Comparing Translations of the Bible Before and After the King James Version
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible has been a foundational text for English-speaking Christians for over 400 years. However, the journey to this standard text was marked by numerous earlier translations, each with its own unique challenges and contributions. In this article, we will explore the differences between some of the earlier translations of the Bible, particularly those from before the KJV, and the advancements introduced in the KJV itself.
Earlier Translations: A Historical Overview
Before the King James Version, several significant English translations of the Bible were produced, each reflecting the theological and scholarly approaches of their time. Let's trace back to some of these pioneering translations.
Wyclif’s Bible (1380-1388)
One of the earliest English translations, Wyclif’s Bible, was produced by John Wycliffe between 1380 and 1388. This translation was a literal word-for-word translation of the Vulgate. Wycliffe's goal was to make the Bible accessible to the common believer, challenging the Church's hold on the text. While the Wyclif’s Late Version (LV) was a meaningful-for-meaning translation, it faced severe backlash from church authorities, with Wycliffe's bones were exhumed and burned posthumously, along with copies of his translation.
Tyndale Bible (1526)
Following Wycliffe, William Tyndale's Bible significantly expanded the reach of the English Bible. Tyndale’s New Testament, printed at Worms in 1525, was the first English translation printed on a printing press, allowing for widespread distribution. Tyndale used Erasmus’s Greek New Testament and relied on Martin Luther’s German translation, which set forth a unique order of the New Testament. Despite facing significant opposition, Tyndale continued his work, translating parts of the Old Testament before his execution for heresy in 1536.
Coverdale Bible (1535)
In 1535, Myles Coverdale’s Bible was the first complete Bible printed in English, gaining the informal approval of King Henry VIII. Unlike previous hand-written translations, Coverdale’s Bible included the apocryphal books, setting a precedent that would later influence other translations. This version was the foundation upon which future translations built.
Great Bible (1539)
The Great Bible also known as the Whitchurch Bible, produced in 1539 by Myles Coverdale, was a significant step forward. It returned to a more traditional order of the New Testament and was adopted as the only official Bible in England. Despite its advancements, it was eventually replaced by other versions after the 1553 Act of Supremacy.
King James Version: A New Era
After the tumultuous period of earlier translations, the King James Version emerged as the standard English translation in 1611. This translation was the culmination of the work of 48 scholars, each bringing their expertise to bear. The KJV used the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Hebrew Masoretic Text for the Old Testament.
A key difference between the KJV and previous translations was the lack of editorial notes, a feature that had led to the burning of earlier versions by church authorities. The KJV aimed for a more literal and accurate translation, striking a balance between the theological scholarship of the time and the accessibility of the text.
The KJV's influence extended beyond its time, becoming one of the most popular and widely read English translations. Its initial inclusion of the Catholic Apocrypha led to later editions removing these books, further cementing its place in the English-speaking world.
Conclusion
The history of English Bible translations is a testament to the evolving relationship between church, state, and the common people. From the groundbreaking work of John Wycliffe to the monumental efforts of the KJV translators, each version brought its own unique contributions and challenges. Understanding these differences helps us appreciate the rich tapestry of biblical scholarship and translation.