The King James Version As Read By Jerry Fite
About The King James Version Of The Bible
by
Tom M. Roberts
In 1604, King James I of England authorized that a new translation of the Bible into English to be made. It was finished in 1611, just 85 years after the first translation of the New Testament into English appeared (Tyndale, 1526). The Authorized Version (AV), or King James Version (KJV), quickly became the standard for English-speaking Protestants. Its flowing language and prose rhythm has had a profound influence on the literature of the past 400 years. Newer versions are now available (such as the New King James Version, NKJV, ASV, etc.) which provide more modern English words, but do not have the rhythm and poetic approach as the KJV.
The KJV did have translation flaws. For example, in Acts 12:3, the word “Easter” is found while it should be the “Days of Unleavened Bread.” A thorough study of the context will readily affirm the mistake. King James gave the translators instructions intended to ensure that the new version would conform to the ecclesiology of, the Church of England, thus the use of Easter, which was a part of their theology.
The translation was done by 6 panels of translators, (47 men in all) had work divided up between them; the Old Testament was entrusted to three panels, the New Testament to two. It took a total of 7 years to complete the enormous work. While the apocrypha was included by a panel, it has not been assigned a scriptural place in the finished work.
Many Bible readers use a newer version due to more modern vernacular, the King James Version remains a best seller and has a legitimate place on a believer’s shelf.
About Jerry Fite
Jerry Fite has been preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ full time for over forty-three years. He was born in Dallas, Texas to Harold and Norma Fite on June 14, 1950. Being a son of a preacher, he was subject to more moves than most. However, he was able to experience life from 5th grade to a year of college while living in Fort Worth, Texas. He married Kathy Fite, his high school sweetheart, on January 9, 1970. Jerry and Kathy have been blessed with two children and four grandchildren.
While Texas is where Jerry Fite has lived all his life, he has preached throughout the states in Gospel Meetings. In the 1990’s he labored in preaching Christ in Gospel efforts in Lithuania. In addition to preaching, Jerry has written articles for various religious publications through the years. He is currently living in Pasadena, Texas where he has worked with the Parkview church of Christ for forty years.
He can be reached via email at: jbfite@flash.net