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The Legacy of the King James Bible: Celebrating 400 Years of the Most Influential English Translation
Originally published in 1611, the King James Bible (KJB) remains the most recognizable piece of literature in the English-speaking world today. For over three centuries, it served as the standard English Bible and has, as such, exerted unparalleled influence on English and American culture in nearly every sphere—including education, law, literature, government, art, science, and religion. The Legacy of the King James Bible honors the 400 th anniversary of the KJB’s publication by telling its story—a drama that starts with the pioneering work of William Tyndale and progresses through half a dozen other popular translations. Leland Ryken, an expert on the Bible as literature, explores the excellence of the King James Bible by examining its status as the climax of a century of English Bible translations, its impression on the subsequent history of Bible translation, its inherent literary excellence, and its overall impact on English and American literature and culture. The Legacy of the King James Bible will shed new light on the depth of the translation’s merit and influence and offer insight as to what its role may be in the next 400 years.
265 pages, Paperback
First published January 5, 2011
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85 people want to read
About the author
Leland Ryken
120 books137 followersDr. Ryken has served on the faculty of Wheaton College since 1968. He has published over thirty books and more than one hundred articles and essays, devoting much of his scholarship to Bible translations and the study of the Bible as literature. He served as Literary Chairman for the English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible and in 2003 received the distinguished Gutenberg Award for his contributions to education, writing, and the understanding of the Bible.
He is the father of Philip Graham Ryken
He is the father of Philip Graham Ryken
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 25, 2020
I've never really read the KJV. I grew up going to church in French (Louis Segond!) and by the time I was reading the Bible for myself, it was always in more modern translations. What I knew most about the KJV was that some super-fundamentalists were convinced it was the ONLY proper English translation and that every other translation was essentially a demonic deception. This did not pique my interest in the KJV or give me any desire to explore its merits, literary or otherwise.
But here we are many a year later and I understand much better now than before how we got our translations, how we got our modern manuscripts, and that, at the end of the day, the translation you're reading isn't the most important factor in your spiritual wellbeing. So it was time to read this book. I respect Leland Ryken and have enjoyed some of his writing on literature, and wanted to give him, and the KJV, a fair hearing.
I think he did a good job with this book. It's not easy to write an interesting book when your subject is another book. Ryken sets out to show why the KJV had such enduring value and how significant the departure was when dynamic equivalence translations were introduced. Some of this material overlaps with other writings of his on translation philosophy.
I enjoyed the historical retelling of how the translation came about, the labors and trials of the translators, and the surprisingly warm-hearted collaboration that came about across theological lines.
The most surprising and beneficial aspect of the book was the literary quality of the KJV and the crucial formative influence of it on the English language throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries especially. Of note was the single-minded agreement among all authors, poets, and literature critics that the KJV is unsurpassed in its mastery of English prose. As someone interested in the reading and production of good writing, this certainly makes me want to revisit the KJV and take in the passages and narratives that I know well from other translations and experiencing them in this apparently superior prose.
For Bible nerds, literature nerds, and Leland Ryken fan club members, this is the book for you.
But here we are many a year later and I understand much better now than before how we got our translations, how we got our modern manuscripts, and that, at the end of the day, the translation you're reading isn't the most important factor in your spiritual wellbeing. So it was time to read this book. I respect Leland Ryken and have enjoyed some of his writing on literature, and wanted to give him, and the KJV, a fair hearing.
I think he did a good job with this book. It's not easy to write an interesting book when your subject is another book. Ryken sets out to show why the KJV had such enduring value and how significant the departure was when dynamic equivalence translations were introduced. Some of this material overlaps with other writings of his on translation philosophy.
I enjoyed the historical retelling of how the translation came about, the labors and trials of the translators, and the surprisingly warm-hearted collaboration that came about across theological lines.
The most surprising and beneficial aspect of the book was the literary quality of the KJV and the crucial formative influence of it on the English language throughout the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries especially. Of note was the single-minded agreement among all authors, poets, and literature critics that the KJV is unsurpassed in its mastery of English prose. As someone interested in the reading and production of good writing, this certainly makes me want to revisit the KJV and take in the passages and narratives that I know well from other translations and experiencing them in this apparently superior prose.
For Bible nerds, literature nerds, and Leland Ryken fan club members, this is the book for you.
February 16, 2011
Of all English translations of the Bible, the King James Version is certainly the one which has stood the test of time. Four hundred years after it was first printed, the KJV is still loved by many. This book celebrates the accuracy, beauty, and influence of the King James Version of the Bible.
Ryken gives credit where it is due to both Tyndale and Wycliffe, whose translations laid the foundation for the King James Version. Their desire was to translate the Scriptures faithfully so that English speaking people could read and understand God's Word. The King James Version stands upon the shoulders of these translations as well as a few others such as the Bishops Bible.
Ryken takes the time to give us interesting facts about the translation process. The work was divided among committees, and they were instructed to use the existing English translations and compare them. In fact, that King James Version is a revision of the Bishop's Bible, which was also compared with the original languages to assure that it was as accurate as possible. The translators also consulted Luther's Bible, the Latin Vulgate, the Syriac New Testament, Aramaic Targums, and various commentaries. This was indeed a great undertaking that was taken very seriously. Once it was published, it only took fifty years for the KJV to surpass the Geneva Bible in popularity.
Ryken gives a very timely warning to those who accept that there are more accurate Greek manuscripts than those used by the KJV translators. He reminds us that the ones that were used to translate the KJV were by no means bad texts, and that the difference between the Received Text and today's Critical Text is actually minor. No one is in danger of being misled by the King James Version of the Bible.
The influence of the KJV is extensive. Although it is not named a “Standard Bible”, it is the standard for many English translations. The RSV, NKJV, and ESV are all in the stream of the King James tradition in that they seek to adhere to an essentially literal approach. Another thing that points to the King James Version as a standard is the fact that many who follow the dynamic equivalence translational philosophy find fault with the King James Version and try to show how theirs is in some way superior. This may be a back handed acknowledgement of the KJV as a standard, but it is indeed an acknowledgement that it is.
The KJV has permeated English culture, language, and literature. Billy Graham, one of the world's foremost evangelists, preached from the KJV. Expressions that are in our everyday speech come from the KJV. Great literature either quotes or has language that is very similar to the KJV. Many writers acknowledge that they used, or are indebted to the KJV. Public inscriptions of Scripture are more often quotations of the KJV than not. Great musicals, poetry, and paintings have been influenced by the KJV. There is no area of English speaking culture that has not been influenced by the KJV.
Ryken calls the KJV the “gold standard for a literary Bible”. The language, cadence, and beauty all show the KJV to be an excellent translation. In fact, many consider the KJV to be a miracle of literary excellence. The one place where Ryken faults the KJV translators is in their printing of poetry as prose. In all, he holds the King James Version in high esteem, as well we all should. He makes an amazing statement when he says, “I do not remember ever having encountered a member of the literary establishment who preferred any English Bible other than the KJV.”
Today we have a proliferation of English Bible translations. One would think that would be a blessing. Ryken, who greatly loves and supports the work of the English Standard Version, declares that “biblical illiteracy has accompanied the decline of the King James Bible.” He states that this is widely acknowledged. He even quotes a colleague who said that even Christian students have become inept at seeing biblical references in literature, because they do not know the KJV and its influence. There is no greater praise to be given to the King James Version by one who is a great supporter of a modern version. In fact, Ryken recommends that Bible readers continue to read the KJV along with their modern version.
Time and space would fail me to say all that could be said about this book. Let it suffice to say that this book is a must read for all who care about literature, whether it be biblical or secular. In fact, I would highly recommend this book for those who are King James Version only believers as well as those who are King James Version critics. Both groups could learn much from this book.
This book provided for review by Crossway with no requirement of a positive review.
Ryken gives credit where it is due to both Tyndale and Wycliffe, whose translations laid the foundation for the King James Version. Their desire was to translate the Scriptures faithfully so that English speaking people could read and understand God's Word. The King James Version stands upon the shoulders of these translations as well as a few others such as the Bishops Bible.
Ryken takes the time to give us interesting facts about the translation process. The work was divided among committees, and they were instructed to use the existing English translations and compare them. In fact, that King James Version is a revision of the Bishop's Bible, which was also compared with the original languages to assure that it was as accurate as possible. The translators also consulted Luther's Bible, the Latin Vulgate, the Syriac New Testament, Aramaic Targums, and various commentaries. This was indeed a great undertaking that was taken very seriously. Once it was published, it only took fifty years for the KJV to surpass the Geneva Bible in popularity.
Ryken gives a very timely warning to those who accept that there are more accurate Greek manuscripts than those used by the KJV translators. He reminds us that the ones that were used to translate the KJV were by no means bad texts, and that the difference between the Received Text and today's Critical Text is actually minor. No one is in danger of being misled by the King James Version of the Bible.
The influence of the KJV is extensive. Although it is not named a “Standard Bible”, it is the standard for many English translations. The RSV, NKJV, and ESV are all in the stream of the King James tradition in that they seek to adhere to an essentially literal approach. Another thing that points to the King James Version as a standard is the fact that many who follow the dynamic equivalence translational philosophy find fault with the King James Version and try to show how theirs is in some way superior. This may be a back handed acknowledgement of the KJV as a standard, but it is indeed an acknowledgement that it is.
The KJV has permeated English culture, language, and literature. Billy Graham, one of the world's foremost evangelists, preached from the KJV. Expressions that are in our everyday speech come from the KJV. Great literature either quotes or has language that is very similar to the KJV. Many writers acknowledge that they used, or are indebted to the KJV. Public inscriptions of Scripture are more often quotations of the KJV than not. Great musicals, poetry, and paintings have been influenced by the KJV. There is no area of English speaking culture that has not been influenced by the KJV.
Ryken calls the KJV the “gold standard for a literary Bible”. The language, cadence, and beauty all show the KJV to be an excellent translation. In fact, many consider the KJV to be a miracle of literary excellence. The one place where Ryken faults the KJV translators is in their printing of poetry as prose. In all, he holds the King James Version in high esteem, as well we all should. He makes an amazing statement when he says, “I do not remember ever having encountered a member of the literary establishment who preferred any English Bible other than the KJV.”
Today we have a proliferation of English Bible translations. One would think that would be a blessing. Ryken, who greatly loves and supports the work of the English Standard Version, declares that “biblical illiteracy has accompanied the decline of the King James Bible.” He states that this is widely acknowledged. He even quotes a colleague who said that even Christian students have become inept at seeing biblical references in literature, because they do not know the KJV and its influence. There is no greater praise to be given to the King James Version by one who is a great supporter of a modern version. In fact, Ryken recommends that Bible readers continue to read the KJV along with their modern version.
Time and space would fail me to say all that could be said about this book. Let it suffice to say that this book is a must read for all who care about literature, whether it be biblical or secular. In fact, I would highly recommend this book for those who are King James Version only believers as well as those who are King James Version critics. Both groups could learn much from this book.
This book provided for review by Crossway with no requirement of a positive review.
March 13, 2014
"The Bible" to English speakers from 1611 to the last half of the 20th century meant the King James Bible. So writing about the legacy of the KJV is really a history of the Bible in the English speaking world. I say this, because the legacy of the King James Bible is so broad that we can almost lose sight of it, or take it for granted today.
My first Bible was an NIV edition--so I was of the first generation post-KJV. So while I read from the NIV, the Bible of my pastors was the King James--so I heard this from the pulpit and from other teachers. So the legacy of the KJV lives on in my own memory, though not nearly to the extent of the generation before my own.
Leland Ryken offers this work on the history and legacy of the King James Bible to show how God has worked through Anglo-American cultures through His Word. The book begins with the history of English translations of the Bible. It is interesting and valuable, but rather ordinary and expected. Most people familiar with the history of English translations are at least somewhat familiar with Wyclif and Tyndale and their attempts to put the Bible into the language of the people.
So while the book has rather ordinary beginnings, it is in the last half of the book that Ryken really makes things interesting. There are hints of it early on as he speaks of the literary qualities of Bible translation. But in the second half of the book it is apparent that the KJV is a unique translation that may never be transcended.
What sets apart the King James Bible? The KJV was translated at the peak of the English language--by translators steeped in the classics and linguistics. The translation took on the literary qualities of its age, and remained faithful to the text by following it cadences and rythms, rather than forcing the text into a different mold.
The Bible in the original languages and grammar reads very closely to what the KJV translation does in English--the text itself shines because the biblical text and the highly literate age had converged in such a way that the audience was able to receive such a glorious, literary translation without sensing the need to dumb it down to an illiterate age--as our own. Ryken doesn't say it quite like this, but this is in essence his argument.
Thus, the KJV is the result of the convergence of the biblical text and a culture highly literate in the classics, ancient languages, and aesthetics. No other age could produce such a translation. And because of this convergence, the KJV became ascendant until our own age of illiteracy.
In this way, Ryken argues that the KJV and its heirs are the best translations available. They have a linguistic legacy with cultural resonance rather than the cultural dissonance of other translations that work outside of the KJV legacy.
This is the heart of the work--the supremacy of the KJV, and to some extent its heirs. Because of the KJV's literary qualities it has been embraced broadly--even by notable atheists and unbelievers. Ryken recounts how writers--especially politicians, novelists, and poets have either quoted the KJV or followed it stylistically over the years.
Ryken writes of many authors that are known unbelievers, yet read and studied their KJV Bibles in ways that would shame most modern believers. Though they did not receive the Bible as the Word of God, they could at least recognize its timeless qualities and its superb literary qualities.
Because of the KJV's cultural legacy, it is important to preserve it and remain familiar with it to better understand the literature that we read and study today.
My first Bible was an NIV edition--so I was of the first generation post-KJV. So while I read from the NIV, the Bible of my pastors was the King James--so I heard this from the pulpit and from other teachers. So the legacy of the KJV lives on in my own memory, though not nearly to the extent of the generation before my own.
Leland Ryken offers this work on the history and legacy of the King James Bible to show how God has worked through Anglo-American cultures through His Word. The book begins with the history of English translations of the Bible. It is interesting and valuable, but rather ordinary and expected. Most people familiar with the history of English translations are at least somewhat familiar with Wyclif and Tyndale and their attempts to put the Bible into the language of the people.
So while the book has rather ordinary beginnings, it is in the last half of the book that Ryken really makes things interesting. There are hints of it early on as he speaks of the literary qualities of Bible translation. But in the second half of the book it is apparent that the KJV is a unique translation that may never be transcended.
What sets apart the King James Bible? The KJV was translated at the peak of the English language--by translators steeped in the classics and linguistics. The translation took on the literary qualities of its age, and remained faithful to the text by following it cadences and rythms, rather than forcing the text into a different mold.
The Bible in the original languages and grammar reads very closely to what the KJV translation does in English--the text itself shines because the biblical text and the highly literate age had converged in such a way that the audience was able to receive such a glorious, literary translation without sensing the need to dumb it down to an illiterate age--as our own. Ryken doesn't say it quite like this, but this is in essence his argument.
Thus, the KJV is the result of the convergence of the biblical text and a culture highly literate in the classics, ancient languages, and aesthetics. No other age could produce such a translation. And because of this convergence, the KJV became ascendant until our own age of illiteracy.
In this way, Ryken argues that the KJV and its heirs are the best translations available. They have a linguistic legacy with cultural resonance rather than the cultural dissonance of other translations that work outside of the KJV legacy.
This is the heart of the work--the supremacy of the KJV, and to some extent its heirs. Because of the KJV's literary qualities it has been embraced broadly--even by notable atheists and unbelievers. Ryken recounts how writers--especially politicians, novelists, and poets have either quoted the KJV or followed it stylistically over the years.
Ryken writes of many authors that are known unbelievers, yet read and studied their KJV Bibles in ways that would shame most modern believers. Though they did not receive the Bible as the Word of God, they could at least recognize its timeless qualities and its superb literary qualities.
Because of the KJV's cultural legacy, it is important to preserve it and remain familiar with it to better understand the literature that we read and study today.
May 9, 2021
This is a fine history of the King James Bible of 1611. The KJB is probably the most most important English translation ever made and it still remains a reasonable version for private and communal use. It’s influence can hardly be overstated.
Ryken examines that influence on a number of fronts including “ The history of Bible translation”, “Language, Education, and Religion,” and “Culture”. He discusses the style used, its poetic effects, and its literary impact over the centuries.
Leland Ryken writes with enthusiasm and academic skill. He includes little tables and fact boxes throughout the text. All make for interesting reading. It is a book that many may return to—and it may cause them to explore the Bible itself.
Ryken examines that influence on a number of fronts including “ The history of Bible translation”, “Language, Education, and Religion,” and “Culture”. He discusses the style used, its poetic effects, and its literary impact over the centuries.
Leland Ryken writes with enthusiasm and academic skill. He includes little tables and fact boxes throughout the text. All make for interesting reading. It is a book that many may return to—and it may cause them to explore the Bible itself.
June 19, 2023
This book would make a great follow up to “A Peculiar Glory” by John Piper as it clearly illustrates some of the truths in that book. While Ryken’s case may be a bit overstated for the KJV specifically, he does highlight the beauty of God’s Word and its influence on the world.
January 28, 2012
I am glad I read this book, although it was not quite what I was expecting. This may be the year I learn a lot more about the Bible, as the more I read, the more fascinating it becomes. the author does a good job celebrating the period of time in which the King James Bible was translated, and the influence of previous translations. The influence of the KJV on the culture and literature were not quite as interesting to me. After having finished reading The Message last month, (and not having enjoyed it as much as I had expected), I understand now the difference between translations that use exact words, and those that use more current meanings. Ryken didn't appear to like The Message very much either. anyway - certain parts toward the end of the book I tended to skim over, as it just wasn't interesting to me. The book read like a college text, (stating the purpose of the chapter and reviewing the findings at the end of each chapter) which I found a bit annoying - but that could be just me.
November 12, 2013
Interesting but overstated.
September 28, 2018
The early part of this book tells the history of translation of the Bible into English and is very interesting. There was not a great amount of detail on the translators and their process in translating the KJV, but there was more than I knew, and I enjoyed reading about it.
However, once the book turns to talking about the KJV's influence on literature and culture, I found the reading to be less interesting. It turned into "this author was influenced by the King James' style, and here are a few passages; many monuments are engraved with King James passages, and here are a few examples;" and such.
As a history of the King James Version and its influence, I know these things had to be chronicled (and in summary fashion, lest the book turn into multiple volumes), but that chronicling did not make for interesting reading to me and started to feel redundant. So I would say I was somewhat riveted to the early chapters but wound up skimming the latter ones.
However, once the book turns to talking about the KJV's influence on literature and culture, I found the reading to be less interesting. It turned into "this author was influenced by the King James' style, and here are a few passages; many monuments are engraved with King James passages, and here are a few examples;" and such.
As a history of the King James Version and its influence, I know these things had to be chronicled (and in summary fashion, lest the book turn into multiple volumes), but that chronicling did not make for interesting reading to me and started to feel redundant. So I would say I was somewhat riveted to the early chapters but wound up skimming the latter ones.
August 8, 2024
Not only is the KJV an accurate and sufficient translation of the Scriptures, it is also the most impactful book in the history of the world and a work of art. Ryken shows the literary impact and reach of the KJV for modern world. As well, mentions the translators care not just in an accurate translation, but a majestic translation to any who read or hear.
A good book on the literary and translational impact of the Authorised Version.
A good book on the literary and translational impact of the Authorised Version.
January 31, 2022
Really helpful overview of the King James Bible and its impact.
February 28, 2017
The author takes an interesting topic and makes it dull. I couldn't wait for the end but should've stopped earlier. I don't usually finish books that I end up rating one star.
February 11, 2017
Reading this book has strengthened my conviction that the King James Bible is the best English translation of the Scriptures in that it followed more closely the Hebrew and Greek texts, that it influenced society and culture, and was the inspiration of many prominent literary figures for their writings for centuries. The fact that the book's author is part of the making of a modern English translation speaks volumes to the truthfulness of KJV's greatness as representative of the Word of God in the English language.
April 15, 2012
I took Leland Ryken's Literature of the Bible class while at Wheaton College, and it changed how I read my Bible even today, 30+ years later. Ryken has also helped me to appreciate the significance of the King James Bible, its importance as literature, and the beauty of its language, even though I do not prefer it for Bible reading or study.
January 2, 2016
This book was a very thoughtful and reasoned text. It gave emphasis on the KJV in literature which since it did shape English speaking culture, the book has secular appeal as well. KJV ONLY folks will not like the book because the author praises other translations or at least does not criticize them enough!
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August 21, 20120564
July 12, 2012
easy read and very interesting
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews