Scholarly Examination of Mistranslations in the King James Version’s Old Testament

The English Standard Version (ESV), the New International Version (NIV), and other contemporary translations of the Old Testament (Tanakh) often provide more nuanced and accurate renderings of Hebrew words compared to the King James Version (KJV).

Mistranslated Hebrew Words in the KJV

Despite the KJV's historical significance and profound influence on English literature and culture, it is not without its faults. Many Hebrew words have been mistranslated or poorly interpreted, potentially leading to significant misunderstandings. Here are several notable examples:

Mistranslation of 'Sha'ah'

One of the most prominent examples is the mistranslation of the Hebrew word '_sha'ah_ (??????) in Genesis 4:7. The KJV translates this as 'respect'. The modern scholarly interpretation, however, suggests it should be translated as 'turn one’s gaze away with disdain' or 'dismay'. Hence, 'and can it be that you have not know that envy for your brother has kindled his bosom against him?' should read 'and can it be that you have not know that envy for your brother has caused his heart to turn away in dismay?' This translation aligns more closely with the original Hebrew context.

Misinterpretation of 'Ra' and 'Aama'

Another significant mistranslation occurs in Genesis 4, where the terms 'ra' (?????) and 'aama' (????) are misinterpreted. The KJV translates 'ra' (the Keeper of the sheep) as 'shepherd', and 'aama' (the Tiller of the ground) as 'tiller'. In reality, 'ra' literally means 'evil' or 'harmful', and 'aama' means 'servant'. Therefore, 'Abel was a keeper of sheep, a good servant of the Lord, and Cain was the tiller of the ground, a servant of the Lord.' The KJV translations obscure the intended meanings.

Inaccurate Translation of Isaiah 7:14

Isaiah 7:14 is another example where the KJV mistranslates a Hebrew word. The phrase 'the young woman (????, a Hebrew vowel pointing), shall have in her womb, and shall bring forth a son' is mistranslated as 'the young woman shall conceive, and bear a son'. The term '????' (almah) actually refers to a girl who is of marriageable age but does not necessarily imply pregnancy. It emphasizes her beauty and youth. The KJV's translation lacks this nuance, potentially confusing the reader.

Misunderstanding in Psalm 22:16

Psalm 22:16, often mistranslated in the KJV as 'they have pierced him', should instead read 'they have made my hands and feet grappling hooks.' This misinterpretation is due to the KJV's reliance on the Latin Vulgate, which inaccurately translated the Hebrew term 'net' as 'pierced'. The correct translation reflects the imagery of a person being caught in a fisherman's net.

Error in Psalm 2:12

In Psalm 2:12, the KJV translates 'kiss the Son' as 'Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.' The term 'son' in this context is more accurately rendered as 'the kingdom of the Lord'. The KJV's translation is a misinterpretation that omits the political and dynastic significance in the original text.

Error in Isaiah 9:6

Finally, Isaiah 9:6, 'For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given' is mistranslated in the KJV. The original Hebrew word 'Ebên' (Angel) is mistranslated as 'son'. A more accurate translation would be 'For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us.' This phrase emphasizes the unpredictability and surprise of the event, rather than a foregone certainty.

Conclusion and Further Study

The KJV, while a monumental work of literature and religious significance, is not immune to mistranslations. These errors, stemming from the time and cultural context in which it was produced, can lead to significant misunderstandings of the intended meanings of Hebrew words. For a more comprehensive understanding of these mistranslations, scholars and modern translations should be consulted. A deeper study of scholarly critiques and commentaries on the KJV will provide valuable insights into the roots and implications of these errors.