A Remarkable Encounter with History: The Wycliffe Bible
Join me as I recount our extraordinary visit to view the historic Wycliffe Bible and reflect on its profound impact on making scripture accessible.
Kenneth and I recently had the privilege of a private viewing of the Wycliffe Bible at the library of Christ Church, in Oxford, England. Kenneth, who has served on the board of Wycliffe Bible Translators UK for 35 years, travels from Scotland to Oxford quarterly for board meetings.
The Wycliffe Bible, named in honor of John Wycliffe who was born in 1324, is actually around 30-40 years younger than its 700-year celebration suggests—but who's counting at this point? At that time, the courts and church services were conducted in Latin, while much of the English aristocracy spoke French. Yet, there was a growing desire among both the king and the common people to have the Bible in their native language.
During the 1300s, books were a rarity, with only about 1% of homes owning one, and literacy was uncommon. The translation of the Bible into English was completed during Wycliffe’s lifetime, a task that ultimately cost him his life. His efforts were pivotal in making the scriptures accessible to the English-speaking populace.
Wycliffe was among a few preachers and scholars who ignited the desire to read and hear the scriptures in English. Although he did not undertake the translation alone, his teachings and sermons inspired others to contribute to this monumental task. His work, along with that of later figures like William Tyndale, set the stage for the Reformation led by Martin Luther in the 1500s.
Originally, 250 copies of the Wycliffe Bible were produced, but today only 20 complete copies remain. Standing before one of these precious volumes, I felt the same awe I experienced decades ago when I saw the U.S. Constitution in Washington, D.C.
Bible translation remains a vital mission in spreading the good news of the Kingdom of God. Currently, scripture has been translated into parts of 3,800 languages, yet there are still a billion people without any portion of the Bible in their native tongue. The work continues, and there is much to be done.
I’d love to hear from you!
Have you ever had an experience that filled you with awe and inspiration?
Share your thoughts and let’s continue the conversation in the comments. And please, feel free to share this post with your friends!