First American Bibles: A Historical Overview
The Eliot Indian Bible
One of the most significant milestones in the history of American Bibles is the publication of the Eliot Indian Bible. This was the first complete Bible printed in America and was published in the Algonquin language. The translation was carried out by John Eliot, a Puritan missionary who fled England and arrived in Boston in the early 1630s. Eliot pastored the First Church of Roxbury, located just two miles from Boston, from 1632 until his death in 1690.
John Eliot’s efforts earned him the title of “The Apostle to the Indians” due to his extensive work among Native American communities. His mission was not just to convert but to educate, leading to the creation of a series of pamphlets known as Eliot’s Indian Tracts. These were designed to help Native Americans deepen their Christian faith.
The translation of the Bible into Algonquin was a monumental task that took Eliot eight years to complete. The first New Testament printed in America was released in September 1661, with the complete Eliot Indian Bible following in 1663.
The Aitken Bible
Another pivotal moment in American Bible history was the publication of the Aitken Bible, also known as “The Bible of the American Revolution.” This Bible holds the distinction of being the only Bible printed with congressional approval. It was the first English Bible printed in America, a notable achievement especially considering the context of the American Revolutionary War.
As the American colonies declared their independence, imports of Bibles were severely restricted, creating a shortage. In response to this, Robert Aitken, a Scottish-born Quaker and American patriot, began publishing New Testaments in 1777. He then sought and received congressional approval to print the complete Bible. On September 12, 1782, Congress issued a resolution endorsing Aitken’s work:
“That the United States in Congress assembled highly approve the pious and laudable undertaking of Mr. Aitken, as subservient to the interest of religion, as well as an instance of the progress of arts in this country, and being satisfied from the above report of his care and accuracy in the execution of the work, they recommend this edition of the Bible to the inhabitants of the United States, and hereby authorize him to publish this recommendation in the manner he shall think proper.”
George Washington, a significant supporter of the Aitken Bible, expressed his support by stating that it would have pleased him if Congress had presented a copy of the Aitken Bible to the soldiers who fought for the country’s independence.
Protestant and Catholic Bibles: Key Translations and Editions
Protestant Printed Bibles
The Protestant Bible tradition has seen numerous important translations and revisions over the centuries. Key Protestant Bibles include:
- 1525 Tyndale Bible: The first English translation of the Bible, done by William Tyndale.
- 1535 Coverdale Bible: The first complete Bible printed in English, translated by Miles Coverdale.
- 1537 Matthew’s Bible: A composite translation by John Rogers using Tyndale’s work and Coverdale’s Bible.
- 1539 The Great Bible: Authorized by King Henry VIII, this was the first officially approved English Bible.
- 1560 Geneva Bible: Produced by Protestant exiles in Geneva, it was the first English Bible to be divided into numbered verses.
- 1568 Bishop’s Bible: An attempt by the Church of England to counter the Geneva Bible.
- 1611 King James Version (Authorized Version): Commissioned by King James I, this is one of the most well-known and widely used translations.
- 1881-1885 Revised Version: A revision of the King James Version.
- 1952 Revised Standard Version: An update to the Revised Version.
- 1970 New English Bible: A modern translation based on the best available manuscripts.
- 1973 New International Version: Known for its balance between accuracy and readability.
- 1980 New King James Version: An updated version of the King James Bible.
- 1986 New Revised Standard Version: An update to the Revised Standard Version, reflecting changes in biblical scholarship.
Catholic Printed Bibles
Catholic Bibles have also evolved through several significant translations:
- 1582-1609 Douai-Rheims: The first comprehensive English translation of the Bible from the Latin Vulgate, undertaken by English Catholics.
- 1749-1763 Challoner Revision: A revision of the Douai-Rheims by Bishop Richard Challoner, which became widely used among English-speaking Catholics.
- 1944-1950 Knox Bible: Translated by Ronald Knox from the Vulgate, commissioned by English bishops.
- 1952-1970 New American Bible: A translation from the original languages, adopted for use in the Roman Catholic Liturgy in 1964.
- 1966 Jerusalem Bible: Edited by the Jerusalem Dominicans, this French translation was later translated into English.
- 1965 Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition: A revision of the Revised Standard Version, reflecting Catholic tradition.
- 1966 Revised Standard Version, Catholic Edition: Another Catholic edition of the Revised Standard Version, reflecting broader ecumenical concerns.
Conclusion
The history of American Bibles reflects a rich tapestry of translation, approval, and adaptation. From John Eliot’s pioneering work with Native American communities to the Aitken Bible’s revolutionary significance, these texts not only shaped religious practice but also mirrored the broader historical and cultural shifts in America. The Protestant and Catholic Bibles have each contributed uniquely to the religious and literary heritage of English-speaking communities, offering various translations and revisions that continue to influence modern readers and believers.