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King James Bible- Unveiling the Books That Were Removed

What books did King James remove from the Bible? This question has intrigued scholars and religious enthusiasts for centuries. The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, first published in 1611, is one of the most influential translations in English history. However, its creation was not without controversy, particularly concerning the texts included in the Old and New Testaments. This article delves into the debate surrounding the books omitted from the KJV and explores the reasons behind these exclusions.

The KJV was commissioned by King James I of England to provide a definitive English translation of the Bible. The process involved a team of 47 scholars, most of whom were Anglican clergymen. Their work was guided by the principle of “scriptural authority,” which meant that they aimed to produce a translation that was faithful to the original texts and in line with the Church of England’s teachings.

One of the most notable aspects of the KJV is its inclusion of the Apocrypha, a collection of texts that are considered to be part of the Bible by the Roman Catholic Church but are not included in the Protestant versions. The Apocrypha consists of books that were included in the Greek Septuagint, the Latin Vulgate, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Bible but were excluded from the Hebrew Masoretic Text, which is the basis for the Protestant Old Testament.

The KJV included the Apocrypha in its Old Testament, but it omitted several books that are present in the Greek Septuagint and the Latin Vulgate. These books are:

1. 1 Esdras (also known as 3 Esdras)
2. 2 Esdras (also known as 4 Esdras)
3. Tobit
4. Judith
5. Baruch
6. Letter of Jeremiah
7. Additions to Esther
8. Wisdom of Solomon
9. Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)

The reasons for excluding these books from the KJV are complex and multifaceted. One of the primary reasons is that the translators believed that these texts were not inspired by God and did not belong in the canon of Scripture. They were concerned about the potential for theological confusion and the possibility of corrupting the purity of the Word of God.

Another factor that influenced the exclusion of these books was the translation’s intended audience. The KJV was designed to be accessible to the general public, and the translators wanted to ensure that the translation was as clear and straightforward as possible. They believed that including the Apocrypha and other controversial texts would complicate the reading experience and potentially lead to misinterpretation.

Despite the exclusions, the KJV has remained a popular and influential translation of the Bible. Its clear and elegant language has contributed to its enduring popularity, and it has played a significant role in shaping English literature and religious thought. The debate over the books omitted from the KJV continues to this day, with some scholars and religious groups advocating for the inclusion of the Apocrypha and other texts in the Protestant canon.

In conclusion, the KJV omitted several books from the Apocrypha due to concerns about their scriptural authority and the desire to create a clear and straightforward translation for the general public. The debate over these exclusions continues to be a topic of interest for scholars and religious enthusiasts, highlighting the complex nature of biblical translation and the ongoing quest to understand the Word of God.

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