What Did King James Take Out of the Bible?

Feb 03,2025 00:00

What Did King James Take Out of the Bible?

Contrary to popular belief, King James did not personally remove any books from the Bible. The King James Version (KJV), completed in 1611, was a translation authorized by King James I of England. It included the Apocrypha, a collection of books found in the Septuagint but not in the Hebrew Bible. These books were later excluded from many Protestant Bibles.

The Role of the Apocrypha

The Apocrypha includes books like Tobit, Judith, Wisdom of Solomon, and 1 and 2 Maccabees. While included in early editions of the KJV, these books were placed in a separate section, reflecting Protestant views that they were valuable but not divinely inspired.

Why Were the Books Removed?

During the Reformation, reformers like Martin Luther questioned the Apocrypha's authority. By the 19th century, many Protestant publishers omitted these books entirely, leaving them in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles.

Legacy of the KJV

The King James Bible remains one of the most influential translations, known for its literary beauty and theological impact, shaping Christian thought and culture for centuries.

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