Exploring the Bible Versions Preceding the King James- A Journey Through Early Christian Texts
What Bible was before King James? This question often arises among students of the English Bible, as the King James Version (KJV) is widely regarded as the definitive English translation. However, the history of English translations predates the KJV, and several versions were published before it became the standard. This article explores the various Bibles that were available before the King James Version was commissioned in 1604.
The first English Bible to be printed was the Great Bible, also known as the Breeches Bible, which was authorized by King Henry VIII in 1539. This translation was based on the Vulgate, the Latin version of the Bible, and was intended for use in English churches. The Great Bible was the first English Bible to be printed in large quantities and distributed to the laity.
Following the Great Bible, the Coverdale Bible was published in 1535. It was the first complete English Bible to be printed, and it was based on the Tyndale New Testament and the Great Bible. The Coverdale Bible was also authorized by King Henry VIII and was intended for use in English churches.
In 1537, the Matthew Bible was published. It was the first English Bible to include the Apocrypha, a collection of texts that are considered canonical by the Roman Catholic Church but are not included in the Protestant Bible. The Matthew Bible was named after its translator, William Tyndale, who had been executed by the English government for his role in translating the Bible into English.
The Taverner Bible, published in 1539, was another significant translation before the King James Version. It was based on the Vulgate and was the first English Bible to include the Book of Common Prayer, which was a key text for the Anglican Church.
The Geneva Bible, published in 1560, was the first English Bible to be printed in Europe. It was based on the Tyndale New Testament and the Coverdale Bible, and it became the most popular English Bible in the 16th and 17th centuries. The Geneva Bible included marginal notes that were often critical of the Church of England and were considered controversial at the time.
The Bishops’ Bible, published in 1568, was a revised version of the Great Bible that was intended to provide a more accurate and authoritative translation for the Church of England. It was the basis for the King James Version, and many of its translators worked on the KJV.
In conclusion, the Bible that was before the King James Version included several significant translations, such as the Great Bible, Coverdale Bible, Matthew Bible, Taverner Bible, Geneva Bible, and Bishops’ Bible. These translations played a crucial role in shaping the English language and the way the Bible was understood and read by the English-speaking world.
