The Various Editions of the 1611 AV
If someone decides to produce a "new Bible version", then they must also convince Christians that there is a NEED and a justifiable CAUSE for the new version. One of the deceitful excuses being used today for producing new versions is that the King James Bible has been revised several times since 1611, and that a new revision is needed once again. While spreading this piece of deceitful misinformation, the KJV critics hold their breath, hoping that no one will be intelligent enough to ask for specific details about these "revisions". The many revisions that have occurred since 1881 bear NO RESEMBLANCE to the various EDITIONS of the KJV prior to 1881. The modern revisers are just trying to justify their sins!
There were only FOUR actual EDITIONS of the King James Bible produced after 1611: 1629, 1638, 1762, and 1769. These were not translations (like the new versions SINCE 1881), and they really weren't even "revisions". (Ed. Note: Printing was a new phenomenon in those days, printing a proof and then editing that proof was something they never realized needed to be done before they released a book of any kind. Also, King James I was pressuring them to complete the task.)
The 1629 edition was simply an effort to correct printing errors, and two of the original King James translators assisted in the work.
The 1638 edition of the KJV also dealt with printing errors, especially words and clauses overlooked by the printers. About 72% of the textual corrections in the KJV were done by 1638, only 27 years after the first printing.
Please bear in mind the fact that printing was a very laborious task prior to 1800. Publishing a flawless work was almost impossible. Even today, with computers and advanced word processors, printing errors are still frequently made. Imagine what it was like in the 17th Century!
Then, in 1762 and 1769, two final editions of the KJV were published. Both of these involved spelling changes, which became necessary as the English language became more stabilized and spelling rules were established. (The 1769 Cambridge Edition is considered the most accurate KJV Bible!)
There were not new translations, and there were technical cottections published in 1629, 1638, 1762, and 1769. These were simply corrected editions of the 1611 KJV, due to printing errors and the advent of standardized spelling rules. Those who try to equate these editions with the modern translations are just being deceitful, ignorant--or both. The many other so-called "revisions" of the KJV that occurred in 1613, 1616, 1617, and 1743 are nothing more than running changes and touch-up work at the printers. The REAL revisions and translations do not start appearing until 1881 (English RV) and 1901 (American Standard Version). So if someone asks you, "Which King James Bible do you have, the 1611, the 1629, the 1638, the 1762, or the 1769?", you simply state that you have the 1769 edition of the King James 1611 Authorized Version.
Changes in the 1880 KJV Bible
Nahum 3:16 --
- Thou hast multiplied thy merchants above the stars of heaven: the cankerworm spoileth, and flieth away. (The newer KJV Bibles use "fleeth away" not understanding that a cankerworm is a flying insect, not a true worm.)
Genesis 1:2--
- And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. (The newer KJV Bibles do not capitalize the S in Spirit.)
Jeremiah 34: 16 --
- But ye turned and polluted my name, and caused every man his servant, and every man his handmaid, whom ye had set at liberty at their pleasure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be unto you for servants and for handmaids. (The newer KJV Bibles use "whom he" rather than "whom ye.")
II Chronicles 33:19 --
- His prayer also, and how God was intreated of him, and all his sin, and his trespass, and the places wherein he built high places, and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled: behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers. (The newer KJV Bibles say "sins.")
Luke 23:43 --
- And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. (The newer KJV Bibles say "today.")
I Corinthians 9:9 --
- For it is written in the law of Moses, Thou shalt not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn. Doth God take care for oxen? (The newer KJV Bibles put the Old Testament quote in all Capital Letters.)
These changes may seem small to many of you, but they are indeed important. Most of them were made at the direction of one Dr. Hort, who would later collaborate with Dr. Westcott on a new Greek manuscript of the New Testament. Most people never realized that they were spiritualists and Roman Catholic.
If you can find others, please e-mail us and we will add them to this list.
This list comes courtesy of Foundation researcher the late Al Cuppett, Prophecy Club speaker and KJV Bible believer.