What is your opinion of the Red Letter Version KJV Bible?

Answer 1

Colourful.

Answer 2

Very Good.
Use an Amplified Bible to UnderStand the Words in the KJV.

Works for me!
GOD Really Talks to me Through the KJV.
Kinda Jumps Off the Page at Ya!

Answer 3

I like the idea of focusing on the words of Jesus, because He is Divine. Other voices in the bible are believed to be the inspired Words of God, but Jesus IS God, so those words are most compelling to believers who question if all of the Bible are scientifically accurate and correct understanding of what God is saying to mankind.

I chose to be a full gospel Christian, believing every word; but I respect those who have their doubt, but can hang their hat on the red letters spoken by our Lord!!!

Answer 4

About the King James Version (KJV): although excellent for its time, and including nearly the entire body of scripture, as well as marginal notes from the translators providing possible alternate translations (making it a passable study bible), the KJV uses 400-year-old English, 400-year-old scholarship (read: they didn't know as much as scholars today), and texts that lacked the last 400 years of archaeological discoveries. By no means was the KJV the first English version of the bible. It's main advantage today is that most people use some form of the KJV and it is often useful to use the same version as others in discussions of scripture.

Additionally, "red letter" KJV bibles show a very definite bias. This may not be apparent at first, but if you read carefully, you will see that what *is* and what is *not* the words of Jesus is often a matter of judgment. The printers of "red letter" bibles choose *for* you what *they* believe are the words of Jesus. There is no indication that this service is performed by a scholar of ancient languages, a professor of English, or anyone else with any pertinent credentials whatsoever. In other words, the red lettering actually can (and does) alter the meaning of passages!

Additionally, those who prefer such editions tend to dwell on the "red letter" passages, often ignoring the context, *very* important for gaining a true understanding of scripture.

Finally, most KJV editions available today are editions of the abridged Oxford Revision of 1769. Personally, I find it terrible how such drastic abridgment has changed the original content of the KJV. I recommend only the following KJV editions (none red-letter):

KJV (Paragraph) - http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKJV-Cambridge-Paragraph-Bible-Apocrypha%2Fdp%2F0521843863%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1189044700%26sr%3D1-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
A scholarly effort to duplicate the original KJV *translation* (as opposed to any particular printing). Spelling is modernized (not the wording) and the complete contents of the original translation is here, including the excellent marginal notes.

KJV (Oxford) - http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBible-Authorized-James-Version-Apocrypha%2Fdp%2F0192835254%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1190233697%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
Similar to the above, this edition lacks only the marginal notes and is much cheaper (and paperback). It is pretty well-put-together for a paperback.

KJV 1611 - http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoly-Bible-King-James-Version%2Fdp%2F1565631609%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1189044819%26sr%3D1-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
This is a "replica" of the original 1611 printing. Each word on each page is in precisely the same position as in that original printing. It also includes the excellent marginal notes. The *spelling* in this edition is also identical to the original, and at 1st will cause readers some difficulty (but only at 1st). Once you have mastered the transposition of u and v, and of i and j, you will likely find it just as easy to read as an Oxford Revision KJV. Fortunately, this edition does not use the original Germanic lettering of the original, and instead uses the Roman lettering to which we are all accustomed. Possibly the best bible to use when discussing scripture with a KJV-only Christian, as this is about as close as you can get for under $100 to the *actual* *original* KJV. It is also quite reasonably priced.

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/

Answer 5

KJV is generally a poor translation in relation to the original manuscripts, and is in an archaic form of English which makes comprehension more difficult for the modern reader.

Answer 6

I don't mind the red letter bit, but for daily reading it's not my favorite translation.

But the New KJV is ok

Answer 7

The words of Christ should always be highlighted, whether by red ink or the human eye.

Answer 8

Love every Word.

Answer 9

I own one. It's a good translation, but there are other translations that I prefer. It is not held to be inspired, even though some would lead you to think otherwise.

Peace,
Drew

Answer 10

I'd rather read something by Asimov