The 400th Anniversary of the King James Bible

This being the 400th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, I though I would post some interesting facts.

Bible Facts

1. The Bible is the best selling and most distributed book of all time. Estimated more than 6 billion copies published.
2. Originally written in 3 languages: Hebrew, Greek, Aramaic.Written over a span of 1,000 or more years.
3. Written by more than 40 authors, including kings, prophets, poets, musicians, and fisherman.
4. Books include letters, poetry, songs, legal documentation, eyewitness accounts, biographies, historical literature and documents.
5. Translated into 2,454 languages of the world's estimated 6,500 total languages.
6. The Bible, in the original autographs or parchments, is God-Breathed and does not merely contain the Word ofGod, it is the Word of God.

King James Bible Facts

1. The most popular and most accurate Bible translation; an estimated 1 billion or more copies have been published.
2. The translation was brought upon by King James I of England.
3. First published in 1611 A.D. (some believe between May 2nd - May 5th).
4. More than 169 original 1611 King James Bibles are in existance today.
5. The title was not originally called the "King James Version", but "THE HOLY BIBLE, Containing the Old Testament, AND THE NEW: Newly Translated out of the Original tongues: & with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Majesties special Commandment".
6. 1814 A.D. is the earliest recorded date of it being called "King James Version" or "Authorized Version".
7. The original book was very large: approximately 17" tall, 30" wide when opened, and it weighed up to 30 pounds.
8. The first 1611 Bibles were expensive and were chained to the front pulpit of churches, to prevent from being stolen.
9. Prior to the 1611 King James Bible, most churches did not have Bibles.
10. The King James Bible is the first English Bible ever printed in the United States- first printed by the King's Printer in England, then printing and distribution spread throughout the world.
11. Public officials on all levels of United States government, including presidents, have taken their oath of office with the King James Bible.
12. A committee of 54 translators worked for 7 years to complete the King James translation.

We have God’s sure Word in the King James Bible. It has been the instrument of salvation for millions of souls, ushered in countless revivals, and has easily stood the test of time. You can trust it with your life in the limited here and now, and in the unlimited life hereafter. Read it, study it, cherish is, and let its truths speak to you. God will honor that.