King James Version

Latest publication: 1611

Publisher: Public domain, many publishers have produced copies

Sample Old Testament Verse (Isaiah 53:5)
But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.

Sample New Testament Verse (1 Timothy 2:3-4)
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.

Study Bibles with the KJV text

Companion Study Bible
Holman Rainbow Study Bible
KJV Study bibles (offered by many publishers with various study tools)
Life Application Study Bible
Minister’s Bible
Names of God Bible
Schofield Study Bible
Teacher’s Study Bible
Teen Study Bible
Thompson Chain Reference Bible
Woman’s Study Bible

Devotional Bible Options

American Patriot’s Bible
Daily Wisdom for Women
Journaling Bible
Military Bible
Oswald Chambers Daily Devotional Bible
Prayer Journey Bible
Reflections from the Heart of God: Devotional Bible for Women
Reformation Heritage Bible
Spirit Filled Daily Devotional
Spiritual Warfare Bible
Women of Faith Devotional Bible

Format Information

KJV Bibles are always printed in verse format, with a new verse starting at a new line of text. The poetry is not formatted as poetry but retains the verse formatting of the other text. Other formatting features will depend upon the publisher. Most provide chapter headings and even some subheadings, but these will vary from publisher to publisher. Some publishers will also provide book summaries.

Translation Information

The KJV was translated by a committee of Anglican churchmen appointed and authorized by the King of England. He instructed the committee to guarantee that the new version would conform to the theology and the structure of the Church of England. For example, the word “church” was to be retained and not to be translated as “congregation.” The text was translated from the Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic texts that were available at the time. The translators consulted other available English versions to provide a familiar readability.

Description by the Publisher

The King James Version of the Bible was not the first English translation of the Bible, but it was the first widely used by church goers. It is often also referred to as the Authorized Version of the Bible as it was translated at the behest of King James 1 of England. A new translation was deemed necessary to counter the Puritan faction of the Church of England.