Tag: Anglophilia

400 years of the KJV

Yesterday at Westminster Abbey there was a special service to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the Authorized Version of the Bible (AKA the King James Version). The Archbishop of Canterbury gave a great sermon about this enduring masterpiece of English literature, and it’s well worth a read.

The KJV remains my preferred translation of the Bible. I realize of course that the modern translations are more accurate, but their prose lacks the richness and beauty of the KJV. Its glorious language has left an indelible mark on the English language, and many our everyday phrases, from “a fly in the ointment” to “the writing on the wall” have their origin in the KJV. I doubt the modern translations will have that sort of cultural staying power.

Forty-seven men worked on the translation that became the KJV. Most of their names are known only to historians now, but their abiding influence on our language lets them live on in our day-to-day speech. Few other writers can claim such a legacy and, wherever they are, I hope they’re proud of the monument they left behind.

A nice day for a white wedding

Anglophile that I am, I joined 2 billion other people in watching the wedding of Prince William (now the Duke of Cambridge) and Catherine Middleton last Friday.  It was, of course, a splendid affair that showed British pomp and circumstance at its best.  The service was wonderful and a number of the hymns chosen by the royal couple were favorites of mine (in particular “Guide me thou, O Great Redeemer” and “I Was Glad”).  I also have to give them a lot of credit for using the Series One marriage rite from Common Worship rather than the abysmal modern language rite with its cringeworthy talk of “the delight and tenderness of sexual union.”

Last Friday’s wedding demonstrated that the Monarchy can adapt to changing circumstances while still remaining grounded in history.  Happily, it looks like ‘The Firm’ has learned the painful lessons of Diana’s unhappy tenure as Princess of Wales.  Kate enters royal life much better prepared than Diana was and I think she will find the experience much less of an ordeal.   And, unlike Charles and Diana, it was clear that William and Kate were very much in love.  Their relaxed, easy demeanor stood in stark contrast to the stiff formality of William’s parents on their wedding day.   Hopefully, this is a portent of a long and happy marriage and, come 2071, we’ll be celebrating their diamond anniversary.  🙂