KJV Bible Archives - Pastor Jay McCaig

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As I’ve walked alongside countless believers in their journey of faith over these past twenty years of ministry, one question continues to surface time and again: “Pastor, what do those slanted words in my King James Bible mean?” It’s a wonderful question that reveals a hungry heart seeking to understand God’s Word more deeply.

Those italicized words you see scattered throughout your KJV Bible are not there by accident, nor are they less important than the regular text. They represent something beautiful about the careful work of translation and the honesty of the 1611 translators who sought to give us God’s Word in English.

What Are These Italicized Words?

When the translators of the King James Version worked to bring the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament into English, they encountered a challenge that every translator faces: languages don’t always translate word-for-word. Sometimes, to make the meaning clear in English, words need to be added that weren’t explicitly present in the original Hebrew or Greek manuscripts.

The KJV translators, being men of great integrity and reverence for God’s Word, chose to italicize these added words. This was their way of saying, “Dear reader, these words help convey the meaning, but they weren’t directly in the original text.” It’s a mark of honesty, not a mark of lesser importance.

Why Were Words Added?

Consider how we might translate a simple phrase from another language. If someone in Spanish says “Tengo hambre” (literally “I have hunger”), we naturally translate it as “I am hungry” in English. The word “am” isn’t in the Spanish, but it’s necessary for proper English. The same principle applies to biblical translation.

For example, in 1 Corinthians 4:6, we read: “And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.”

The italicized words “to” and “of men” help complete the thought in English, making Paul’s meaning clear to English readers, even though these exact words weren’t in the original Greek.

Should We Be Concerned About These Additions?

Absolutely not, dear friend. These italicized words demonstrate the care and honesty of the translators. They refused to hide their translation work or pretend that every English word had a direct Hebrew or Greek equivalent. This transparency should actually increase our confidence in the KJV translation.

Remember, the goal of Bible translation is not merely to provide a word-for-word rendering (which would often be incomprehensible), but to faithfully convey the meaning of the original text in clear, understandable English. The italicized words serve this noble purpose.

How Should We Study With This Knowledge?

As you grow in your Bible study, here are some practical ways to use this understanding:

First, don’t worry about the italicized words hindering your understanding. Read them as part of the text, for they help complete the meaning. When Jesus says in Matthew 6:26, “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” the italicized words “much better” help us understand the comparison Christ is making.

Second, when you encounter difficult passages, sometimes noting which words are italicized can help clarify the meaning. If you’re puzzled by a verse, try reading it while mentally noting which words were added for English clarity.

Third, let this knowledge deepen your appreciation for the careful work of translation. The men who gave us the KJV were scholars who feared God and honored His Word. They could have hidden their translation choices, but they chose transparency.

A Word of Encouragement

Don’t let the presence of italicized words create doubt about your Bible’s reliability. The King James Version has been used by God to transform millions of lives for over 400 years. The italicized words are there to help, not hinder, your understanding of God’s precious Word.

As you continue in your study, remember that the Holy Spirit who inspired the original writers is the same Spirit who illuminates our hearts today. Whether a word is italicized or not, God’s truth shines forth from every page of His holy Word.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). This promise encompasses the entire text of your Bible, italicized words and all.

May God richly bless your continued study of His Word, and may you find in it the bread of life for your soul.

In Christ’s service, Pastor Jay McCaig

“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Part of our ongoing Bible Study Training Series

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As your pastor, I feel compelled to address a dangerous practice that has crept into much of modern Christianity: verse snatching. This subtle but destructive habit threatens the very foundation of sound biblical teaching and can lead precious souls astray from God’s truth.

What Is Verse Snatching?

A “verse snatcher” is someone who pulls individual Bible verses completely out of their intended context to support their own personal theology or agenda. Like a thief in the night, they snatch God’s Word from its proper setting and twist it to mean whatever serves their purpose.

This practice directly violates the apostle Paul’s instruction in 2 Timothy 2:15: “Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

A Clear Example

Consider how verse snatchers misuse 2 Corinthians 8:9: “For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.”

Many prosperity preachers seize upon this verse to promise their followers financial wealth, claiming that Christ’s poverty guarantees our material prosperity. They’ll tell you that if you just have enough faith—or better yet, send them a generous donation—God will make you financially rich.

But beloved, this interpretation crumbles when we examine the entire eighth chapter of 2 Corinthians. Paul is not discussing material wealth at all. He’s speaking of the spiritual riches we receive through Christ’s sacrifice: His grace, our salvation, eternal life, and spiritual blessings. The “poverty” Christ experienced was His willingness to leave heaven’s glory and take on human flesh, ultimately dying for our sins on the cross.

When we read the whole chapter, we see Paul is actually encouraging the Corinthian church to give generously to help struggling believers in Jerusalem—not to expect material gain for themselves.

How to Spot Verse Snatching

As students of God’s Word, we must develop discernment to recognize when Scripture is being mishandled:

1. Does it contradict other clear Scripture? Since God’s Word never contradicts itself. If a version or interpretation conflicts with other biblical passages, then something is wrong.

2. Are they ignoring the surrounding verses? Context is king in Bible study. Always read the verses before and after the entire chapter and understand the book’s overall message.

3. Does it sound too good to be true? Be especially wary of interpretations that promise easy prosperity, health, or success without mentioning the cost of discipleship, suffering, or spiritual growth.

4. Are they asking for money based on this “promise”? This is often a red flag. While the church has legitimate financial needs, beware of those who use twisted Scripture to line their own pockets.

5. What was the original context? Always ask: What was the biblical author actually saying to his original audience? What was their situation, and how did this message apply to them?

Our Responsibility as Bible Students

As believers committed to the authority of Scripture, we have a sacred responsibility to handle God’s Word with care and precision. We must:

Study diligently – Don’t rely solely on what others tell you. Open your Bible and study for yourself.
Compare Scripture with Scripture – Let the Bible interpret itself. Clear passages help us understand difficult ones.
Seek the author’s intended meaning – God inspired human authors to write to specific audiences with specific purposes.
Apply principles correctly – While not every verse applies directly to us today, the principles behind God’s commands remain relevant.

The Danger of Verse Snatching

When we allow Scripture to be twisted and misused, we open the door to false teaching, spiritual deception, and, ultimately, harm to God’s people. Verse snatching has led to the following:

Financial exploitation of vulnerable believers
False promises that breed disappointment and a crisis of faith
Distorted views of God’s character and purposes
Division within the body of Christ
Ammunition for critics who claim the Bible contradicts itself

Standing on Solid Ground

The Word of God is precious, powerful, and perfect. As Psalm 119:105 declares, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” But like any light, it must be appropriately handled to illuminate rather than blind.

Let us commit ourselves to being like the noble Bereans, who “received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11).

In our next Bible study session, we’ll examine practical methods for studying Scripture in context and learning to “rightly divide the word of truth.” Until then, I encourage you to approach God’s Word with reverence, diligence, and a sincere desire to know Him more fully.

Tag: KJV Bible

Understanding the Italicized Words in Your KJV Bible