A. Background: "The King James Bible was born out of a need to still the voices of critics who had agitated against the Bishops' Bible in the later years of Elizabeth's reign and also out of a need to bring uniformity to a confused situation. Geneva Bibles were commonly used in homes, Bishops' Bibles in churches. Some Great Bibles were still around, and perhaps even Tyndale and Coverdale Bibles could be found, though none of these three had been reprinted for a generation" (Ref. The English Bible from KJV to NIV, 2nd Ed., Jack P. Lewis, Baker Book House Company, May 1992).
John Reynolds made the suggestion for a new translation at the Hampton Court Conference in 1604, and King James embraced the idea. Various committees composed of 47 translators (54 originally named) worked over the next seven years to complete the task. A final committee of twelve reviewed what the lower committees had done, and the new translation was ready for the public in 1611.

    B. Strengths: For nearly 400 years. the KJV has stood the test of time. The fact that 47 or more of the most capable scholars of the day completed their work over a number of years demonstrates the meticulous care which went into its completion. Many cite the following qualities as particular assets:

        2. The KJV is still widely available in many type sizes and styles, and in many page sizes.

        3. Many believe the beauty and poetry of the English language reached its zenith during the Shakespearean era, and that this beauty reflected in the KJV is a perfect match for the grace, dignity, and importance of God's word.

        4. The KJV is still highly respected by nearly everyone with a religious background. Almost anyone you enter a religious discussion with will acknowledge the KJV as a good, standard translation.