Jumpstarter 6 of 10

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Question 6

David says many KJV users think they are aligned with the Reformers’ push for “Bible in the language of the people,” yet he argues continuing to use the 1769 KJV repeats the medieval impulse to freeze Scripture in a prestige language; what specific commitments or fears might cause sincere Christians to act opposite to what they admire in the Reformers?

Another way to ask: Some Christians say they love the Reformers for wanting the Bible in people’s language, but still stick to the 1769 KJV. What fears or values might make sincere people hold on to older English even if it works against that goal?

Direct Answer David suggests sincere Christians may be driven by fears that change will “change God’s Word,” by attachment to memorized phrasing, or by valuing poetic “majestic” language—commitments that can unintentionally recreate the very “holy language” mindset the Reformers opposed.

Support from Transcript:

He notes many KJV users think they share the Reformers’ spirit: “In their minds…‘I would have been…arguing that the Bible needs to be in the language of the people.’”
He says the 1769 revision already reflected the “trap” that Scripture should remain in a “holy language,” not everyday speech.
Rationalization #1: “modern translations have changed God’s Word,” yet he answers with NKJV/modern KJV revisions using “the exact same Greek text.”
Rationalization #2: “easier to memorize,” which he calls largely “that’s how I’ve already memorized it.”
Rationalization #3: “majestic…poetic” language, which he says is irrelevant because God chose common koine Greek, not polished literary language.

Discussion Follow-ups Which is stronger in us—commitment to God’s meaning being understood, or comfort with what feels familiar and “safe”?

Jumpstarter 6 of 10