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Is the King James Version the Only Bible Christians Should Use?

The King James Version (KJV) is often called the “Authorized Version,” which has led some to believe it is the only Bible Christians should read or trust. Historically, that is not what “authorized” meant.

The KJV was commissioned in 1604 and completed in 1611 under King James I. It was authorized by the Church of England for public reading in Anglican churches, not declared by God as the exclusive or final Bible translation. At the time, other English Bibles already existed, and the KJV was intended to serve as a standard church Bible—not to eliminate all others.

Even the KJV translators themselves rejected the idea of a single, perfect translation. In their preface, they affirmed that multiple faithful translations help people better understand God’s Word. They did not claim their work replaced the original Hebrew and Greek Scriptures or that future translations would be unnecessary.

The authority of Scripture rests in God’s inspired Word, not in one English translation. The KJV remains a beautiful and faithful Bible, but it stands alongside other trustworthy translations that continue the same mission—making God’s Word clear and accessible to every generation.