens say that the bible teach to respect their husbands and then you see that they didn’t quote the bible but the NIV. You will not get an argument from hollywood and the world, everyone would agree with that, they arr not saying anything special, it’s something obvious but if they use the word submit which is the correct word that the bible use, it would make a huge difference and a bigger impact.
I’ve got my grandmother’s KJV. Its highlighted with notes she wrote and bookmarked everywhere, it’s my most treasured heirloom and up until just recently I was using it but had to retire it because the binding was starting to fall apart, I ordered a new one. Now her KJV rests on my mantle but I’ll still pick it up and read it when I want to feel close to her.
Hi Lori!? The history behind this particular- and in reality best version is very interesting. Very worthwhile reading about it.
Men like Sam Gipp would agree with you, Lori. Use the KJV as the gold standard to compare other English versions. You can find that not all English versions are created equal. You can google Sam Gipp and the KJV together.
What an incredible heirloom and treasured legacy from your grandmother!
I have always used the NKJV MacArthur Study Bible and I love it. It is very close to the ESV, which I would probably choose now that I bought that version for my husband. I know John MacArthur himself (among other doctrinally sound Biblical leaders) recommends a formal-equivalency translation (KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV) as they are the most accurate.
I was brought up on the King James Bible. My father sat it open on a lectern with a great leather book mark and would read passages to my mother and I (or later I would read them).My, it seemed a mighty tome to me as a child and I can still remember the smell of the thin paper! I still have an edition (though not my father’s which he took when he and my mother emigrated and it sadly disappeared when he died). Although I have other Bibles, the KJV is definitely the best translation.
Thank you for the recommendation, Leah! I’ve been looking at that one, as I’d like to expand my resources. Currently, I’m using the Reformation Study Bible (NKJV) which I’m very happy with.