October 26 – Miles Coverdale: The First Complete English Bible

While William Tyndale is rightly remembered as the pioneer of English Bible translation, another man ensured that the English people received the first complete printed Bible in their own tongue. That man was Miles Coverdale, a preacher, translator, and faithful servant of Christ. His labor gave the English church a treasure beyond measure—the whole counsel of God in a language they could understand.

Early Life and Influences

Miles Coverdale was born in 1488 in Yorkshire, England. Trained as an Augustinian friar, he was educated in both theology and languages. Like Tyndale, Coverdale became convinced that the Scriptures, not the traditions of the church, were the ultimate authority for faith and practice.

He likely came under Tyndale’s influence in the 1520s, when Tyndale’s English New Testament began to circulate secretly across England. Coverdale absorbed not only Tyndale’s passion for translation but also his commitment to gospel truth.

The First Complete English Bible

Tyndale had translated the New Testament and part of the Old before his arrest and martyrdom in 1536. But it was Miles Coverdale who, in 1535, produced the first complete printed Bible in English.

Coverdale was not as skilled in Greek and Hebrew as Tyndale. Instead, he relied on Tyndale’s translations, the Latin Vulgate, and German translations by Luther. Despite these limitations, his Bible was clear, readable, and deeply influential. For the first time, English-speaking Christians could hold in their hands the entirety of God’s Word.

Theology and Convictions

Coverdale’s work reflected the same convictions that drove the Reformation:

• Sola Scriptura: He believed the Bible was the supreme authority, and he labored to make it accessible.

• Clarity of the Gospel: By giving ordinary people the Scriptures, he ensured they could see the message of salvation in Christ for themselves.

• Worship Shaped by the Word: Coverdale emphasized that Scripture must shape preaching, worship, and personal devotion.

His translation was not merely a linguistic project but a theological one. He wanted God’s people to hear God’s voice directly.

Service Under Shifting Thrones

Coverdale lived during one of the most turbulent times in English history. Under Henry VIII, he enjoyed favor, and his Bible received official approval. He later worked on the Great Bible of 1539, which was authorized for use in churches.

But the tides turned under Mary Tudor, whose Catholic reign brought persecution to Protestants. Coverdale fled into exile, ministering to English congregations in Germany and Denmark. When Elizabeth I took the throne in 1558, Coverdale returned to England and continued to preach until his death in 1569.

A Pastor and Translator

Though best known for his translation work, Coverdale was also a faithful preacher and pastor. He cared deeply for the spiritual health of the people and emphasized the need for regular exposure to Scripture. His pastoral heart is reflected in the prefaces and notes he included in his Bibles, which encouraged readers to approach the Word with humility and faith.

Legacy

Coverdale’s legacy is immense. His Bible laid the groundwork for later English translations, including the Geneva Bible and the King James Bible. Much of his wording and phrasing endured for centuries, shaping not only theology but also the English language itself.

He was also instrumental in ensuring that the Bible was not only translated but also printed, distributed, and used in worship. His work helped move the English Reformation from theory to practice.

Biblical Reflection

Coverdale’s labor reflects the truth of Psalm 119:105:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

By giving the English people a Bible in their own tongue, he provided a lamp for countless believers to walk faithfully with God.

Application for Today

From Coverdale’s life, we learn:

1. Treasure the Whole Counsel of God – Coverdale’s commitment reminds us of the gift of having the full Bible in our language.

2. Stand Firm Amid Change – He lived through the shifting winds of politics and persecution, yet remained faithful to the Word.

3. Use God’s Word in Worship and Life – Coverdale saw Scripture as central to both the gathered church and personal devotion.

Conclusion

Miles Coverdale may not have had the linguistic genius of Tyndale, but God used him to bless the church with the first complete English Bible. His translation work, pastoral heart, and perseverance through turbulent times left an enduring mark on the history of the church. His life reminds us that God’s Word is the greatest treasure a people can possess, and it must remain central to the life of every believer and every church.