king james bible
MediumFormal, Academic, Historical, Religious
Definition
Meaning
A specific English translation of the Bible, commissioned by King James I of England and first published in 1611.
Often used to refer to the Authorized Version of the Bible; a landmark text in English literature and religious history, known for its majestic, archaic, and influential Early Modern English prose.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Refers specifically to the 1611 translation. Often used metonymically to represent a style of formal, archaic, or highly authoritative English. Not typically used to refer generically to any Bible.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is identical in form in both varieties. The translation is historically more ingrained in UK cultural heritage, but it is a well-known and frequently referenced text in the US as well.
Connotations
In both varieties, connotations include authority, antiquity, literary grandeur, and, for some, religious traditionalism. In some contemporary US evangelical contexts, it may carry a stronger connotation of being the only 'true' translation.
Frequency
Frequency is similar in both regions within religious, historical, and literary contexts. The abbreviation 'KJV' is equally common.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[the] King James Bible [of 1611][verb] the King James Bibleaccording to the King James BibleVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Straight from the King James Bible (meaning: in very formal, old-fashioned language)”
- “Not exactly the King James Bible (meaning: a crude or informal version of something)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear metaphorically: 'The CEO's memo was written in King James Bible prose – very grand and formal.'
Academic
Common in theology, literature, history, and linguistics departments when discussing translation history, Early Modern English, or biblical hermeneutics.
Everyday
Used when discussing religion, literature, or referencing something written in an old-fashioned, formal style.
Technical
Used precisely in biblical studies, textual criticism, and historical linguistics to distinguish this translation from others like the Geneva Bible or the Revised Standard Version.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They decided to King-James-Bible the entire text, rendering it in ponderous archaic English.
American English
- The speechwriter King-James-Bibled the inaugural address, filling it with 'thous' and 'shalts'.
adverb
British English
- The proclamation was written King-James-Bible-ly, with great solemnity.
American English
- He spoke King-James-Bible-ly, as if addressing a congregation from centuries past.
adjective
British English
- He has a very King-James-Bible style of writing, full of long, sonorous sentences.
American English
- The contract's language was almost King-James-Bible in its formality and complexity.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The King James Bible is a very old book.
- Some churches use the King James Bible.
- My grandmother prefers to read the King James Bible because of its traditional language.
- The famous phrase 'an eye for an eye' appears in the King James Bible.
- Scholars often compare the King James Bible to earlier translations like the Geneva Bible.
- The lyrical prose of the King James Bible has influenced English literature for centuries.
- While revered for its literary majesty, the King James Bible is based on a less critical textual apparatus than modern translations.
- The project to create the King James Bible involved six committees of translators working at Oxford, Cambridge, and Westminster.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: KING JAMES gave his NAME to the most FAMOUS English BIBLE.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS ANCIENT TEXT (e.g., 'the King James Bible of gardening guides' implies it is the most authoritative source).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate 'King James' literally as 'Король Джеймс' in the title; the established Russian term is 'Библия короля Якова'.
- Avoid using it as a generic term for 'Bible' ('Библия'); it refers only to one specific translation.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'I read the King James Bible in modern English.' (It is not in modern English.)
- Incorrect: 'king james bible' (should be capitalized as it is a proper noun).
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary characteristic of the King James Bible's language?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is not. Several English translations preceded it, such as Wycliffe's Bible (14th century) and the Tyndale Bible (16th century). The King James Version (1611) was commissioned to create a new authoritative translation for the Church of England.
It is called the Authorized Version because its translation was officially 'authorized' by King James I and the Church of England for use in Anglican church services.
Yes, many people and denominations, particularly some traditionalist Protestant groups, still use it for religious worship and personal study. It is also widely studied for its historical and literary significance.
KJV is the standard abbreviation for 'King James Version,' which is synonymous with the King James Bible or Authorized Version.