Cassie L. Wilson

Learning to be the light

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KJV Only: The Only Accurate Bible Translation?

November 17, 2022

Inside: why I am open to different Bible translations and no longer KJV Only

I fully realize this post may be dipping my toes into a more controversial territory than I am used to. But hear me out first, okay?

I mean no disrespect to anyone, ever.

And truthfully, finding a Bible translation to study, read, and, more importantly, comprehend should never be a point of contention for anyone. But nevertheless, Christians will argue one side of the KJV Only debate up one side and down the other for various reasons. And to that, I say, to each their own. 

At one point, I was a KJV Only kind of person, too. That is, until about two years ago.

But things are different now, and here’s why.

KJV and a Religion Class from College

Time to take a tiny trip down memory lane for a second.

Way back in my college days, I had to take a class that was supposed to be a literary study of the Book of John. It ended up being more like a mix of a literary study, a religious study, and a good, ol’ fashioned debate. 

I’m not one to debate much of anything, and more often than not, the class ended up in a debate about fundamental and core beliefs. There were a couple of reasons I was not a giant fan of this class. Debating was a major reason and the fact that I had to purchase the NASB translation of the Bible as the required text for the course.

My thinking was: I already had a perfectly good KJV Bible. I (and I admit, in my limited knowledge of Bible translations) was adamant it was the only version worth reading. Every other translation had added “stuff” to it, or key scripture was removed. Or, so I thought.

When I brought this point up to my very kind professor, he gently pointed out that if I wanted to read the scripture exactly as it was written, I needed to learn Greek and Hebrew to read the original texts.

*Gasp*. How rude. (Even though there was no hint of rudeness at all in his tone.) 

At the time, I dismissed his comments and did what I needed to do to pass the class: read the NASB as the textbook. When I tell you I felt like a sinner, I mean that. The NASB was not the KJV translation. I had grown up believing the KJV was the only translation worth reading, and reading something else felt extremely wrong.

It wasn’t until about two years ago that I fully understood what my professor meant.

Where does the KJV fall on the Bible translation chart?

Did you know the King James Version of the Bible was originally released in 1611? 

According to Britannica, in 1604, King James I commissioned a group of about 54 men to translate the original manuscripts of the Word to Common English (which is known today as the King’s Engish. You know, with the “thee” and “thou”).  Seven years later, the KJV was published.

Is the KJV a bad translation of the holy texts?

No. No, it is not.

In fact, according to Bible Gateway, it is a pretty close word-for-word translation of the original texts.  Bible Gateway ranks the KJV translation as the 6th top word-for-word translation.

Bible translation chart

So, what’s my issue with the KJV, and why am I no longer KJV Only?

KJV Only? Or Should I Consider Other Translations? 

Technically, there is no inherent problem with the KJV. (Although some scholars will say otherwise.) If the KJV is the version you know, love, and understand, great!

Personally, though, the King’s English is hard for me to comprehend. It is not very modern, and no one I know speaks this way anymore. If we’re being honest, not even Jesus himself spoke like that.

If I am still honest with you, I have struggled with not fully comprehending the scriptures for a while. Not fully understanding what I was reading made it somewhat difficult to “study to show myself approved” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Is the KJV the only accurate Bible translation? | Cassie L. Wilson - learning to be the light

I wrestled with the idea of even considering branching out and looking at other translations. After all, I had been taught KJV is the only, true translation.

But, is it?

The answer is no.

According to the handy chart of Bible Gateway, there are five other Bible translations that are closer to word-to-word compared to the KJV. 

As I studied the chart, I understood why my professor was adamant about using the NASB for the religion class. Besides the Interlinear translation (which doesn’t seem as readily available? Maybe I am wrong? Someone let me know if I am about this.), the NASB is at the top of the chart.

Another perk of the NASB and more modern translations? They are written in today’s common English. Meaning no “thee”, “thou”, or verbs that end with “-eth”.

Is the KJV Comprehensible?

If you didn’t know, reader, I teach Spanish as a second language. Since I started teaching nearly five years ago, comprehensible input is a topic I have intensely studied. 

Without nerding out on you about it, comprehensible input means delivering comprehensible chunks of language to produce an intelligible output. Basically, if the student understands what I am speaking to them in Spanish, they will eventually begin to pick up on the language and speak it, too.

It’s a fascinating concept that I’ve seen in action over and over.

But the more I thought about Bible study, the more I realized the same concept applied.

If I did not fully understand the scriptures, how could I live a Christian life as Jesus intended? And how could I spread the Gospel or confidently answer questions about my faith?

So, what did I do? 

I bought Zondervan’s NIV/KJV/NASB/Amplified Parallel Bible. 

I chose this Bible because the NASB is the 2nd ranked word-for-word translation. The Amplified Version is is third highest-ranked word-for-word translation. And the KJV is the 6th-ranked word-for-word translation.  The NIV falls smack in the middle of the chart between word-for-word and thought-for-thought.

This particular study Bible contains all four versions of the Word under one cover. Each page features two columns, and laying flat, the reader can compare the same scriptures from all four versions of the Word.

Imagine my complete and utter shock when I read a somewhat confusing scripture from the Old Testament in the King James Verison but then read the three other translations that used different words (the same across each of the three translations) that made sense. Suddenly, I wondered which other scriptures I had misunderstood because I did not fully understand the KJV.

(If you’re interested in this study Bible, Christianbooks.com actually has it cheaper than Amazon. But I think you might still have to pay shipping. So, do the math before you make a purchase to save some dollars, y’all. And none of these links are affiliate links, just FYI for good measure.)

Study to Show Yourself Approved

I won’t lie to you. It took a bit to be fully comfortable consulting other versions of the Word. KJV Only was ingrained deep in my head.

But I wanted to understand the Word. I wanted to live the Word. 

I wanted to understand why I believed things the way I believed them. And I also wanted to know what was church tradition and what was the scriptural basis for those traditions. 

I think it comes to a point for all Christians where we need to not rely on what others have said but really dig into the Word and discover it for ourselves.

To help me understand, I had to branch out and consult other translations. I needed to do what Phillipians 2:12 says and work out my own salvation with fear and trembling. 

I needed to study, research, and learn for myself.

Pick a Translation that is Best for You

Don’t take this post as me saying ditch the KJV altogether. I am not saying that at all. 

In fact, these days, I still consult the KJV for my Bible study, but I also compare it with the NASB and the Amplified Version.

It’s a proven fact that language changes over time. Although language might change and words or phrases may be sent into retirement to never be uttered again (like, “cool beans”, who, but dinosaurs, says that these days? Kidding.), modern translations of the Word have been carefully translated to the current language, but the integrity and the meaning of scripture has not changed.

If the KJV works for you and you can understand it, great! Seriously, I mean that.

But if you’re like me and it goes over your head, don’t be afraid to branch out to other translations. Just be sure to do your research first.

You’re not doing anything wrong by wanting to study and understand the scriptures. Promise.

Shine bright!

Love, Cassie

P.S. If you like what you’re reading, subscribe to the mailing list. I won’t spam you, promise!

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Filed Under: Confessions of Cassie, Encouragement Tagged: Christian, Christian books, Christian Living

Trusting the Process: God is the Potter

March 23, 2018

So, I’ve been reading Christine Hoover’s Searching for Spring, right?  I wrote this post referencing her book and I promised I would share some more of it with you.  I love when I read something and things finally make sense.  Like, when God is the Potter and we are the clay.  I’ve heard that reference a thousand times, but I don’t think I’ve ever truly understood what it meant until now.  Which, is a shame.  You’d think I would’ve understood a long time ago.

Keep reading, you’ll see what I mean in a second.

(Quick side note: Christine’s Searching for Spring has officially launched.  You can purchase a copy here!  10/10 would recommend.)

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Encouragement Tagged: Christian books, Encouragement, Trials, Trust

Waiting for God to Move? Read this.

February 23, 2018

Waiting.  No one likes to wait.  At least, I don’t like to wait.  But, sometimes, friend, we just have to do it.  Like it or not.  Have you ever been waiting for so long for that one thing that you begin to wonder if God is even working on your behalf?

Confession time: I have.

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Filed Under: Encouragement Tagged: Christian books, Encouragement, Waiting

How to Make Disciples and Grow the Kingdom

February 4, 2018

The week before last, I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with the author of a new commentary, Genuine Christianity.  Justin Miller, the author, is Lead Pastor of his church in Puxico, Missouri.  He also trains pastors to go out into the world and plant and revitalize churches.  What I didn’t know at the time of signing up to interview him was that his book focused on Paul’s letter to Titus.  And if you know me, Titus is my absolute favorite book of the Bible.  Short, yes.  But, it is also a great directive on how the Church should operate.  Not to mention, how the Church can make disciples and grow the kingdom.

Justin Miller and Genuine Christianity

While Justin is now currently the Lead Pastor of his church, his story of how he got there is amazing.  Justin told me when he was eleven, he asked someone to buy him a Bible.  The next year or so later, he was baptized, but never truly understood what grace or salvation was.  Justin was one of those kids that thought God was just ready to judge him and condemn him for every little thing.  I’m sure we, ourselves, can relate.  But, we also know that God is good and He doesn’t do that.  Salvation- true salvation– is a great thing, friend!

[Read more…]

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Filed Under: Purpose Tagged: Building the Kingdom, Christian books, Encouragement, Purpose

Review: A Very Thankful Prayer + Giveaway

September 22, 2017

Alright, friends.  By now, there’s a good chance you know my sweet momma is a Sunday school teacher.  I’m really not exaggerating when I say that Sunday school is a pretty big deal around the Wilson household.  In some way, shape, or form, all five of us have had a hand in prepping for her lessons.  For me, sometimes that includes reviewing books for her class, such as A Very Thankful Prayer by Bonnie Richner.

My momma puts countless hours into each Sunday school lesson that she teaches to her Primary class.  Her lessons are definitely not thrown together at the last minute.

And, friend, I bet you’re wondering why she spends so much time on one lesson, right?

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Filed Under: Reviews Tagged: Christian books, review, Sunday School

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Cassie L. Wilson

Cassie Wilson

Christian. Writer. Fly fisher. Sweet tea enthusiast. Middle child. Lover of all things green.

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Gather ‘round. It’s story time. Several mont Gather ‘round. It’s story time. 

Several months ago, I was visiting my boyfriend’s church when the pastor began talking about being stuck in the hallway. 

You know, the “hallway”?

Those moments in life we’re you’re just stuck. It’s dark, you don’t know which way to turn, which way to go, and all the doors seems to be closed. 

Those moments when you just have to surrender and let the Lord work in your life. 

Yeah, that kind of hallway. 

When the pastor was talking about this, something struck my heart and it just felt like the words he was speaking were important. 

Back ages ago, one of my favorite preachers said “When the Lord speaks to you, write it down. He’s only obligated to speak to you once.” So, I flipped my Bible open to the front page and I wrote down “The Hallway” and dated it. 

Little did I know that I’d find myself stuck in a literal hallway some three months later. 

I couldn’t go out the way I came in because it was too dangerous. I couldn’t go out the emergency exit because I had no idea what was on the other side of the door.

I was stuck. 

Sometimes life gets this way, too. Maybe we’ve lost a job and we don’t know how we’re going to make it. Or, we’ve lost a loved one or a relationship ended and moving on seems terrifying.

There are umpteen situations in life that can put us in a hallway where we have no idea what to do. 

But, God was in the hallway.

Philippians 4:7 talks about the peace that passes all understanding. I’ve read this verse a hundred times, but I don’t know that I truly knew what it meant until I was stuck in that hallway. 

When I began to pray, a peace came over me and I knew we’d be okay. I knew I had to trust Him. 

God is in the hallway. 

When all seems hopeless, He is there. 

When all seems lost, He is there. 

When you don’t know what to do, He. Is. There. 

God is in YOUR hallway, too. 

He knows where you are. He knows how to bring you out. He knows when to send the peace at just the right time. 

You just have to trust Him. 

He can and will bring you to the other side. 

#shinebright #learningtobethelight
“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by p “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:6‬ ‭

Oh, friend, what if we actually lived like Philippians 4:6? 
 
What if we actually trusted Him with 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 in our lives?

I’m not just talking about the big prayers that you absolutely need God to take care of because you can’t do it on your own. 

I’m talking about the little things, too. The things that seem insignificant, but are actually really big things in the grand scheme of it all. 

What if we turned it all over and learned —really learned— to lean on Him to provide? 

Imagine what a difference that would make. Not just for you, but those around you. 

Wow. 

World changing. 

What verse has stuck out to you lately? 

#learningtobethelight #shinebright
“Is anything too hard for the Lord?” If you h “Is anything too hard for the Lord?”

If you have kept up with my stories this week, you know I’m attempting the @biblereadingchallenge. The goal is to read the entire Bible in one academic year. 

Today’s readings came from Genesis 17-20 and John 10-11.

In Genesis 18, we find God, himself, asking, “Is there anything too hard for the Lord?” 

God was trying to prove to Abraham and Sarah that He could (and would!) provide them with a child. 

Even in their old age. 

Even in their doubt. 

There was nothing too hard for the Lord. 

But, then in John 11, we find Jesus and Lazarus. 

Well, actually, we don’t find Lazarus until later in the chapter because he had already croaked. He was already in the grave and his family was already grieving. 

But, is there anything too hard for the Lord? 

Even in their grief. 

Even in their doubt.

There was nothing too hard for the Lord.

Even in your circumstances, friend, no matter what those circumstances are there is NOTHING too hard for the Lord.

You can trust Him. Always. 

P.S. have you participated in the #biblereadingchallenge? If so, I want to hear about it! 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼

#learningtobethelight #shinebright
“𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦, 𝘊𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘦?”
 
Ouch. 

Lately, it seems like every where I turn, I keep being reminded of 1 Kings 19. Yeah, you know, the chapter about Elijah hiding in the cave and feeling all sorts of ways about his life and everything and everyone in it. 

Elijah felt alone. He was discouraged. He thought he was useless. 

How many times have we felt the same way?

Alone. Discouraged. Useless. Good for nothing. 

I tell ya, friend, when discouragement hits, it hits hard. And sometimes it’s not easy to shake. 

I know because there were several years (yes, I said 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴) that I battled m a j o r discouragement. 

Sometimes, when the storm is raging, it’s difficult to see the Son. You 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘸 He is right there with you, but when you can’t see Him and your faith is dwindling… 𝘮𝘢𝘯, 𝘰𝘩, 𝘮𝘢𝘯, 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩.

It was 𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘥 to be the light when I felt like I couldn’t even find it myself. 

To say I hit a low point is an understatement. 

But, it’s often when we are at our lowest that God has the greatest work for us to do. 

God wasn’t done with Elijah. And, He’s not done with you (or me!), either.

There is a purpose for you. 

There is hope for you.

What doest thou here, friend? 

#learningtobethelight #shinebright
“…the patient in spirit is better than the pro “…the patient in spirit is better than the proud in spirit.” — Ecclesiastes 7:8

Pro tip: never, ever pray for patience because the Lord WILL answer that prayer. 😂

Kidding aside, learning to be patient and wait on the Lord is tough, but it’s one of the best things we can do as Christians.

Whether we want to accept it or not, God has a plan for our lives. And His plan is way better than anything we could have come up with ourselves. 

But, His plan often requires that we are patient and wait for His leading. 

Impatience will lead us to a whole world of trouble. It will lead to heartache, unnecessary sorrow, and unwanted suffering. (Ask me how I know…)

The Lord knows what is best for us. Always. Trust Him. 

Stay patient, my friend! 

What book of the Bible are you currently studying? 👇🏼

#learningtobethelight #shinebright
There’s just something special about finding the There’s just something special about finding the most appropriate Bible verse right as you’re listening to your mom teach the Sunday School kids about the paralyzed man who’s friends tore a roof off a building to get him to Jesus. 
•
“In my distress, I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: he heard my voice out of his temple, and my cry came before him, even unto his ears.” - Psalm 18:6
•
The story of the paralytic man goes like this: his friends were carrying him on a bed to Jesus. But, because it was so crowded with everyone else trying to get to Jesus, they couldn’t get him there. Instead, they decided to carry him to the roof and where they would tear the roof off and lower him in. Once Jesus saw this, He had compassion on the paralytic man and healed him. 
•
My mom was teaching the Sunday School kids about how we need to be an encouraging friend to others. I mean, in this day and time, you never really know who just needs to see your smile and who needs your prayers. 
•
But, as I was sitting in the floor trying to figure out something for mom, my eyes landed on Psalm 18:6. 
•
“In my distress, I called upon the Lord… and my cry came before him.”
•
The Bible tells us that it was crowded where Jesus was. It was probably chaotic. It was likely overwhelming.  And, it was probably discouraging knowing you needed to get to Jesus, but the way seemed impossible. 
•
But, yet, Jesus healed the man anyway. He knew his cries. 
•
When our hearts are overwhelmed, when our minds are full of fear and anxiety, when the stress of the day (or week or year) is crowding up our minds, or when we are oh, so very discouraged, we can call to Him and He will hear us.
•
Sure, it was a crowded mess and looked impossible for the paralytic man to get to Jesus. But, Jesus had already heard his cry. He already had a solution for him. He knew exactly how to help him. And so He did. 
•
Jesus knows how to help us, too. Even when the world is falling apart around us. 
•
He still hears our cries. 
•
#shinebright #learningtobethelight
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