Thank you for the interpretative question on Proverbs 8:22, “Why does the King James Bible mistranslate Proverbs 8:22?”
The King James Bible translators translated Proverbs 8:22 as this: “The LORD possessed me in the beginning of his ways, before his works of old.”
The NIV translators translated Proverbs 8:22 as this, “The LORD brought me forth as the first of his works, before his deeds of old.”
For one’s consideration, there is the literal word translation of a Hebrew word in its context and the theological implication in the translation of the word. I am not certain that the KJV translation is mistranslated based on its context and theological implications of possess rather than create.
One can read the word usage of “qanah” on the internet. I cite one for one’s reference.
https://biblehub.com/hebrew/7069.htm
What does the context and theological implication imply for using possess or create. Realizing that Bible scholars and Christians have differing opinion, I give an opinion, not THE opinion.
Here’s my reason why I think the word, possess is a better translation than create.
A) The subject is wisdom.
As one reads the context of Proverbs 8, the main topic is wisdom. Verse 1 reflects the author is speaking about wisdom: “Does not wisdom call out? Does not understanding raise her voice?
2) The location of wisdom.
The author emphasized the presence of wisdom is found for those who seek her. Verse 2 reflects its presence with humans. She is found on the way, where paths meets, beside the city gate. Wisdom is everywhere.
3) The value of wisdom.
The author states the value of wisdom over gold or rubies (vs. 3–11). “Choose my instructions instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies and nothing you desire can compare with her.”
4) The source of wisdom.
The author states that wisdom dwell together with prudence; I possess knowledge and discretion (vs. 12–13). The fear of the LORD is to hate wisdom. This reminds one of Prov. 1:8 that the fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and discipline. Wisdom comes from God.
Verse 8 is a critical verse. It states that wisdom dwells with prudence. If wisdom was created, then was prudence created as well? Did God create those two “things” or did those two “things” always existed with God?
Since God is omniscience. Wisdom and prudence also dwell with him. The wisdom and prudence of God was not exhibited since God did not create anything at all. It is inconceivable that God who is omniscient did not have wisdom or prudence at all. It is not omniscient if one doesn’t have wisdom or prudence!
5) The display of wisdom
The author shows that God used his wisdom in creating the world. In the plan of God, he decided to create the universe and the earth. How was he going to proceed? God having all the knowledge, used that aspect of omnipotence in designing the earth, that is wisdom. Wisdom was present with God before the world began otherwise the earth would not be able to sustain life as we know it. God placed limits or natural laws into existence so that the earth could thrive.
Is it possible that the wisdom personify a person? Did God create the Wisdom or the Logos? That is a possibility and a possible translation.
If God created Wisdom/the Word as being the first thing being created, one can ponder why didn’t the author used the Hebrew word, bara. This is the Hebrew word used in Genesis 1:1 when God created the heavens and the earth. The word, bara, has the sense of something from nothing.
If God was omniscient, he didn’t have to create “wisdom” or the Logos to make the universe and earth. The implication by some scholars that the created Logos is not God himself but something less than God but a divine being that has an origin.
If one accepts the interpretation of qanah as being created, then it allows for the possible interpretation that “Wisdom/the Logos” was created by God. That is the theological implication of that interpretation of Proverbs 8:22.
As one studies the Scriptures, one has to consider not just one verse but the verses of the Scripture. Although I do not hold to the theological position that Wisdom or Logos was created but rather that the Logos is eternal (John 1:1), one ought to be respectful of others who may hold to a differing theological position.
SUMMARY: A singular word must be viewed in its context, its other usages, and its theological implications.
For more perspectives: