The Queen James Bible (QJB) is a controversial modern revision of the King James Bible (KJV) that was published in 2012. It is sometimes referred to as the “Gay Bible” because its primary purpose is to modify verses that have traditionally been understood to condemn homosexuality. The publishers of the Queen James Bible claim that their revision removes anti-LGBTQ bias and provides a more inclusive translation of the Scriptures. However, the QJB has been met with strong criticism from many Christian scholars and theologians who argue that it alters the biblical text to fit a particular social agenda rather than faithfully conveying God’s original message.
In this article, we will explore the background, purpose, and impact of the Queen James Bible, as well as examine how it compares to the original King James Version and other translations.
The Origin and Purpose of the Queen James Bible
The Queen James Bible was published anonymously in 2012, and its editors have not publicly revealed their identities. According to the publishers, the QJB was created in response to the belief that traditional translations of the Bible have been used to condemn homosexuality unfairly. They argue that the original Hebrew and Greek texts have been misinterpreted and that the KJV contains translation biases that have led to anti-LGBTQ interpretations.
The stated goal of the Queen James Bible is to “prevent homophobic misinterpretation” of the Scriptures. To accomplish this, the editors made specific changes to key passages that have traditionally been understood as condemning homosexual behavior.
Key Changes in the Queen James Bible
The Queen James Bible makes relatively few alterations to the King James Version. The changes primarily focus on passages that reference homosexuality. Below are some of the most significant modifications and how they differ from traditional biblical translations.
Genesis 19:5 – The Sin of Sodom
King James Version (KJV):
“And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may know them.”
Queen James Bible (QJB):
“And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? Bring them out unto us, that we may rape and humiliate them.”
Analysis:
The traditional understanding of Genesis 19 is that the men of Sodom sought to engage in homosexual relations with Lot’s guests, leading to God’s judgment upon the city. The QJB adds the words “rape and humiliate” to suggest that the sin of Sodom was not homosexuality but rather violence and inhospitality. However, while inhospitality was certainly a factor in Sodom’s sin (Ezekiel 16:49-50), the explicit sexual nature of the demand in Genesis 19:5 cannot be ignored. The Hebrew word yada (translated as “know”) is frequently used in the Bible to refer to sexual relations (Genesis 4:1, 17, 25).
Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 – Laws Against Homosexual Acts
KJV (Leviticus 18:22):
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind: it is abomination.”
QJB (Leviticus 18:22):
“Thou shalt not lie with mankind as with womankind in the temple of Molech: it is an abomination.”
KJV (Leviticus 20:13):
“If a man also lie with mankind, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
QJB (Leviticus 20:13):
“If a man also lie with mankind in the temple of Molech, as he lieth with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination: they shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be upon them.”
Analysis:
The Queen James Bible adds the phrase “in the temple of Molech” to both passages, suggesting that these prohibitions were only meant to apply to pagan temple prostitution rather than a general condemnation of homosexual acts. However, the original Hebrew text does not contain any reference to Molech in these verses. The inclusion of Molech appears to be an attempt to limit the scope of the prohibition rather than faithfully representing the biblical text.
Romans 1:26-27 – Paul’s Condemnation of Homosexuality
KJV:
“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.”
QJB:
“For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, left the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was due. It was their idolatry that led God to abandon them to their own desires.”
Analysis:
The Queen James Bible adds an extra sentence at the end to suggest that Paul’s condemnation of homosexuality was tied specifically to idolatry rather than being a universal moral standard. However, Paul’s argument in Romans 1 is not merely about idolatry but about humanity’s rejection of God’s design, leading to various sins, including sexual immorality. The phrase “men with men working that which is unseemly” clearly refers to homosexual behavior, and there is no textual evidence that Paul intended to limit his condemnation to idolatrous practices.
Theological Concerns About the Queen James Bible
The Queen James Bible raises several theological concerns, particularly regarding the integrity of Scripture. Below are some of the main objections raised by Christian scholars and theologians.
1. Altering the Word of God
The Bible warns against adding to or taking away from God’s Word. Revelation 22:18-19 states:
“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
By modifying specific passages to fit a particular ideological perspective, the Queen James Bible risks distorting God’s intended message.
2. Rejecting Biblical Authority
2 Timothy 3:16-17 declares:
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
The authority of Scripture comes from God, not human opinions. The Queen James Bible’s modifications reflect a human desire to reinterpret Scripture rather than a faithful submission to God’s Word.
3. Twisting Scripture to Justify Sin
Romans 1:25 warns about those who “exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.” The Queen James Bible appears to modify Scripture to justify certain behaviors rather than allowing God’s Word to transform lives.
Conclusion
The Queen James Bible is a revision of the King James Version that seeks to remove traditional condemnations of homosexuality by modifying key passages. However, these changes are not supported by the original Hebrew and Greek texts and appear to be motivated by an agenda rather than a commitment to biblical accuracy.
The Word of God is meant to convict, correct, and lead people to repentance (Hebrews 4:12). Rather than altering Scripture to fit modern ideologies, Christians should seek to understand God’s truth as it is revealed in His Word. True transformation comes not from changing the Bible but from allowing the Bible to change us.
The Queen james version is absolute Blasphemy.
That's a new knowledge for me