King James Translators on the King James Version

The preface to the original 1611 King James Version (KJV) says: “Some peradventure would have no variety of senses to be set in the margin, lest the authority of the Scriptures for deciding of controversies by that show of uncertainty, should somewhat be shaken. But we hold their judgment not to be sound in this point.”

“Doth not a margin do well to admonish the Reader to seek further, and not to conclude or dogmatize upon this or that peremptorily?”

“Therefore as S. Augustine saith, that variety of Translations is profitable for the finding out of the sense of the Scriptures: so diversity of signification and sense in the margin, where the text is no so clear, must needs do good, yea, is necessary, as we are persuaded.”

“They that are wise, had rather have their judgments at liberty in differences of readings, than to be captivated to one, when it may be the other.”

Thusly did the KJV translators disavow inspiration for their translation.

— www.kjv-only.com/transaid.html

Download PDF