The First Complete English-Language Bible

Name: The First Complete English-Language Bible
Start: 1537-10-04
Location: Unspecified

The Significance of the Matthew's Bible

Matthew's Bible: A Revolutionary Text

The Matthew's Bible, first printed in 1537, stands as a landmark in religious history, being the first complete English-language Bible. This remarkable work was heavily influenced by translations from the visionary reformers William Tyndale and Miles Coverdale, who sought to provide the scriptures in the vernacular, allowing laypersons to access the holy texts.

The Contributions of William Tyndale

William Tyndale was a pioneering translator whose work laid the foundation for the Matthew's Bible. His dedication to translating the Bible into English led to great conflict with ecclesiastical authorities, resulting in his eventual martyrdom in 1536. Tyndale’s translations were integral as they were among the first to directly translate from Hebrew and Greek texts, making them more accurate than previous versions.

The Legacy of the Matthew's Bible

The Role of Miles Coverdale in the Matthew's Bible

Miles Coverdale, another critical figure, played a significant role in shaping the English Bible with his earlier Coverdale Bible. However, in creating the Matthew's Bible, he incorporated Tyndale's work along with his translations and interpretations, making it accessible to the English-speaking populace while also resisting censorship from the church.

The Impact of the Matthew's Bible on English Christianity

The publication of the Matthew's Bible not only made the scriptures available to the masses but also spurred further translation efforts. It emboldened believers and reformers alike to challenge the church's longstanding grip on biblical interpretation. This Bible eventually paved the way for later translations, including the renowned King James Version.

Fun Fact

Interesting Tidbit About the Matthew's Bible

An intriguing fact about the Matthew's Bible is its name, which does not reference either Tyndale or Coverdale directly. Instead, it was named after the fictitious "Matthew" who allegedly compiled the translation, offering a clever way to circumvent censorship and endangerment of its translators.