Was the King James version of the Bible translated from Latin or from original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic?

TabbyTom

The King James Version is "translated out of the original tongues," as it says on the title-page in most editions. However, the translators "diligently compared" earlier translations, some of which were not from the original languages. Jan 07 05, 6:33 AM

Stew54

This is the full title (complete with 1611 spelling!) which confirms that they did translate from the original languages though of course they had far fewer examples and versions of the original texts to compare than more modern translators can consult: "THE HOLY BIBLE, Conteyning the Old Testament, and the New: Newly Translated out of the Originall tongues: & with the former Translations diligently compared and revised, by his Majesties Special Commandment. Appointed to be read in Churches. Imprinted at London by Robert Barker, Printer to the Kings most Excellent Majestie. ANNO DOM. 1611." Jan 07 05, 6:35 AM

Arpeggionist

Not ever in my book. The title on mine (transliterated from Hebrew) is: "Torah, N'vi'im Uch'tuvim" - quite literally translated as "The Law, the Prophets and the Writings". The text is the original unrevised text of what Christians would call the Old Testament. The text is entirely the same as it has been for thousands of years, with a handful of spelling mistakes. It is mostly in Hebrew, with some excerpts of Daniel, Ezra and Nehemia in Aramaic (along with a few verses in Jeremiah). Jan 07 05, 8:32 AM

Baloo55th

Did many people speak Jeremiah? Jan 07 05, 8:41 AM

picqero

Hey, thanks guys. James I wasn't one of the best known British kings, but he did make his mark on history by becoming the king who authorised the first English translation of the Bible, becoming the first monarch of both England and Scotland, and unfortunately the father of the king (Charles I) who's reign brough civil war to the whole of Britain. James was also adamantly against tobacco smoking, even writing a virulent treatise on 'this disgusting habit', so was years ahead of his time. I even get my own fresh water supply from a long canal constructed during his reign, which runs through my home county of Hertfordshire. Jan 07 05, 8:42 AM