The Translators to the Reader

We stand on the brink of the 400th anniversary of the King James Version. Setting aside some time to read (more like wade into and through) the 11,000 some word preface to the original King James Version (“The Translators to the Reader”) was actually something of a special treat. And what a delicious irony that the first 1800 words or so are devoted to defending themselves in advance from public backlash against their work. The very translation currently championed by certain segments of our religious culture as the one true divine and inspired version of Holy Writ was itself received coldly – or conversely rather hotly as copies were burned in protest. (I can’t help but imagine the utter howling of protest, the burnings in effigies and of books if the current administration or any administration commissioned a translation of the Bible to be read in all the churches).

Reading the first section as these dedicated translators defend themselves and their monarch from the “cavillations” and “calumnies” that will most certainly follow upon their work, I could not help but find application of their words to any and all who would similarly dare to forge anything new in our religious culture. Of course, all too often our “zeal to promote the common good” doesn’t reflect a respect for current and previous efforts and practices, thus intensifying the consequent backlash. These translators extol the virtues of previous translations and went out of their way to commend their forbears, acclaiming of all who went before: “blessed be they, and most honoured be their name, that break the ice, and giveth onset upon that which helpeth forward to the saving of souls.”

There are some great lessons here – and wonderful quotables. For instance, “Whosoever attempteth anything for the public, especially if it pertain to Religion, and to the opening and clearing of the word of God, the same setteth himself upon a stage to be gloated upon by every evil eye, yea, he casteth himself headlong upon pikes, to be gored by every sharp tongue.” Or how about this one (take note all ye blogging souls): “Being brought together to a parley face to face, we sooner compose our differences than by writings which are endless.”

I commend these portions of the opening section to you – take a few moments to sit at the feet of these translators and feast a bit on their words and wisdom; I think you’ll find it worth your while.

Zeal to promote the common good, whether it be by devising anything ourselves, or revising that which hath been laboured by others, deserveth certainly much respect and esteem, but yet findeth but cold entertainment in the world. It is welcomed with suspicion instead of love, and with emulation instead of thanks: and if there be any hole left for cavil to enter, (and cavil, if it do not find a hole, will make one) it is sure to be misconstrued, and in danger to be condemned. This will easily be granted by as many as know story, or have any experience. For, was there ever any thing projected, that savoured any way of newness or renewing, but the same endured many a storm of gainsaying, or opposition? A man would think that Civility, wholesome Laws, learning and eloquence, Synods, and Church-maintenance, (that we speak of no more things of this kind) should be as safe as a Sanctuary, and out of shot, as they say, that no man would lift up the heel, no, nor dog move his tongue against the motioners of them. For by the first (Civility), we are distinguished from brute beasts lead with sensuality; By the second (wholesome Laws), we are bridled and restrained from outrageous behaviour, and from doing of injuries, whether by fraud or by violence; By the third (learning & eloquence), we are enabled to inform and reform others, by the light and feeling that we have attained unto ourselves; Briefly, by the fourth (Synods) being brought together to a parley face to face, we sooner compose our differences than by writings which are endless; And lastly, that the Church be sufficiently provided for, is so agreeable to good reason and conscience, that those mothers are holden to be less cruel, that kill their children as soon as they are born, than those nursing fathers and mothers (wheresoever they be) that withdraw from them who hang upon their breasts (and upon whose breasts again themselves do hang to receive the Spiritual and sincere milk of the word) livelihood and support fit for their estates. Thus it is apparent, that these things which we speak of, are of most necessary use, and therefore, that none, either without absurdity can speak against them, or without note of wickedness can spurn against them…Thus not only as oft as we speak, as one saith, but also as oft as we do anything of note or consequence, we subject ourselves to everyone's censure, and happy is he that is least tossed upon tongues; for utterly to escape the snatch of them it is impossible….

This, and more to this purpose, His Majesty that now reigneth (and long, and long may he reign, and his offspring forever, Himself and children, and children's children always) knew full well, according to the singular wisdom given unto him by God, and the rare learning and experience that he hath attained unto; namely that whosoever attempteth anything for the public (especially if it pertain to Religion, and to the opening and clearing of the word of God) the same setteth himself upon a stage to be gloated upon by every evil eye, yea, he casteth himself headlong upon pikes, to be gored by every sharp tongue. For he that medleth with men's Religion in any part, medleth with their custom, nay, with their freehold; and though they find no content in that which they have, yet they cannot abide to hear of altering.