The Very Meanest Translation:
Reading, Revising, and Replacing the King James Bible in America
Introduction
The translators of the King James Version of the Bible, perhaps the most influential book in the history of the English language, are surprisingly humble in their original introductory letter “To the Reader.” Offering their novel translation of Scripture into English, these translators acknowledge that any translation, even “the very meanest,” can contain the word of God. In some ways, one can understand the history of reception of the King James Bible in America as a conversation about how to respond to this statement. Many have taken the translators’ sentiment seriously, acknowledging that it is not the specific words of a given translation that are ultimate, and so Scripture should continually be translated anew, so that the “word of God” can remain close to the language of the people. Others have seemingly overlooked or neglected this introduction, instead insisting that this particular translation conveys the word of God more clearly than any other, and thus the church must defend this Bible as the bedrock of traditional belief and practice.
This exhibition explores this conversation by presenting some of the most significant English Bibles that replicated, revised, and attempted to replace the King James Bible in America. After first considering the origins of the King James Bible and the many revisions of the translation in its first two centuries in England, visitors will experience how some Americans embraced and defended this translation, rejecting all attempts at revision, while others insisted that the King James must be reworked continuously to fit new contexts, reflect new discoveries, and speak to new readers. By considering the contributions of American translators, the controversies over new translations, and the continued reverence for the King James Bible, visitors are invited to consider just how “mean” a translation these original translators might accept.
This exhibition is dedicated to the work and legacy of Michael Morgan (1948-2022). Michael spent his life not only collecting most of these treasures, but teaching from them, ensuring that generations of Christians, students, and interested visitors might learn something new about the Bible, experience the thrill of seeing and holding rare books that were owned by those who shaped our culture and church, and think more critically about their presuppositions and beliefs, engaging in conversation with those who might think differently. It is our hope that time in this gallery will invite everyone to do the same.
