True Charity: The KJB and Jane Austen’s Emma
Location
Room B
Start Date
1-10-2011 4:15 PM
End Date
1-10-2011 5:30 PM
Abstract
The King James Bible has long been admired for its literary beauty and distinctive linguistic style. In fact, in some passages, such as First Corinthians 13, the KJB is entirely unique when compared to later English translations. In this passage, the Greek word “agape” is translated “charity,” whereas later English translations simply use the word “love.” In English, “charity” can be interpreted two ways: acts of service to others, particularly the poor, and as a manifestation of God’s love in life of a Christian. While “love” may be a more overarching translation of the word “agape,” the KJB’s use of “charity” provides a unique insight into this passage as it makes a clear distinction between outward actions of love and a true love that stems from a transformed life. The Apostle Paul even indicates that, if one does not have true charity, giving all one’s possessions to the poor means nothing. Genuine charity is the outflow of a transformed life.
Author Jane Austen knew of these two distinct meanings of the word “charity.” As the daughter of an Anglican minister and as a committed Christian herself, Austen interacted with the KJB in a deeply personal way. Though Austen never wished to sermonize through her writings, the truths found in scripture—and more specifically the linguistic and literary word choices found in the KJB—are woven seamlessly through her novels, particularly in her novel Emma. Emma has a distinctive King James flavor, as the concept of charity is the overarching theme of the novel. Emma herself journeys through the Pauline confessions of First Corinthians 13 as she learns that though she may give to the poor, without true charity of the heart and soul, she is nothing. Though Austen never quotes scripture in Emma, the influence of biblical truth and particularly, the inspiration of the KJB, is clearly seen.
True Charity: The KJB and Jane Austen’s Emma
Room B
The King James Bible has long been admired for its literary beauty and distinctive linguistic style. In fact, in some passages, such as First Corinthians 13, the KJB is entirely unique when compared to later English translations. In this passage, the Greek word “agape” is translated “charity,” whereas later English translations simply use the word “love.” In English, “charity” can be interpreted two ways: acts of service to others, particularly the poor, and as a manifestation of God’s love in life of a Christian. While “love” may be a more overarching translation of the word “agape,” the KJB’s use of “charity” provides a unique insight into this passage as it makes a clear distinction between outward actions of love and a true love that stems from a transformed life. The Apostle Paul even indicates that, if one does not have true charity, giving all one’s possessions to the poor means nothing. Genuine charity is the outflow of a transformed life.
Author Jane Austen knew of these two distinct meanings of the word “charity.” As the daughter of an Anglican minister and as a committed Christian herself, Austen interacted with the KJB in a deeply personal way. Though Austen never wished to sermonize through her writings, the truths found in scripture—and more specifically the linguistic and literary word choices found in the KJB—are woven seamlessly through her novels, particularly in her novel Emma. Emma has a distinctive King James flavor, as the concept of charity is the overarching theme of the novel. Emma herself journeys through the Pauline confessions of First Corinthians 13 as she learns that though she may give to the poor, without true charity of the heart and soul, she is nothing. Though Austen never quotes scripture in Emma, the influence of biblical truth and particularly, the inspiration of the KJB, is clearly seen.
Comments
Brittany Meng earned her M.A. in English at Liberty University in 2010 and is Adjunct Assistant at Liberty.