This is a question mostly for those who prefer the King James Version: Now that the 1599 Geneva Bible is back in print, what is preventing you from using it as your version of choice instead of the KJV?

I understand the preference of KJV over, say, the NIV or ESV. But what makes the KJV a better translation than the 1599 Geneva Bible?

I'm curious to hear your answers. Thanks!

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Seth Stark
Member, Communion Presbyterian Church (ARP), Irvine, CA
Biola University, Graduate Student, M.A. - Science and Religion
Seth's Blog

Actually, I DO prefer the 1599 Geneva to the KJV and use it instead of the KJV.

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JC
URCNA
PA

"Forgiveness is primarily for our own sake, so that we no longer carry the burden of resentment. But to forgive does not mean we will allow injustice again." --Jack Kornfield

I use my 1599 everywhere and everyday...

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Reformed, RPCNA
Denton, Maryland

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Another Book I need to buy...

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Benjamin P. Glaser
Pittsburgh, PA
Fairmount ARP Church
Student of Theology
Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary
My Blog

"Man's attempt to enter heaven on his own terms places him instead in hell." -- R.J. Rushdoony

ya'll must've missed the G1599Only thread.

Same here, I was just curious if anyone uses the KJV instead of the 1599GB and if so, what are their reasons.

You are asking two different questions: Why do I use the KJV instead of the Geneva? and What makes the KJV a better translation.

As to the latter question I do not have the expertise to answer. (Although I think it is generally accepted that the KJV was an improvement on the Geneva)

I use the KJV more than the Geneva for reasons other than translation. Mainly because it was the 'Standard' English version for many years while the Geneva drifted into obscurity. I believe the will continue to be the standard English version years from now. (We will have to wait and see).

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The KJV was a Reaction to the Geneva. If you think it was an Improvement, how?

I love the 1599 Geneva Bible and I refer to it as needed. I prefer the KJV for a variety of reasons. It is the Bible used in the pulpit at my church. I think it is an improvement over the Geneva in many places. Its language flows better, imo, and for memorization purposes, the KJV is superior and also, for memorization purposes, incorporated into the Westminster Standards. The Geneva Notes are very good (especially Junius on Revelation), but I do differ from them in a few places. My 1599 Geneva by Tolle Lege doesn't have the Geneva Psalter in the back (although it's on the CD); my 1599 Geneva facsimile does, but it's not that useful practically for singing, for me, anyway; whereas, my KJV does have the 1650 Psalter in the back. So my reasons generally are, I think the KJV translation work is generally superior (though I love the Geneva Bible), and there are practical reasons why it's better for me to make the KJV my primary version. I don't have time to elaborate for now, but will come back to this thread later if need be. Meanwhile, Matthew Poole notes:

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Andrew Myers
Husband of Jessica, Father of Jackson, Katie and Samuel
Member, Presbyterian Reformed Church of Northern Virginia
Warrenton, VA USA
Editor, The Matthew Poole Project

"On land, at sea, at home, abroad, / I smoke my pipe and worship God." -- J.S. Bach

I use the KJV because I have used the KJV since I was converted, love it and see no need to switch from the best version available.

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Richard
CofE
UK

Not entirely, the dislike of the GB was really to do with its notes as is fairly clear historically. Not least because one of the rules from King James I was

14. These translations to be used, when they agree better with the text than the Bishops’ Bible. TYNDAL’S, COVERDALE’S, MATTHEWS’S, WHITCHURCH’S, GENEVA.

http://www.trinitarianbiblesociety.o...cles/kings.pdf

Okay, someone found a KJV WITH a Psalter?! Given Andrew, I shouldn't be shocked. And I agree, the facsimile is so much better...but how many people have $200-$300 to spend LOL!

Colleen, re the KJV w/Psalter, all the PRC pew Bibles are KJV w/Psalters. They are published by the Trinitarian Bible Society. See also this thread:

AV with Metrical Psalms

I'm currently reading a 1560 Geneva facsimile -- started in Revelation, with an interest in reading the notes. Is the 1599 Geneva just more widely available? Or do many find it preferable to the 1560?

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David A. Reed
NACCC, Massachusetts
http://www.LeftBehindAnswered.com
author of
LEFT BEHIND Answered Verse by Verse
Mormons Answered Verse by Verse
Jehovah's Witnesses Answered Verse by Verse

Both are available at Amazon and such places. I can't speak for all, but my thoughts on the two versions may be found here:

1560 vs 1599 Geneva Bibles

I just ordered my Geneva Bible from Monergism Books. The price is much better than Tolle Lege ($55) and the shipping is VERY reasonable - $3.99 for the Bible as well as another book I ordered. It will become my at home study Bible since I prefer a smaller volume for use at church.

For those of you who have said the KJV is a better translation in some places, could you please provide examples? or point me to a web site that lists differences in the translations? Thank you!

I don't think that anyone is saying that the KJV is better with regards to its translation as such (correct me if I am wrong). The difference is not between Beer and Malt Whisky but rather between a Balvenie and Laphroaig, one of taste. Which reminds me.....

If you want to parrallel them then you can download them from e-sword!

One example on Romans 6:1

KJV: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?"

GB: "What shall we say then? Shall we continue still in sinne, that grace may abounde? God forbid."

Hi Sastark! And everyone!

I am torn between two lovers! The 1599 Geneva and KJV! Wife got me the Geneva for X-mas. I really like it. It seems just about the same as the King Jimmy in translation quality and the sources. I love how the NT face plate says "Translated out of Greek by Theodore Beza"! That is unbeatable!!

However, I teach Sunday School in Church. I use the KJV there. When I took my Geneva to show it off, nobody ever heard of it. Of course, the NIV is the pew bible. If you use the KJV at church, it's almost a silent sign to us real Reformed folk of who we are. (Kind of like a secret Mason handshake ). My class is used to me using the KJV, and I don't want to confuse the poor souls anymore than they already are. I believe also that one translation should be used and read by one person in a classroom. (ME!!)

So there you have it. I hope this helps. I could go on, but I think I've hit the highlights. (I'm beginning to sound like a modern praise band though. I. I. I.)

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Timothy Johnson
First United Presbyterian of Moline
PCUSA (Yea, I know)
Theology/Philosophy Sunday School Teacher
Davenport, IA

Oh yea, I almost forgot. I'm thinking of nicknaming my Geneva - The Heap Bible

II Tim 4:3 - "For the time will come when they will not suffer wholesome doctrine: but having their ears itching, shall after their own lusts get them an heap of teachers."



Ya gotta love this stuff. It appears elsewhere to!

Oh my! The KJV as shibboleth??? What if someone is carrying a Scofield KJV?

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Dennis E. McFadden, Ex Mainline Baptist (in Remission)
Atherton Baptist Homes, CEO
First Baptist Church of Alhambra, Member, Transformation Ministries (CA)

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That they were Left Behind by the PCUSA!!