King James Version of the Bible Published
King James I of England had commissioned a new English translation of the Bible in 1604 to address divisions between Puritan and established church factions and to replace earlier versions like the Geneva Bible. A team of approximately 47 scholars worked in six committees over several years, drawing on Hebrew, Greek, and earlier English texts while aiming for a majestic yet accessible style. The first edition emerged from the press of Robert Barker in London in 1611; scholars later identified May 2 as the most probable publication date based on historical records and anniversary research. Printed in a large folio format, it included the Old Testament, Apocrypha, and New Testament. The translation quickly gained favor for its literary quality and...