What did King James have to do with the Bible?

Answer 1

In January 1604, King James I of England convened the Hampton Court Conference where a new English version was proposed. That is why the translation bears his name. James didn't write or translate it. The translation was by 47 scholars, all of whom were members of the Church of England.

He was the king of England who authorized and commissioned the translation of the scriptures into the English language in 1611. As the preface of the original KJV states:

"...That out of the Originall sacred tongues, together with comparing of the labours, both in our owne and other forreigne Languages, of many worthy men who went before us, there should be one more exact Translation of the holy Scriptures into the English tongue; [emphasis, mine] your MAJESTIE did never desist, to urge and to excite those to whom it was commended, that the work might be hastened..." (excerpt from the Original King James Version Original Preface).

King James' desire was to create a translation of God's Word that English-speaking people could better understand, that to that time was unavailable to the common person:

"...So that, if on the one side we shall be traduced [to say very critical or disparaging things] by Popish persons at home or abroad, who therefore will maligne us, because we are poore Instruments to make GODS holy Trueth to be yet more and more knowen unto the people, [emphasis, mine] whom they desire still to keepe in ignorance and darknesse...".

King James was the "Royal" instrument by whose commission the "King James Version" English translation Bible came into existence.