May 2, 1611 – The King James Version Bible (KJV) was first published. No other book in the history of the world has had a greater impact than this edition of the Bible. The KJV is a masterpiece from both a literary and a scholarly perspective. Over fifty scholars collaborated in producing this monumental work that has ministered truth to millions over four centuries. Praise be to God for His Word!
I took a quick snapshot of four of my King James Bibles:
Top to Bottom – Calfskin Royal Ruby (Trinitarian Bible Society), Calfskin Windsor Text (Trinitarian Bible Society), Genuine Leather Pilgrim Study Bible (Oxford), Calfskin Executive Series Large Print (Local Church Bible Publishers).
Some of you might be thinking that perhaps you should go buy a new King James Version since this year is the 400th anniversary of the KJV. I recommend you do. But I also recommend that you do not go anywhere to do it. Instead do your homework on the internet and then order one online. The best editions are attained through the mail rather than found in stores. The Bibles you find in your average Christian bookstore are medium to low quality. I recommend you purchase one that will last a lifetime and, therefore, can be passed down to your children and grandchildren. If you want a KJV with that kind of quality binding, you need to choose one of the following: Cambridge (England), R. L. Allan (Scotland), Trinitarian Bible Society (England), or Local Church Bible Publishers (Lansing, Michigan). The former two will require a substantial amount of money, but the latter two are amazingly affordable for the quality of their bindings. Make sure you get a calfskin or goatskin leather binding.
As for my preferences, although I do not have a Cambridge KJV, I do have several Cambridge Bibles and love them. I have one R. L. Allan; it is fabulous. Trinitarian Bible Society (TBS) Bibles are basically reliable workhorses at incredibly low prices. Local Church Bibles are a nice combination of both endurance and luxury. Cambridge and Allan are the cream of the crop, and the pricetag on their Bibles reflect that (and increasingly so with the plunging American dollar vs. the British pound).
If money is no object, then I recommend (based on research from reputable sources) that you look at the goatskin R. L. Allan Long Primer or the R. L. Allan 5c. But be ready to hand over $150-200. Testimonies from owners say that they are worth every penny. I have yet to own a Long Primer, but the 5c I have and it is an amazing little Bible. For about the same amount of money as one Allan Long Primer, you can equip yourself with the same stack of Bibles I’ve pictured above.
Even if you don’t buy a new KJV, if you are a parent, why don’t you take some time today to teach your children about the KJV and it’s impact? I plan to do that this evening. If you need some ideas, try these websites:
http://www.kingjamesbibletrust.org/
As for where to buy a good copy of the KJV online, try these websites:
http://lcbplansing.org/Bibles/Executive.htm
http://www.evangelicalbible.com/
soundoftruth.org 
We’ve got a lot to be thankful for in terms of the KJV. It was the “trail blazer” for all English Translations. While I have a copy, I don’t generally read it, only as a supplement when prepareing life group studies. It was the text preached from when I responded to the gospel!
On another note…..I am curious to know what translation you read with your kids. Or if they’re younger but reading…what translation have your gotten them? Thanks.
Justin, Thanks for stopping by the website and for commenting.
In answer to your question, I got my oldest son a New Living Translation, which he used for a couple of years, but then he requested an ESV because that’s what we used. When doing devotionals I’ve used the NIV, NIrV, NLT, and ESV with the children.
What do you use?
My daughter is 3, so she has several picture bibles with little story lines underneath. When teaching her to memorize scripture ….I’ve always done it from the NIV because that’s what I use for my main study. She can’t read yet so it’s just verbal memorizing.
I’ve just been thinking what translation should I use for devotions and when she starts reading. The NLT is my 2nd favorite and has great resources for kids bibles, I also like the NIrV. Any thoughts on what would be better?
I am raising a 1st generation family so while this isn’t a big issue it’s one I think about. It’s cool to know your son inquired about the translation you study from. I’ve been undecided as to what to teach her from…..I guess I think if I teach from the NLT she may just stay with it, or vice versa. Maybe I am just overthinking, maybe it doesn’t matter?
Although I primarily use the NASB & HCSB I’ve been wanting a “nice” KJV for a while. If you were to have to choose between the TBS Westminster and a LCBP executive series, which would you pick? Thanks in advance!
Hey Jayson,
Thanks for stopping by the blog and commenting.
I am a big TBS fan. I’ve only owned one LCBP and although I was really impressed with the leather, I wasn’t thrilled with the layout of the text, which, to me, is the more important issue since I purchase Bibles to read them more than hold them or look at the exterior. I have never owned the TBS Westminster but it looks like an incredible edition. I have owned two editions of the TBS Windsor and love them. Hope that helps. Please report back on what you get and how you like it.