Introduction to the First English Translation of the Whole Bible

The quest to translate the Bible into various languages is a historical journey that spans centuries. Today, we focus on the first English translation of the whole Bible, a monumental achievement that traces its roots back to the late 14th century.

The Historical Context

English, as a language, is relatively modern compared to ancient tongues such as Latin. Latin, when it was first published in 405 CE, was considered a 'modern language.' Similarly, the Bible, the most significant religious text in the Western world, has been translated into countless languages throughout history.

The first complete translation of the Bible into English that we know of is Wyclif’s Bible, which began to take shape in the late 1300s. This translation was handwritten and there were no printing presses available at the time, making it a remarkable feat of its era.

The Wyclif’s Bible: The First Complete English Translation

While individual sections of the Bible had been translated earlier, such as the Wessex Gospels or the Old English Hexateuch, these were partial translations. Wyclif’s Bible stands as the first complete English translation of the entire Bible, including both the Old and New Testaments, and it was first published in the late 1380s. This translation was done in Middle English, making it accessible to a wider audience than previously possible.

Transition to Modern English and Tyndale’s Influence

As the English language evolved, translations became more refined. The King James Version, completed in 1611, is often considered a masterpiece of English literature and one of the most famous translations of the Bible. However, the groundwork for this was laid by earlier texts. Among these was the 1525 Tyndale Bible, the first full Bible printed in English.

William Tyndale was a pivotal figure in the history of Bible translations. His work set the stage for the King James Version, influencing its language and structure. The Tyndale Bible was not just groundbreaking for being the first printed full English Bible, but also for its use of a more accessible and refined form of Early English, which helped bridge the gap between Middle English and the Early Modern English that would become standard in the 17th century.

Conclusion and Further Reading

The journey from Wyclif’s handwritten Bible to the printed works of Tyndale is a testament to the enduring impact of the Bible on the English language and culture. As you delve deeper into the history of Bible translations, you’ll discover a rich tapestry of religious, linguistic, and cultural developments.

To learn more about these translations and the individuals behind them, visit the following resources:

Museum scans of the actual first editions of Wyclif’s Bible and Tyndale’s Bible. Historical documents outlining the translation process of the King James Version. Online archives detailing the evolution of English as a language.