Tyndale, William

November 9, 2009

(1494-1536)

16th century priest, theologian and scholar who translated the Bible into an early form of “modern” English. He was the first person to take advantage of Gutenberg’s movable-type press for the purpose of printing the Scriptures in the English language. Although some English translations had been previously made, Tyndale’s was the first English translation to draw directly from Hebrew and Greek texts, and the first to take advantage of the new medium of print, which allowed for a wider distribution. Besides translating the Bible, Tyndale also held and published views which were considered heretical, first by the Catholic Church, and later by the Church of England which was established by Henry VIII. His Bible translation also included notes and commentary promoting these views. Tyndale’s translation was banned by the authorities, and Tyndale himself was burned at the stake in 1536.

For more on Tyndale, visit a site devoted to him (here).

Posted in T