Begun in 1604 and completed seven years later, what is known as the King James Bible was one of the greatest achievements of his reign. Completed by 47 scholars, it set new standards of accuracy and is often hailed as the most influential piece of literature in history. Also known as the Authorised Version, it was intended to reflect the structure and particular beliefs of the Church of England. But, in truth, the brilliance of the translation from Greek for the New Testament and from Hebrew for the Old Testament has transcended that original purpose. Spelling has been modernised but the glory of the language is unaltered. Here are the first three verses from 1 Corinthians 13:
Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as a sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.
And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could move mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profits me nothing.
Vast numbers of phrases in common use come from the King James Bible as well as the text of the Lord’s Prayer and the glorious translation that is Genesis 1 to 11.
Panel stitched by:
Heirs of 1843
Fiona Anderson
Marie Austin
Winifred Cumming
Lilias Finlay
Mary Godden
Nan Laird
Dorothy MacKenzie
Jean Mackinlay
Christine MacPhail
Deborah Miller
Elizabeth Mitchell
Maggie Morley
Jean Morrison
Judith Pickles
Maggie Romanis
with stitches from 30 members of St Andrew’s and St George’s West Church, Edinburgh
Stitched in:
Edinburgh