King James Version (KJV)

Overview, history, and usage notes for this Bible translation in Know The Bible.

First Published 1611

Language Early Modern English

Tradition Church of England / Protestant

Editors / Translators ~47 scholars across six committees

Reading Level Moderate-Difficult

Philosophy Formal equivalence (classic KJV tradition)

Overview

Provides an authorized English Bible for worship and public reading.

The KJV has shaped English Christianity, literature, and culture for over 400 years and remains a primary reference in KTB.

Historical Background

Commissioned by King James I as a unifying translation for the English church, drawing heavily on Tyndale and earlier English Bibles.

Origin: England
Translators / Editors: Six translation committees of Oxford, Cambridge, Westminster
Revisions: 1769 Oxford edition became the standard text

Textual Basis & Features

Below are some distinctives of the King James Version textual basis and translation style:

Majestic literary style
Based largely on the Textus Receptus
Extensive influence on English vocabulary and idioms

Further Reading & Resources

KJV 1611 original printing
KJV 1769 Oxford edition (standard text)

Other KTB translations:

ACV ASV BBE DARBY GNV KJV NHE ROT TYN WBT WEB WYC YLT