Bible Versions Recommended by Reformation Theology
Reformation theology places a high value on the accessibility of Scripture in the vernacular, leading to the production and recommendation of various Bible translations. While no single version is universally mandated, certain translations align more closely with the theological principles emphasized during the Reformation.
One significant translation that emerged from the Reformation era and was embraced by Reformed thinkers is the Geneva Bible. This version, first published in Geneva by English Protestants who had fled persecution, was notable for its extensive marginal notes and illustrations [1]. These annotations often reflected Calvinistic sentiments, which led to some prejudice against it in certain quarters, as noted by Bishop Horsley [1]. John Calvin himself produced commentaries on various books of the Bible, including Genesis and Philippians, which provided detailed expositions of the text [2, 4, 5]. These commentaries, while not translations themselves, demonstrate the Reformers' deep engagement with the biblical text and their commitment to explaining its meaning. The Geneva Bible's notes, therefore, served to disseminate a Reformed understanding of Scripture directly alongside the biblical text.
Later, the King James Version (KJV), also known as the Authorized Version, became a dominant translation in the English-speaking world. While not a product of the initial Reformation exiles, it was developed in a Protestant context and became widely adopted. Even in later centuries, commentators like Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown, whose work reflects a Presbyterian theological perspective, often refer to the Authorized Version in their discussions, sometimes noting textual variations found in older manuscripts or other versions [6, 7]. For instance, in their commentary on 2 Corinthians 3:9, they discuss the reading of "ministration of condemnation" in the KJV compared to other manuscripts [6]. Similarly, in Revelation 1:11, they point out that the phrase "I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; and" is omitted in the oldest manuscripts, indicating an awareness of textual criticism even while using the KJV as their primary reference [7].
The emphasis on the original languages of Scripture was also a hallmark of the Reformation. Reformers like Calvin stressed the importance of understanding the biblical text directly. While translations were crucial for the laity, scholarly engagement often involved consulting the Hebrew and Greek texts. For example, in the context of Eastern Orthodox scholarship, which also engaged with biblical texts, there was a recognition of differences between the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament) and the Hebrew reckoning for Psalms [3]. This highlights a broader scholarly concern for textual accuracy that transcended specific denominational lines, even if the interpretive frameworks differed.
Sources
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 1.11: on account of the rendering of Genesis 3:7 . 11 11 Prejudice has existed in some quarters against this version of the Holy Scriptures, on the ground that its Authors were too deeply imbued with Calvin’s sentiments. Bishop Horsley thus speaks of it: — “This English translation of the Bible, which is indeed upon the whole a very good one, and furnished with very edifying notes and illustrations, (except that in many points they savor too much of Calvinism,) was made and first published at Geneva, by the English Protestants, who fled”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Philippians, Colossians, 1-2 Thessalonians, section 1.12: its containing Calvin’s exposition of a portion of THE NEW TESTAMENT that presents the minutest and most comprehensive view that is to be found in any part of the Sacred Writings, of the rise, progress, and ultimate overthrow of Antichrist. J. P. ELGIN, March 1851. 1 Les Eloges des Hommes Savans .” — Tom. 1, p. 240. 2 “Merits of CALVIN,” pp. 6, 31. 3 Ibid ., pp. 65, 66. 4 CALVIN’S Tracts, vol. 1: 5 “CALVIN and the Swiss Reformation,” p. 350. 6 Dr. Mason of New York 7 Foster’s Essays, (Lond. 1819,) p. 5. 8 “Narrativ”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: sections are numbered throughout: where the division seemed to be inconvenient, the number is given in the margin. In the earlier Homilies a second series of numbers is employed to mark the sections in the translation; this was discontinued as unnecessary, and the Benedictine only retained. In some of the references to the Psalms, where the Septuagint differs much from the Hebrew, the numbers given are those of the Greek. Care will be taken in the Index of Texts to give always the reference to the Psalm and Verse according to the Hebrew reckoning fo”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 28.1: Index of Scripture References Genesis 1:1-6 1:1-31 1:2 1:28 1:29-30 2:1 2:1-25 2:15 2:19 3:1 3:1-24 3:7 3:16 4:1 4:1-26 4:7 5:1 5:1-32 6:1 6:1-22 6:11-16 7:1-24 7:11 8:1-22 9:1 9:1 9:1-29 9:2 9:24 10 10:1 10:1 10:1-32 10:21 11:1 11:1 11:1-32 11:28 12:1 12:1 12:1 12:1-20 12:4 12:4 12:6 13:1 13:1-20 14:1-24 15:1-21 15:7 16:1-16 16:2 16:8 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1 17:1-27 18:1 18:1 18:1-33 18:19 19:1-38 20:1 20:1 20:1-18 21:1-34 21:15 22:1-24 22:18 23:1-20 24:31 25:1 25:13-16 35:7 48:1 Exodus 6:3 12:40 Leviticus 7:18 17:4 18:25 Numbers 6:2”
- CCEL (Reformed) “Calvin, Commentary on Genesis, Vol. 1 (Gen 1-23), section 1.1: Translator’s Preface Several of the Commentaries of Calvin on different portions of the Holy Scripture having been for some time before the public, through the labors of The Calvin Society ; it is not improbable that the readers of the following pages will have already become in a great degree familiar with the writings of this celebrated Reformer. It may, perhaps, therefore be thought an unnecessary, if not a presumptuous undertaking, to preface the present work with any general observations on the character of Calvin’s Expository”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 3:9: ministration of condemnation--the law regarded in the "letter" which "killeth" (Co2 3:6; Rom 7:9-11). The oldest existing manuscript seems to read as English Version. But most of the almost contemporary manuscripts, versions, and Fathers, read, "If to the ministration of condemnation there be glory." the ministration of righteousness--the Gospel, which especially reveals the righteousness of God (Rom 1:17), and imputes righteousness to men through faith in Christ (Rom 3:21-28; Rom 4:3, Rom 4:22-25), and imparts righteousness by the Spirit (Rom ”
- Revelation (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Revelation 1:11: I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; and--The oldest manuscripts, omit all this clause. write in a book--To this book, having such an origin, and to the other books of Holy Scripture, who is there that gives the weight which their importance demands, preferring them to the many books of the world? [BENGEL]. seven churches--As there were many other churches in Proconsular Asia (for example, Miletus, Magnesia, Tralles), besides the seven specified, doubtless the number seven is fixed upon because of its mystical signification, expressing”