A Letter from Pastor Joe on God’s Word, the King James Version, and the language of Heaven

Dear Church Family,

Let me say this plainly, and without hesitation:
I love the Word of God.

I don’t mean that as a slogan or a theological checkbox. I mean it as a conviction that has shaped my life, my preaching, and my walk with Christ. I believe the Bible is inspired, authoritative, trustworthy, and sufficient. God has spoken—and He has not stuttered. I believe all 66 books – I even believe the maps!

And I want you to know something else just as clearly:
I hold a deep respect for the King James Version of the Bible.

The KJV—often called the Authorized Version—has been used by God for over four centuries to shape revivals, awaken consciences, disciple saints, and proclaim Christ to the nations. Its language is elevated, reverent, and memorable. Much of the Scripture I have hidden in my heart was first learned in the cadence and poetry of the KJV. I am grateful for it. I honor it. I still use it!

Here's what I know: Loving the Word of God means loving it as God gave it—not merely as English has received it.

As you likely know: The Scriptures were not written in English. They were breathed out in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek—languages that carry textures, tenses, wordplays, and depths that no single modern language can fully contain. English, for all its strengths, is a limited and fluid language. Words shift in meaning over time. Phrases that were crystal clear in 1611 may sound foreign—or even misleading—to modern ears.

That is not a weakness of the KJV. It is simply the nature of language.

Hebrew is concrete and visual. It thinks in pictures. It piles meaning into roots and patterns that stretch across entire books of the Bible. Greek is precise and surgical. It can express nuance in tense, voice, and mood that English often flattens into a single phrase. Aramaic—Jesus’ everyday spoken language—carries warmth, idiom, and relational depth that rarely survives a straight translation.

When I consult other English translations, or when I reference the original languages, I am not correcting God’s Word. I am honoring it. I am not moving away from Scripture—I am moving closer to what the Spirit inspired in the first place.

Think of it this way: If you truly love a diamond, you don’t refuse to look at it from another angle. You turn it in the light. You let it refract. Each facet reveals more brilliance—not less.

The same is true of Scripture.

The KJV is not weak. It’s English that is narrow. - - And God’s Word is vast.

You might be concerned that using other translation comes with liability; that we could convey something that was not intended. That concern is valid! It’s also true that one reading from the original languages on manuscript could make the Word of God into something it’s not. In fact, Jesus had a lot to say (directly) to this type of individual.

Using multiple translations is not a statement of doubt; it is a posture of humility. It says, “Lord, I want to understand You as clearly as possible.” It recognizes that no single English rendering—however beautiful—can exhaust the meaning of words spoken by an infinite God.

Let me also say this gently and with love: Devotion to a sum400 year old translation must never replace devotion to Christ – The Word – Himself. We often joke that the apostles and prophets were not English. I’m concerned that some people think they were!

My aim? Whether I am preaching from the KJV, the NKJV, another translation, or referencing the original languages, my heart is the same: To proclaim Jesus faithfully, clearly, and truthfully—so that God’s people are anchored, equipped, and transformed.

We do not defend the Word of God by narrowing it.
We honor it by submitting to it fully. I really hope this helps!

With conviction, humility, and love for His Word –
As you go ________________!

Pastor Joe