KJV Bible as the LDS Authorized Version

Given my recent interest of textual criticism of the Bible, I was wondering about the history of the LDS church's use of the KJV. Given the modern English translations based on better Greek translations that are now available, one would think the LDS church would be the first to make use of them.

I've been doing a bit of Googling research with the following results thus far:

Of course, the following is a good starting point for the official position of the LDS church:

First Presidency Statement on the King James Version of the Bible
“News of the Church,” Ensign, Aug. 1992, 80

"Since the days of the Prophet Joseph Smith, The Church of Jesus Christ ofLatter-day Saints has used the King James Version of the Bible for English-speaking members.

The Bible, as it has been transmitted over the centuries, has suffered the loss of many plain and precious parts. ‘We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God.’ (A of F 1:8.)

Many versions of the Bible are available today. Unfortunately, no original manuscripts of any portion of the Bible are available for comparison to determine the most accurate version. However, the Lord has revealed clearly the doctrines of the gospel in these latter-days. The most reliable way to measure the accuracy of any biblical passage is not by comparing different texts, but by comparison with the Book of Mormon and modern-day revelations.

While other Bible versions may be easier to read than the King James Version, in doctrinal matters latter-day revelation supports the King James Version in preference to other English translations. All of the Presidents of the Church, beginning with the Prophet Joseph Smith, have supported the King James Version by encouraging its continued use in the Church. In light of all the above, it is the English language Bible used by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The LDS edition of the Bible (1979) contains the King James Version supplemented and clarified by footnotes, study aids, and cross-references to the Book of Mormon, the Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price. These four books are the standard works of the Church. We encourage all members to have their own copies of the complete standard works and to use them prayerfully in regular personal and family study, and in Church meetings and assignments."

Sincerely your brethren,
Ezra Taft Benson
Gordon B. Hinckley
Thomas S. Monson

There are many understandable reasons given for continued use of the KJV, one important reason being:

"The most reliable way to measure the accuracy of any biblical passage is not by comparing different texts, but by comparison with the Book of Mormon and modern-day revelations."

This makes sense given that:

"Unfortunately, no original manuscripts of any portion of the Bible are available for comparison to determine the most accurate version."

Do modern English versions of the Bible, based on more accurate Greek versions, change any doctrine? Most traditional Christians say no. Traditional Christians have the anchor of their traditions to help them maintain their current beliefs. As stated above by the First Presidency, Mormons have the anchor of the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price and most importantly, modern prophets and apostles.

I think the above statement can be easily read to say that while the KJV of the Bible will continue to be the official version of the Bible of the LDS church, there is no restriction on using modern English version of the Bible based on better Greek translations. In fact, the First Presidency points out that the modern English versions may be easier to read than the KJV.

"While other Bible versions may be easier to read than the King James Version, in doctrinal matters latter-day revelation supports the King James Version in preference to other English translations."

When deciding on a modern English version of the Bible, the important thing to know is that while the Greek text may be more accurate, the modern English translation is going to have some biases based on the theological and social views of the translators. So determining what those biases are is going to be important.

Here are some more LDS references that I thought were informative and interesting:

I recommend reading the following, as it by an institute teacher, and many other instructors comment with useful suggestions and information about using modern English versions of the Bible.

The KJV: A Sealed Book?
by Julie M. Smith, "Times and Seasons" blog
4/20/2006

The following article has some informative history regarding the LDS use of the KJV.

Little Less than God
by Kevin Barney, "By Common Consent" blog
4/26/2006

Why the King James Version
J. Reuben Clark
Deseret Book Co (1956)

Mormons and the Bible
The Place of the Latter-Day Saints in American Religion
By Philip L. Barlow
Oxford University Press, USA (February 27, 1997)

Google Books with info and preview

Review by Marvin Folsom at Maxwell Institute website

Review by Art Bassett at Sunstone Magazine website

12 Answers from Philip Barlow: Part 1
Philip L. Barlow answers questions regarding the LDS use of the KJV
"Times and Seasons" blog, 3/6/2005