The Earliest Complete English Translation of the Bible: Wyclif’s Bible

English is a modern language that has undergone significant changes over the centuries. Among the many milestones in its development, one of the most significant is the emergence of the earliest complete English translation of the Bible, Wyclif’s Bible. This article delves into the history and significance of Wyclif’s Bible, putting it into context with other early translations and highlighting its role in shaping the English language and religious thought.

The original “complete” translation of both the Old and New Testaments into English is Wyclif’s Bible, dating back to the late 1300s. This translation was handwritten and was crafted in Middle English, a period preceding the widespread adoption of printing presses in the 15th century.

Before Wyclif’s Bible, translations of the Bible into other languages, particularly Latin, were the norm. Latin, which was a "modern language" in 405 CE, was widely used in the Church and scholarly circles. However, these translations did not cover the entire Bible, but rather, fragments of it, such as the Wessex Gospels and the Old English Hexateuch.

Setting the Standards for Biblical Translations

The term “the Bible” commonly refers to the entire canon, inclusive of the Old and New Testaments. Many early translations were indeed partial, translating only selected portions of the Bible. To address this, we establish a standard: an English translation of the entire Bible must include at least the Old and New Testaments, comprising a minimum of 39 books in the Old Testament.

According to this standard, the first complete English translation of the entire Bible is Wyclif’s Bible, which was introduced in the late 1380s. Prior to this, translations were not fully complete or comprehensive, with some only covering parts of the Bible, such as the four Gospels in the Wessex Gospels.

William Tyndale and His Impact

William Tyndale, active in the early 16th century, played a significant role in the development of the English Bible. Though Tyndale's work was influenced by the context and beliefs of his time, he sought to translate the Bible for his own purposes. Tyndale was anti-Catholic and believed that his translation could challenge the authority of the Catholic Church.

His translations were marked by deliberate choices to challenge Catholic dogma. For example, he opted for the term “repentance” over “penance” and “the congregation” over “the church.” Tyndale's translation was perceived as subversive propaganda, leading to his eventual martyrdom. Despite this, his work inspired countless others and laid the foundation for the Protestant Reformation in England.

The Significance of Wyclif’s Bible

Wyclif’s Bible, though initially handwritten, paved the way for the first printed version of the entire Bible in English. The Protestant Reformation of the 16th century saw the proliferation of various English translations, including the King James Version, which followed closely on the heels of Tyndale's work.

The impact of Wyclif’s Bible extended beyond religious to linguistic spheres. The translation of the Bible introduced many English words and phrases into common usage, enriching the language and influencing its development over the centuries.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Wyclif’s Bible, the first complete English translation of the entire Bible, holds a significant place in the history of English language and religious thought. Its introduction marked a critical point in the evolution of English, and its principles and techniques influenced subsequent translations and religious movements.

The Bible remains a vital text, and understanding its translations can provide valuable insights into the linguistic and cultural heritage of English-speaking societies. Whether through Wyclif’s early efforts or the more famous translations that followed, the English language continues to embody the history and traditions of those who have used it to transmit and interpret the sacred texts.