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Q&A #37 - Is it true that "modern versions contain the Word of God, but the KJV is the Word of God?"

by Robert Nguyen Cramer

This BibleTexts website administrator has very much enjoyed questions and insights that have been emailed to him ever since this site was launched in September of 1996. On this page I share with BibleTexts browsers a few of the questions, insights, and responses, so that we all can further learn from and with each other.

 

Question/insight #37: "I believe the Cambridge KJV is more accurate than any modern versions because many modern versions omit any doctrines of the bible as such the Son of God or the salvation. They followed 2 famous ancient manuscripts. These MSS did not agree each others thrice thousand times in the gospel alone. Do you trust them? Not me! The fact is that modern versions contain the Word of God; the KJV is the Word of God."

Response #37:

I am assuming that you did not mean to imply that the KJV itself is THE "Word of God" of which the canonical scriptures speak, because that virtually would be professing idolatry. The KJV is certainly an instrument to articulate the Word of God, but so are the ancient Greek texts (all of which vary in some instances) and the many translations over the centuries into Latin, German, English, Spanish, Chinese, Navajo, etc.

As you know, Jesus consistently and persistently preached against self-righteous legalism. Eduard Schweizer makes a good point when he writes in his commentary on Matthew (The Good News According to Matthew, Atlanta: John Knox Press, 1975, page 147), under the topic of the Lord's Prayer, Matthew 6:7-13:

As to the history of the Greek texts upon which the KJV's New Testament is based, I recommend that you read the webpage article at

You also can read an answer to a previous question I received, which asked, "Is it the KJV the only translation that should be used?" My answer is at:

 

Copyright 1996-2002 Robert Nguyen Cramer