The phrase “great bible” most often refers to the Great Bible, the first English Bible authorized for public reading in English churches, printed in 1539 under King Henry VIII. Today the phrase is also used by readers searching for a strong, reliable Bible translation in general. This page explains the historic Great Bible, how it compares with modern translations, and which kind of reader each approach suits.
Background
The Great Bible takes its name from its large page size, a folio volume chained to the lectern in parish churches so that anyone could read it. Miles Coverdale oversaw the work, building on William Tyndale’s earlier New Testament and on the translation of Thomas Matthew, whose text was itself drawn largely from Tyndale. The book was revised several times in the years that followed, and it became the church’s official English Bible under Henry VIII and then Edward VI.
Modern readers meet the name in different settings. Some seek the historic edition for its place in English religious life. Others search for a contemporary translation and use the phrase loosely. Knowing which of these you mean will help you choose well, because the two sit in very different places on the spectrum of translation style.
Translation Method
Translations are usually placed on a spectrum between word-for-word and thought-for-thought approaches. The Great Bible leans toward the older, more literal end, following the wording of Hebrew and Greek closely while also aiming for a readable English cadence. Its sentences often feel formal and rhythmic, which is part of why many of its phrases entered everyday English speech.
Modern translations make different trade-offs. A thought-for-thought version restates the meaning of each sentence in contemporary English, which usually reads smoothly and quickly. A more literal modern version keeps closer to the original word order, which can feel less immediate but gives readers a clearer sense of how the original text is built. Neither approach is simply better; each answers a different question about what a translation should do.
Reading Level and Style
Reading the Great Bible today takes some patience. Older English verb forms and sentence patterns can slow a reader who is used to contemporary prose, and some words have shifted in meaning since the sixteenth century. Many readers find that the rhythm becomes familiar after a few chapters, and the language rewards slow reading in a way that quick reading does not.
Contemporary translations are generally written to be read at a comfortable pace by ordinary adults and by younger readers. They are a common choice for daily devotions, group study and first readings of Scripture. If you want the historic cadence without the archaic vocabulary, you may find a modern edition that keeps some of the older phrasing while updating difficult words.
A Verse to Compare
Psalm 23:1
The LORD is my shepherd: I shall lack nothing.
(WEB)
Across translations, this opening line of the psalm is handled in two broad ways. Some versions keep the older sentence structure and the familiar word choices, which gives the verse a stately, almost liturgical sound. Modern versions often rephrase the same idea in plainer, more direct English, so the pastoral image of a shepherd and his care comes through without extra formality. The core meaning is shared across the translations, and the difference lies mainly in tone and rhythm.
Who Should Use It
The historic Great Bible suits readers interested in the history of English Scripture, church historians, and anyone who wants to see how the language of the English Bible developed. Its strength is its place in that story and its distinctive voice. Its limits are the archaic vocabulary and sentence patterns, which can make it hard going for a first reading.
For daily reading, personal study, or a first introduction to the Bible, a modern translation is usually the more practical choice. Pick a translation that matches your goal: a literal version if you want to study word choices closely, or a thought-for-thought version if you want smooth reading. Many believers keep two translations on hand, using one for reading and the other for comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Great Bible?
The Great Bible was the first English Bible authorized for public reading in English churches, printed in 1539. It was revised several times and remained influential until the later sixteenth century. Its name comes from its large folio size.
Is the Great Bible still used today?
It is studied mainly for historical and literary reasons, and some scholars and enthusiasts still read it. Most churches and individual readers today use modern translations for regular reading. Reprints and facsimile editions make it available to those who want to explore it.
How do I choose between a literal and a thought-for-thought translation?
Choose a literal translation if you want to study the original wording closely. Choose a thought-for-thought translation if you want a smooth, easy reading experience. Many readers use one of each to get both benefits.
