Usually, the KJV is fairly clear, as C4K [who apparently happens to be one who prefers the KJV, BTW (C4K, how do you managed to get 'labeled' as the "bad guy" in the minds of some, in this forum??)] has previously stated. However, there are some times that it, like any other, is not as clear as one might like, simply because of the differences in the varied nuances of the English (or any other) language, vs. the varied nuances of the Biblical languages. That is why there is, as one posted somewhere else, no such thing as any "literal translation", and I would add, in any language.
Ed
Is the KJV clear?
Discussion in 'Bible Versions & Translations' started by christianyouth, Jun 1, 2007.
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KJV needs as much translation as Greek or Latin texts, imo. And modern connotations to words like "ghost," "replenish," "devils," and many more require one to very carefully translate these words into their original meanings every single time one reads them. Those connotations alone, and the mental effort they require to discard, are enough to make me prefer a newer translation, to say nothing of the words' denotations. Just one of many reasons for me.
Yes, I believe the KJV is unclear, as much or moreso than most modern translations.
The link provided shows some remarkably uneven reasoning in defense of KJVo. I wonder whether the author's historical claims are as inaccurate as his arguments based on Scriptural comparisons are weak and purposefully misleading. I saw no mention in his history section of the obvious agenda the writers of the KJV had, which is partially portrayed in their letter to the King. King James had specific historical reasons to commission a Bible that met his political and theological needs, and I see no reason not to suspect that he chose "scholars" that met his agenda or were likely to give him the translation he wanted.
Edit: After looking up verses given by the linked essay writer in various translations, I see that he doesn't even quote translations he disagrees with accurately. -
The KJB is superior due to its clarity for all Englis speaking peoples and the congruency of other langauges in similarity.
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Making a blanket statement that the KJV is always clearer than the MVs is no truer than saying the MVs are always clearer than the KJV. Sometimes one is clearer, sometimes another is clearer. -
Try understanding the doctrinal difference of those coming home verses those going home.
The Coming of our Lord precedes our coming home, we will not prevent them which are asleep from coming home either. -
That's not what was meant, Salamander. You're confused by the wording of the KJVs and your interpretation of it.
Thanks for providing a great example of my point. -
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The Vulgate which was penned by Jerome was alive for more than 1,300 years ( even hundreds more years in some major quarters ) . Was it ALIVE because of its superiority ? Is the NIV superior to all other English versions since it has outsold them for the last 30 years ?
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'Superiority' is in the mind of the beholder.
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The 1611 KJV is based upon a different text that the modern translations. The more translations I see and read and use (presently the NASB), the more I long to return to the KJV. I think I have owned about 15 or so. I mark all over them, some I have worn out. My NASB is starting to suffer as a result.
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Translational Issues
Look, if you are having trouble with understanding, get two or three others such as the NKJV, HCSB, ESV, or even the NIV. The whole language is different from the 18th century to the 21st century. That includes sentence structure and style. The KJV has its problems in that it is written from a negative point of sentence structure. This causes problems in understanding if you have not spent a lifetime learning the backwards sentence structure of 18th century English.
This does not mean that the KJV is useless or should be thrown out. It means allow God to direct your heart and your convictions based on HIS leading and not the teaching of man's preferences. If you feel led to keep useing the KJV with some help from other translations, keep doing it. If you feel led to change your translation of choice and use the KJV as a study tool, then do it. But allow God to direct you and not a man or multitudes of men to sway your opinion based on their preferences.
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Translational Issues
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