Simple question.
Simple answer.
The crown still holds the copyright in the UK even though it is over 400 years old; it is free everywhere else.
Question answered.
All modern translations of the Bible are under some form of copyright protection. So you will need permission from their copyright owners. I am not too worried about this as I love the KJV for a myriad of reasons, and it is one of my main Bibles I have used over the past 40 years.
I also appreciate reading the New Living Translation (NLT) and the Amplified Classic (AMPC), but they are still under copyright. The King James Version is a unique exception; it was placed under perpetual copyright in Britain only.
But what may be some other reasons to appreciate the treasure of the King James Version?
Historical significance:
The KJV has profoundly influenced English-speaking cultures since its publication in 1611—the KJV has been the rockstar of Bible translations. It has shaped the English language, impacting literature, poetry, and public speaking.
Literary quality:
The KJV is renowned for its majestic prose and poetic beauty, which make it a pleasure to read and listen to. The translators aimed for a high literary quality that has stood the test of time. To me, reading it feels like enjoying a classic novel that never goes out of style. I like how the KJV sounds in my ears when I speak it out loud—you do too—cool, rock on!
Cultural impact:
Many common phrases and idioms in English originated from the KJV, making it a cornerstone of English linguistic heritage. Here is the granddaddy of English expressions, and to hang around the granddaddy, I pick up on some if his timeless wisdom.
Memorability:
The poetic style of the KJV makes its verses memorable, aiding in scripture memorization and recitation. The poetic rhythm of the KJV makes its verses stick in your mind. It’s like your favorite song lyrics—you remember them easily. I mostly memorize verses from the KJV (or the NLT) these days.
Perceived authority:
For many, the traditional language of the KJV conveys a sense of authority and solemnity that newer translations might lack. There’s something about the language of the KJV that commands respect. It’s got that old-school, authoritative vibe that makes you sit up and pay attention. "Never man spake like this man."
Enduring legacy:
Despite the flood of modern translations, the KJV has held its ground. The KJV has survived many critiques, yet still maintains a loyal following and continuing relevance in study and personal devotion.
Maybe reading the KJV is so much easier than you’ve been told! You know, a lot may have to do with attitude rather than aptitude—and the more you dig into this treasure the more you will appreciate it.
I always clarify words, meanings, and concepts that I do not understand—delving deeper into every jot and tittle (but that is me and maybe you’re the same?)
Epista-what?
If you were in the law profession or the medical profession you would learn a lot of new vocabulary; Take mens rea or epistaxis for example. The first being a term meaning "guilty mind," which refers to the intention or knowledge of wrongdoing that constitutes part of a crime; the second being a fancy term for a nosebleed!
I view the KJV the same way (and its vocab is not as esoteric as those two terms!)—daily discovering, daily growing, daily becoming more familiar with all the nuances of biblical vocabulary. And if you do have an epistaxis event then Psalm 103:3 is good news for you.
We can appreciate all translations in varying degrees, and some are definitely better than others, but one thing I noticed when I started reading the KJV was its beauty and elegance—it is a masterpiece of prose and poetry.
Beautiful words are a beautiful thing to behold.
I have used it now for over 40 years. Navigating the maze of old-fashioned words might be tough at times, but sticking with it brings its own rewards. The way accents hit and phrases line up can spotlight certain words, almost like they’re meant to catch our eye.
The ebb and flow of the rhythm and cadence not only influence our reading speed but also shape the mood, gently guiding us wherever God might want our minds to focus.
But what about...
No doubt the translation and critical text debate will continue.
The King James Bible is famous for using the Textus Receptus, which is the Greek New Testament published in Latin by the Dutch scholar Erasmus, as a base. Many modern translations use The New Testament in the Original Greek, which was created in 1881 by Westcott and Hort—two scholars who some believe treated the Bible as any other book and prioritized older, heavily edited manuscripts over accurate manuscripts.
I personally favor the Textus Receptus (and I have researched the strengths and weaknesses of this position for more than a decade!) but I will not let that stop me from using other translations. There's a certain flavor in the King James that simply can't be duplicated in modern English translations—but does that mean I throw away all modern translations? God forbid! (as the apostle Paul would say)
So whilst the debate may get a little hot at times (and it does), for now just delight in the Word of God (whatever your preferred translation may be) and make it PART OF YOUR LIFE—be that hearer and doer of the word and see the wonders of God unfold before you (James 1:22).
Oh, and those reasons...
Sure, let's address three common reasons people shy away from the King James Version of the Bible and why those reasons might not hold up.
Reason 1: The King James English is difficult to read—who am I? Shakespeare?
Response: Honestly, it's not that hard! But even if it feels a bit challenging, that's actually a good thing, especially with these digital journal Bibles. It encourages you to slow down and really think about what you're reading, which can lead to a deeper understanding. With the DJB you can always cut and paste your preferred rendition of certain passage if need be! It's all good, and you mull over God's Word in your heart and mind at the same time!
Reason 2: I prefer dynamic equivalence or paraphrased translations.
Response: The Message translation can be a real hit or miss—sometimes it’s fantastic, capturing the essence in a fresh, relatable way. Other times, it’s, well, a bit off the mark, making you laugh out loud and not always in a good way! The problem with less literal translations is that they can reflect the translators' personal theology more than the original text. Even if you don't choose the KJV, I’d recommend looking for a translation that sticks closely to the original languages.
Reason 3: The English is too difficult AND it's a poor translation of the original languages.
Response: I studied both Greek and Hebrew years ago, and they are not the easiest of subjects. So you're saying your Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek are good enough to critique the KJV, the most popular English Bible translation ever, but your English isn't good enough to read it? That doesn’t quite add up! The KJV was translated by some of the best scholars of its time, and its enduring popularity speaks to its quality and accuracy.
In short, the King James Version may have its quirks, but it’s still a beautifully crafted and highly respected translation that's worth giving a try.
The Good News
The good news is currently I’m using the public domain translation of the Bible because they’re copyright-free and ready to share. 📜✨
In the future, I may start looking into possible licensing agreements with larger publishers. 📚💼 But for now, the KJV edition of the Word DJB will be readily available.
I am even thinking of doing my own 'updated' KJV where I do not change the words (per se) but just update some of the older verb forms etc - so think of it halfway between a KJV and a NKJV! This is NOT a new translation, but a careful updating to eliminate some of the older and more obsolete words that some readers may struggle with. I already have a working title: I will call this the KJVN (KJV Now Edition)
So, stay tuned—great things are coming! 🎉
