William Tyndale

He translated the Bible into English, democratizing access to religious texts and shaping the English language

William Tyndale (c. 1494–1536) was an English scholar and theologian whose groundbreaking translation of the Bible into vernacular English fundamentally altered religious, cultural, and linguistic landscapes. At a time when Latin dominated ecclesiastical and scholarly circles, Tyndale's work made scripture accessible to the common people, directly challenging the Catholic Church's monopoly on biblical interpretation. His translation laid the foundation for later English Bibles, including the King James Version, and influenced the development of Modern English.

Tyndale's insistence on 'making the Word of God speak English' was revolutionary. Fleeing persecution, he completed the New Testament in 1526, smuggling copies into England. Authorities burned his Bibles and branded him a heretic. Despite imprisonment and eventual execution in 1536, his translations endured. Linguists credit Tyndale with coining phrases like 'scapegoat' and 'the powers that be,' embedding his legacy into everyday language. Learn more about his impact at the Tyndale Society.

His defiance catalyzed the English Reformation, empowering individuals to interpret faith independently. By prioritizing clarity over tradition, Tyndale's work bridged class divides and fueled literacy. Today, his influence resonates in both religious freedom and linguistic evolution, embodying the power of accessible knowledge to transform society.