The Message, Not Just the Words

The Message, Not Just the Words: Understanding Paul's Purpose in Writing Scripture

In 2 Corinthians 1:13, Paul writes, 

“For we write none other things unto you, than what ye read or acknowledge; and I trust ye shall acknowledge even to the end. As also ye have acknowledged us in part, that we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are our's in the day of the Lord Jesus.”  (KJV)

For we do not write you anything you cannot read or understand. And I hope that, as you have understood us in part, you will come to understand fully that you can boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of the Lord Jesus. (NIV)

For we are writing nothing to you other than what you can read and also understand. I hope you will understand completely—just as you have partially understood us—that we are your reason for pride, just as you also are ours in the day of our Lord Jesus. (CSB)

The underlying purpose of Paul’s writings here is to convey a message, a spiritual truth, that is meant to be understood by all believers. This emphasizes the role of the message, not necessarily the exact preservation of every word, as the ultimate goal of Scripture. In examining this verse, we can explore a larger point about the nature of Scripture and how it should be understood, especially in relation to the idea of "KJV-Onlyism"—the belief that only the King James Version of the Bible is the true and proper translation for English-speaking Christians.

The Primacy of the Message in Scripture

Paul's epistles, and indeed the entire Bible, were written to communicate the truths of God—His love, salvation, commandments, and promises. The central focus of the Scripture is not the preservation of specific words in a specific language, but the transmission of a divine message. Paul was not writing to preserve a sacred linguistic tradition, but to share a living truth that would lead people to faith, transformation, and salvation. This is evident in Paul’s own words: “For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). Paul’s purpose was to communicate the message of Christ and His redemptive work, not to focus on a particular form of language.

In the same way, when Paul writes to the Corinthians, he stresses that the message is accessible and understandable. The goal is for the readers to recognize and acknowledge the truth of God’s Word. Paul’s writing is meant to be read and understood—meaning, the clarity and comprehension of the message is of utmost importance, rather than the exact form of the words used.

The Role of Translation in the Preservation of the Message

When considering the message of Scripture, it’s important to recognize that the Bible has been translated into many languages, and this has been essential for the spread of the gospel worldwide. The Word of God is not bound to one language, nor was it ever intended to be. God’s message transcends the confines of human speech and cultural boundaries. In fact, the Holy Spirit has inspired many translations over the centuries, each one seeking to convey the truth of Scripture in a way that can be understood by people in their own languages.

The King James Version (KJV), though a historically significant translation, is not the only valid or inspired translation. The KJV is often considered a beautiful and poetic translation, but it is also based on the language and idioms of 17th-century England. Language changes over time, and many modern translations aim to present Scripture in a way that is clearer and more accessible to contemporary readers. This is why translations like the New International Version (NIV), the English Standard Version (ESV), and others are widely used—they communicate the same timeless message of the gospel in a way that modern readers can grasp.

It is important to understand that God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and the message of salvation remains unchanged, no matter the translation. The divine truth of Scripture does not depend on a specific translation but on the power of the Holy Spirit to communicate that truth through whatever language or version is used. This is especially important when we consider global Christianity—there are millions of people who have access to God’s Word only through translations other than the KJV.

Refuting the KJV-Only Teaching

The belief in the KJV-Only doctrine, which asserts that only the King James Version is the true Bible, stands in stark contrast to the broader biblical understanding of how Scripture functions. KJV-Only advocates often claim that the KJV is the most faithful and perfect translation of the Bible, sometimes going so far as to suggest that all modern translations are corrupt or inaccurate. However, this viewpoint overlooks several important facts.

1. The Bible Was Not Originally Written in English: The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew and Aramaic, and the New Testament in Greek. The KJV is a translation from these original languages, and while it is a respected translation, it is not the original text. The message of Scripture is preserved in the original languages and in various translations, as the truth of the Bible transcends language.

2. Language Evolution: The English language has evolved significantly since the 17th century. Many words in the KJV now have meanings that differ from their original usage, which can create confusion for modern readers. The KJV itself is not a "perfect" translation—it was the product of a specific time, place, and group of translators, just like every translation that came before or after it.

3. The Importance of Clarity: The Bible's primary purpose is to communicate God's truth. If a translation makes that truth clearer and more accessible to a wider audience, then it is fulfilling its purpose. This does not diminish the sanctity or authority of earlier translations, but rather, it acknowledges the importance of making God's Word understandable to people in every generation and every language.

4. Preservation of the Message, Not the Form: The central issue with KJV-Onlyism is its emphasis on the preservation of a particular form of words rather than the preservation of the message. The Bible is not about the preservation of a particular linguistic tradition but about conveying a message of salvation, grace, and truth that applies to all people, in every language, in every age. The Bible’s power lies in its message, not in the preservation of specific words or phrases.

Conclusion

Paul’s writings in 2 Corinthians 1:13 point to the central purpose of Scripture: to communicate a message that can be understood by all people. The Word of God is not bound to one particular language or translation. The truth of Scripture remains the same, regardless of the translation, because it is the Holy Spirit who empowers the Word to reach the hearts and minds of readers. As such, the focus of our study should be on the message of the Bible—the gospel of Jesus Christ—rather than on defending one particular translation as the exclusive, authoritative version.

The KJV-Only doctrine, while well-meaning in its desire to protect the integrity of Scripture, ultimately misplaces the focus. It is the message that matters most, not the form in which it is presented. Every translation that faithfully conveys the truth of God’s Word has value, and God’s Word continues to speak powerfully to believers through every version.