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(1) That it is desirable that a revision of the Authorized Version of the Holy Scriptures
be undertaken.
(2) That the revision be so conducted as to comprise both marginal renderings and
such emendations as it may be found necessary to insert in the text of the
Authorized Version.
(3) That in the above resolutions we do not contemplate any new translation of the
Bible, or any alteration of the language, except where in the judgment of the most
competent scholars such change is necessary.
(4) That in such necessary changes, the stile of the language employed in the existing
Version be closely followed.
(5) That it is desirable that Convocation should nominate a body of its own members to
undertake the work of revision, who shall be at liberty to invite the co-operation of
any eminent for scholarship, to whatever nation or religious body they may belong.
The Principles and Rules agreed to by the Committee of Convocation on the
twenty-fifth day of May, 1870, were as follows:--
(1) To introduce as few alterations as possible into the Text of the Authorized Version
consistently with faithfulness.
(2) To limit, as far as possible, the expression of such alterations to the language of the
Authorized and earlier English Versions.
(3) Each Company to go twice over the portion to be revised, once provisionally,
the second time finally, and on principles of voting as hereinafter is provided.
(4) That the Text to be adopted be that for which the evidence is decidedly
preponderating; and that when the Text so adopted differs from that from which the
Authorized Version was made, the alteration be indicated in the margin.
(5) To make or retain no change in the Text on the second final revision by each
Company, except two-thirds of those present approve of same, but on the first
revision to decide by simple majorities.
(6) In every case of proposed alteration that may have given rise to discussion, to defer
the voting thereupon till the next Meeting, whensoever the same shall be required by
one-third of those present at the Meeting, such intended vote to be announced in the
notice for the next Meeting.
(7) To revise the headings of chapters and pages, paragraphs, italics, and punctuation.
(8) To refer, on the part of each Company, when considered desirable, to Divines,
Scholars and Literary Men, whether at home or abroad, for their opinions.
The time devoted to the work was ten years and a half. The first revision occupied
about six years, the second about two years and a half. The remaining time was spent in
the consideration of the suggestions from America on the Second Revision, and of the
many details and reserved questions arising out of the earlier labours.
The reader who would rightly appraise the R.V. should give due consideration to
Rule 5. Whatever our own opinion may be regarding any alteration of the A.V., the fact
that on the final revision no alteration was permitted "except two-thirds approved of the
same", should at least cause us to give these revisions a respectful consideration.