{
  "id": "dict_003120",
  "term": "King James Version",
  "slug": "king-james-version",
  "letter": "K",
  "entry_type": "historical_reference_term",
  "entry_family": "theological_term",
  "depth_profile": "standard",
  "short_definition": "A historic English Bible translation first published in 1611, widely influential in English-speaking Christianity.",
  "simple_one_line": "An influential English Bible translation first published in 1611.",
  "tooltip_text": "The King James Version (KJV) is a classic English Bible translation first published in 1611.",
  "aliases": [],
  "scripture_references": [],
  "original_language_terms": [],
  "related_entries": [
    "Bible translation",
    "Scripture",
    "Textus Receptus",
    "Masoretic Text",
    "translation philosophy"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Bible versions",
    "Authorized Version",
    "New King James Version",
    "textual criticism"
  ],
  "lede_intro": "The King James Version (KJV), first published in 1611, is a historic English translation of the Bible that has profoundly shaped English-speaking Protestant worship, preaching, memorization, and literary culture.",
  "at_a_glance_definition": "A landmark English Bible translation of 1611 that became one of the most influential versions in the English-speaking world.",
  "at_a_glance_key_points": [
    "First published in 1611 • Major influence on English Bible reading and memorization • Valued for its literary style and long church use • A translation of Scripture, not Scripture itself"
  ],
  "description_academic_short": "The King James Version is a historic English Bible translation first published in 1611. It has had lasting influence on English-speaking Christianity, especially in worship, preaching, devotion, and literary language.",
  "description_academic_full": "The King James Version (KJV) is a landmark English translation of the Bible commissioned in the early seventeenth century and first published in 1611. It became deeply embedded in the worship, preaching, memorization, and devotional life of many English-speaking Christians and also exerted major influence on the English language and literature. The KJV is best understood as a historical Bible translation rather than a theological doctrine or a biblical headword in the strict sense. Its importance lies in its enduring cultural and ecclesial impact and in its place within the history of English Bible translation.",
  "background_biblical_context": "No direct biblical passage refers to the King James Version itself. The entry is best understood in light of Scripture’s inspiration, public reading, teaching, and translation into the languages of God’s people.",
  "background_historical_context": "The KJV was produced in the reign of James I of England and first published in 1611. It stands within the long history of English Bible translation and became one of the most influential versions in Protestant Christianity, especially in the English-speaking world.",
  "background_jewish_ancient_context": "Not directly applicable. The KJV is an early modern English translation, though it transmits the Hebrew Scriptures and the Greek New Testament to English readers.",
  "key_texts_primary": [
    "No direct biblical key texts govern this translation title",
    "for general principles, see Nehemiah 8:8",
    "2 Timothy 3:16-17",
    "1 Timothy 4:13."
  ],
  "key_texts_secondary": [
    "Psalm 19:7-11",
    "Acts 17:11",
    "Colossians 4:16"
  ],
  "original_language_note": "The title is an English proper name. It does not correspond to a single Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek term.",
  "theological_significance": "The KJV is significant chiefly as a trusted and influential witness to Scripture in English. It helped shape worship, catechesis, memorization, and doctrinal language, but its authority is derivative from the biblical text it translates.",
  "philosophical_explanation": "Bible translation involves rendering meaning across languages, so every English version makes interpretive choices. A faithful translation seeks accuracy, clarity, and reverence, while recognizing that the inspired authority belongs to the original canonical writings, not to any one translation title.",
  "interpretive_cautions": "Do not confuse the translation with the canon itself or treat one English version as the only legitimate Bible. Evaluate translation claims carefully and compare versions with the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts when possible.",
  "major_views_note": "Christians differ on translation philosophy, textual base, and the relative value of traditional versus contemporary versions. Most evangelicals regard the KJV as a reliable and historically important translation, while not making it the exclusive norm of orthodoxy.",
  "doctrinal_boundaries": "Biblical inspiration and authority attach to the canonical writings in their original languages. A translation may be highly valued and faithfully used without being elevated to a separate source of revelation.",
  "practical_significance": "The KJV remains useful for public reading, memorization, traditional worship, literary study, and historical continuity in many churches.",
  "meta_description": "King James Version: a historic English Bible translation first published in 1611 and influential in English-speaking Christianity.",
  "public_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/king-james-version/",
  "json_url": "/companion-bible-dictionary/data/dictionary/king-james-version.json",
  "final_disposition": "PUBLISH_CANONICAL"
}