Many Christian people today shy away from the old King James version of the Bible. They make comments about the old style English and how it is difficult to read and a bit out-dated.
However, I would like to stick up for this version of the Bible even if it does seem a bit antiquated. Why? Simply because; to-date this is the best English version you will get in print, despite the proliferation of the so-called modern versions.
For me it is about whither I want to read versions that can be misleading having many serious omissions, or persevere with the more accurate version that packs in many of the truths that us old timers take for granted; truths that the younger readers do not even know are there!
Why the discrepancies? The reason for these discrepancies are mainly due to the versions of the manuscripts used in translating them into English from the Greek language, especially for the New Testament. In addition, there seems to be an unhealthy preoccupation of translators slipping in “creative writing” for both Old and New Testament texts.
It has to be said, that there has always been difficulties when it comes to the Alexandrian texts, as we would probably class the Alexandrian’s as members of the progressive church of its time, that lacked real commitment to basic spiritual principles. Many denied the deity of Jesus Christ; would prefer a bloodless gospel; believed in obtaining salvation through works, so they accordingly compiled their bibles to suit their doctrines rather than sticking to its testament of Truth.
The King James Bible is translated beautifully from the Textus Receptus, which on the whole is the much more reliable text; is supported by many references from the “Church Fathers” and it keeps the reader squarely focused on Christ as the centre theme of the Word of God.
I have posted a paper written by John Piper that would make some excellent and illuminating reading for you entitled, “Serious Omissions in the NIV Bible” if you want to find out more. NIVOmissions