500 years ago, the first New Testament in English was published – and stirred up a hornet’s nest

William Tyndale’s translation, published in 1526, was based on a then-radical idea: Anyone should be able to read the Bible in their own language.

By: Michael Bruening, Missouri University of Science and Technology, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 30, 2026

Words: 1,181

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 2 days ago

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By Michael Bruening, Missouri University of Science and Technology

In 1526, books appeared in England that no one had seen before: printed New Testaments in the English language. The public snapped them up. For the first time, people read now-common phrases such as “the powers that be” and “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” But religious authorities condemned the English Bible and burned the copies they could find.

Today, 500 years …

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