Wrong Tradition

The KJV-only position—that the King James Version is the only true or valid Bible translation—is a tradition that arose in the last century, mainly in reaction to modern Bible translations. While the KJV is a beautiful and historically important translation, the idea that it is the only inspired or preserved Word of God is problematic for several reasons:

Why KJV-onlyism is a wrong tradition

It elevates a translation above the original texts

The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The KJV is a translation, not the original. To claim that one English translation is more inspired than the God-breathed originals is backwards—it makes the translation the standard rather than the Scriptures themselves.

It confuses preservation with one version

God promised to preserve His Word (Isaiah 40:8), but preservation does not mean through a single 17th-century English edition. The Word has been preserved through thousands of manuscripts and translations in many languages, allowing God’s truth to reach all peoples.

It ignores the need for clarity in language

English has changed dramatically since 1611. Words like “let,” “prevent,” “conversation,” or “quick” don’t mean the same today. If people misunderstand God’s Word because of outdated language, the translation becomes a barrier rather than a blessing.

It repeats the mistake of clinging to tradition over truth

Before the Reformation, the Latin Vulgate held the same place of untouchable authority in the Western church. Many leaders said, “The Vulgate is the Bible.” Reformers like Wycliffe, Tyndale, Luther, and others challenged this by returning to the Hebrew and Greek, translating into common languages so that people could understand God’s Word.

In the same way, KJV-onlyism repeats the same error—it insists on one traditional version rather than encouraging ongoing faithful translations from the original languages.

Why I do not follow KJV-onlyism

I don’t reject the KJV itself—it is still a faithful and beautiful translation—but I reject the tradition that says it alone is the Bible. My reason is simple: I want to follow the example of the Reformers, who left the exclusive reliance on the Latin Vulgate. They understood that the authority lies in God’s Word as given in the original languages, and translations must serve people by making that Word clear and accurate in their own tongue.

Just as they did not stay bound to Jerome’s Vulgate, I do not want to be bound to the King James Version alone. I honor it, but I also embrace other faithful translations that help God’s Word shine with clarity for today.

KJV-onlyism is like clinging to the Latin Vulgate in the Middle Ages—it confuses tradition with truth. I don’t follow it because I believe God’s Word is greater than any single translation, and like the Reformers, I want Scripture to be understood clearly in the language of the people.