The King James Version Bible: A Protestant Text or a Catholic One?
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible has been a widely used translation since its publication in 1611. However, its status as a purely Protestant text has been a subject of debate for many years. It is often contrasted with the Catholic Bible, particularly the Latin Vulgate translated by Saint Jerome in 382 AD. Let's explore the differences and the implications.
Early Translations and the Latin Vulgate
Before the KJV, the Latin Vulgate was the official Bible translation for the Catholic Church. Composed by Saint Jerome, the Latin Vulgate was authorized by the Church in AD 382. It was based on the Vetus Latina manuscripts, which date back to around AD 350. This translation was made almost 1300 years before the KJV, making it a much older and more complete version.
Loading the Scales: Key Differences
The key difference between the Catholic Bible and the KJV lies in the number of books. The Catholic Bible includes all 73 books, with 46 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. In contrast, the KJV contains only 66 books, with 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. This makes the KJV incomplete and leaves out several significant books.
The inclusion of the Apocrypha in the KJV is another point of contention. While the Catholic Bible includes the Apocrypha, the KJV with the Apocrypha includes an additional 2 books and one chapter that are not found in the Catholic version. These differences further emphasize the distinction between the two versions.
New Translations and Catholic Texts
Since the KJV, there have been numerous new translations aimed at making the text more accessible. For Catholics, the most commonly used translations today include the Revised New American Bible (RNAB), the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSVCE), the Jerusalem Bible (JB), and the New Jerusalem Bible (NJB). These translations aim to preserve the accuracy of the Catholic tradition while making the text more accessible to modern readers.
Historical Context and Authoritative Bibles
Dating back to the 16th century, the Church of England established their official Bible contents at the 1563 Conference of the Church of England, which laid the foundation for the KJV. However, it is important to note that the KJV has never been authorized for use by the Catholic Church. Its contents, whether with or without the Apocrypha, clearly differentiate it from the Catholic Bibles.
Conclusion:
The King James Version Bible is undoubtedly a Protestant text. While King James might have hoped for its use by both Protestants and Catholics, historical and doctrinal differences prevent its authorization in the Catholic Church. The KJV, both with and without the Apocrypha, maintains its position as a Protestant translation, leaving the more complete and authoritative version in the hands of Catholic communities.
Key Takeaways:
- The Catholic Bible contains 73 books, while the KJV has only 66 books.
- The KJV includes additional Apocryphal books.
- New Catholic translations like RNAB, RSVCE, JB, and NJB are widely used today.
Related Keywords: King James Bible, Catholic Bible, Protestant Bible