Bishops bible elizabeth i 1569

History of the English Bible

  • 300

    First Christians arrive in Britain

    First Christians arrive in Britain
  • Jan 1, 700

    Parts of Bible translated into Old English

    Parts of Bible translated into Old English
    Parts of the Ten Commandments and Psalms were translated from Latin texts.
  • Jan 1, 1066

    English recieves French Influence, Creates Middle English

    English recieves French Influence, Creates Middle English
    Norman Invasion occurs
  • Period: Jan 1, 1300 to

    Renaissance Era

    Civilization advances and promotes learning
  • Jan 1, 1348

    The Plague hits Europe

    The Plague hits Europe
  • Jan 1, 1440

    Printing Press Invented

    Printing Press Invented
    Allowed for cheap production of books. Now, the masses can own books rather than just the rich.
  • Oct 31, 1517

    Protestant Reformation Begins

    Protestant Reformation Begins
    Attempted to reform the Catholic Church
  • Sep 1, 1539

    Great Bible

    Great Bible
    This was the first "authorized" Bible for public reading. King Henry VIII ordered for one Bible to be placed in every church. Significance: The Great Bible was the first authorized Bible.
  • Jan 1, 1568

    Bishop's Bible

    Bishop's Bible
    A revision of the Great Bible, this was the second "authorized" Bible. The Bishop's Bible never gained much popularity. Significance: The Bishop's Bible was the second authorized Bible and was used as a base for the King James Version.
  • Protestants gain Religious Tolerance in England

    Protestants gain Religious Tolerance in England
  • King James Version

    King James Version
    Commissioned by King James I, the King James Version was translated by about 50 biblical scholars. It would come to be the most popular bible, used both in homes and churches. Significance: The KJV was the most popular Bible and was used in both churches and homes unlike previous versions.
  • Revised Version

    Revised Version
    The Revised Version intended to modernize the language used in the KJV and incorporate recently discovered texts. The Revised Version sold over 3 million copies during its first year released. Significance: The Revised Version updated the KJV and added verses from recently discovered texts.
  • New International Version

    New International Version
    Prepared by thirteen different denominations in five different English-speaking countries, the New International Version was intended to be a more readable version consisting of more common vocabulary. Significance: The NIV was much easier to read and understand than other translations at the time.