400 Years of the King James Bible

2011 is the 400-year anniversary of the King James Bible. First printed in 1611, the King James Bible was a milestone in Church history and the culmination of the Reformation in England. Perhaps no Bible translation in history has had such a far-reaching impact, and it was influential in the formation of a new nation founded on Biblical principles.

King James Bible

The First Edition King James Bible - 1611 A.D.

James I followed Elizabeth on the English throne and in 1604 he called a conference at Hampton Court. In the course of the proceedings, a Puritan, John Rainolds, made a suggestion that a new translation of the Holy Scriptures be made. The King agreed and chose 54 pious men who were empowered to communicate with “all our principal learned men within this our kingdom.” Thus, the scholarship of the country was consecrated to the noble work of Bible translation.

The translating was chaired by Bishop Andrewes, who besides possessing an intimate knowledge of Chaldee, Hebrew, Greek, and Syriac, was familiar with 15 other languages.The translating team was divided into 6 divisions; 2 at Westminster, 2 at Cambridge, and 2 at Oxford. As each group completed their particular assigned part, it was then subjected to the other 5 sets of men so that each part of the Bible came from all the learned men. When they had completed their work, it was carefully reviewed  by a final committee of 6 members in London.

The superintending hand of God was apparent as the result was an edition of the Word of God unrivaled for its simplicity, for its force, and for it vigor of language. It was, and still is, a compendium of literary excellencies, and much better, has proved itself to be a faithful and accurate translation of the very word of God. It is the premier of all English translations and the First Edition was printed in 1611.
 

 

 

As the Church celebrates the 400-year anniversary of the King James Bible, consider a framed First Edition King James leaf from a 1611 King James Bible fragment.  These leafs were salvaged from a partially destroyed 1611 “she” Bible, and have been beautifully preserved in museum quality framing.  Favorite verses are in limited supply -  Check to see if your favorite verse is available

BibleMuseum.com will commerate the legacy of the King James Bible throughout 2011 with special art and Bible history exhibits. 

 - New site launch and introducing our first Devotions in Art series featuring the works of Rembrandt

 -  New Devotions in Art series

 -  History of the King James Bible

Connect on Facebook for new art exhibits, devotionals, and Bible history throughout the year.