The development of the English Bible from 1475 to 1611 was a monumental journey, marked by the tireless efforts of scholars and translators who laid the groundwork for the King James Version (KJV). This period saw the transition from a fragmented and forbidden text to an authorized and widely recognized version of the Bible that influenced religious life and the English language itself.
1. William Tyndale (1525–1536)
William Tyndale is often regarded as the father of the English Bible. His work began in 1525 with the translation of the New Testament, of which he produced around 15,000 to 18,000 copies that were smuggled into England. Tyndale's achievements did not stop there; in 1530, he also translated the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Old Testament). Although he never completed a full English Bible due to his martyrdom, Tyndale's translation was the first to be based directly on the New Testament Greek text.
As a Hebrew and Greek scholar, Tyndale was fluent in several languages, earning a reputation akin to that of Robert Dick Wilson (1856-1930). His linguistic skills, combined with his conviction of the doctrines of the Reformation around 1520, led him to embark on his translation project in 1521, using Erasmus' third edition of the Greek New Testament. Fleeing England in 1524, Tyndale traveled to Hamburg and then Wittenberg, where he likely interacted with Martin Luther and used Luther's translation for some of his revisions.
Tyndale's work set the standard for style and vocabulary for all subsequent English Bibles, with an estimated 80-90% of the King James Version being derived from Tyndale's wording. His dying words, "Lord, open the King of England's eyes," echoed his dedication to making the Bible accessible to the English-speaking people.
2. Coverdale Bible (1535)
Miles Coverdale's Bible, published in 1535, holds the distinction of being the first complete Bible printed in English. While Coverdale worked closely with Tyndale, he also utilized the Latin Vulgate, Erasmus’ Latin translation, and Luther's German Bible for his work. His Bible was published on the continent and was dedicated to Anne Boleyn; Yet, she was executed shortly after its publication and this dedication became a liability. One of its notable features was the introduction of chapter summaries, a tradition that has continued in many Bible editions to this day.
3. Matthew Bible (1537)
The Matthew Bible, published in 1537, was the first full revision of Tyndale’s work and the first to be printed in England with the King’s permission. John Rogers, a close associate of Tyndale, compiled this Bible using the pen name "Thomas Matthew" to protect himself and to honor Tyndale’s legacy. Rogers included much of Tyndale's unpublished work, especially from Joshua through Chronicles. This Bible signified a continuation of Tyndale's influence, even incorporating his initials in large letters at the end of the Old Testament.
4. The Great Bible (1539)
Known as England's first "Authorized Bible," the Great Bible was published in 1539. It was essentially a revision of the Matthew Bible, overseen by Miles Coverdale and supported by Thomas Cromwell, advisor to King Henry VIII. Printed in France and distributed to every church in England by order of Archbishop Thomas Cranmer, it earned the nickname "The Chained Bible" because it was so large that it was chained to the pulpit to prevent theft. Unlike previous translations, it followed the book order of the Septuagint, aligning more closely with the present-day Bible. There were two revisions of this Bible during Bloody Mary’s and Queen Elizabeth’s Reign.
5. Geneva Bible (1560/1569)
The Geneva Bible, released in 1560, was the first complete English Bible translated from the original languages, although it was largely a revision of the Great Bible. The Geneva Bible was produced by a group of English Protestant scholars who were exiled in Geneva during the reign of Queen Mary I of England. These scholars fled to Geneva because of religious persecution, as Mary was attempting to restore Catholicism in England.
Some of the key figures involved in the creation of the Geneva Bible include:
William Whittingham: He is often credited as the primary translator and editor of the Geneva Bible. Whittingham was an English clergyman who had strong ties to the Protestant reformers in Geneva, particularly John Calvin. He worked extensively on both the New Testament and Old Testament translations.
John Calvin: Although he was not directly involved in the translation process, Calvin's influence on the Geneva Bible was significant. The marginal notes and commentary of the Geneva Bible reflect Calvinist theology and his emphasis on the sovereignty of God, predestination, and the authority of Scripture.
Theodore Beza: Beza, a close associate of Calvin, contributed to the Geneva Bible by providing scholarly support and his own Latin and Greek editions of the New Testament. His works were used as reference materials for the translation.
Miles Coverdale: Coverdale, who had previously been involved in the creation of earlier English Bibles, including the Coverdale Bible and the Great Bible, also played a role in the Geneva Bible. He helped guide the translation efforts and provided his expertise as a seasoned Bible translator.
John Knox: The Scottish reformer John Knox was also in Geneva during the time the Bible was being translated. His influence on the project was more indirect, as he contributed to the intellectual and theological environment that shaped the work.
These scholars and reformers worked together to create a Bible that was more accurate and accessible to the common people, drawing directly from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. The Geneva Bible became the preferred Bible of English-speaking Protestants, including the Puritans and early American settlers. Its features, like smaller size, easier to read Roman typeface, study aids, cross-references, italicized words, concordance, and commentary notes, made it a groundbreaking "study Bible" for its time.
The Geneva Bible's commentary and study notes, however, were viewed with suspicion by political and religious authorities due to their Protestant perspective, which often challenged established power structures. Despite these controversies, it remained the Bible of choice for many, well into the era of the King James Version.
6. Bishop’s Bible (1568)
Commissioned by Archbishop Matthew Parker in 1568, the Bishop’s Bible was the first official English Bible translation done by a committee. Eight scholars were tasked with creating this translation as an official revision of the Great Bible, in response to dissatisfaction with the Geneva Bible’s politically charged notes. Though it was presented to Queen Elizabeth I, the Bishop’s Bible never gained her official approval.
During this period, the Roman Catholic Church in England also produced its own translation, known as the Douay-Rheims Bible, with the New Testament published in 1582 and the Old Testament in 1609. This translation was based on the Latin Vulgate and aimed to counter the influence of Protestant Bibles.
The King James Version and Its Legacy
The King James Version, completed in 1611, was the culmination of the efforts and scholarship that began with William Tyndale. King James I masterfully united the various factions of Protestantism, including Puritans, Anglicans, and Separatists, to produce a translation that would transcend theological agendas. The KJV drew heavily from the work of previous translations, particularly Tyndale's. It was officially considered a revision of the Bishop's Bible yet it was, in reality, a fresh translation from the original languages, reflecting the collaborative expertise of its translators.
Today, the King James Version remains a towering achievement in the history of the English Bible. It is unlikely that any future English translation will surpass its influence or legacy. Many believe that there is no need for another version that could eclipse the beauty, precision, and impact of the KJV.
John 3:16 in the various English Bibles—from Tyndale to the Geneva and Bishop’s Bible—demonstrates the consistency of the text, culminating in the language that has become so familiar in the KJV.
1. Tyndale Bible (1534)
"For God so loveth the worlde, that he hath geven his only sonne, that none that beleve in him shuld perisshe: but shuld have everlastinge lyfe."
2. Geneva Bible (1560/1599)
"For God so loveth the world, that he hath given his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life."
3. Bishops' Bible (1568)
"For God so loued the worlde, that he hath geuen his only begotten sonne, that whosoeuer beleueth in hym, should not perishe, but haue lyfe eternal."
4. King James Version (1611)
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
The wording is similar across these translations, with minor variations in spelling and phrasing.
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