In Case You Didn’t Know

There is a significant difference between the new modern translations of the Bible and the good old King James Bible. Coming out of the Reformation, the King James Version (KJV) was the standard English Bible for over 350 years. In the late 1800’s a shift occurred. Dozens of English translations that are very different have been produced from that time until the present. This difference is not just in English prose and language, but also in content because they are based upon a different New Testament Greek text. Most Christians have no idea there are literally hundreds and hundreds of variations. A common trait is to weaken the very person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. The following gives only a few examples “just in case you didn’t know.” Compare with a modern version (maybe your Bible) and see for yourself!

Matthew 1:25 (KJV): “And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn Son: and he called His name JESUS.” The word “firstborn” is gone, weakening the truth of the virgin birth.

Luke 23:42 (KJV): “And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when Thou comest into Thy kingdom.” The repentant thief calling Jesus “Lord” is omitted in the underlying manuscripts of the new Bibles.

John 3:16 (KJV): Probably the most beloved and familiar verse in the Bible, John 3:16 has a significant omission. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”  The new Bibles say that God gave his only Son. The word “begotten” referring to Jesus as born of a virgin is often left out.

Revelation 1:8 (KJV): “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.” This verse clearly states that Jesus is eternal and the Almighty God. The new Bibles read “saith the Lord God,” adding “God.” This eliminates an obvious reference to the profound truth that Jesus Christ is God in the flesh.

Jesus Christ is the object of our faith. John 6:47 (KJV): “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” The two most important words, “on me”, are left out. It is not that we just believe, but we must direct our faith specifically — on Him! Similarly, consider Romans 1:16a (KJV): “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ.” The new Bibles just say “the gospel.” The King James Bible includes Jesus as the subject of the good news. It is the gospel – “of Christ!” 

Lastly, let’s look at two references to His atoning death. I Corinthians 5:7b (KJV): “For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us.” The new Bibles omit the personal aspect “for us!” Aren’t you glad He died – for us! Colossians 1:14 (KJV): “In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.” The new translations remove “through his blood.” The very essence of Jesus Christ and the gospel are diminished in the new Bibles, and people do not even realize it. The gospel is to trust in the Lord Jesus Christ who came to earth as God in flesh, shed His blood as a sacrifice for our sins, and rose again as the Author of eternal life! Check and see if your Bible detracts from Him!