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. Before the KJV, several other translations had been produced, each with its unique characteristics and influences. This article explores the Bibles that came before the King James Version, highlighting their significance and contributions to the development of English-language Bible translations.
One of the earliest English Bibles was the Great Bible, published in 1539. The Great Bible was the first authorized English Bible by the Church of England and was printed by the King’s Printer, Thomas Nelson. It was based on the Tyndale New Testament, which was translated by William Tyndale and published in 1525. The Great Bible included the Apocrypha, which were considered canonical by the Roman Catholic Church at the time. This translation played a crucial role in spreading the Bible to the common people and was widely used in English-speaking countries.
Another significant translation that preceded the King James Version was the Geneva Bible, published in 1560. The Geneva Bible was translated by English scholars working in Geneva, Switzerland, and was based on the earlier Tyndale and Coverdale translations. It was the first English Bible to include verse numbers and was widely used by both Protestants and Catholics. The Geneva Bible had a significant impact on the King James Version, as many of its textual choices and translations were adopted by the KJV translators.
The Bishops’ Bible, published in 1568, was another influential English translation. It was commissioned by the Church of England and was translated by a team of bishops and scholars. The Bishops’ Bible was the official English Bible used in the Church of England until the KJV was published. It was a significant step towards the creation of the KJV, as it incorporated many of the textual choices and improvements made in earlier translations.
The KJV itself was the result of a collaborative effort by 47 scholars, including some of the most prominent figures of the time, such as John Cheke, Lancelot Andrewes, and Miles Smith. The KJV was commissioned by King James I to provide a definitive English Bible for the Church of England. The translators aimed to create a translation that was both accurate and accessible to the common people. The KJV incorporated many of the textual choices and improvements made in earlier translations, including the Geneva Bible and the Bishops’ Bible, while also making its own unique contributions.
In conclusion, the King James Version of the Bible was not the first English Bible to be printed. Several translations, such as the Great Bible, Geneva Bible, and Bishops’ Bible, had been produced before it. Each of these translations played a crucial role in shaping the English Bible and contributed to the development of the King James Version. The KJV’s enduring influence can be attributed to its combination of accuracy, accessibility, and the collective effort of its translators.
