Dubious translation?

[DHC]

Hello all.

Could anyone explain why the KJV translates the way it does.

Read the following verses from the KJV and the NASB.

Colossians 3 (KJV)
12 Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.
14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness

Colossians 3 (NASB)
12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.
14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

The word 'charity' was chosen by the translators of the KJV translation.

The word 'love' was chosen by the translators of the NASB and nearly
every other Bible tanslation.

Koine Greek: agaphn, agapen, G26, n_ Acc Sg f, LOVE.

So why does the KJV use the word 'charity'?

 

[james1523]

Charity is an accurate translation of agape, meaning brotherly love, or Christian love, good will etc towards other Christians. The meaning of charity has changed over time. So the KJV Is correct, and the other translations are less correct. The word love is really too ambiguous, and often taking out of context by non-Christians or immature believers. To avoid this, the NASB and the other translations, should say "brotherly love", or "Christian love". The word love by itself leads to the wrong meaning.

 

[DHC]

Charity is an accurate translation of agape, meaning brotherly love, or Christian love, good will etc towards other Christians. The meaning of charity has changed over time. So the KJV Is correct, and the other translations are less correct. The word love is really too ambiguous, and often taking out of context by non-Christians or immature believers. To avoid this, the NASB and the other translations, should say "brotherly love", or "Christian love". The word love by itself leads to the wrong meaning.

Hello James.

Thanks for the reply, I was wondering whether the term had an 'old English' meaning.
Now I know!

 

[Fragrant Grace]

Greetings @DHC

I read this article on the word 'charity'

You may find it interesting.
It clarifies what james1523 has already said and goes into a little more depth.

charity - Another King James Bible Believer

 

[Ophel]

G26
ἀγάπη
agapē
ag-ah'-pay
From G25; love, that is, affection or benevolence; specifically (plural) a love feast: - (feast of) charity ([-ably]), dear, love.