Great Bible
Introduction
The Great Bible, also known as the "Cromwell Bible" or the "Chained Bible," is a historically significant edition of the Bible in English. Commissioned by Thomas Cromwell, the chief minister to King Henry VIII, it was first published in 1539. This Bible holds a unique place in the history of English translations of the Bible due to its role in the English Reformation and its influence on subsequent translations.
Historical Context
The Great Bible emerged during a period of religious upheaval in England, known as the English Reformation. This era was marked by the Church of England's break from the Roman Catholic Church, initiated by King Henry VIII's desire to annul his marriage to Catherine of Aragon. The Reformation led to the establishment of the Church of England, with the monarch as its supreme head.
The need for an English Bible became apparent as the Reformation progressed. Prior to the Great Bible, English translations were largely unauthorized and often suppressed. The most notable of these was William Tyndale's translation, which was banned, and Tyndale himself was executed for heresy. However, Tyndale's work laid the foundation for future translations, including the Great Bible.
Commissioning and Production
Thomas Cromwell, a key figure in the English Reformation, recognized the necessity of an authorized English Bible for the newly established Church of England. In 1538, he commissioned Miles Coverdale, an English scholar and translator, to produce a new translation. Coverdale, who had previously worked on the Coverdale Bible, was tasked with revising existing translations, including Tyndale's work, to create a version suitable for public reading in churches.
The Great Bible was printed in Paris by Richard Grafton and Edward Whitchurch, as the printing facilities there were superior to those in England. However, due to political and religious tensions, the printing was moved to London, where the first edition was completed in April 1539.
Features and Characteristics
The Great Bible is notable for its large size, designed to be read aloud in churches. It was the first English Bible authorized for public use, and copies were often chained to church lecterns to prevent theft, earning it the nickname "Chained Bible."
The translation was primarily based on Tyndale's work, with revisions by Coverdale. It included the Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha. The title page, designed by Hans Holbein the Younger, depicted King Henry VIII distributing the Bible to his subjects, symbolizing the monarch's authority over the Church.
Impact and Legacy
The Great Bible played a crucial role in making the scriptures accessible to the English-speaking public. Its use in churches helped to standardize religious practices and teachings across England. The translation influenced later versions, including the Geneva Bible and the King James Version, which drew heavily from its text.
Despite its significance, the Great Bible was eventually supplanted by these later translations, which offered more accurate and comprehensive renderings of the scriptures. However, its impact on English religious and cultural life was profound, contributing to the spread of Protestantism and the development of English as a language of religious discourse.
Criticisms and Challenges
The Great Bible faced criticism from both Catholic and Protestant factions. Catholics opposed its use due to its break from the Latin Vulgate, the traditional Bible of the Catholic Church. Some Protestants, particularly those influenced by Calvinist theology, found its translation lacking in certain doctrinal areas.
Moreover, the translation process itself was fraught with challenges. The political climate of the time made it difficult to produce a Bible that satisfied all parties. The reliance on Tyndale's translation, while necessary, also brought scrutiny, as Tyndale's works were still considered heretical by many.
Conclusion
The Great Bible remains a landmark in the history of English Bible translations. Its commissioning and production were pivotal in the religious transformation of England during the Reformation. While it was eventually overshadowed by later translations, its role in shaping English religious life and language is undeniable.