On this day in 1611 – The King James Version of the Bible is published for the first time in London, England, by printer Robert Barker.

Most of the New Testament had been translated by William Tyndale who was rewarded for his efforts by being executed. He had built on the earlier work of John Wycliffe. How much work can be attributed to Wycliffe is a matter of scholarly debate. Wycliffe lived out his life, but was declared a heretic and, in the years after his death, was exhumed and symbolically executed by fire.

The KJV was first printed by John Norton and Robert Barker, who both held the post of the King's Printer. James gave the translators instructions intended to ensure that the their work would reflect the episcopal structure of the Church of England and its belief in an ordained clergy.

The King James Only movement asserts that that the King James Version is superior to and more accurate than all other English translations of the Bible.

Psalm 23
King James Version

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.