Who Translated the Bible from Latin to English?

One of the most significant moments in the history of the English language and Christian scripture was the translation of the Bible from Latin into English. This article explores the role of John Wycliffe, often referred to as the Morning Star of the Reformation, and the impact of his work on later translations and the English language.

The Role of Saint Jerome

It is important to establish that the first complete compilation and translation of the Bible into Latin was done by Saint Jerome between 350 and 405 AD. He gathered all the books of the Bible, translating them from Hebrew and parts of Greek into the Latin Vulgate. This was a monumental effort because it provided for the first time a unified and standardized version of the Bible accessible to a broader Christian audience.

Challenges in Early Christian Literature

Before Saint Jerome's work, the Bible existed primarily in the form of scrolls, each containing individual books. This made owning a complete copy of the Bible with all its books intact almost impossible for the average Christian. Saint Jerome's translation standardized the text, making it more accessible and easier to understand for the general populace.

Later Translations and Variations

Following Saint Jerome's Latin Vulgate, efforts to translate the Bible into other languages continued. The Douay-Rheims version, for instance, is a later translation from the Latin Vulgate, involving several contributors like Fr. Gregory Martin and Thomas Worthington, among others. However, it is John Wycliffe who most directly influenced the transition from Latin to English.

The Impact of John Wycliffe

John Wycliffe, also known as Wycliff, Wycliffe's, or Wicliff, is credited with the first complete translation of the Bible from Latin to English. His work, completed between 1382 and 1395, was revolutionary for several reasons. Before the invention of the printing press, each Bible was handwritten, making ownership and distribution extremely difficult. Wycliffe's translation aimed to make the Bible accessible to the common people, leading to a surge in literacy and religious study among the English-speaking population.

Wycliffe's Bible was significant not only for its content but also for its style. It was written in a simpler, more conversational language, which was a departure from the archaic Latin of the Vulgate. This made the text more relatable and easier to understand, paving the way for future English translations.

The Role of Printing

Wycliffe's impact on the English language and literature cannot be overstated. The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century allowed for the mass production and distribution of his translation. This helped spread his work beyond the elite and contributed significantly to the development of the English language. The printing of the Bible, starting with Wycliffe's version, played a crucial role in shaping the literary landscape of England.

Legacy of John Wycliffe

Wycliffe's translated Bible was not without controversy. His work was banned and ultimately burned, but his legacy lived on. He is often considered the Morning Star of the Reformation, as his teachings and translations influenced later reformers such as Martin Luther and William Tyndale. His efforts to make the Bible accessible in the common language of the people ultimately paved the way for the Protestant Reformation and the development of the English language.

Conclusion

John Wycliffe's translation of the Bible from Latin to English was a pivotal moment in Christian history. It marked the beginning of a greater engagement with scripture by the laypeople and played a crucial role in the spread of the English language. While earlier translations like the Latin Vulgate were essential, it was Wycliffe's translation that made the Bible accessible to the masses, significantly influencing both religious and linguistic developments.