Was the KJV Biased? A Look at the King’s Instructions to the Translators

“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it.” Psalm 119:140 (KJV)

Introduction:

For many believers, the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is not just a translation; it's the Bible. Revered for its majesty, poetic rhythm, and theological weight, the KJV has influenced English-speaking Christianity for over four centuries. Yet behind its beauty lies a royal blueprint few Christians know about: fifteen specific rules issued by King James I to guide its translation.

These rules not only influenced how the Bible was translated but also reveal the political, ecclesiastical, and theological atmosphere of the time. Understanding them helps us read the KJV with greater appreciation and awareness.

Why Were the Rules Given?

In 1604, King James authorized a new English translation to settle growing disputes between Puritans and the established Church of England. To ensure unity, consistency, and political harmony, he appointed 47 scholars from Oxford, Cambridge, and Westminster and gave them 15 rules to govern their work.

These rules weren’t arbitrary; they reflected:

• Political realities (maintaining the Church of England’s authority)

• Linguistic standards (preserving reverence and clarity)

• Theological consistency (avoiding radical interpretations)

The 15 Translation Rules of King James:

Here’s a concise version of the rules (modernized in language) with commentary on their impact:

Rule 1: Use the Bishops’ Bible as the base.
Impact: The 1568 Bishops’ Bible, an earlier Anglican version, served as the foundation. The translators would revise it only where it disagreed with the original Hebrew or Greek. This ensured continuity with the Church of England.

Rule 2: Keep traditional ecclesiastical terms.
Example: Use “church”, not “congregation.”
Impact: This prevented translations that could support Puritan views. It favored established Church language over more literal or reformist alternatives.

Rule 3: Avoid marginal notes, except for explanations of Hebrew or Greek.
Impact: The Geneva Bible (popular among Puritans) included doctrinal notes. The King forbade that, fearing it encouraged individual interpretation against church authority.

Rule 4: Use proper names from common usage (e.g., "Moses," not "Moshe").

Rule 5: Use the division of chapters and verses as standard.

Rule 6: No one translator may decide alone.
Impact: All decisions must be debated and agreed upon in committee. This promoted collaborative scholarship and minimized theological bias.

Rule 7: If disagreements arise, refer to the general committee.

Rule 8: Refer difficult passages to bishops and other scholars.
Impact: Ensured that no passage was translated without adequate scrutiny, including input from senior church leaders.

Rule 9: Use various translations (Tyndale, Geneva, Coverdale, etc.) where they are better.
Impact: Even though the Bishops’ Bible was the base, earlier translations were freely consulted. Much of the literary beauty in the KJV owes a debt to William Tyndale’s 16th-century work.

Rules 10–11: Divide the work among six companies (teams) in Oxford, Cambridge, and Westminster.
Impact: Promoted specialization, some teams focused on the Pentateuch, others on the Gospels, etc.

Rule 12: Each translator must review the work of others in his company.
Impact: Introduced peer review, rare for its time, adding layers of scholarly accuracy.

Rule 13: Final revision must be done by a select committee.

Rule 14: The work must be overseen by the chief bishops and King’s appointees.
Impact: Ensured alignment with the official Anglican doctrine and politics.

Rule 15: The completed Bible must reflect reverence and unity.
Impact: This unspoken “tone rule” explains why the KJV remains one of the most poetic English texts ever written.

 How These Rules Affected the Translation:

1. Institutional Bias

The rules, especially those preserving church terminology, ensured that the translation would not undermine the Anglican structure or encourage Puritan reforms.

2. Controlled Freedom

While the translators had linguistic freedom, they worked within a framework that limited certain theological interpretations, especially around church government and controversial doctrines.

3. Doctrinal Safeguards

By avoiding interpretive notes and choosing ecclesiastical language, the translation remained theologically “safe” for public use and preaching.

The Nuances You Should Be Aware Of

Strengths of the KJV:

• Literary excellence

• Devotional beauty

• Scholarly collaboration

• Historical consistency

Limitations of the KJV:

• Based on limited manuscripts (e.g., Textus Receptus, before the discovery of earlier manuscripts like Codex Sinaiticus)

• Obsolete language for modern readers (“thee,” “thou,” “bewrayeth,” etc.)

• Some translational choices are shaped more by royal policy than pure exegesis

Why This Matters to Believers Today

Understanding these rules doesn’t diminish the value of the KJV; it enhances our appreciation. The translators did remarkable work with the knowledge and tools they had. But no translation is perfect or final. That’s why modern versions like ESV, NASB, NIV, and paraphrases like NLT, The Message, exist: to bring clarity and accessibility to changing generations.

Rather than argue over versions, let us celebrate the miracle that God's Word has endured, been translated, and continues to change lives from 1611 to today.

“God has spoken once; twice have I heard this: that power belongs unto God.” Psalm 62:11

God speaks across languages, cultures, and even monarchies. Whether you read the KJV, NIV, or The Message, what matters is not merely the version, but that you let the Word dwell richly in you (Col. 3:16).

By Dr. Daniel Folarin