The idea that Psalm 12 supports the King James Version (KJV) as the only correct English translation—or even that the KJV itself is inspired by God rather than the original manuscripts—is a significant misunderstanding of both the psalm and biblical teaching on Scripture. Let’s address this respectfully and biblically.
What Does Psalm 12 Actually Teach?
Psalm 12:6–7 is often cited by proponents of King James Onlyism:
“The words of the LORD are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.” (KJV)
Key observations:
- God’s Words Are Pure and Reliable: Verse 6 celebrates the perfection of God’s Word, contrasting it with the deceitfulness of human speech in verses 1–4. This does not suggest a particular translation but highlights the inherent purity of divine revelation.
- God’s Promise of Preservation: Verse 7 affirms God’s commitment to preserving His people (“them” in context likely refers to the poor and needy of verse 5). While it can also be understood as affirming the enduring nature of His Word, it does not specify a particular version or language. Instead, it reflects the broader biblical teaching that God’s truth will endure forever (Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35).
Psalm 12 gives no indication that it refers exclusively to the King James Version or any other specific translation. The psalm predates the English language by centuries and must be understood in its historical and theological context.
Inspiration and the Original Manuscripts
The doctrine of inspiration is rooted in passages such as 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:20–21, which affirm that the Scriptures were “breathed out by God” through the original authors. The inspiration applies to the original manuscripts (autographs) in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—not to any particular translation.
Translations, including the KJV, are products of human labor to render God’s Word into another language. They are valuable and important but not inspired in the same way as the original texts. Claiming inspiration for the KJV misunderstands the nature of biblical preservation and translation.
The History of the King James Version
The King James Version, completed in 1611, is a monumental achievement and a faithful translation for its time. However:
- It is based on the Textus Receptus, a Greek manuscript tradition available in the 16th century. Later discoveries of older and more reliable manuscripts (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus) have provided a fuller understanding of the biblical text.
- The KJV itself is not static. It underwent revisions in 1629, 1638, 1762, and 1769. The version most people refer to today is the 1769 revision, not the original 1611 edition.
Thus, the KJV, while an excellent translation, reflects the linguistic and textual knowledge of its time. It is not inherently superior to other faithful translations that draw from more extensive manuscript evidence.
Biblical Principles for Evaluating Translations
When evaluating translations, the goal is faithfulness to the original text and clarity for the reader. Faithful translations, such as the KJV, ESV, NASB, or others, serve this purpose well.
- Translation Variety is Scriptural: In Acts 2, God enabled people from many nations to hear His Word in their own languages. This affirms that the truth of Scripture is not confined to one language or translation.
- God’s Word Is Accessible: The KJV itself was created to make Scripture accessible to English speakers of its day. Insisting that God’s Word is only valid in an archaic form of English runs counter to this spirit.
Addressing the Danger of King James Onlyism
While the KJV is a beloved and reliable translation, elevating it above others—or above the original manuscripts—can lead to several errors:
- Dividing the Church: Insisting on one translation as the only valid version creates unnecessary division among believers, undermining unity in Christ.
- Undermining Biblical Authority: By placing the KJV above the original manuscripts, this position inadvertently shifts authority from God’s inspired Word to a human translation.
- Restricting Access to God’s Word: Requiring modern readers to navigate the older, unfamiliar English of the KJV can hinder comprehension, particularly for those new to the faith.
Responding with Grace and Truth
To someone holding a King James Only position, it is essential to respond with patience and respect while gently correcting misunderstandings:
- Affirm Their Love for Scripture: Recognize their zeal for preserving the Word of God and their respect for the KJV.
- Explain Biblical Preservation: Show from Scripture (e.g., Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35) that God has promised to preserve His Word, not in one translation but across generations and languages.
- Encourage Study of Translation History: Highlight the faithfulness of the KJV alongside the value of other translations that utilize the full spectrum of manuscript evidence.
Conclusion
Psalm 12 assures us of the purity and preservation of God’s Word, but it does not single out any particular translation. While the KJV is a valuable part of church history, it is one of many faithful translations that God has used to spread His truth. Let us celebrate the accessibility of God’s Word in many languages and forms, remembering that our ultimate focus is not on a particular translation but on the gospel of Jesus Christ that all Scripture proclaims.
Leave a comment