I recently had a discussion with someone about the perfection and preservation of the KJV. In our discussion I pointed out several contradictions found in the KJV proving it wasn’t perfect. As you could probably guess it was simply ignored. I decided to list them here:
1. Mark 15:25 says “And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.” – John 19:14-16 says “…about the sixth hour…they cried out…crucify him….Then delivered he him therefore unto them to be crucified.”
2. 2 Kings 24:8 says “Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem three months.” – 2 Chronicles 36:9 says “Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem…”
3. 2 Kings 8:26 says “Two and twenty years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign…” – 2 Chronicles 22:2 says “Forty and two years old was Ahaziah when he began to reign…”
4. 2 Samuel 6:23 says “Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child unto the day of her death” – 2 Samuel 21:8 says “But the king took…the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul”
5. 2 Samuel 8:3-4 says “David smote also Hadadezer…and took from him…seven hundred horsemen…” – 1 Chronicles 18:3-4 says “David smote Hadarezer…and took from him…seven thousand horsemen…”
6. Gen 32:30 states “…for I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” – John 1:18 states, “No man hath seen God at any time…”
7. James 1:13 says “..for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man.” – Gen 22:1 says “And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham…”
8. Matt 1:16 says, “And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus…” – Luke 3:23 says “And Jesus…the son of Joseph, which was the son of Heli”
9. Gen 2:17 says “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day thou eastest thereof thou shalt surely die – Gen 5:5 says “And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.”
10. 1 Samuel 31:4-6 says “…Saul took a sword and fell upon it. And when his armour bearer saw that Saul was dead and…died with him. So Saul died…” – 2 Samuel 21:12 says “…the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa.”
11. 2 Kings 25:8 says “And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month…Nebuzaradan…came…unto Jerusalem” – Jeremiah 52:12 says “…in the fifth month, in the tenth day of the month…came Nebuzaradan…into Jerusalem”
12. 1 Kings 4:26 says “And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots…” – 2 Chronicles 9:25 says “And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots…”
So much for a “perfectly preserved and inspired” KJV!
https://youtu.be/XSVks96nuFU
https://youtu.be/gbDBQcwkHuE
Went through each one to discuss and explain them. They are not contradictions.
I’m NOT KJV Only, not by a long shot! But these difference are quite easy to explain. “Contradictions” is an inaccurate term. HOWEVER, I get your gist.
In Gen 32:30, He saw God in the place he will call Pineal. The Pineal gland secretes a single hormone – melatonin has two primary functions in humans—to help control your circadian (or biological) rhythm and regulate certain reproductive hormones. Your circadian rhythm is a 24-hour biological cycle characterized by sleep-wake patterns. Daylight and darkness help dictate your circadian rhythm. Light exposure stops the release of melatonin, and in turn, this helps control your circadian rhythms. So you see, he saw God through the Pineal.
“9. Gen 2:17 says “But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day thou eastest thereof thou shalt surely die – Gen 5:5 says “And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years: and he died.”’—If you don’t understand Adam died spiritually, then EVERYTHING else you say is suspect, seeing how Gen 2 is basic information even babes in Christ understand.
Adam and Eve’s consequence for disobedience was both physical and spiritual death, but that’s not the point of the article. The point of the article is to show contradictions in the KJV which is clearly stated in the first paragraph of the article. If you make assumptions based on what you THINK the article is about rather than actually reading the context and then write a snarky, arrogant comment about it then EVERYTHING else you say is suspect, seeing how the first paragraph clearly shows that I’m on purpose, pointing out obvious contradictions based on the imperfect wording of the KJV. Eyeroll.
He died! He would of lived forever if he never ate from the true. God’s Word is true. Without the Holy Spirit, one can not see, hear, or understand clearly.
Yes I agree Steve, although I don’t necessarily agree with your 12 inconsistencies. As a Pastor for more than 25 years, I have seen people so obsessed with the KJV, rather than the oldest manuscripts we have. It is actually kind of cultish. There’s nothing special about the KJV, no special anointing above any other. Any Christian who knows the original language can interpret these manuscripts just as accurately as the KJV translators, except without the outdated language. One other thing I’ve noticed is that the KJV doesn’t include the first name of Barabbas: “Jesus”. This is included in some versions, but apparently some sincere copyists decided not to include it, as they thought it would disgrace the name of Jesus to associate it with the criminal Barabbas. So, it was left out of the KJV. Just another example that the KJV is not a perfect translation, just like any other translation isn’t perfect. The main thing is, we have the Word of God, KJV or otherwise, so let’s use it and stop arguing about it. I didn’t grow up in the church, but came to faith because of a Gideon NASB New Testament that was given to me as a child. If it’s such a corrupt Bible, would God have used it to save me? Blessings to all, KJV users or others.
Kent, you’re ignorant of the Bible translation issue. We have the “oldest” manuscripts of the N.T., Sinaiticus and Vaticanus, because they have always been known to be heretical, and therefore weren’t used. We do not have the mss that make up the KJB, because they were handled so many times, like grass, they withered away. ” Any Christian who knows the original language can interpret these manuscripts just as accurately as the KJV translators, except without the outdated language.”—–You actually think you know hebrewe and greek better than 48 of the greatest scholars of all time, who checked and rechecked each others’ work over 7 years???? Eyeroll.
Your first question starting out with error and not understanding scripture. For in part with Mark he is talking about the the time of the exact hour when he was crucified for are sins. And in John he is talking about the hour all the people gathered before the the crucifixion. That’s why you need to know and read the hole word of God and not just cherry pick.
May I ask what Bible you use then we can talk if it is not the King James?
There’s only one Bible that I’m aware of. I use many different versions. The version I like the best and use most often is the NLT.
Differences don’t always mean contradictions. A contradiction occurs when one proposition makes the other one impossible. In each instance, i submit that these are differences, but not necessarily contradictions. When a detective interviews witnesses, they expect variation and differences in each story but still look to see if the general, basic facts match up and fit together. In fact, if the stories match too well, with no differences, it becomes suspicious for being contrived or rehearsed.
I am no longer a KJV onlyist, but I also believe the Bible is the infallible Word of God. These variations have logical explanations and do not concern me that we have a corrupted Bible. For example, #8 is explained as Matthew giving the genealogy through Joseph, and Luke giving the genealogy through Mary’s line. One is the lawful record, the other is spiritual, but both showing that Jesus has the lineage from David in every way.
However, the point is made that the KJV has variations just like other serious translations and should not be a concern for the believer and should not diminish our regard for the preservation and authority of the Bible, IMHO. Thanks for the discussion!
Contradiction = inconsistencies in this context. The point of the article is to show that the KJV isn’t perfect as claimed by KJV onlyists. Discrepancies and inconsistencies (contradictions) = imperfections.
The real scriptures of the old testament were Phoenician or what is referred to as Paleo hebrew, which has NO similarity with modern hebrew aka the masoretic text.the Jews even admit this upsetting fact. The Greek o.t. is derived from a copy of Moses and the prophets. The king James o.t.is derived from the masoretic text, written by Jews much later than the time of Jesus. The Jews and Israelites are two separate peoples.the Jews wanted Jesus crucified.and the jews created modern hebrew.Moses did not write in modern hebrew neither was Moses a Jew.
“the SEVENTH day” or “the TENTH day”? 2 Kings 25:8 (the seventh day) with Jeremiah 52:12 (the tenth day).
Is there a contradiction in the Hebrew of the Old Testament?
One bible critic, who himself is an unbeliever in the inerrancy of ANY Bible in any language, and who is his own authority, posts this alleged “error” as being an error in the King James Bible – (they always pick on the KJB) – when in fact the two passages read the same in ALL bibles out there.
His problem is twofold. One, he doesn’t believe that ANY Bible is the inerrant words of God. And secondly, this great “textual scholar” apparently can’t even read his own English language.
Here is what he posts. Then we will show why he is wrong and the Bible is right.
He writes: “I recently had a discussion with someone about the perfection and preservation of the KJV. In our discussion I pointed out several contradictions found in the KJV proving it wasn’t perfect. As you could probably guess it was simply ignored. I decided to list them here:
2 Kings 25:8 says “And in the fifth month, on the seventh day of the month…Nebuzaradan…came…unto Jerusalem” – Jeremiah 52:12 says “…in the fifth month, in the tenth day of the month…came Nebuzaradan…into Jerusalem”
My Response.
The first thing to note, and which is in fact the solution to our Bible critic’s allegation of error, is that our “deep thinking scholar” can’t READ the English language.
In 2 Kings 25:8 it says that Nebuzaradan came UNTO Jerusalem on the 7th day, and in Jeremiah 52:12 we are told that it was on the 10th day that he went INTO Jerusalem.
The commanding general arrives outside of the city of Jerusalem on the 7th day and proceeds to meet with his army’s leaders, draw up their battle plans, rest and refuel their army with food and supplies, and then they enter INTO the city on the 10th day. Mystery solved. All you have to do is READ the text and think about it looking for solutions rather than problems.
2 Kings records the arrival of Nebuzaradan outside the walls of Jerusalem before the last battle, and Jeremiah records the day that he and his army actually attacked and entered INTO Jerusalem.
John 19:14 – “About the sixth hour” Is there a contradiction?
John 19:14 “And it was the preparation of the passover, and about the sixth hour: and he saith unto the Jews, Behold your King!
Matthew 27:45 – “Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.
Mark 15:25 – “And it was the third hour, and they crucified him.”
Mark 15:33 – “And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.”
Luke 23:44 – “And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour.”
For what I believe is the solution to this only apparent “error” see my article here –
http://brandplucked.webs.com/john1914sixthhour.htm
The King James Bible is always right. Get used to it.
This Bible critic is not only criticizing the KJB but ALL bibles. About half of those examples are the same in all bible versions. These guys are bible agnostics who do not believe that ANY Bible in any language is now or ever was the complete and inerrant words of God, and they are their own authority.
I can give you the answers to some of them here and if you like, you can post them one at a time at our King James Bible Debate forum and we can deal with there there if you like.
Here is the KJB Debate forum.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/21209666692/
How Old Was Jehoiachin, 8 or 18?
http://brandplucked.webs.com/jehoiachin8or18.htm
How old was Ahaziah, 22 or 42?
http://brandplucked.webs.com/howoldwasahaziah.htm
http://brandplucked.webs.com/4000or40000.htm
How many horsemen 40,000 or 4,000?
2 Samuel 8:4 — 700 horsemen
Or
1 Chronicles 18:4 — 7000 horsemen?
http://brandplucked.webs.com/howmanyhorsemen.htm
2 Samuel 21:8 Michal or Merab? Is there and error in the Hebrew Text?
http://brandplucked.webs.com/2sam218michalmerab.htm
This should keep you busy for awhile;-)
I hope they are of some help to you.
God bless.
For several of them, you might try a Google search. The readings are the same in all bibles. Those guys just don’t believe that ANY Bible is inerrant.
God bless.
@Will
You’ve let your arrogance and self-promotion (pride) cloud your judgment and you’ve completely missed the point of the article. Please see the first paragraph for more information.
By the way I don’t typically let people post links to their websites here, but you are such a good example of what I speak out against on my website I feel like I have to allow it – after all, humor can be medicine for the soul.
And, no, I won’t be visiting your sites. I’ve already had enough brainwashing from you KJV only cult members. I don’t need to expose myself to any more of it.
Thanks though.
PS – There’s no such thing as the “KJB” – see the “King James Bible (KJB) Deception” article
This is an absurd statement. Police do not use non coloberated information in court.I am a Christian who worships only Christ, not the Bible, although I respect the Bible. So many people claim scholarship they really do not have.
#2 and #3 are the only two on your list that cannot be easily explained.
Beyond just those 12 contradictions: we have 2 different Creation accounts (the Priestly in Genesis 1:1-2:3, and the Yahwist in 2:4-3:24).
There are two Flood accounts that are mixed together. In one, Noah is instructed to take into the Ark two of each kind of living creature (Genesis 6:19), but then just a few verses later, he is instructed to take seven of every clean animal and two of every unclean animal (Genesis 7:2), as well as seven of every kind of bird (Genesis 7:3).
Abraham deceived Pharaoh regarding Sarah (Genesis 12:10-20), and repeated this deception with Abimelech (Genesis 20:1-18). Then Isaac also deceived Abimelech regarding Rebekah (Genesis 26:1-16). Does anyone see any problems here?
The Bible says that Abimelech was “king of the Philistines” (Genesis 26:1). In the time that the Patriarchs Abraham and Isaac were alive (c. 2000 BC), the Philistines had not yet arrived in Canaan; they did not arrive until c. 1200 BC. So Isaac and Abimelech must have lived about 800 years!
Moreover, “Abimelech” is a HEBREW name meaning “my father is king.” The Philistines were not Semites, but Indo-Europeans. What we do know of them from the rest of the Old Testament is that they occupied five city-states along the Coastal Plain.
In 1 Corinthians 10:8, Paul says that 23,000 Israelites died in one day. Numbers 25:9 gives the number as 24,000. Which is it? Probably Paul was quoting from memory, and the contradiction doesn’t affect anything material. But if you’re looking for a “perfect” Bible, sorry — you don’t have one.
The errors are due to your misinterpretations and misunderstandings. If you wish to read and completely understand, you must read KJV, it is Not Perfect, but still the closest in translation to the true text. Some of the other Bibles are way off with most filled with errors and fabrications.
Plus, to truly understand the entirety of the Bible, it must be read with an open heart.
For Example: Genesis 6:19 is correct, two of every kind, of animal and creature, one male and one female, “that you shall keep alive with thee”.
These were the animals, Noah was to keep alive with his family.
Then in Genesis 7-2 Noah is instructed to collect 7 pairs of every kind clean beast and two pairs of unclean. Again, one male and one female.
God knew that Noah and the animals were going to be in the Ark for sometime so these animals were to be used, for offerings and food for both Noahs family and the animals he was to keep alive.
All of the rest of your verses can be explained also. And the 12 “false contradictions” from King James Version are easily explained. Please Read the Bible with your heart, it will explain to you the only way to be saved and go to heaven. It’s Gods word to you, don’t blow it off. Take care Friend-
So ridiculous to call these errors. Almost every understand that the hours of the crucifixion are given in both Jewish and Roman hours. The sixth hour of the day being noon to a Jew who started his day at 6 am. The Romans like our
day started from midnight making a difference of three hours for the same time. The rest of the questions are also easily answered by study. What you call an error wasn’t but you would have accepted the error as truth. No going to bother giving you the rest of your answers. They are in books and websites and so are other supposed errors. Just know you don’t bother people who study and know the Bible (KJV) is true.
These apparent ‘contradictions’ are not exclusive to KJV, but in many versions including NIV and Living Translation. Most be be easily explained by looking at the text and by reading the context. Remember we are not to look at the Word of God to find contradictions or problems with it but rather allow God to use the Bible to communicate with us and help us grow spiritually. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
1. You have to look in the context of time used in the Bible. If you did, you would notice the New Testament hardly mention any hour besides the third hour, the sixth hour and the ninth hour. This is because back in Jesus’ time, they didn’t have watches or easy access to the time. The day is usually separated into four periods like the night periods were designated as four watches. So when Mark say the third hour, he could mean any time between 9am-12pm while John was it was ‘about the sixth hour’ meaning it would have been closer to noon. No Contradiction there.
7. This is easily explained, the extract of the verse here is shown out of context (I suppose to fulfil an intended purpose). Read James 1:1-18 before making a conclusion. Temptations are trails given in our lives by God to strengthen us and help us to spiritually mature (be perfect and entire). Temptations are not desires to sin giving to us by God, for it is explained that he doesn’t tempt with evil (sin) and if a man is tempted to sin, it’s because of his selfish desire. The first part explain that we should rejoice in temptations and we are blessed if we endure it (v2 and 12) and then informs what type of temptations doesn’t come form God so we don’t make that mistake (v13 and v16)
Paul also explains the use of temptations in 2 Corinthians 12:5-10 (please read). Even though it is used to weaken us physically, it puts us in our place, in the sense that all our good works only exist because God uses us and doesn’t give us the chance to exalt ourselves. And since it puts us in our place, as a servant of God, then we are can be used. ‘…when I am weak, then am I strong.’
Temptations also means to test, read Genesis 15:5 (God’s promise), Genesis 22:1-2 (The Test), and Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-10 (Faith). God tested Abraham’s faith and trust in his promises, by asking him to sacrifice his son. Abraham was promised, by God, to have number of descendants equal to the number of stars. God declare that this will be done through Isaac, so he was the only son of Abraham who could fulfil the promise. But God also had a greater purpose, Abraham’s faith was an encouragement and example to us. ‘Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God.’
In conclusion, there is no contradiction, God tempts (test) his children to make us stronger and mature and reminds us that we are his servants. But God doesn’t gives us the desire to sin in order to test us.
12. Quite simple really.
1 Kings says the Solomon had 40,000 stalls for his horses and 2 Chronicles says that he had 4,000 stalls for his horses and chariots. So in each of the 4,000 stalls for his horses and chariots, he had 10 stalls just for his horses. No contradiction here.
What’s funny is that none of these ‘contradictory’ verse aren’t essential to the Gospel or the major teachings of the Bible. Instead of worrying that a prophecy is off by three days (11. 2 Kings 25:8) be amazed by its and many other fulfillments (Isaiah 53) some dating 700 years before it happened.
So they might be 18 verses that may not be perfect out of the 31,102 verses that are in the Bible (thats just 0.0006% of supposed error). There’s hardly anything to argue against the accuracy of the KJV.
I just covered a few, otherwise this comment will be too long . In conclusion, each of these ‘contradictions’ can be explained if you looked in the context and not having the motive to try to ‘prove’ it wrong. Most of these are not exclusive to the KJV but can also be found in all the other versions, so you are just questioning the Bible not KJV.
Thanks for your contributions to the discussion Jonathan. I believe you missed the point of the article though. The point I’m making is that KJV only advocates claim that the KJV is the “perfect preserved Word of God”. There is obvious content within the KJV that show it isn’t perfect. This article is being used, in part, to debunk the myth that the KJV is perfect.