King James Bible Turns 400

Queen Elizabeth II marked the 400th anniversary last week of what is widely considered to be the most influential book ever written: The King James translation of The Bible.

The Old Testament translated from Hebrew, and the New Testament translated from Greek, were completed by 47 different translators working in London, Cambridge, and Oxford.  This version of the Bible was completed in 1611 after King James I summoned a conference 7 years earlier to try to hash out differences between Puritans and Church of England bishops.  With no progress made, Puritan leader John Reynolds proposed a new translation of the scriptures which finally was completed 400 years ago. A ceremony was held in Westminster Abbey on November 16th to mark the anniversary. It was attended by the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles, and approximately 2,000 worshipers. (via msnbc.msn.com)

Below is a video going into more detail on the journey to the King James translation. Appropriate at this time of year, as we pause to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas: