The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, or otherwise known as the Authorized Version was so named because the King of England, James, authorized a new English translation of the Bible in 1604.  Unprecedented for its time, King James brought together 54 scholars who spent 7 years doing their work of translation from original biblical manuscripts.  It was an incredible feat, especially considering there were no computers or advanced technology to aid the work.  In 1611 the version was finished and quickly became the standard for the English language Bible.  For over 400 years the KJV has had a large impact in English speaking cultures.  Its incredible flowing prose and language has captivated readers for centuries.  It is truly the mother of all English Bible versions.

Language never remains static but is always changing over time.  As the years passed, the Elizabethan English of the KJV changed which brought on several revisions of the original 1611 version.  When picking up a KJV Bible, you can take note from the front pages whether it is a revision and when that revision was made.  But whether you have the original 1611 Authorized Version, the major revision from 1769, or a New King James Version from 1982, there is perhaps no more respected and revered Bible version.

Bob has put his nose to the King James Version of the Bible, and here is his “5 Bark Review” using his five criteria for assessing the benefits of a Bible version for you to read and use:

1. Trustworthy

The KJV, even after all these years, remains one of the most trusted Bible versions in the world.  The scholarship and care which went into it’s original version was recognized by Christians from all places in both Protestant and Catholic churches.

Bob happily gives the KJV a “bark” as a trustworthy Bible version.

2. Understandable

It is here we must part ways with the KJV.  Although the language for 1611 is a beautiful piece of literature, no one today talks in Elizabethan language, except in certain Shakespeare clubs.  Unless you were a person who grew up reading and using a KJV Bible at home or in church, it’s language is going to seem very foreign to you.  It is unlikely that you will appreciate the wonderful message of the Bible without some training as to how to read an older dialect of English.

For example, read this from the New Testament book of James 1:21 –

“Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.”

Bob unhappily gives a “howl” instead of a bark concerning the KJV’s language for 21^st century people.

3. Readable

The story of who owns the rights to publish KJV Bibles could be made into a long (and boring) documentary.  It would weave through the various revisions and English-speaking governments of the world.  Some publishers produce better Bibles than others.  Bob and I personally tend toward KJV Bibles published by Cambridge University Press, who is the only recognized authorized publisher in the United Kingdom (sometimes it’s best to take your cues from Queenie herself).  In the States, Thomas Nelson has a long history of producing good KJV Bibles.

All you really need to know, when it comes to reading a KJV Bible is if you can read the words in a font size that works for your eyes.  Many older persons still prefer the KJV, which is why large print and giant print Bibles are the most popular choice.  Unlike other versions of the Bible, sometimes it can be hard to find a KJV Bible in a smaller font size.  But if you like the KJV in smaller text, go for the Cambridge Bible.

Bob gives a “bark” for Cambridge and Thomas Nelson produced KJV Bibles, but a “howl” for others.

4. Durable

Because KJV Bibles are produced by so many different publishers, attention to durability is important.  Again, stick with a trusted publisher like Cambridge or Thomas Nelson and you won’t go wrong.  If you need a refresher on what to look for in durability, see our Bibles & Reviews page for tips.

Bob gives a “bark” for some KJV Bibles, and a “howl” for others, based on the publishing house.

5. Attractive

Some of the most attractive Bibles you’ll ever see are KJV Bibles.  From pulpit Bibles to coffee table Bibles, KJV Bibles tend to grace the lovely places in our living and worship spaces.  You won’t have a problem finding a charming KJV Bible to grace the spot where you choose to read every day.

Bob gives a lovely “bark” to the KJV for attractiveness.

Well, there you have it.  The King James Version of the Bible is an oldie but goodie.  Depending upon your background and level of reading, the KJV may or may not be the right version for you.  Based on “Bob’s 5 Bark Bible Review System” the KJV receives:

3 out of 5 Barks