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The King James Version of the Bible When James I, the successor of Elizabeth I, became king of England in 1603, Puritan leaders petitioned him to support a new translation of the Bible. Although he bore no great love for the Puritans, he agreed that English worshipers needed a translation better than the ones in popular use.
1 In 1604, the king appointed 54 distinguished scholars and clergymen to create a new translation—one that would be more accurate than previous English versions and more beautiful in its use of language. The result—the King James Bible—was the main Protestant Bible in English for over 300 years. Even today, although many other translations are available, it remains the most important and influential of all versions.
The following passages from the King James Bible illustrate different types of scriptural writing, each designed to impart spiritual lessons about life. The selection from Ecclesiastes is an example of what is called wisdom literature-literature intended to help human beings find the meaning of life. The second selection is a psalm, or song of praise. The last is a parable, a brief story that is meant to teach a moral or religious lesson.
From King James Bible To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted; 3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; 5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; 6 A time to get, 1 and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; 7 A time to rend,2 and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; 8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace. 1. get: gain; win. 2. rend: tear or rip.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 1 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 4 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. 5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 2 6 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. 1. want: be in need. 2. Thou preparest . . . runneth over: In this verse, the Lord is presented as a generous host who offers his guest food, oil for grooming, and an overflowing cup of wine. In ancient times, olive oil was used as a cleansing agent and was quite expensive.
Thinking Through the Literature • 1. What images are you left with after reading this psalm? • 2. In your opinion, how might this psalm affect someone trying to cope with life's difficulties or limitations? • 3. Psalm 23 is part of a group of psalms often called "songs of trust." • Why do you think it is included in this group?
Genre • Different types of stories can be classified according to genre. • Genre is a particular type or category of literature. • Examples of genre include fairy tales, science fiction, biographies, legends, and fables.
Fables • Fables are short stories, many times using animals as characters (anthropomorphism). • Fables illustrate a lesson or moral. • The Lion and the Mouse and The Tortoise and the Hare are examples of fables. Both were written by Aesop, a famous author of fables.
Parables • Parables are stories that teach a basic truth or religious principle. • Parables usually involve ordinary people who are faced with a moral decision. • Many folktales from all cultures are in the category of parable. • Examples of a parable is The Good Samaritan.
Fairy Tales • A fairy tale is a story, usually for children, involving fantastic forces and beings (such as fairies, wizards, and goblins) in which improbable events lead to a happy ending. • Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty are examples of fairy tales.
Modern Day Fables • Many of Dr. Seuss’ books are considered modern-day fables. For example, Yertle the Turtle would be a fable about the right to freedom for all creatures. • George Orwell’s Animal Farm is a more complex fable-like book, also about freedom, specifically independent thought, truth, and justice. • Both use animals as the main characters. The animals are given human qualities (personification).
Overview of Parables • A specific style of Jesus’ teaching • Narrative teaching, like storytelling: people are intended to hear the narrative and identify with the characters and the actions • Honored tradition among Judean people: parables passed on wisdom of the ancestors to the next generation • A well-crafted parable revealed injustice, led to repentance, and brought about change.
Common or Core Elements of Parables What are the common or core elements of Jesus’ parables? • Compare things. • Use elements from everyday life to relate to audience. • Contain a surprise twist to engage audience. • Describe God—God’s nature, qualities, or attributes. • Give examples of people’s relationships with one another. • Explain how God wants people to act, especially if they want to be a part of the Kingdom of Heaven. • Describe the Kingdom.
Importance of Parables • They describe God. • They describe God’s Kingdom. • They are an invitation to enter into the Kingdom of God. • They describe how God wants people to act, especially if they want to be a part of the Kingdom. • They are mirrors for people to see their behavior, especially what they need to change. • They are a concrete reality that confronts people with the choice to examine their priorities and make difficult choices.
The Parables of Jesus Closing discussion: • What is your favorite or most memorable parable? Why? • What character in your favorite parable do you most relate to? Why? • Describe the overall message of the parable in your own words.
