N o other book can demonstrate the deep and lasting impact the King James Version of the Holy Bible has had on the world. Over four hundred years ago, King James I of England commissioned fifty-four scholars to create a new translation of the Bible that would replace earlier unauthorized versions, many of which had been published secretly or abroad, or had marginal notes he regarded as subversive. This translation, now known as the King James Version (or less often as the Authorized Version), was destined to become the new standard among Bible translations in both quality and popularity.
After its completion in 1611, the translations widespread use began to shape the very language and thinking of the English-speaking world, and its enduring influence continues even in our own time. From literature to hymns to favorite Bible verses, the poetic cadence of the King James Version has become as familiar to us as our own thoughts, even while our everyday speech grows increasingly less like it. Can any other translation of the Ten Commandments evoke the same sense of authority and awe that we associate with the words Thou shalt not? Can any other version of the Lords Prayer instill in us the same sense of reverence as the words Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name?
Yet the aesthetic and emotive qualities of the King James Version are equally matched by its precision and faithfulness to the few manuscripts of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts of scripture from which it was translated. Even today, the King James Version of the Holy Bible continues to be cherished by millions as their Bible of choice, and its words continue to serve as the very words of God, just as they have for countless other believers in times past. In a certain sense, as we read the King James Version, we join with these believers and experience anew the richness of Gods Word as it has been known by countless people throughout the past four hundred years.
This particular edition of the King James Version has a number of additional features that will help you get the most out of your Bible reading:
God has used the King James Version of the Bible to bless readers since 1611. It is our hope that this edition will continue to bless many for years to come.
TO THE MOST HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE
JAMES
BY THE GRACE OF GOD
KING OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH, &c.
THE TRANSLATORS OF THE BIBLE WISH GRACE, MERCY, AND PEACE THROUGH JESUS CHRIST OUR LORD
G reat and manifold were the blessings, most dread Sovereign, which Almighty God, the Father of all mercies, bestowed upon us the people of England, when first he sent Your Majestys Royal Person to rule and reign over us. For whereas it was the expectation of many, who wished not well unto our , that upon the setting of that bright Occidental Star, Queen Elizabeth of most happy memory, some thick and palpable clouds of darkness would so have overshadowed this Land, that men should have been in doubt which way they were to walk; and that it should hardly be known, who was to direct the unsettled State; the appearance of Your Majesty, as of the Sun in his strength, instantly dispelled those supposed and surmised mists, and gave unto all that were well affected exceeding cause of comfort; especially when we beheld the Government established in Your Highness, and Your hopeful Seed, by an undoubted Title, and this also accompanied with peace and tranquillity at home and abroad.
But among all our joys, there was no one that more filled our hearts than the blessed continuance of the preaching of Gods sacred Word among us; which is that inestimable treasure, which excelleth all the riches of the earth; because the fruit thereof extendeth itself, not only to the time spent in this transitory world, but directeth and disposeth men unto that eternal happiness which is above in heaven.
Then not to suffer this to fall to the ground, but rather to take it up, and to continue it in that state, wherein the famous Predecessor of Your Highness did leave it: nay, to go forward with the confidence and resolution of a Man in maintaining the truth of , as a most tender and loving nursing Father.
There are infinite arguments of this right s into the English Tongue; Your Majesty did never desist to urge and to excite those to whom it was commended, that the work might be hastened, and that the business might be expedited in so decent a manner, as a matter of such importance might justly require.
And now at last, by the mercy of God, and the continuance of our labours, it being brought unto such a conclusion, as that we have great hopes that the endeavors against bitter censures and uncharitable imputations.
The and only Saviour.
THE FIRST BOOK OF MOSES, CALLED
GENESIS
INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS The first eleven chapters of comes from the Greek word geneseos, meaning origin, source, generation, or beginning.
AUTHOR Although 24:44).
OCCASION , during the fifteenth century BC.
THE ORIGINAL CREATION
In the beginning God created the and the earth.
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the of God moved upon the face of the waters.
And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.