Definition

Proper noun * The King James Bible: An English translation of the Bible, also known as the Authorized Version, first published in 1611 under the sponsorship of King James I of England. It is renowned for its majestic style and profound influence on the English language and literature.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Many famous English writers, such as Shakespeare and Milton, were influenced by the language of the King James Bible.
  • The King James Bible remains one of the most widely read and quoted books in the English-speaking world.
  • Scholars often compare modern translations to the King James Bible to study changes in language and interpretation.

Advanced Usage

• "The King James Version (KJV)": This is a common and fully equivalent alternative name for the King James Bible.
  • The passage is quoted from the King James Version.
• "The Authorized Version": This is the formal title used historically, particularly in England.
  • The Authorized Version was intended to be the standard Bible for the Church of England.

Variants and Related Words

• KJV: A standard abbreviation for the King James Version.
  • The citation was listed as "Psalm 23:1 (KJV)."
• Authorized Version: A formal synonym.
• Jacobean translation: A less common historical term referencing the era of King James I (Jacobean era).

Synonyms

• Authorized Version
• King James Version (KJV)

Notes on Meaning

This term refers specifically to the 1611 translation. It is distinct from later revisions (e.g., the New King James Version) or other English translations (e.g., the Geneva Bible, the Revised Standard Version). Its significance extends beyond religion into the realms of linguistics, literature, and cultural history.

Noun

1. an English translation of the Bible published in 1611