I recently learned that the 1611 KJV contained the Apocrypha between the Old and New Testaments but those books were gradually dropped for various reasons over the subsequent centuries.
1611 KJV vs Today
- Thread starter LearningToLetGo
- Start date
Correct, most Bibles did.
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I don't know why but I had assumed Luther removed the Apocrypha and established the 66 books as part of his reformation. Apparently that's not the case.
and I assumed that the Apocrypha was simply a Catholic thing in their Catholic Bibles.
Luther did not remove the book. He simply moved the book placing them between the Old and New Testaments.
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Several English translations included the Apocrypha: the Coverdale Bible (1535), the Matthew's Bible (1537), the Great Bible (1539), the Taverner's Bible (1539), and the Geneva Bible (1560).
Good morning, Origen;
Just my personal thought. So many translations with so many flavors. They come and go through the centuries that I personally cannot keep up with the reasons why.
Didn't God make it simple long ago?
God bless everyone.
Bob
I do not understand the your question.
Hello Origen;
I was sharing my personal thought. I don't understand either but I'll be back later and dig in deeper.
God bless you, brother, and Merry Christmas.
Bob
During 2025 I was pondering God's Word. I believe there was a time long ago when God's Word was kept simple for us all to study, grasp, be teachable and learn the applications on how to live them in our daily lives.
During the early Catholic Bibles, the Latin Vulgate, the Douay-Rheims and later the Protestant's William Tyndale, the King James Version there have been countless translations of the Bible due to differences in translation, theological canon, cultures, traditions and political in the "then and here times."
Many students, scholars and theologians find this fascinating reading, but with rules, which ones are acceptable versus ones that should be avoided for study. It's overwhelming for the new and seasoned disciple.
Here's another of my thoughts.
Think about the Bible one is currently studying. How often does anyone ever find a misspell typo in the Scriptures? There was the Wicked Bible (from 1631?) that contained errors due to human copying and printing. We'll regard the writers as being merely humans, but tend to dismiss their anointed calling directly from God.
Other's thoughts?
Bob
I heard about a type-o in the 1611 KJV where a manuscript ommitted a "not" from one of the ten commandments. Now THAT'S a collector's item! LOL
Even if Luther kept intact the Apocrypha, he most likely would have ended up with fewer than 66 books for the Protestant Bible. For example, his placing James and on a 'lower' scale than say, Romans or Galatians had little to do with 'inspiration', but much more to do with their lack of the message of justification by faith, and the Gospel itself. Other books he held suspect were Hebrews, Jude, Revelation, and Esther.
Then there is the 'Breeches Bible'
To understand the Breeches Bible, consider these key points:
1. The Breeches Bible is a 17th-century English translation of the Bible, known for its unique phrasing.
2.It was published in 1568 as part of the Geneva Bible tradition.
3. The name "Breeches Bible" comes from its translation of Genesis 3:7, where Adam and Eve make "breeches" (or trousers) from fig leaves.
4.It was popular among Puritans and influenced early English Protestant thought.
5. The Breeches Bible was eventually overshadowed by the King James Version, which was published in 1611.
6. Its distinctive language and interpretations reflect the theological views of its time.
Good morning, crossnote;
I've always liked your outline points. I'd like to add, I've never seen or read the Breeches Bible but I do remember hearing how it was a "political bible" because of it's indirect study notes challenging royalty authority over Divine Authority. Eventually it was outlawed by who other than England's King James.
God bless you.
Bob
The reformers never saw them as being authorized nor inspired, but as useful for reading about historical events
And those holding to KJVO overlook that fact
For that matter, the better known Geneva Bible was also considered a 'political' Bible because of its notes. But got dumped in favor of the 1611. I guess depending who's in power (God always is) determines the outcome.
I have a variety of “versions” including the 1611 KJV with the included Apocrypha and the Geneva with Apocrypha.
When I was born from above I restarted dropping down so-to-speak to the Children’s Bible like the kind you see in Drs. office no kidding!
When one gets literal knocks on their door facing and no one is visible that calls indeed for a full splay to the concrete Ala King David on one’s belly in the shape of a cross begging for forgiveness!
I speed read with high comprehension - I started out a “slow reader” - so progressing through the more difficult higher reading level “versions” was possible given the Holy Spirit was led me by a strike up-side-the-head with a ball bat!
Now that’s motivation!
The first full cover-to-cover reading I said to myself, “Self! This truly IS The Greatest Story ever told! Fool! It took you this drastic measure to finally get you out of your stupor!”
So read and devour The Word whatever version you are lead to use.
Nothing on this side of the Veil tastes so sweet!
Eat!
~ Mabe
When I was born from above I restarted dropping down so-to-speak to the Children’s Bible like the kind you see in Drs. office no kidding!
When one gets literal knocks on their door facing and no one is visible that calls indeed for a full splay to the concrete Ala King David on one’s belly in the shape of a cross begging for forgiveness!
I speed read with high comprehension - I started out a “slow reader” - so progressing through the more difficult higher reading level “versions” was possible given the Holy Spirit was led me by a strike up-side-the-head with a ball bat!
Now that’s motivation!
The first full cover-to-cover reading I said to myself, “Self! This truly IS The Greatest Story ever told! Fool! It took you this drastic measure to finally get you out of your stupor!”
So read and devour The Word whatever version you are lead to use.
Nothing on this side of the Veil tastes so sweet!
Eat!
~ Mabe
Here is a study by an online friend, David Roberts, on his Substack “Simple Christianity” -
Which Bible Translation?
There are so many. How do I choose?
Apr 15, 2023
Which Bible Translation?