Who was the King James of the King James Version of the Bible?

TL;DR:

King James I of England commissioned the 1611 King James Version to unify English-speaking Christians and provide a faithful translation of Scripture. King James’ reign and vision helped shape the Bible that would influence faith, language, and culture for centuries.

what does the bible say?

King James I of England, originally King James VI of Scotland, played a pivotal role in shaping English Christianity by commissioning the King James Version of the Bible in 1611. The Bible teaches that God often uses rulers to serve His sovereign will. God used Nebuchadnezzar to chastise Judah for refusing to turn from sin (Daniel 1–4). Later, the Lord also used Cyrus, ruler of Persia, to bring the Jews back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1:1-4, 2 Chronicles 36:22-23). No ruler comes to power separate from God’s will (1 Samuel 8:7, Proverbs 21:1). The apostle Paul makes it clear in the New Testament that God ordains government authorities (Romans 13:1-2). Jesus indicated that the gospel would “be preached in all the world” before the end times, and projects like the King James Bible have played a part in that (Matthew 24:14 KJV). God is always working His sovereign will to achieve His glorious purposes.

from the old testament

God often uses world rulers to carry out His sovereign will. Nebuchadnezzar, ruler of Babylon, and Cyrus, a Persian king, are examples (Isaiah 45:1; Jeremiah 27:6). King James served God’s purposes by spreading His word.
The Old Testament emphasizes God’s sovereign authority over kings and rulers, showing that earthly leaders are accountable to Him (e.g., 1 Samuel 8:7, Proverbs 21:1).

from the new testament

The New Testament similarly affirms that all authority comes from God (e.g., Romans 13:1-2). While it doesn’t refer to King James, the principle that God can use leaders to advance His purposes applies: King James commissioned the translation that would unify the English-speaking church and make Scripture more widely accessible (Acts 17:11).
Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come” (Matthew 24:14 KJV). The King James Version of the Bible is one way that the gospel has reached so many people.

implications for today

When Queen Elizabeth I died in 1603, Scotland and England united under King James VI of Scotland who then became King James I of England, the first of the Stuart line.

James, born a Catholic but raised a Protestant, ascended to the Scottish throne in 1567 at the age of one when his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, was imprisoned and forced to abdicate.

The idea of researching and writing a new translation of the Bible was broached at a religious conference in Aberdour, Fife. The Scottish Reformation was finished before the English Reformation. Puritans and Scottish Presbyterians wanted a new Bible that would not carry the same structure of the Bishops' Bible and the Anglican Church.

The other translations available were the Tyndale version and the Geneva Bible. King James argued that ekklesia in Matthew 16:18, which referred to Christ building His "congregation" in the Tyndale translation, should be translated "church." And James didn't like the Geneva Bible's translation of Matthew 2:20 which seemed to brand all kings as tyrants.

In 1604, at the Hampton Court Conference, James authorized theologians to start a new translation for all English-speaking parishes. Forty-seven scholars were convened, worked for seven years, and produced The King James Authorized Version of the Bible in 1611. (The first English translation of the Bible, the Tyndale, was produced just 85 years earlier). Its dedication read, "To the most High and Mighty Prince James, by the grace of God, King of Great Britain, France, and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, &c."

Some believers today are so loyal to the King James Version of the Bible that they insist on using only that translation, even objecting to updating the archaic English spoken at the time. But God inspired the original manuscripts, not any particular translation. A translation merely tries to communicate the manuscript’s words into the language of readers.

Inappropriate elevating of one particular translation notwithstanding, the KJV was one of the greatest accomplishments in the history of Bible translations, and King James should be remembered well for it. Considering the history of the KJV reminds us that God’s sovereign purposes will be accomplished, often through rulers.

understand

King James I commissioned the 1611 King James Bible to unify English-speaking Christians.
Forty-seven scholars produced the KJV translation, addressing issues in earlier Bibles.
King James exemplifies how God often uses rulers to accomplish His will.

reflect

How does knowing that God can use leaders like King James to advance His purposes shape the way you view authority in your own life?
How committed are you to faithfully preserving and sharing God’s Word?
How does King James’ vision for unity and accessibility of Scripture inspire you to engage with the Bible more intentionally?

engage

What lessons can we learn from the collaboration of scholars on the KJV about working together to preserve and share God’s Word?
How does the cultural impact of the King James Bible challenge us to consider the broader influence of Scripture in society today?
While the King James Version is historically significant and beautifully written, it is not the only reliable translation of the Bible, and other modern versions can offer clearer language and updated scholarship. What helps us decide which Bible translation to read, and what benefits can we see in comparing different versions like the NASB, ESV, or NIV?