Book Review of Verily, Verily: The KJV – 400 Years of Influence and Beauty

Verily, Verily

I have always enjoyed studying the historic biblical translations, especially the King James Version.   I love history of all kinds, and church history all the more.  A debate in the church that has long intrigued me is the undeniable controversy surrounding biblical translation. 

There are  arguments to be made for a variety of contemporary english versions.  I have used the NIV for the past 10 years.  Most seminary trained pastors point to the New American Standard Bible as the most literal word for word translation and therefore the most accurate.  Lifeway, the literature publishing branch of the Southern Baptist Convention has adopted the Holman Christian Standard Bible as its official translation.  Some embrace “paraphrases” such as the Message for its ease of understanding by laymen, and some condemn it has not being scripture.  My first real bible reading was an early paraphrase that was never widely adopted called The Book.  The most interesting to me however has always been the opinion that the King James Version is the only correct English translation.  There are quite a few that hold this view (you know who you are…) and those who do mean it.  I have heard a church near me even inform people who have said they have a difficult time understanding the KJV that they may not be genuinely saved.  I even heard one story of a senior pastor at a small church who was beside himself having learned that one of his staff members was teaching from a contemporary translation, and in a fit of rage slam this bible to the floor and kicked it across the room.

With all this in mind I chose to review VERILY, VERILY: THE KJV – 400 YEARS OF INFLUENCE AND BEAUTY if for no other reason than to see if this was another controversial opinion.  What I found was an interesting read, full of information. Roughly the first third of the book is dedicated to the history of English translation and the events leading to the KJV.  Also discussed is the process by which the KJV was translated. 

The middle of the book is rich with the character of the KJV.  It’s humor and poetic language.  Why was this word used?  What about all the “thee” and “thou” talk?  All this and more is found here.  The conclusion of VERILY, VERILY highlights the champions of the KJV as well as pivotal verses.

If you have ever studied or wanted to study the history of English biblical translation, this is a fantastic book.  The author includes a wealth of knowledge which will help the reader gain an appreciation of the great sacrifices the pioneers of English translation made, often costing them their lives.    I really enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone.  I feel every Christian needs to know the long dark history that brought us the Bible we now have available and to often take for granted.