Why Did King James Remove Books From The Bible

Why Did King James Remove Books From the Bible?

The King James Bible, a cornerstone of English-language Christianity, is revered for its beautiful prose and enduring influence. However, a common misconception surrounds its creation: that King James I actively removed books from the Bible. This article clarifies the situation, explaining the complex history behind the canon of the Bible and the King James Version's role in establishing a standard English translation. The truth is far more nuanced than simple removal.

The King James Version (KJV), commissioned in 1604, didn't remove books from the Bible; rather, it established a specific canon of scripture within the Protestant tradition. Understanding this requires examining the existing divisions within Christianity at the time. The Catholic Church, for example, utilizes a different biblical canon than Protestant churches, including additional books known as the Deuterocanonical books or Apocrypha. These books, such as Tobit, Judith, and Wisdom, are accepted as canonical by Catholics and some Orthodox churches but are considered non-canonical by most Protestant denominations.

The Pre-existing Debate: The Apocrypha and the Protestant Reformation

The debate regarding the inclusion or exclusion of the Apocrypha predates King James. The Protestant Reformation, spearheaded by figures like Martin Luther and John Calvin, questioned the authority of certain Church traditions, including the acceptance of the Apocrypha as scripture. These reformers argued that the Apocrypha lacked the same authority as the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and the New Testament, pointing to its later composition and lack of consistent inclusion across early Christian communities. This wasn't a simple decision; centuries of debate surrounded the Apocrypha's canonical status.

King James and the KJV's Canon: A Reflection of Existing Protestant Beliefs

The King James translators, while operating under the patronage of King James I, largely reflected the established Protestant consensus of the time. They chose to exclude the Apocrypha from the main body of the Bible, placing it in a separate section in some editions. This wasn't a decision of removal but rather a confirmation of the existing Protestant canon. The KJV solidified this established Protestant view of the Bible's canon in the English-speaking world, influencing subsequent translations and interpretations.

Why the Apocrypha's Exclusion? Key Considerations

The decision to exclude the Apocrypha wasn't arbitrary. Key arguments included:

• Lack of Hebrew Originals: Many of the Apocryphal books lacked Hebrew originals, with most existing in Greek or other translations. This raised questions about their authenticity and original intent.
• Canonical Disputes: Early Church councils and writings didn't universally accept the Apocrypha as canonical, further fueling debate about its inclusion.
• Theological Differences: Some theological perspectives within Protestantism deemed certain Apocryphal texts to be inconsistent with core doctrines or potentially misleading.

The Legacy of the KJV and the Canon Debate

The King James Version's influence is undeniable, impacting English literature and religious practice for centuries. However, it's crucial to understand that its canon—excluding the Apocrypha—wasn't a unique decision made by King James I but rather a reflection of prevailing Protestant theological viewpoints already present before its creation. The debate regarding the Apocrypha and its canonical status continues to this day, highlighting the ongoing evolution of biblical interpretation within different Christian traditions. The KJV, therefore, solidified a particular Protestant perspective on the biblical canon, not initiating a removal process itself.