Why do orthodox use kjv

Overview

Orthodox Christianity, comprising churches such as the Eastern Orthodox and Oriental Orthodox, traces its roots to early Christian traditions and the Byzantine Empire. These churches emphasize continuity with ancient practices, using liturgical languages like Greek, Church Slavonic, and Arabic. The King James Version (KJV), an English translation commissioned by King James I and completed in 1611, originated in Protestant England and is based on the Textus Receptus Greek New Testament and Hebrew Masoretic Text. Orthodox churches do not adopt the KJV as a primary text because it aligns with Protestant theology and omits deuterocanonical books included in the Orthodox canon, such as those found in the Septuagint. Historically, Orthodox communities have used translations like the 18th-century English translations by Metropolitan Philaret or modern versions like the Orthodox Study Bible to accommodate English speakers while maintaining theological integrity.

How It Works

Orthodox churches select biblical translations based on theological accuracy and alignment with tradition. The process involves comparing source texts: Orthodox Bibles use the Greek Septuagint for the Old Testament, which includes additional books like Tobit and Maccabees, and Greek manuscripts for the New Testament that differ from the Textus Receptus used in the KJV. When English translations are necessary, committees of Orthodox scholars review texts to ensure they reflect Orthodox interpretations, such as in the Orthodox Study Bible published by Thomas Nelson in 2008. This version incorporates notes from Church Fathers and liturgical references. In contrast, the KJV is sometimes used in Orthodox contexts only in modified forms, like the KJV with Apocrypha, but it is not endorsed for liturgy due to its Protestant origins and textual variations.

Why It Matters

The choice of biblical translation impacts Orthodox worship, theology, and unity. Using texts like the Septuagint preserves ancient traditions and doctrinal consistency, as seen in services where specific verses are chanted in original languages. The KJV's influence in English-speaking countries has led some Orthodox individuals to reference it, but reliance on it can cause theological discrepancies, such as differences in messianic prophecies. This matters for ecumenical dialogue and religious education, as Orthodox churches emphasize correct interpretation to maintain spiritual authenticity. In practical terms, translations like the Orthodox Study Bible support growing English-speaking Orthodox communities, ensuring accessibility without compromising faith, while the KJV remains a historical artifact rather than a liturgical standard.