To what texts did these 47 translators have access?
The list of available texts is too long to print in this brief history. Some of the major texts included the Greek Textus Receptus of Erasmus (1514) and Stephanus (1550), John Wycliffe's 1380 translation into late Anglo-Saxon (who, in turn, had the remnants of the early Latin Itala Bible (120 a.d.) used by Patrick of Ireland (350 a.d.). Also avaialble were all the English translations, starting with Matthew Tyndale's forbidden Bible (1526-1534) and including the popular Geneva Bible (1560). They also had Martin Luther's German Bible (1522), Jerome's Latin Vulgate (35 a.d.) and many other portions from ancient times. Their translation was not a light undertaking, but a serious attempt to get at the truth penned down by the Old and New Testament writers.
How did the King James translators handle the Apocrypha?
Three opinions emerged as to the proper consideration to give to the spurrious writings of the books of the Apocrypha. Some felt these books should stay in the Old Testament positions to which the Latin Vulgate had assigned them. A second group felt that they should be completely taken out of the Bible because they were not part of the inspired Scriptures (II Timothy 3:16). Finally the third opinion won out and they agreed that these books were not to be used to establish nor influence any doctrinal truths, and deemed them important only as to their historical value. Historically, these writings covered the 400 year period between the Testaments, and so were placed between the two Testaments. They remained in most printings until the 1800's before they were permanently removed.
What about the so-called revisions?
The Pilgrims cross the Atlantic in search of religious liberty carrying their Geneva Bibles. But by 1646 the King James Bible had replaced the Geneva Bible as the standard and most popular English version. There it remained without serious challenge until 1881. From (continued on page 3) |
