Unraveling the Great Bible: A Blend of Latin, Hebrew, and Greek

The Great Bible, commissioned by Henry VIII in 1539, holds a unique place in the history of biblical translations. It is often referred to as a direct translation from Hebrew and Greek, but the reality is far more complex. The Great Bible, as we will explore, emerged from a blend of Tyndale's groundbreaking efforts, Coverdale's modifications, and the influence of Latin translations. It was neither a straightforward translation from the original texts nor a simple rehash of previous English translations. Instead, it represents an intricate interplay of multiple linguistic and theological influences.

Henry VIII's Vision for the English Church

During the reign of King Henry VIII of England, there was a significant shift in religious and political power. Henry, who was previously a devout Catholic, broke away from papal authority, leading to the establishment of the Anglican Church of England. As part of this movement, he sought to provide the English people with the Bible in their own language. Hence, the Great Bible was commissioned as a key document to support his religious reforms.

Tyndale's Initial Contribution

The foundation of the Great Bible was laid by William Tyndale, a brilliant scholar and translator who had a profound impact on the English language and religious literature. Tyndale's translation of the New Testament and parts of the Old Testament was the first to be printed in English and was commissioned by Henry VIII. Tyndale’s translation was notable for its faithfulness to the original Greek and Hebrew texts and its clarity, making it an influential work in its own right.

Coverdale's Completion of the Old Testament and Apocrypha

By 1539, William Tyndale was unfortunately martyred for his beliefs, leading to a gap in the project. Miles Coverdale, a translator and reformer, stepped in to complete the New Testament and the Old Testament (including the Apocrypha) portions of the Great Bible. Coverdale used more traditional Latin translations, such as the Vulgate, and German translations, breathing new life into the text with his mastery of the language.

The Great Bible: A Middle Ground

While the cover page of the Great Bible claims it is based on a translation from the original Hebrew and Greek texts, the reality is more nuanced. The Great Bible is a careful blend of Tyndale’s Tyndale’s meticulous direct translations and Coverdale’s more traditional wording. This results in a document that is neither entirely original nor a mere regurgitation of earlier English translations, but a unique synthesis of both.

Curious Keywords and Influence

The Great Bible reflects a significant crossroads in biblical translation. Some 83 words in the New Testament of the King James Version are traceable to Tyndale’s translation, and 76 words in the Old Testament are also Tyndale’s. These examples illustrate how Tyndale's work laid the groundwork for later English translations, including the King James Version (KJV).

Conclusion: The Great Bible's Legacy

The Great Bible, while not following a strict path from original Hebrew and Greek texts, was a pivotal translation that bridged the gap between Latin and modern English. It stands as a testament to the ongoing evolution of biblical translations and the complex history of religious reform in England. The Great Bible represents more than just a religious text; it is a reflection of the linguistic and theological tensions of the time.