There are apparent contradictions in the Bible, but that is only because we don't yet have the answers. Some people are always use that as a reason to reject the Bible as the Words of God. They will find something to blame for it.
I believe I understand your point but I do disagree. I think the KJV translators did a great job with their translation. With all the technology we have today, I doubt you will ever see a better translated Bible.
Concerning the word 'air' in (1 Thess. 4:17), you actually fall into the mistake that many do. You allow your theological belief to affect your translation. You don't believe in the rapture so 'air' can't mean 'air'. A translator translates no matter how crazy, wrong, or miraculous, what he is translating sounds. And one of the key rules when there is a dispute among manuscripts to a verse, is to accept the more difficult one.
Plus, the word used for 'air' in (1 Thess. 4:17) is used as 'air' in other places. (Acts 22:23) (1 Cor. 9:26, 14:9) (Rev. 9:2) (Eph. 2:2)
Good-Ole-Rebel
Your still missing the point.
What you have to do is look in the way
( Air) is being used.
It's all base on the terminology in which
( Air ) is being used.
There are many ways ( air) can be used.
But do they all mean the same thing.
Why of course not.
I saw birds flying in the air.
I filled the balloons with air
Both sentences are using the word
( Air ) but not meaning the same thing in each sentences.
It determines in what way ( air) is being used.
the word 'air' in (1 Thess. 4:17) is used as 'air' in other places. (Acts 22:23) (1 Cor. 9:26, 14:9) (Rev. 9:2) (Eph. 2:2).
If you had notice in each book and verses the word ( air) is being used. Not meaning the same thing.
Its all determined in the terminology in how the word ( air ) is being used.
How many ways can you use the word
(air ) but not meaning the same thing.
In each sentences.
So it's all base in the terminology in the way
( Air ) is being used.
( Air) can be taken one way in one sentence and all the while in another way in another sentence.