The Translators to the Readers: Preface to the King James Version of 1611: Unabridged with Original Spelling Retained

by King James Translators

It is a shame that in most King James Bibles today, the rather long dedication and epistle from the Translators is missing. This is primarily done to save on printing and shipping costs. Whether out of interest for the King James Bible or the broader context of the history of Biblical transmission and translation, or simply as an important 17th century artefact, this document is an invaluable historical work in its own right. It is a work of its own merit and worthy to be read by all Christians everywhere. The KJV is one of the most important documents in the history of English literature, and so we thought it appropriate to present it here, so that you can have a better understanding and appreciation of the English Bible we hold in our hands today. We hope and pray it is a blessing to you.

68 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2016

Reviews

[Nathan Wilder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am appalled that this preface to the KJV 1611 has been removed from modern copies of the KJV. In this preface, the philosophy of translation is explained, as well as some of the reasons and arguments for and against the translation work are represented. In this work, the translators of the KJV are humbly admitting that they are standing as fallible men within a long line of copyists and translators, and that God has used all of them throughout history to bring his word clearly for people to read and understand. One of the most impactful statements that they made in this writing, is that they invite others to polish their gold to make it shine more brightly: in other words, they are inviting future translators and editors to refine the process of Bible translation through further study of languages and textual criticism, in order to present the Word of God more clearly and accurately in every age.
This preface itself stands against the common belief that the KJV is the final translation of the Bible for all ages, or that God somehow specially re-inspired it through the translators. This was one of the first steps I took towards a reasoned bibliology, away from the textual-translational absolutism common to the King James Only movement.
PS: I feel the same way about the fact the KJV 1769's are published without the original 1611 marginal notes as well. They also serve to assist in a realistic understanding of the translation process.