Why is there a need to translate the Bible into different languages? The answer lies in the fundamental desire for accessibility and understanding. It shows how many people are interested to know God’s words and the truth they hold.
The Bible has journeyed through time and across continents. It has transformed lives by breaking down language barriers and uniting diverse communities in shared beliefs. In this article, we’ll get to know 16 fascinating facts about the history and significance of Bible translation through the ages.
Septuagint
This version of the Bible was completed between the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE. At that time, Jews living in Egypt were becoming increasingly disconnected from their ancestral language. So, a group of scholars, traditionally said to be around 70, worked on this monumental project to cater to the Greek-speaking Jews living in Egypt. This is where the term “Septuagint” was derived, meaning “seventy” in Latin, referring to the group of scholars. Many early Christians used this translation, which included prophetic texts that foreshadowed Jesus Christ.
Targums
The Targums are Aramaic translations of the Hebrew Scriptures. They emerged around the 1st century CE. This was during a time when many Jews were becoming more familiar with Aramaic than Hebrew. Essentially, the term “Targum” itself means “translation.” More than being mere translations, the Targums are also infused with cultural context. This is why the Jewish people held this version of the Bible in high regard at the time.
St. Jerome’s Translation
In the late 4th century CE, the church recognized that the existing Latin translations of the Bible contained several inaccuracies. To address this issue, Pope Damasus I commissioned St. Jerome to produce a standardized Latin version of the Scriptures. St. Jerome undertook the task of translating the Hebrew Scriptures directly into Latin but also consulted the Greek Septuagint for certain books. His translation became the foundation for future Latin versions.
The Cornerstone of Western Christianity
St. Jerome’s Bible translation of the Bible, more commonly known as the Latin Vulgate, became the standard Bible for the Catholic Church for over a millennium. It became a foundational text for many later translations. Even today, it is still recognized as one of the most significant translations in Biblical history.
John Wycliffe
John Wycliffe, or the “Morning Star of the Reformation,” was a theologian and scholar from 14th-century England. He is well-known for his work in translating the Bible into English. At that time, the Scriptures were mainly available in Latin. Wycliffe believed that everyone should have access to the Bible in their own language. However, his translation work faced considerable resistance from the church.
The Wycliffe Bible vs The Church
Wycliffe’s pioneering efforts sparked strong disapproval from church officials. They saw his work as a challenge to their authority. In retaliation, the church denounced his ideas as heretical.
Following Wycliffe’s death in 1384, opposition from the church only grew stronger. By 1415, the Council of Constance condemned him posthumously, decreeing that his writings should be burned. They even went as far as having his remains exhumed and desecrated.
Despite this severe backlash, Wycliffe’s contributions set the stage for future translations and movements, including the Protestant Reformation. His impact endures, inspiring those who advocate for making Scripture accessible to all and promoting the belief that faith should not be limited to an exclusive group.
William Tyndale
Another significant effort to make the Bible available to English speakers was made by William Tyndale, a scholar and translator from the 16th century. Tyndale was the first to translate the New Testament directly from Greek into English. He also worked on portions of the Old Testament from Hebrew. His groundbreaking translations made the Bible accessible to ordinary people at a time when the church aimed to maintain control over Biblical texts.
Tyndale vs. The Church and The Crown’
Tyndale’s work put him at odds with both the church and the English crown. In 1526, Tyndale’s New Testament was printed and smuggled into England, leading to widespread condemnation. King Henry VIII even declared it illegal. Tragically, Tyndale was arrested in 1535 and executed in 1536 for heresy. However, his legacy remains as a testament to the power of Scripture in the hands of the people.
Miles Coverdale
Coverdale worked closely with Tyndale, but his version also included elements of the Latin Vulgate and German translations of Martin Luther. In 1535, he produced the first complete printed English Bible. It was the first English Bible to be officially authorized for public use by the Church of England. This event marked a significant step towards making the Bible accessible to all believers.
John Rogers
In 1537, Rogers compiled the “Matthew’s Bible.” This work was significant because it was largely based on the translations of William Tyndale and included the Old and New Testaments, making it accessible to a broader audience. Tragically, Rogers’s dedication led to his arrest during the reign of Queen Mary I, who sought to suppress Protestantism. In 1555, he was executed for heresy, becoming a martyr for his faith.
The Geneva Bible
The Geneva Bible, first published in 1560, is recognized as one of the first English Bibles translated from Hebrew and Greek, following earlier work by William Tyndale. It emerged during the Protestant Reformation and quickly became popular among English-speaking Protestants, especially those who fled to Geneva during Queen Mary I’s reign. It was widely used by notable figures, including William Shakespeare and the Pilgrims who settled in America.
King James Version
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is one of the most significant translations in the history of the Bible. King James I of England wanted to produce a version of the Bible that would be accepted by various factions within the church and unify the country. So, he commissioned 47 scholars to create the KJV. While they incorporated the work of earlier translators, including Tyndale, their efforts resulted in a text that would not only serve religious purposes but also influence the English language and literature profoundly.
Answer to Tyndale’s Prayer
Before his execution, Tyndale notably prayed for God to open the eyes of the King of England. Many believe that the release of the King James Bible in 1611 was a fulfillment of that prayer. The KJV heavily relied on Tyndale’s original translation. Its poetic and memorable language left a lasting imprint on English literature. This reflects Tyndale’s profound impact on how Scripture is understood and shared.
Modern Translations
Starting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, translators focused on making ancient texts easier to understand. They wanted to keep the original meanings while using clear, modern language. A key milestone was the release of the New International Version (NIV), which began development in the 1960s and was released in 1978. It became popular because it balanced accuracy and readability.
Digital Age
The rise of technology has made the Bible more accessible than ever. Online platforms and apps allow readers to access multiple translations, commentaries, and study tools instantly.
Modern Efforts
As of now, over 3,000 languages still lack a complete Bible translation. However, portions of the Bible have been translated into many of these languages, reaching even small communities. Thankfully, organizations like the Wycliffe Bible Translators continue to work toward translating the Bible into every language, ensuring accessibility for all.
The Universal Language of the Bible
In a world where communication often divides, the Bible stands as a universal language of faith. It invites everyone to explore its depths, regardless of their background. By continuing to support translations, we ensure that more people can experience its transformative power. Let us embrace the diversity of its languages and celebrate the unity found in its timeless message.
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Vidivir is a dedicated high school teacher and a loving mother of three. With over a decade of experience as a blogger and article writer, she has honed her craft in storytelling. As a devoted church lector and servant of God, she combines her passion for writing with her faith, aiming to inspire others through her words.