Q. Did Sir Francis Bacon, a Freemason and a Rosicrucian, edit the King James Bible before it was released to the public? Why does the original 1611 KJV have Masonic handshakes in its artwork? Why is the KJV the Freemason’s Bible of choice?
A. The last question is answered simply. This is mainly because the King James Bible has been the Bible of choice for most English-speaking peoples for around 400 years. The second answer is rather simple as well, There is nothing in the 1611 Robert Barker artwork in the King James Bible that is distinctly Masonic. Handshakes and other symbols existed in print work before, beyond, outside, and apart from Masonry. The first question is answered in the negative. While there seems to be an effort of some Baconians to suggest otherwise, there is ample evidence about the original of the King James translation to reliably show that Sir Francis Bacon was not involved in translating, editing, or printing the new Bible translation of 1611. Whether Bacon was a Freemason or a Rosicrucian is questionable, but regardless, he did not edit the King James Bible before it was published.
These are persistent myths paddled about in writing, orally, and electronically, but myths they are. Myths (and conspiracy theories) about the King James Bible are often spread by anti-KJVOists. They should be dismissed as calculated but erroneous attempts aimed at tarnishing the status of the King James Bible. On the other hand, it may be that the Masonic claims, when made by Masons, intend to enhance the image of Masonry by associating the fraternity with the King James Bible. It is best to ignore ahistorical claims.
There are some who say that King James I himself was a Mason. However, the document produced to make and prove the claim did not even exist until long after his death. Most historians do not find the document or the claim credible. Whether or not King James was a Mason, that would not make the King James Bible a Masonic Bible. Neither does its use by Masons, Methodists, Mormons, and More make it their Bible. (What Masons think about James might help influence their using the King James translation in their lodges, but it does not go beyond that.)
The King James translation stands on its on merit, aloof from all those who recommend or reject it, prefer it, read it, and quote it, or disown and complain about it.
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