The KJV, like other translations, is a VERSION{*note the "V" in kj-V} of the scribal copied autographs which God has preserved for millenia.
A scholarly study of these autographs, using Textual Criticism coupled with Lexical Semantics; thus understood in their in their original form and language(i.e. Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek); reveals that the essential differences between most *English* translated VERSIONS and the autographs amount to the semantical difference between the words "dog" and "canine." For instance:
James2:3
KJV- 3 And ye have respect to him that weareth the >gay< clothing,
HCSB- 3 If you look with favor on the man wearing the >fine< clothes
...the Greek word translated both "gay" in the KJV and "fine" in versions such as ESV and HCSB is: λαμπρός / lampros [G2986]. Note the literal meaning as presented in Thayer's Greek Lexicon:
Thayer Definition:
1) shining
1a) brilliant
1b) clear, transparent
2) splendid, magnificent
2a) splendid things, i.e. luxuries or elegancies in dress or style
...now then, in today's social economy, which translation do any of you think represents the literal "thought" which James intended to convey: "gay" clothing or "fine/splendid" clothing?
[Just a short "FYI:" Versions of Scripture are classified as "Formal Equivalent"{e.g. "Word for Word rendering (ex. KJV, ESV)}; "Dynamic Equivalent"{e.g. "Thought for Thought" rendering (ex. NLT, NIV)}; “Paraphrased”{(ex.The Message, The Amplified Bible)}; and a more modern approach: "Optimal Equivalent"{e.g. the combination of F.E. and D.E. to attempt optimal conveyance(ex. HCSB)}. As stated previously, the differences between these VERSIONS in what is TAUGHT within Scripture is essentially negligible at most.]
Also NECESSARY to consider is that meanings of words from the KJV era have changed over the centuries. Take for instance Gen1:28. In Gen1:28 Adam and Eve were commanded to be fruitful and "replenish"[KJV] the Earth. In our modern dictionaries, "replenish" means "to fill *again.*" However, in the KJV era, "replinish" simply meant- "to fill/complete." Most unabridged dictionaries still contain this original definition and Webster's Dictionary of English Words[c. 1828] contains only the original definition[ http://www.webstersdictionary1828.com/... ]. So, when the NLT reads "Fill the Earth..." -it is ESSENTIALLY [or more accurately stated "Dynamically"] equivalent to the KJV "...replinish the Earth."
Quarrels over VERSIONS sincerely detract from the goal of Scriptures in WHATEVER language they may be translated into... [question- are Scriptures translated today from **the autographs** into foreign languages less authoritative than foreign versions translated from the KJV?]; ...which said goal is to reveal God and His will for mankind through His Son... ...virtually all versions I have read and compared have this common goal and achieve it!
KJOnly-ist are similar to the Pharisees in this one respect... ...the insistence on KJV-only against all other *versions* of Scripture works to prevent some others from coming to an understanding of the Scriptures [and entering God’s kingdom] which even some KJOnly-ist fail to comprehend themselves. Christianity is not about translations brothers and sisters -it's about **genuine** LOVE FOR GOD! ...and my ESV, KJV, HCSB, NLT, NASB, NKJV, NASB, NKJV, NIV,.. **each one** **clearly and equivalently** teach me what "love for God" is [and personally, I think the NLT; pertaining to this particular verse; captures the *purest* and clearest essence of what the Holy Spirit intended to convey through John]:
1John5:3-
ESV--> 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.
KJV--> 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.
HCSB--> 3 For this is what love for God is: to keep His commands. Now His commands are not a burden,
NLT--> 3 Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.
NASB--> 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments; and His commandments are not burdensome.
NKJV--> 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.
NIV--> 3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome
