It is a long forgotten fact that when the KJV was first produced it did not look like what we have today. Back a few years ago, I was blessed to have gotten a facsimile copy of the original KJV 1611 for my own study. For anyone who loves the Bible in general, or English Bibles in particular this is a great volume to have and to study.
As I studied that old KJV reprint, I learned some things about it. One thing is the English spellings are very different than what we have today. I know some “King James Only” guys, but nobody actually uses the 1611. Of great value is the original preface and the translators notes which are missing from most King James Versions in print today. Some of these notes are very eye opening, and would surprise my King James Only brothers, as they were a surprise to me. I am sharing three of them below.
First, notice the note on Matthew 26:26 –
Next, look at the marginal note for Luke 10:22-
And, finally here’s the note for Luke 17:36 –
In those days I was very much “King James Only” and was very thankful to have this addition in my own library. I still am thankful for it, and thankful for the King James Bible, but I am no longer KJVO. To come down hard on other versions as if the King James Version is the final word for English speaking people was not even the position of the translators. I would beg of you, my good brothers, read the translators preface and consider these marginal notes.