Customer Reviews

Defending the King James Bible

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4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
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This book, by textual scholar Waite, is my favorite defense of the KJV. Waite's outline of four areas in which the KJV is demonstrably superior to modern renderings of scripture is the clearest and most concise presentation I have found. It is also useful as an antidote to some mean-spirited pro-KJV writings that have become ammo for the "other side." Waite is not guilty of bombast or arrogance, and I praise God for it.

I once passed this book to a derisve individual who was baiting me almost incessantly after reading White's KING JAMES ONLY CONTROVERSY. I asked him to read Waite since I had already read White's popular and mock-charitable "establishment" treatment. Out of a sense of fairness, he reluctantly agreed. Well, I would be a liar if I said he drastically changed his views, but he is now unwilling to argue about the subject and seems to use only a KJV!

I strongly recommend this book.

I have not finished it yet, but it is exactly what I was told it would be by my Pastoral Theology instructor. A true exegesis of the God's Word.

Defending the King James Bible does a pretty good job of just that. I found that much of it was the usual arguments in favor of the AV that are better portrayed in other books (in my opinion), although there were a few features here that I hadn't come across yet.

It's split into four sections as well as three appendices. The first section is devoted to the superiority of the underlying greek texts (the Masoretic Text and Textus Receptus) over the rest of the inferior minority texts, specifically Codex Aleph (Sinaiticus) and Codex B (Vaticanus). This is covered adequately by other authors, but it is interesting to read different perspectives of the argument, and Waite's was unique enough to warrant reading.

The second and third sections contained new information to me, as it discussed the AV translators themselves, their credentials, and their technique in translating. The AV position flies completely in the face of an evolutionary presupposition that still pops up in christian thinking. "Things get better," or in this case, "scholars get smarter and techniques get better, so since we are 400 years chronologically further along than the 1611 translators, therefore our scholars are better qualified to translate texts and they've come up with better methods and theories to do it." What this line of reasoning ignores is the fact that any knowledge that humans attain that leaves God out of the picture is foolishness. There was a shift in textual criticism in the mid 19th century (just like there was a shift in geology, biology, and a continuing trend in philosophy) when Westcott and Hort used naturalistic presuppositions as their basis for creating their "new" greek text. Also interesting was the fact that the translation technique used in the 1611 version has never been repeated before or since! It is truly a one of a kind event. Also detailed was the absolute genius of some of the translators. One of the men read through the Old Testament in Hebrew when he was five years old! Such a level of proficiency has never been attained by anyone since, yet, we are told that scholars today are more capable of evaluating the evidence and coming to better conclusions than the AV translators. "Professing themselves to be wise they became as fools."

The last section prints out dozens of verses where the difference between the versions makes a significant doctrinal difference. This was very helpful, and I spent a lot of time in my ESV, NIV, and NASV making comparisons. This may be the first step in the textual debate. If someone isn't willing to admit that the differences between the versions are significant when it comes to doctrine, then they are going to ignore the rest of the information. If someone becomes convinced that it actually matters which Bible you use, they will be motivated to investigate the rest of the facts.

Also, one of the appendices is a printout of many (I'm not sure if it includes all) of the references to "words" in the Bible. I had been planning to do that myself, but found it very helpful to read through these verses and get an understanding of a true Biblical approach to the words of God.

I found this to be a very helpful book. I still think Edward Hills' "The King James Version Defended," is the best starting point to this question, but Waite's work here is definitely worth a read as well.

Most modern alternatives to God's Word, follows the Septuagint (LXX), Samaritan Pentateuch, Alexandrian Text-Type. It is does not follow the most reliable manuscripts, used by the King James Version (KJV)....i.e. the Masoretic Text of the Hebrews and the Greek text used by the Christians at Antioch. Unfortunately, since most people do not study the difference between Bible versions, most of the foreign Bibles being produced are from Contemporary English Versions that are "easier-to-read," but not as faithful at preserving God's words. God pronounces a curse on those who add or take away from His words. God tells us that His words will endure forever and are a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path --- we live by every word which proceeds out of the mouth of God. The Bible tells us that God is the Source of Truth, His nature is unchanging and He cannot lie - He is good and faithful to never contradict Himself.

If you get the chance, look up "Serious omissions in the NIV Bible by Keith Piper PDF" on a google search

This whole book is written in defense of the King James Bible and its preserved underlying texts. Pastor D. A Waite comes out very strongly in his arguments for the King James Bible, and its underlying texts - the Hebrew Masoretic text and the Greek Textus Receptus. He gives a fourfold defense of his position, of superior texts, translators, technique and theology.

A large segment of the book is also devoted to the appendices, with a list of verses which spell out the importance of God's Words; a complete list of complete English Bibles and New Testaments printed in the last 612 years, along with some statistical analysis of this list; as well as a list of pertinent and commonly asked questions with answers on this Bible issue.

I feel that this book is informative and well argued, backed with meticulously researched evidences. The content is well written, and target at the general audience, both layman and scholars alike. The topic at hand is a most pertinent one, of the attacks Satan has been making on the very word of God, and the importance of defending it. The arguments given are systematic and well thought-out, evidence of the author's many years of research and dedication to it.

However, the merits of the book are somewhat tarnished by its formatting and layout, which might deter some readers, and cause them to reject the truth written therein. Also, to a first time reader who is new to the topic, the language used might come across as being rather forceful and unyielding, and at times even condescending.

Therefore, I would recommend this book only to one who is well versed and serious about researching more about this topic. To one who is new to the whole debate over bible versions and its underlying texts, I would recommend some other more books which are more basic and slightly less polemical in nature.

A thoroughly written book on the subject well worth the price. After reading this book the KJV of 1611 will be my companion in the future. The well regarded German "Rev. Elberfelder Übersetzung" cannot match the KJV and the other modern German translations even less. If you don't have a book on the subject: "Which bible is the best"; this is the book to buy first.

I was looking for a good well thought out and scriptural argument supporting the King James Version and the Textus Receptus. Instead I read a book full of unsupported assertions and ad hominum attacks. He failed at convincing me because he made many bold claims but failed with the foundational point- is the Textus Receptus the error free 100% accurate Greek text and how do we know. How would we know? After reading this I read James White's book "The King James Only Controversy" . I was only half way though when I realized that the KJVO position is without foundation. This was a much better book and gave proper references with good footnotes. Save your money and time, get James White's book instead.

This is an outstanding book which illustrates quite effectively why Christians should use the King James Bible alone. Dr. Waite points out that the techniques used by the translators were superior, the translators themselves were head and shoulders above todays translators in linguistic ability, the theology is superior (and this is more important than one might think at first glance) and the Greek and Hebrew texts used to translate the Bible into English were superior to those used by others. Dr. Waite uses a conversational/lecture style in his book which threw me a bit from time to time, but his message is very, very important. I also would prefer a little more space between the lines throughout the book to make it more readable. Nevertheless, this is a brilliant work. I heartily recommend it. My only wish is that I had read it when I was much younger.

I also have the authers "the doctored new testament" a complete text of the New testament with wescot & horts differences, a must read for those who are part of the textual debate.This book (defending the King James Bible) although being good in what it represents is pedantic and at times due to its lay-out confusing to follow..the core sense of the book has pertinance but a review of the synoptic parrallels where there was divergence would have given it a more scholarly appeal.

Many people defend the KJV of the Bible for the wrong reasons. Dr. Waite is a scholar and a true man of God who does not shy away from answering questions or objections. He has done a wonderful job in his defence. He visited my church for a preaching conference and I showed him an older edition of the book, and he said; "Anyone who has a soft cover of the KJB Defended deserves a hardcover." then he reached out to his table and he handed me a hardcover edition of his book, what a generous man. In a day and age where the Burgons, and the Hills are gone let us savor the Waites.