Printing and Modern Bibles — Bible Translations

The Geneva Bible

AD 1560

English Protestant exiles produced a complete Bible with readable type, verse divisions, maps, tables, and extensive study notes.

Full Account

Prepared in Geneva during the reign of Mary I, the translation drew heavily on Tyndale while revising from Hebrew and Greek sources. Its compact format and explanatory helps suited household study. The Geneva Bible became widely used in England and Scotland and traveled with many early English settlers to North America.

Historical Significance

The Geneva Bible popularized a study-Bible format and directly influenced both English-speaking Protestantism and the King James Version.

People, Places and Sources

Key people: William Whittingham; Anthony Gilby; Thomas Sampson
Key places: Geneva; England; Scotland
Languages: English, Hebrew, Greek
Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6