Book Review : The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible

By James Jeffery

It will be a decade since the The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible was first released under the editorship of Joel R. Beeke. However, it was only this year that I became aware of its existence. Sadly, I suspect this is the result of a general lack of interest in the KJV among many evangelical and Reformed believers. I am the first to confess that I have not seriously engaged with the theological reasons for and against the KJV translation of the Bible. It has been challenging and eye-opening to venture what is largely unchartered territory for me (For those interested in Beeke’s reasons for preferring the KJV over contemporary translations, see here).

Allow me to give a brief introduction as to how I got acquainted with this study bible. My family and I are hoping to serve as missionaries in Thailand next year. We have been thinking through theological resources that would benefit the church in Thailand. One of the primary needs amongst pastors and believers in Thailand is Reformed theology. That is, a worldview that emphasises the glory of God in the gospel of Jesus Christ as the central message of the Scriptures. 

Many missionaries have recognised the need for a Thai translation of a Reformed study bible. Many such study Bibles exist, including The Reformation Study Bible, The ESV Study Bible, and this very book: The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible. Being familiar with the former two, I considered it necessary to investigate the latter. 

Unsurprisingly, from start to finish, The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible presents a Reformed outlook on the Scriptures. As Beeke himself stated, ‘There is no KJV Study Bible on the market whose notes were written from the consistently Reformed perspective.’ This book seeks to fill the vacuum.

The study notes are firmly grounded in the doctrines of grace as expressed by the Reformers during the 16th and 17th centuries. The editors hold a high view of Scripture, evident in their exegesis of controversial passages where compromise is common in today’s theological landscape (For instance, just read the editors’ defence of the historicity of Genesis, pp. 3-6).

“The authority of Scripture reminds us that whenever the Bible conflicts with human ideas, God’s Word must rule. Other forms of study, such as science and history, are valuable and worthy of a Christian’s labors; they contribute to our service of our neighbor and stewardship of creation. Instead Scripture gives the framework for such studies. But for all our learning, we must humbly listen whenever God speaks. This is not turning off our mind, but using it in the most reasonable fashion. What is more reasonable than to believe the words of the One who is infinitely wiser than us?” (p. 4)

Rather than getting embroiled in esoteric academic debates, the notes are concise, straightforward, and comprehensible to readers. This said, I sometimes felt the commentary was too brief and therefore sometimes superficial. I suspect one of the greatest challenges of this commentary will be the very translation it comments on (the KJV) given that much of the vocabulary and idioms are no longer in general use. However, definitions of difficult to understand words are provided in the notes. 
What was lacking in exegetical commentary was made up for in the ‘family worship’ summary after every (that’s right, every) single chapter of the Bible.

These summaries highlight two dominant theological truths and are intended to be used by heads of households to lead their families in daily worship. They are immensely practical, showing how God’s timeless Word applies to the contemporary age. Undergirding this approach is the conviction that when we read God’s Word, it reads us (p. xi). Every time we open Scripture, we ought to have an encounter with the living God. 

The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible is much more than your average study bible. In addition to critical information for each book (including Authorship, Date, Theme, Purpose, Synopsis, and an Exegetical Outline), it contains a wealth of helpful resources:

• Twenty Centuries of Church History — Single page summaries of each century since Jesus rose, detailing major figures and events. 
• Thirty-Six Articles on Christian Living — Single page articles addressing timeless issues that Christians face. 
• Introductions to Sections — Each of the 
• Intermittent Articles — The editors inserted articles throughout the study bible addressing relevant questions (i.e. What is Heaven?).
• Bible Reading Plan — An annual Bible reading plan including family worship texts.
• Reformation Confessions and Catechisms — Including the Westminster Confession of Faith, the Westminster Shorter and Larger Catechisms, Canons of Dort, Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession.
• Historic Creeds — Including the Apostles’, Athanasian, and Nicene Creeds.

The aesthetics of The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible are also worth noting. After noticing the unusually crisp font and silky pages, I discovered that it was published by Royal Jongbloed in the Netherlands. Jongbloed is arguably the world’s finest publisher of Bibles, employing smyth-sewn binding and using the highest quality paper to ensure durability. While these features may not be a priority for all, once you appreciate them, it is hard to enjoy regular print books again. 

Overall, The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible is worth owning as a study bible for all Christians. It is particularly suited for fathers and heads of households to use as a guide for family worship. The treasury of Reformed resources — especially the articles dispersed throughout — make this a worthwhile addition to any library. I anticipate that the only criticisms of this study bible will be the same as those levelled against the KJV translation: archaic terminology and pronouns and Old-English syntax. Notwithstanding, its benefits certainly outweigh any criticisms.