Canon and the Ancient Christian Bible — Ancient Translations

Ulfilas Translates the Bible into Gothic

c. AD 350
A Visit With Jesus

Ulfilas created a Gothic alphabet and translated much of the Bible for the Gothic people.

Full Account

The Gothic translation was made largely from Greek and served Germanic-speaking Christians beyond the empire's older cultural centers. Surviving portions are preserved chiefly in later manuscripts, especially the richly produced Codex Argenteus.

Ancient reports say that Kings was omitted to avoid encouraging a warlike people, though the claim cannot be independently verified.

Historical Significance

The Gothic Bible is an early landmark in missionary translation and a foundational monument of a Germanic language.

People, Places and Sources