Divine Lexicon

Term

Great Bible

The first authorized English Bible, published in 1539 and commissioned by Henry VIII for public reading in the Church of England.

Filed underChurch History

Definition

Published in 1539 was the first authorized edition of the Bible in English, authorized by King Henry VIII of England to read aloud in the church services of the Church of England. It was prepared by Myles Coverdale working under the commission of Thomas Cromwell, Secretary to Henry VIII and Vicar General.

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Sources

  1. 1.S. (New York: American Bible Society, 1968).Original citation: A. S. Herbert, Historical Catalogue of Printed Editions of the English Bible 1525–1961, London: British and Foreign Bible Society; New York: American Bible Society, 1968.

Last revised August 14, 2026