The KJV: Just the Bible, Ditch the Commentary

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Part 13 –
The KJV: Just the Bible, Ditch the Commentary
This episode initially addresses the challenge of literal word-for word translations of the Bible. Literal word-for-word translations don’t always convey connotations and nuances behind the words themselves. For this reason, students of the Word should ideally use both literal translations and thought-to-thought translations. The episode also addresses King James’ instruction that the KJV include no marginal notes outside of explanatory notes on the Greek and Hebrew. This requirement was obviously a swipe at the Geneva Bible, which had lots of antimonarchical and anti-ecclesiastical comments. King James went so far as to ban the Geneva Bible in 1616. James was nevertheless fair with Puritans (who had produced the Geneva Bible), including them on the translation committees so that the KJV was NOT a sectarian “establishment” translation of the Scriptures. By 1660 the KJV eclipsed the Geneva Bible in popularity, and for the next 200 years quoting from the Bible presupposed the KJV.
  • 00:00:35 – Introduction to the Best Bible Translation
  • 00:01:33 – The Importance of the Word “Church”
  • 00:02:30 – Understanding “Ekklesia” and Its Meaning
  • 00:03:53 – Misinterpretations of Matthew 16:18
  • 00:04:56 – Literal vs. Connotative Meanings
  • 00:06:10 – The Challenge of Translation
  • 00:08:01 – The Geneva Bible’s Choice of “Church”
  • 00:10:53 – Calvin’s High Ecclesiology
  • 00:12:01 – Connotations vs. Literal Meaning
  • 00:12:50 – Closing Prayer and Reflection
Part 13 –
The KJV: Just the Bible, Ditch the Commentary
  • 00:00:35 – Introduction to the Best Bible Translation
  • 00:01:33 – The Importance of the Word “Church”
  • 00:02:30 – Understanding “Ekklesia” and Its Meaning
  • 00:03:53 – Misinterpretations of Matthew 16:18
  • 00:04:56 – Literal vs. Connotative Meanings
  • 00:06:10 – The Challenge of Translation
  • 00:08:01 – The Geneva Bible’s Choice of “Church”
  • 00:10:53 – Calvin’s High Ecclesiology
  • 00:12:01 – Connotations vs. Literal Meaning
  • 00:12:50 – Closing Prayer and Reflection
This episode initially addresses the challenge of literal word-for word translations of the Bible. Literal word-for-word translations don’t always convey connotations and nuances behind the words themselves. For this reason, students of the Word should ideally use both literal translations and thought-to-thought translations. The episode also addresses King James’ instruction that the KJV include no marginal notes outside of explanatory notes on the Greek and Hebrew. This requirement was obviously a swipe at the Geneva Bible, which had lots of antimonarchical and anti-ecclesiastical comments. King James went so far as to ban the Geneva Bible in 1616. James was nevertheless fair with Puritans (who had produced the Geneva Bible), including them on the translation committees so that the KJV was NOT a sectarian “establishment” translation of the Scriptures. By 1660 the KJV eclipsed the Geneva Bible in popularity, and for the next 200 years quoting from the Bible presupposed the KJV.

Episode Scripture References -

1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 16:18

More About This Episode -

Victor sets the stage for the discussion by stating that they will be exploring which Bible translation is the best, and he emphasizes the importance of language and its nuances in translation.


He begins with a microscopic analysis of the word “church.” Victor explains that King James preferred the word “church” over “congregation” due to concerns regarding the implications of the latter. He references the well-known passage, “You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church,” contrasting translations that use “congregation” instead. Victor discusses the Greek origin of the word “church” (ekklesia), which means those who have been “called out” and highlights that in the Greek context, it refers to the assembly of believers, rather than a physical place of worship.


Victor elaborates on how the word “church” evolved to carry connotations that hint towards an organized structure, which King James may have preferred to align with his established church. He discusses how previous translators chose “congregation” to avoid associations with a physical structure and misinterpretations of the term’s meaning. This brings forth the real challenge of translation, where not only the literal meaning but also the connotations of words must be accurately conveyed.


He then introduces the Geneva Bible, which is of particular interest because it was created by exiles from the established church and chose to retain “church,” despite the potential advantage of using “congregation.” Victor ponders why the Geneva translators opted for “church,” attributing it to John Calvin’s high ecclesiology, which emphasized the true church’s identity separate from the Roman Catholic Church.

Key Terms From This Episode -

Main Theme: Determining the correct Bible translation from many available options

    Key Points:

  • Examination of “church” vs. “congregation”
  • Reference to “You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church”
  • Interpretation of “church” relating to the assembly of believers, not just a physical location
  • Evolution of the term “church”: Connotations of organized structure preferred by King James
  • Retained “church” due to John Calvin’s high ecclesiology
  • Episode Scripture References -

    1 Peter 2:9, Matthew 16:18

    More About This Episode -

    Victor sets the stage for the discussion by stating that they will be exploring which Bible translation is the best, and he emphasizes the importance of language and its nuances in translation.


    He begins with a microscopic analysis of the word “church.” Victor explains that King James preferred the word “church” over “congregation” due to concerns regarding the implications of the latter. He references the well-known passage, “You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church,” contrasting translations that use “congregation” instead. Victor discusses the Greek origin of the word “church” (ekklesia), which means those who have been “called out” and highlights that in the Greek context, it refers to the assembly of believers, rather than a physical place of worship.


    Victor elaborates on how the word “church” evolved to carry connotations that hint towards an organized structure, which King James may have preferred to align with his established church. He discusses how previous translators chose “congregation” to avoid associations with a physical structure and misinterpretations of the term’s meaning. This brings forth the real challenge of translation, where not only the literal meaning but also the connotations of words must be accurately conveyed.


    He then introduces the Geneva Bible, which is of particular interest because it was created by exiles from the established church and chose to retain “church,” despite the potential advantage of using “congregation.” Victor ponders why the Geneva translators opted for “church,” attributing it to John Calvin’s high ecclesiology, which emphasized the true church’s identity separate from the Roman Catholic Church.

    Key Terms From This Episode -

    Main Theme: Determining the correct Bible translation from many available options

      Key Points:

  • Examination of “church” vs. “congregation”
  • Reference to “You are Peter, and upon this rock, I will build my church”
  • Interpretation of “church” relating to the assembly of believers, not just a physical location
  • Evolution of the term “church”: Connotations of organized structure preferred by King James
  • Retained “church” due to John Calvin’s high ecclesiology
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