It takes practice, but it is not difficult to learn how to read Early Modern English. These ten tips cover common features of Early Modern texts that might cause difficulty for new readers. For example, a line over a vowel means an M or N has been dropped (frō = from and mā = man). Also the one-E rule: the = thee, se = see, fre = free.
In his very insightful “Treatise on Death” Myles Coverdale discussed the four kinds of death and life mentioned in the Scriptures, including the natural, the eternal, the terrible, and the blessed. For the Christian, there are different kinds of blessed deaths.
Traditionally, Psalm 23 was understood to teach not only about God as our great shepherd, but also about his word, which is the table set before us in the presence of our enemies. God’s word is our spiritual food and drink, anointing oil, etc. But since the new translation and teaching of the Geneva Bible, God’s word has been forgotten.
A brief review of Luther’s concerns and warnings in his 1543 book, “On the Jews and Their Lies.” What he said, and why. He deserves a thoughtful defence against the charge that he was antisemitic.
It is almost Easter, and time for the remembrance of how our Lord was offered up upon the cross for us. Here we examine how differently the Matthew and Geneva Bibles taught about the Lord’s work on the cross in two important New Testament verses: 2 Corinthians 5:21 and Romans 8:3. The difference arose in part from the Geneva re-interpretation of Paul’s mysterious saying, “Christ was made sin for us.”
A short, simple study that shows why we should keep “unto” in the Bible. This little word conveys spiritual meaning that is unique to Christian doctrine and is instructive for the faith. It takes more than doctrine, more than mere head knowledge, to make a true Christian.
William Tyndale warned his readers that Antichrist is not a future mystery man, but a spiritual thing. We must be alert to him now, or we will fail to identify him. See what he wrote, in his own words.
Myles Coverdale published “Fruitful Lessons” c 1540. Here is his lesson about the giving of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost: why it happened when it did (the 50th day), where it did, and more.
Among 16th century Protestants, Calvin’s insistence on preaching about predestination was controversial. See why Luther, Tyndale, and even some Reformed Swiss churches disagreed with Geneva practice, and how the case of Jerome Bolsec brought matters to a head.
In Genesis18 the Lord warned Abraham about the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Tyndale’s translation makes the meaning come alive, but first we must understand his obsolete English!
