Learn About the Bible Translation by William Tyndale

Do you appreciate the King James Version of the Bible? If so, you will appreciate the 1537 Matthew Bible: few people know that it formed the base of the KJV. Computer studies show that the KJV kept over 80% of the New Testament Bible translation by William Tyndale as contained in the Matthew Bible. And surprisingly, though Tyndale worked almost 80 years before the KJV, his translation is easier to understand.

Our goal at Baruch House Publishing is to increase people’s awareness of the Matthew Bible. We are also the publishing arm of the New Matthew Bible Project, which is dedicated to gently updating the Matthew Bible for today.

What Is the Matthew Bible Translation?

The 1537 Matthew Bible is the only English Bible sealed with the blood of its authors. The New Testament Bible translation by William Tyndale was his final revision before he was burned at the stake by Roman Catholic authorities in 1536. The Old Testament translation contains the combined work of Tyndale and Myles Coverdale.

A third man, John Rogers, combined Tyndale and Coverdale’s work, added notes and study aids, and published the entire Bible under the pseudonym “Thomas Matthew.” Rogers also died at the hands of hostile religious authorities: he was Queen Mary’s first burning victim in England. One of the charges against him was that he had used the alias Thomas Matthew.

Why Should You Be Interested in This Translation?

The Matthew Bible is little known among Christians today. Even worse, where it is known there are many misconceptions. Unpacking the extent of these misconceptions is quite a task, but our editor Ruth Magnusson Davis does this in her book, The Story of the Matthew Bible.

For one thing, Ruth shows how the method of Bible translation by William Tyndale and Myles Coverdale contributed to the greater clarity of their Scriptures. Their “meaning first” emphasis meant that, as Tyndale once said, even the ploughboy could understand God’s word. John Rogers’ commentaries enhance the value of the Matthew Bible to nourish and inform the Christian faith.

What Resources Are There to Learn About the Matthew Bible Translation?

The Story of the Matthew Bible is a great resource in two parts. Part 1 tells how the Matthew Bible translation by William Tyndale, Myles Coverdale, and John Rogers was made, along with their moving personal stories. Part 2 tracks changes to their work from the Great Bible revision to the Geneva Version, and then right up to modern times.

The October Testament is the New Testament Bible translation by William Tyndale from the Matthew Bible, including John Rogers’ notes, all lightly updated for today. The English language has changed since the 16th century, but Ruth’s gentle editing brings out the meaning. See our different editions, from paperback to deluxe leather, on our shopping page.

You may follow our blog, where Ruth publishes insights into the Matthew Bible translation by William Tyndale and Myles Coverdale, as well as John Rogers’ commentaries.

More information about the New Matthew Bible is available on the project website at www.newmatthewbible.org, including interesting articles and sample scriptures.

See our complete line of books and place orders from our shopping page.