It is curious…

that the translators of the KJV 1611 Bible did not quote one of the most famous (or infamous) verses that the KJV Onlyists use. There appears to be no evidence that the translators thought the verse in contention of translation. But, one wonders why they did not use such a powerful verse to make their point? The verse is 2 Timothy 2:15.

Studie to shewe thy selfe approued vnto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly diuiding the word of trueth.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV-1611

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 NKJV

The margin in the KJV-1611 has nothing. But, Strong’s shows that the underlying Greek word in the Textus Receptus (Stephens 1550) σπουδάζω spoudazō spoo-dad’-zo From G4710; means:

to use speed, that is, to make effort, be prompt or earnest

Strong’s shows that the KJV translators chose the following English words to represent this Greek word:

do (give) diligence, be diligent (forward), endeavour, labour, study.

Thayer gives two definitions:

1) to hasten, make haste
2) to exert one’s self, endeavour, give diligence

Neither of these two respected men of Greek give a definition of “study”. It is only recognized as a word chosen by the the KJV translators.

Aberration in translation practice

It is interesting that the KJV translators only chose to translate the Greek word σπουδάζω once as “study”. The Greek word occurs 10 times in the Textus Receptus (Stephens 1550) Greek.

It is translated 2 times as “do thy diligence”:

Do thy diligence to come shortly unto me:

2 Timothy 4:9 KJV

Do thy diligence to come before winter. Eubulus greeteth thee, and Pudens, and Linus, and Claudia, and all the brethren.

2 Timothy 4:21 KJV

It is translated 2 times as “diligent”:

When I shall send Artemas unto thee, or Tychicus, be diligent to come unto me to Nicopolis: for I have determined there to winter.

Titus 3:12 KJV

Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

2 Peter 3:14 KJV

It is translated 1 time as “endeavour”:

Moreover I will endeavour that ye may be able after my decease to have these things always in remembrance.

2 Peter 1:15 KJV

It is translated 1 time as “endeavoured”:

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

1 Thessalonians 2:17 KJV

It is translated 1 time as “endeavouring”:

Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Ephesians 4:3 KJV

It is translated 1 time as “forward”:

Only they would that we should remember the poor; the same which I also was forward to do.

Galatians 2:10 KJV

It is translated 1 time as “labour”:

For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief.

Hebrews 4:10-11 KJV

It is translated 1 time as “study”:

Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2 Timothy 2:15 KJV