The Revision Revised by John William Burgon

(7 User reviews)   4393
By Charlotte Girard Posted on Nov 15, 2025
In Category - Philosophy
Burgon, John William, 1813-1888 Burgon, John William, 1813-1888
English
Ever wonder if the Bible you're reading is the real deal? John William Burgon sure did. In 'The Revision Revised,' this 19th-century scholar goes on a crusade against what he saw as a dangerous new translation of the New Testament. Forget dry academic debate—this is a full-throated defense of the traditional text, written with the passion of someone who believes the very words of scripture are under attack. Burgon names names, points out what he calls errors, and argues that modern scholarship got it wrong. It's a fascinating look at a fiery moment in religious history, perfect for anyone curious about how we got the Bibles we read today.
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Including a Vindication of the Traditional Reading of 1 Timothy III. 16. By John William Burgon, B.D. Dean of Chichester. “Little children,—Keep yourselves from idols.”—1 John v. 21. Dover Publications, Inc. New York 1971 CONTENTS Dedication. Preface. Article I. The New Greek Text. Article II. The New English Version. Article III. Westcott And Hort’s New Textual Theory. Letter To Bishop Ellicott, In Reply To His Pamphlet. Appendix Of Sacred Codices. Index I, of Texts of Scripture,—quoted, discussed, or only referred to in this volume. Index II, of Fathers. Index III, Persons, Places, and Subjects. Footnotes [Transcriber’s Note: This book contains much Greek text, which will not be well-rendered in plain text versions of this E-book. Also, there is much use of Greek characters with a vertical bar across the tops of the letters to indicate abbreviations; because the coding system used in this e-book does not have such an “overline”, they are rendered here with underlines. It also contains some text in Syriac, which is written right-to-left; for the sake of different transcription methods, it is transcribed here in both right-to-left and left-to-rights, so that regardless of the medium of this E-book, one or the other should be readable.] The following is PREBENDARY SCRIVENER’S recently published estimate of the System on which DRS. WESTCOTT AND HORT have constructed their “_Revised Greek Text of the New Testament_” (1881).—That System, the Chairman of the Revising Body (BISHOP ELLICOTT) has entirely adopted (see below, pp. 391 to 397), and made the basis of his Defence of THE REVISERS and their “_New Greek Text._” (1.) “There is little hope for the stability of their imposing structure, if _its foundations have been laid on the sandy ground of ingenious conjecture_. And, since barely the smallest vestige of historical evidence has ever been alleged in support of the views of these accomplished Editors, their teaching must either be received as intuitively true, or _dismissed from our consideration as precarious and even visionary_.” (2.) “DR. HORT’S System _is entirely destitute of historical foundation_.” (3.) “We are compelled to repeat as emphatically as ever our strong conviction that the Hypothesis to whose proof he has devoted so many laborious years, _is destitute not only of historical foundation, but of all probability, resulting from the internal goodness of the Text which its adoption would force upon us_.” (4.) “ ‘We cannot doubt’ (says DR. HORT) ‘that S. Luke xxiii. 34 comes from an extraneous source.’ [_Notes_, p. 68.]—_Nor can we, on our part, doubt_,” (rejoins DR. SCRIVENER,) “_that the System which entails such consequences is hopelessly self-condemned_.” SCRIVENER’S “Plain Introduction,” &c. [ed. 1883]: pp. 531, 537, 542, 604. DEDICATION. To The Right Hon. Viscount Cranbrook, G.C.S.I., &c., &c., &c. MY DEAR LORD CRANBROOK, _Allow me the gratification of dedicating the present Volume to yourself; but for whom—(I reserve the explanation for another day)—it would never have been written._ _This is not, (as you will perceive at a glance,) the Treatise which a few years ago I told you I had in hand; and which, but for the present hindrance, might by this time have been completed. It has however_ grown out _of that other work in the manner explained at the beginning of my Preface. Moreover it contains not a few specimens of the argumentation of which the work in question, when at last it sees the light, will be discovered to be full._ _My one object has been to defeat the mischievous attempt which was made in 1881 to thrust upon this Church and Realm a Revision of the Sacred Text, which—recommended though it be by eminent names—I...

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John William Burgon's The Revision Revised isn't a story in the traditional sense. It's a detailed, point-by-point critique of the English Revised Version (ERV) of the New Testament, published in 1881. Burgon, a staunch defender of the traditional Greek text behind the King James Bible, believed the new translation was based on unreliable, ancient manuscripts. The 'plot' is his passionate argument against the changes made by the revision committee.

Why You Should Read It

This book is a time capsule. You're not just reading about textual criticism; you're feeling the heat of a major religious controversy. Burgon writes with conviction and a clear sense of alarm. While his views are very much of his time (and not widely held by modern scholars), his dedication is compelling. It makes you think deeply about translation, authority, and why the specific wording of sacred texts matters so much to people.

Final Verdict

This is a niche but gripping read. It's perfect for history buffs interested in 19th-century religious debates, fans of the King James Version, or anyone who enjoys seeing a learned, articulate person make a spirited (and sometimes scathing) defense of their beliefs. It's not an easy, casual read, but it's a rewarding one if you want to understand a pivotal moment in how the Bible was translated.



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Logan Flores
1 year ago

Based on the summary, I decided to read it and it provides a comprehensive overview perfect for everyone. This story will stay with me.

Matthew Davis
6 months ago

I have to admit, the pacing is just right, keeping you engaged. Absolutely essential reading.

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5 out of 5 (7 User reviews )

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