Printing and Modern Bibles — Printing and Publishing

Royal and Church-Sponsored Bible Printing

Sixteenth-seventeenth centuries

Churches and governments sponsored or authorized editions intended to bring consistency to public worship and teaching.

Full Account

The Great Bible was authorized for use in English churches, the Bishops Bible followed under episcopal sponsorship, and the King James Bible was commissioned under James I. Catholic authorities likewise sponsored editions and translation projects. Authorization did not eliminate earlier influence: new editions often revised language and consulted predecessors as well as Hebrew, Greek, and Latin sources.

Historical Significance

Authorized editions linked Bible publication with public worship and produced translations of lasting ecclesiastical and cultural influence.

People, Places and Sources

Key people: Henry VIII; Thomas Cranmer; Matthew Parker; James I; translation committees
Key places: London; Oxford; Cambridge; Douai; Rheims
Languages: English, Latin
Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:14-17