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The Bible: Exploring Facts and Myths About the Word of God  /  Textus Receptus  /  Discussion Questions
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Question 10
Bercot reads the 1611 KJV preface approving doubts, margins, and “modesty” (with Augustine: “better to make doubt…than to strive…”), then calls it ironic that modern KJV-only claims go beyond what the KJV translators believed; where do you personally resist that “modesty,” and what concrete practices would help you pursue truth through “scholarly research” rather than partisan pamphlets or inherited talking points?
Another way to ask: Where do you personally struggle to stay humble and admit uncertainty in Bible debates? What habits could help you seek truth through careful research instead of partisan pamphlets or inherited talking points?

Direct Answer The transcript calls Christians to admit uncertainty where God has left uncertainty and to practice “modesty” instead of dogmatism—especially when defending a favorite Bible tradition. Bercot’s concrete advice is to verify claims by consulting early Christian writings and reputable textual scholars (including scholars from both camps), rather than relying on partisan tracts.

Support from Transcript:

  • He quotes a statement about God scattering “words and sentences of difficulty and doubtfulness…not indoctrinal points,” urging “fearfulness…than confidence” and “modesty” (with Augustine).
  • He says this comes from “the preface of the 1611 edition of the King James Bible,” making modern hyper-certainty “extremely ironic.”
  • He contrasts: KJV translators wanted margin notes when “things were not clear,” but modern supporters claim “nothing of doubt” and “every single word has been perfectly preserved…something the translators themselves didn’t even believe.”
  • He urges: “thoroughly check out everything,” do “scholarly research,” read early Christian writings yourself.
  • He recommends reading “genuine textual scholars,” including those who favor the Byzantine/majority text, not “cheap books” with “fanciful stories.”
Discussion Follow-ups What is one claim you’ve accepted because “your side” said it? What would it take to replace that with first-hand reading (early Christian sources, textual scholarship, and careful comparison)?

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