The First Bible Without the Apocrypha: Its Publication and Historical Context

Introduction

The history of the Bible is a rich tapestry of versions, revisions, and interpretations. One significant period in this history is the publication of the first version of the English Bible without the Apocrypha, a question that has perplexed scholars and interested readers alike. This article aims to explore the historical significance of this publication and the individuals involved in its creation.

Historical Context and Early Translations

The journey to the first English Bible without the Apocrypha began much earlier than one might assume. It is essential to delve into the context of early translations and the reception of these texts in order to understand the significance of this publication.

Myles Coverdale, an English printer and theologian, published the first complete Bible printed in English in 1535. However, it was not until Myles Coverdale in 1539 that he made the decision to separate the Apocrypha from the Old Testament and place it as an appendix. This was a significant step in the evolution of the Bible, marking the first time an English Bible had such a clear distinction.

King James Version (KJV) and the Apocrypha

The King James Version (KJV), published in 1611, continued this tradition, though it still included the Apocrypha. This version, commissioned by King James I, was intended to be a unified and authoritative translation of the Bible, yet it retained a significant part of the Apocryphal works. It is important to note that even though the KJV was widely used, it was not the only version available to English-speaking Christians at the time.

Reformation and the Removal of the Apocrypha

The Protestant Reformation played a crucial role in the eventual removal of the Apocrypha from the Bible. During this period, various religious leaders and scholars advocated for a more literal and accurate translation of the Bible into modern languages. Bishop Wilberforce's submission to the Upper House of Convocation of the Province of Canterbury in 1870 marked a significant step in this process. His proposal, leading to the revisions of the Authorized Version of the New and Old Testaments in 1881 and 1885, respectively, paved the way for the first English Bible without the Apocrypha.

By the time the revisions were completed, the Apocrypha had been removed from the English Bible, marking a clear distinction between Protestant and Catholic traditions. This change reflected the broader theological and doctrinal differences between these religious groups. The Protestant rejection of the Apocrypha was rooted in the belief that these works were not divinely inspired and thus not integral to the Christian canon.

Early Manuscripts Omitting the Apocrypha

While the removal of the Apocrypha in the modern English Bible is a relatively recent development, early manuscripts have been found that do not include these works. One of the most notable examples is the Aleppo Codex, a Hebrew scripture dating back to around 900–1000 CE. This manuscript, which is one of the oldest and most complete Hebrew Bibles, does not include the Apocryphal books. This reflects the practice of medieval Jews to exclude these texts from their canon.

In contrast, the Codex Sinaiticus, a famous 4th-century manuscript of the Greek Septuagint and New Testament scriptures, does include many of the Apocryphal books. This shows the diversity of practices among early Christian communities and highlights the varying traditions that have influenced the development of the Bible.

Conclusion

The first Bible without the Apocrypha was a significant product of the Protestant Reformation, reflecting the broader theological debates of the time. Early translations, including those by Myles Coverdale, contributed to the development of this tradition. The removal of the Apocrypha from the English Bible in the late 19th century marked a clear distinction between Protestant and Catholic traditions and reflected the changing attitudes towards Biblical interpretation.

The journey to this point encompasses a rich history of translation, revision, and theological discourse. Understanding this history allows us to appreciate the significance of the first English Bible without the Apocrypha and its ongoing influence on the study and interpretation of the Bible.