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There is a vast difference between the KJV and the modern versions (MV's). For the most part the MV's all agree with each other, but the KJV stands alone. As one wise preaches has said, "Things that are different are not the same."
You see, the Greek and Hebrew were tampered with by an apostate by the name of Origen in the late 2nd Century AD. There are in fact two lines of bible manuscripts: The pure line protected by the church, and a corrupted line put forth by apostates. What "scholars" try to pass off as "the oldest and best manuscripts" are actually Origen's corruption of the original. I have in my library both the corrupted Greek and the Majority Text or Textus Receptus (TR). The MV's are based on Origen's corruption. While the KJV is based on the Greek TR (Over 5200 manuscripts in better than 95% agreement) and the Hebrew Masoretic Text. However, the KJV is not exclusively based on these as it was translated from a very eclectic text. In addition to the Masoretic and TR the KJV translators also used two other ancient texts: the Syriac Peshitta and the Old Italic Bible of the Waldensians. The translators also had German, French, Italian, Spanish and Latin Bibles (most of which were greatly influenced by the Waldensians), plus four earlier English Bibles before that they used (Tyndale's, Matthew's, Bishop's & the Geneva translations). The KJV translators did have access to an ancient manuscript in Origin's corrupted line (Codex Vaticanus), but they rejected it as corrupt.
Unlike some KJV advocates, I have no problem with referring to Hebrew and Greek or even Syriac and Old Latin (Italic) for that matter. Bibles in those languages were likewise inspired of God. One might glean a good amount of insight from word studies in the ancient languages of those who gave their lives for the Bible they believed in. However, we must be careful with study helps when we see phrases as "the oldest and best manuscripts omitted these words" or "omitted in many manuscripts" or "These verses do not appear in two of the most trustworthy manuscripts" (referring to Vaticanus and another in the corrupted line of manuscripts). There are a good number of "scholars" and "authorities" out there that are trying to cast doubt on the Word of God. And such language studies are not necessary. I have found that a good Bible dictionary, an English dictionary and a good concordance are the best Bible study aids one can have. I recommend Strong's Concordance and Websters 1828 Dictionary.
Satan is very much interested is destroying the Word of God, but he will never succeed. In the mean while the Word of God is the believers only offensive weapon. If you want to use a butter knife NASV or NIV, go right ahead. But as for me, I will use "the Sword of the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:17; cf. Hebrews 4:12). I must disagree with all who say that "Bibles are all just translations from the original languages." No, the KJV is the preserved Word of God, and the MV's are not!
The KJV preserves the inspired words pened by the prophets and apostles translated into English. As all living things derive their life from their parants likewise the KJV derives its inspiration from the originals by way of copies and ancient translations (i.e. Syriac & Italic). Ultimately it all boils down to faith. Is our Almighty God able to preserve His Word or not? I, for one, believe God. A man's name is only as good as his Word. So it is with God! We no longer have the original manuscripts, but God did promise to preserve His Word:
"As for God, his way is perfect: the Word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him." (Psalm 18:30) "I will worship toward thy holy temple, and praise thy name for thy lovingkindness and for thy truth: for thou hast magnified thy Word above all thy name." (Psalm 138:2) "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever." (Psalm 12:6-7)
I hope the articles and links on this web site is a blessing to you!
John Henry,
Web Servant
KJV@LandmarkBibleBaptist.net
