The Authorized Holy Writ: On the 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible

“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

This is one of the most well-known first lines in the history of human literature, and this year was the 400^th anniversary of perhaps the most famous translation of the great work from which it is quoted, the Authorized King James Version of the Bible.

One can alter the Bible, and it has been altered many times, but this particular translation has a special place in our history and society.  Its phrases grace the pages of literature; its verses come readily to our lips.  The King James Version’s rendering of familiar Bible passages, such as Psalm 23 and the Beatitudes, are the ones that are often remembered and quoted.

¹ The LORD is my shepheard, I shall not want.

² He maketh me to lie downe in greene pastures : he leadeth mee beside the still waters.

³ He restoreth my soule:  he leadeth me in the pathes of righteousness, for his names sake.

⁴ Yea though I walke through the valley of the shadow of death, I will feare no euill : for thou art with me, thy rod and thy staffe, they comfort me.

⁵ Thou prepares a table before me, in the presence of mine enemies : thou anoitest my head with oyle, my cuppe runneth ouer.

⁶ Surely goodness and mercie shall follow me all the daies of my life : and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for euer.

(Psalm XXIII)

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³ Blessed are the poore in spirit : for theirs in the kingdome of heauen.

⁴ Blessed are they that mourne ; for they shall be comforted.

⁵ Blessed are the meeke : for they shall inherit the earth.

⁶ Blessed are they which doe hunger and thirst after righteousnesse : for they shall be filled.

⁷ Blessed are the merciful : for they shall obtaine mercie.

⁸ Blessed are the pure in heart : for they shall see God.

⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers : for they shall bee called the children of God.

¹⁰ Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousnesse sake : for theirs is the kingdome of heauen.

11 Blessed are ye, when men shall reuile you, and persecute you, and shal say all manner of euill against you falsly for my sake.

(Matthew V:3-11)

The spelling has changed over the years, eventually standardized; the Apocrypha has been removed from many editions; the notes from the original 1611 edition removed and more recent ones inserted in some editions.  Still, though all that, the King James Version remains.  It seems fitting to remember this book and the effect is has had on us.

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