The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) does not advocate for the exclusive use of one Bible translation

The Westminster Confession of Faith (1646) does not advocate for the exclusive use of one Bible translation (such as the KJV) but instead emphasizes the authority of Scripture in its original languages and the legitimacy of faithful translations. Below is the proof from the text itself, along with historical context:

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1. Westminster Confession of Faith 1.8

"The Old Testament in Hebrew [...] and the New Testament in Greek [...] being immediately inspired by God, and by His singular care and providence kept pure in all ages, are therefore authentical; so as, in all controversies of religion, the Church is finally to appeal unto them. But because these original tongues are not known to all the people of God [...] therefore they are to be translated into the vulgar [common] language of every nation unto which they come [...]"

Key Points:

• Original languages (Hebrew/Greek) are the ultimate authority.

• Translations are necessary for those who do not know Hebrew or Greek.

• No specific translation is endorsed (including the KJV). The focus is on faithful rendering into the common language.

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2. Westminster Confession 1.10

"The supreme judge by which all controversies of religion are to be determined [...] can be no other but the Holy Spirit speaking in the Scripture."

Key Points:

• Authority resides in the content of Scripture (God’s Word), not in a specific translation.

• The KJV is not mentioned as the exclusive or "inspired" translation.

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3. Historical Context

• The KJV (1611) predated the Westminster Assembly (1643–1653), but the Confession never names it as the sole acceptable translation.

• The Westminster Divines often quoted the Geneva Bible (a predecessor to the KJV) in their writings, demonstrating their openness to multiple translations.

• The Confession’s focus on original languages and the need for vernacular translations inherently rejects KJV-Onlyism, which arose much later (19th–20th centuries).

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4. Proof Against KJV-Onlyism

The Confession explicitly:

1. Prioritizes Hebrew/Greek originals over any translation.

2. Mandates translations into every language, rejecting exclusivity.

3. Avoids elevating any post-apostolic tradition (including the KJV) to the level of inspired Scripture.

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Reformed Tradition’s View

Reformed churches historically use multiple translations (e.g., ESV, NASB, NIV) as long as they accurately reflect the original texts. The KJV is respected but not dogmatically elevated.

Example:

The Orthodox Presbyterian Church (OPC) and Presbyterian Church in America (PCA) officially affirm the Westminster Standards while using modern translations.

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Conclusion

The Westminster Confession does not support KJV-Onlyism. Its insistence on the authority of the original languages and the necessity of vernacular translations aligns with the Reformed principle of sola Scriptura—not sola KJV. Any claim that the Confession endorses KJV exclusivity is a modern revisionist error.

For further study:

• The Westminster Confession of Faith: A Commentary by A.A. Hodge.

• The Making of the 1611 KJV by Gordon Campbell (historical context).

• PCA and OPC position papers on Bible translations.