Quote:
Originally Posted by HowlerMonkey
However, if God wanted to make a perfect translation He would not have produced a 1611 edition that needed to be corrected in 1769 and then needed further correction leading up to the so-called Pure Cambridge Edition of c. 1900
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Since there are no translation differences or changes in the King James Bible, but the same translation is there in 1769 as was there in 1611, this entire point is worthless.
it hath pleased God in his Divine Providence here and there to scatter words and sentences of that difficulty and doubtfulness, not in doctrinal points that concern salvation, (for in such it hath been vouched that the Scriptures are plain) but in matters of less moment, that fearfulness would better beseem us than confidence, and if we will resolve, to resolve upon modesty with St Augustine, (though not in this same case altogether, yet upon the same ground) ...: It is better to make doubt of those things which are secret, than to strive about those things that are uncertain.
This is talking about the textual and translational decisions the translators had to make, and is not a statement about whether they thought their work was imperfect.
Now in such a case doth not a margin do well to admonish the Reader to seek further, and not to conclude or dogmatize upon this or that peremptorily? For as it is a fault of incredulity, to doubt of those things that are evident; so to determine of such things as the Spirit of God hath left (even in the judgment of the judicious) questionable, can be no less than presumption.
This is talking about the margins showing the variety of senses, and is not saying anything about the KJB being imperfect. The reality is that there was different possible textual variations or translations at places, but that is all they are stating. They do not deny that they were able to choose right.
The truth is that the translators do indicate a number of times that they got it right, as various quotes of their own words reveal:
the same will shine as gold more brightly, being rubbed and polished; also, if any thing be halting, or superfluous, or not so agreeable to the original, the same may be corrected, and the truth set in place.
neither did we disdain to revise that which we had done, and to bring back to the anvil that which we had hammered: but having and using as great helps as were needful, and fearing no reproach for slowness, nor coveting praise for expedition, we have at the length, through the good hand of the Lord upon us, brought the work to that pass that you see.
Yet for all that, as nothing is begun and perfected at the same time, and the latter thoughts are thought to be the wiser: so, if we building upon their foundation that went before us, and being holpen by their labours, do endeavour to make that better which they left so good; no man, we are sure, hath cause to mislike us; they, we persuade ourselves, if they were alive, would thank us.
there should be one more exact Translation of the holy Scriptures into the English Tongue