The King James Version (KJV): A Masterpiece of English Scripture
The King James Version (KJV), also known as the Authorized Version, stands as the most influential and famous English translation of the Holy Bible. Commissioned by King James I of England and first published in 1611, it has profoundly shaped English literature, culture, and the faith of millions for over four centuries.
Translated by a committee of 47 scholars from the Church of England, the KJV follows a “formal equivalence” philosophy, aiming for a literal and faithful rendering of the original Hebrew and Greek texts. It is widely celebrated for its majestic, poetic prose and rhythmic flow, which provides a unique sense of reverence and solemnity. Even today, its iconic phrasing remains the standard for many when they think of the “language of the Bible.”
As a historic work published over 400 years ago, the King James Version is firmly in the Public Domain worldwide (with a minor Crown Patent exception specifically within the United Kingdom, which generally does not affect international digital distribution). This status allows worldopenbible.com to offer this timeless treasure freely to all users without copyright restrictions. The KJV remains a cornerstone of the English-speaking world and an essential resource for anyone seeking a classic and academically significant study of the Word of God.