- Version 1611
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The original printing of the Authorized Version was published by Robert Barker, the King's Printer, in 1611 as a complete folio Bible. It was sold looseleaf for ten shillings or bound for twelve. Robert Barker's father, Christopher, had, in 1589, been granted by Elizabeth I the title of royal Printer, with the perpetual Royal Privilege to print Bibles in England. Robert Barker invested very large sums in printing the new edition, and consequently ran into serious debt, such that he was compelled to sub-lease the privilege to two rival London printers, Bonham Norton and John Bill. It appears that it was initially intended that each printer would print a portion of the text, share printed sheets with the others, and split the proceeds. Bitter financial disputes broke out, as Barker accused Norton and Bill of concealing their profits, while Norton and Bill accused Barker of selling sheets properly due to them as partial Bibles for ready money.
There followed decades of continual litigation, and consequent imprisonment for debt for members of the Barker and Norton printing dynasties, while each issued rival editions of the whole Bible. In 1629 the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge successfully managed to assert separate and prior royal licenses for Bible printing, for their own university presses—and Cambridge University took the opportunity to print revised editions of the Authorized Version in 1629, and 1638. The editors of these editions included John Bois and John Ward from the original translators. This did not, however, impede the commercial rivalries of the London printers, especially as the Barker family refused to allow any other printers access to the authoritative manuscript of the Authorized Version.
The 1611 King James Bible is a monumental work in the history of Christianity and the English language. It is an authorized translation of the Christian Bible for the Church of England, commissioned by King James I and completed by a group of scholars known as the "Translators to the Authorized Version" or the "Authorized Version." This translation was significant for several reasons:
1. **Standardization**: Prior to the King James Version (KJV), there were various English translations of the Bible, which often contained inconsistencies and errors. The KJV aimed to create a standardized version that would be accepted and used by all English-speaking Christians.
2. **Language**: The KJV is renowned for its elegant and poetic language, which has had a profound impact on English literature and the development of the English language. Many phrases and idioms found in the KJV have become embedded in everyday speech.
3. **Religious Authority**: The KJV was meant to reinforce the religious authority of the Church of England and the monarchy by providing a single, official version of the scriptures that would be accessible to the public.
4. **Cultural Impact**: The KJV has been a central text in Western culture, influencing literature, art, music, and even political thought. It has been cited in numerous works and is often considered a cornerstone of the English literary canon.
5. **Accessibility**: Although not the first English translation, the KJV played a significant role in making the Bible more accessible to the general populace. The printing press had recently been invented, and the KJV was one of the earliest mass-produced books, which allowed for widespread distribution and literacy.
6. **Translation Process**: The translation was a collaborative effort by 47 scholars over a period of seven years. They used existing English translations, as well as the original Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic texts, to produce a new version that was both accurate and readable.
7. **Translation Philosophy**: The translators aimed for a word-for-word translation where possible, but also sought to maintain the original meaning and context. This approach was a balance between the formal equivalence of earlier translations and the dynamic equivalence that would later be pursued in more modern versions.
8. **Publication**: The KJV was published by the University of Oxford's Clarendon Press and the University of Cambridge's press. Initially, it contained the Old and New Testaments, but later editions included the Apocrypha.
9. **Revisions**: Despite its status, the KJV has undergone several revisions to correct errors and update language over the centuries. Notable versions include the 1769 Standard Edition and the New King James Version (NKJV), which was completed in 1982.
10. **Legacy**: The KJV remains one of the most widely read and influential Bible translations. It has been the basis for many other translations and has had a lasting impact on Christian worship, theology, and the religious life of English-speaking people worldwide.
From a scientific perspective, the creation of the KJV involved careful linguistic analysis, historical research, and textual criticism. Scholars had to understand the nuances of ancient languages and the context in which the texts were written to produce an accurate translation. The process also required the use of early manuscripts and other source materials to ensure the integrity of the text. Additionally, the printing technology of the time was a significant factor in the dissemination of the Bible and its impact on literacy and the spread of Protestantism.
In summary, the 1611 King James Bible is an important historical artifact that reflects the religious, cultural, and technological advancements of its era. Its enduring legacy is a testament to the translators' commitment to accuracy and the power of language to shape and influence society.
