The Bible is a collection of Jewish and Christian sacred book. It is in two parts, the Old Testament and the New Testament. The original text of the Old Testament is predominantly in the Hebrew language, while the original text of the New Testament is written entirely in Greek. From the early days the books of the Bible have been translated into other languages. The Old Testament was first translated into Aramaic, which was the common language of the Jews living in Palestine and the Middle East in the 6th Century B.C. After the conquests of Alexander The Great, Greek became the common language of the eastern Mediterranean and the Old Testament was subsequently translated into Greek in 250 B.C. at Alexandria. Thus, by the time the early Christian writings appeared, circa 50-150 A.D., they were written in Greek.
The Bible continued to be translated into other languages, and these translations were revised and made more accurate. Towards the end of the 4th century St. Jerome revised the Old Latin version of the New Testament and completed the Latin version of the Old Testament. This became known as the "Vulgate" or common Latin version, and was used in the West for many centuries and is still used by the Roman Catholic Church. Translations continued, mainly as a result of missionary requirements. Eventually the Bible was translated for all the emerging languages of the West.
One of the most influential translations of the Bible was eventually written in England. In 1604 it was suggested that a new revision of the Bible be created. This suggestion was taken up by the King of England and the revision was ordered. Fifty of the most prominent scholars of England were assigned to six companies to work on designated portions of the text, then as a whole body, and last through a special committee for final review. They were told to follow the Bishops' Bible, but to take into account previous versions as well. The work was finally finished by 1611, and was subsequently known as the King James Version, or the Authorized Version.
The King James Version of the Bible was first opposed and resented by many. Eventually the beauty of this version was revealed. The unity of previous versions along with the rich language and rhythmic prose silenced almost all dissenting voices. Indeed, the King James Version of the Bible has had such an enormous influence on the English people since its publication, that its effects are still being felt to this day. It has influenced thought, speech, literature, and life in general in incalculable ways.
