This year, the King James Version of the Bible turns 400 years old. It was commissioned by King James I in 1604 and seven years later, the work of 47 scholars and theologians was published. The new Bible was meant to establish the monarchy of James, who as a Scot, was viewed as a “foreigner” in England. He also wanted to form a bridge uniting the two Bible factions of the day: the “clunky” Bishops’ Bible that was used in churches and the Geneva Bible popular among the people. His motives were entirely self-serving. The Geneva Bible contained margin notes that were less than kind to the likes of kings, and James wanted them removed.

NPR did a fascinating story on the topic. Take a break and enjoy: