A Passion for the Word

On this day in 1536, William Tyndale was burned at the stake. His crime? Translating the Bible into English.

Tyndale became convinced that every person should be able to read the Bible, and he committed himself to translate the Bible from the original Greek and Hebrew sources. When government officials tried to stop him, he fled to the European continent. There he continued his work, smuggling his books and tracts into England wrapped in bales of wool or cloth or hidden in sacks of flour. Eventually he translated the entire New Testament, as well as parts of the Old Testament.

But in 1535 he was betrayed and imprisoned. Ultimately he was sentenced to death, but even in prison he continued to translate the Old Testament. As he was taken to be executed, Tyndale spoke these last words: “Oh Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.”

Tyndale’s translation revolutionized Christianity and changed the course of history. His New Testament was described by the British Library as “the most important printed book in the English language.” His work was so accurate that much of the King James Version is taken directly from his translation.

Tyndale followed the example left by Ezra, who made sure his listeners understood what they heard. Every time we read the Bible, we can thank God for the work of William Tyndale and remember that the Bible is powerful and can change lives.

Today, dedicate yourself to knowing God’s Word better than ever before and helping others understand it, too.