Errors of KJV Translation

These are NOT doctrinal attacks—just faithful textual observations supported by other Scriptures and the original languages.

1. “Easter” — Acts 12:4 (Error in Translation)

KJV:

“intending after Easter to bring him forth to the people.” — Acts 12:4 KJV

Problem:

The Greek word is πάσχα (pascha) = Passover, not Easter.

Every other KJV verse translates it correctly:

• “…the Passover was a feast of the Jews.” — John 6:4 KJV

• “We have… observed the Passover.” — Exodus 12:48 (NT quotes LXX usage)

44 out of 45 times, the KJV translates pascha as Passover.
Acts 12:4 is the only mistranslation.

Even KJV scholars openly admit this is an error.

2. “Unicorn” — Multiple Verses (Based on Mistranslation)

KJV Examples:

“…his horns are like the horns of unicorns.” — Deuteronomy 33:17 KJV
“Will the unicorn be willing to serve thee?” — Job 39:9 KJV

Problem:

The Hebrew re’em (רְאֵם) means wild ox, not a mythical unicorn.

Scripture comparison:

• “the wild ox—You have given me the wild ox’s strength.” — Psalm 92:10 (original Hebrew context)

• Modern translations also read wild ox (NKJV, ESV, NASB).

This is a translation mistake, not a doctrinal issue.

3. “Let” = “Hinder” (Changed Meaning) — 2 Thessalonians 2:7

KJV:

“…only he who now letteth will let…” — 2 Thess. 2:7 KJV

Problem:

In 1611, “let” meant hinder, opposite of modern English.

Correct meaning:

“…the one who now restrains will do so…” — *2 Thess. 2:7 (meaning based on Greek katechō)

This KJV rendering misleads modern readers without explanation.

4. “Charity” = “Love” — 1 Corinthians 13

KJV:

“Though I have all faith… and have not charity, I am nothing.” — 1 Cor. 13:2 KJV

Problem:

“Charity” today means giving to the poor, but Greek agapē means self-giving divine love.

Compare Scripture:

• “God is love.” — 1 John 4:8

• “Charity” in modern English obscures the meaning Paul intended.

5. “Conversation” = Conduct — Philippians 1:27

KJV:

“Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel.” — Phil. 1:27 KJV

Problem:

Greek politeuomai = conduct yourself / live as citizens, not talking.

Supporting Scripture:

• “Be holy in all your conduct.” — 1 Peter 1:15

• “Keep your conduct honorable.” — 1 Peter 2:12

The KJV’s wording misleads a modern reader.

6. “Study” = Strive / Be Diligent — 2 Timothy 2:15

KJV:

“Study to show thyself approved unto God…” — 2 Tim. 2:15 KJV

Problem:

Greek spoudazō = “be diligent, make every effort,” not “study a book.”

Scripture comparison:

• “Be diligent to present yourself approved…” — 2 Tim. 2:15 (based on Greek)

• Same verb used elsewhere meaning “be diligent” (2 Peter 1:10; Hebrews 4:11).

This is not a doctrinal error but a translation accuracy issue.

7. “Bowels” = Affection — Philemon 7 & 12

KJV:

“…the bowels of the saints are refreshed by thee.” — Philemon 7 KJV

Problem:

“Bowels” meant deep affections in 1611.
Modern readers misunderstand it.

Supporting verses:

• “…put on… tender mercies.” — Col. 3:12

• Greek splagchna = “affections, compassion.”

8. The Long Ending of Mark & John 7:53–8:11 Marked in the Greek, Not in the KJV

Not an "error," but the KJV lacks the notes found in ancient manuscripts indicating:

• Mark 16:9–20

• John 7:53–8:11

are not present in the earliest manuscripts.

Modern KJV scholars acknowledge this; the KJV translators did not have access to these early witnesses.

9. Revelation 16:5 — KJV Addition (Later Textus Receptus Change)

KJV:

“…thou art righteous, O Lord, which art, and wast, and shalt be…” — Rev. 16:5 KJV

Problem:

“And shalt be” is not found in any Greek manuscript before Erasmus.
Erasmus added it because he believed it should be there theologically.

Scripture comparison:

• “…who is and who was, the Almighty.” — Rev. 1:8

• “…who is and who was…” — Rev. 11:17

KJV includes a phrase not supported by Greek manuscript evidence.

10. “God forbid!” = Not in Greek — Romans 6:2, 6:15, etc.

KJV:

“God forbid.” — Romans 6:2

Problem:

Greek phrase: μὴ γένοιτο (mē genoito) = “Let it never be,” not “God forbid.”

Scripture comparison:

• Used 10+ times by Paul, always meaning “Absolutely not!”

• “…how shall we who died to sin live any longer in it?” — Rom. 6:2

KJV adds “God” where the Greek doesn't.