Exploring the Bible Versions that Preceded the King James- A Journey Through Early English Scripture Translations
What Bible Came Before the King James Version
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible, published in 1611, is one of the most influential translations in English history. However, it was not the first English Bible to be printed. The journey of English translations began long before the KJV, with various versions being produced to cater to the needs of different groups of people. This article delves into the history of the Bibles that came before the King James Version.
One of the earliest English Bibles was the Wycliffe Bible, which was translated by John Wycliffe and his associates in the late 14th century. The Wycliffe Bible was the first complete English translation of the Bible, but it was not printed until 1382, as printing technology was still in its infancy. The Wycliffe Bible was written in Middle English, and it played a significant role in making the Bible accessible to the common people.
Following the Wycliffe Bible, the Coverdale Bible was published in 1535. This translation was the first to be authorized by the Church of England and was produced by Miles Coverdale. The Coverdale Bible was a revision of the Wycliffe Bible and included the Apocrypha, which were considered canonical by the Catholic Church at the time. This version was the first English Bible to be printed in the United Kingdom.
The Great Bible, also known as the Bishops’ Bible, was another significant translation before the King James Version. Commissioned by Thomas Cromwell, the Chancellor of England, the Great Bible was completed in 1539 and was intended for use in churches. It was the first English Bible to be printed in large quantities and distributed to churches throughout England.
The Geneva Bible, published in 1560, was another influential translation that came before the KJV. Translated by English scholars living in Geneva, Switzerland, the Geneva Bible became popular among Puritans and played a significant role in the English Reformation. It was the first English Bible to include verse numbers and was also the first to include marginal notes, which provided commentary and cross-references.
The Bishops’ Bible and the Geneva Bible were both revised and updated in the years leading up to the publication of the King James Version. The Bishops’ Bible was revised by a group of bishops and scholars, resulting in the Douay-Rheims Bible, which was published in 1582. The Douay-Rheims Bible was the official Catholic Bible in English and was heavily influenced by the Latin Vulgate.
Finally, the King James Version was produced by a team of 47 scholars under the patronage of King James I. The KJV was the culmination of years of work and collaboration, drawing on the best elements of previous translations. It became the standard English Bible for centuries and had a profound impact on the English language and literature.
In conclusion, the King James Version was not the first English Bible, but it was built upon the foundation of earlier translations such as the Wycliffe Bible, the Coverdale Bible, the Great Bible, the Geneva Bible, and the Douay-Rheims Bible. Each of these translations played a crucial role in making the Bible accessible to the English-speaking world and paved the way for the enduring legacy of the King James Version.
