There are many reasons why as a pastor, I prefer and advocate for the use of the King James Version Bible. These reasons include literalness of interpretation, source of documents utilized, where these documents come from, inclusion of Scriptures other sources remove, and many more.

But frankly, one of the best defenses of the King James Version is the rich, descriptive, and comprehensive language that coincides with the richness of the languages from which is was interpreted.

One example of this comes from the Bibles multiple uses of the word, makrothymia. This word is translated in the Kings James as “longsuffering.” All contemporary illustrations uses some much shallower version of the term, such as “patience.” But even in the contemporary context, this word is insufficient for the term, makrothymia. Makrothymia is a term that indicates endurance, forbearance, and an unmovable nature.

It very literally means to suffer long. Christians should not be unfamiliar with suffering as the Word of God states that, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). If you are living Godly, you will suffer persecution, thus indicated by the word “all.”

Additionally, patience does very little but help you keep your cool in frustrating situations. Longsuffering offers moments of introspection and growth that are unattainable in times of no suffering (Romans 5:1-5). Longsuffering is harder than patience, but indeed superior.

It is additionally a part of the collective Fruit of the Spirit. It is part of the fruit of Godly living! It doesn’t come immediately, but be patient, suffer long, and be ready for what this brings in your faith, whether good or “bad,” knowing that nothing Godly can ever be deemed bad. For-

“We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” ~ Romans 8:28

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