Meaning: The quote "To claim, therefore, inerrancy for the King James Version, or even for the Revised Version, is to claim inerrancy for men who never professed it for themselves" by William Riley addresses the issue of inerrancy in translations of the Bible. Inerrancy refers to the belief that the Bible is without error or fault in all its teachings. The King James Version (KJV) and the Revised Version are two of the most well-known English translations of the Bible, and the quote suggests that attributing inerrancy to these versions is attributing it to the human translators who never claimed to be without error in their work.

The King James Version, also known as the Authorized Version, was first published in 1611 and has been a significant and influential translation of the Bible for over four centuries. It was commissioned by King James I of England and was the work of a team of scholars and translators. The KJV is renowned for its literary style and has had a profound impact on English literature and language.

The Revised Version, on the other hand, is a later English translation of the Bible that was published in the late 19th century. It was a revision of the KJV and aimed to provide a more accurate and modernized version of the text. The Revised Version was an important step in the history of English Bible translations and laid the groundwork for subsequent revisions and modern translations.

William Riley's quote challenges the idea of ascribing inerrancy to these translations by pointing out that the human translators themselves did not claim to be without error. This raises important questions about the nature of translation and the role of human agency in the process. Translating the Bible from its original languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek into English involves interpretation, linguistic choices, and cultural context, all of which introduce the potential for human error.

The quote also highlights the importance of recognizing the limitations and fallibility of human efforts in translating sacred texts. It suggests that claiming inerrancy for a translated version of the Bible is to attribute a level of perfection to the translators that they never asserted for themselves. This distinction is crucial in understanding the nature of the Bible as a text that has been transmitted and interpreted by human agents across time and cultures.

In contemporary discussions of biblical translation and interpretation, the question of inerrancy continues to be a topic of debate. Different religious traditions and denominations hold varying views on the extent to which a translation of the Bible can be considered inerrant. Some believe in the infallibility of specific translations, such as the KJV, while others emphasize the need for critical engagement with the original languages and textual sources.

The quote by William Riley serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in the process of translating and interpreting sacred texts. It encourages a nuanced and thoughtful approach to the study of the Bible, one that acknowledges the human elements and limitations inherent in the task of translation. Ultimately, it invites readers to consider the broader implications of ascribing inerrancy to translated versions of the Bible and to engage in a deeper exploration of the complexities of biblical interpretation.