Who Is This For?
Best For:
Historical study, medieval English study, understanding Bible translation history.
Not Ideal For:
Practical Bible reading, study, devotional use, those not studying Middle English.
Strengths & Limitations
✓ Strengths of the Wycliffe
- Immense historical importance
- Window into medieval English
- Public domain
- Complete Bible translation
- Foundation of English Bible tradition
✗ Limitations to Consider
- Middle English difficult for moderns
- Based on Vulgate not original languages
- Requires specialized knowledge to read
- Not practical for regular use
Overview
The Wycliffe Bible of 1388 is the Later Version of John Wycliffe's groundbreaking Middle English Bible translation. This revision of the 1382 Early Version provided more readable prose while remaining the first complete Bible translation into English.
Want to read the Wycliffe Bible online? Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, or start reading from Genesis.
Notable Features of the Wycliffe
- First complete English Bible
- Middle English language
- Translated from Latin Vulgate
- Over 250 surviving manuscripts
- Historical landmark
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Wycliffe Bible 1388?
The Wycliffe Bible of 1388 is the Later Version of John Wycliffe's groundbreaking Middle English Bible translation. This revision of the 1382 Early Version provided more readable prose while remaining the first complete Bible translation into English.
How can I read the Wycliffe Bible online?
You can read and search the Wycliffe Bible 1388 online for free at Acts1 Family. Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, chapter, or keyword in the Wycliffe translation.
When was the Wycliffe Bible published?
The Wycliffe Bible 1388 was first published in 1388. It is classified as a Formal Equivalence translation with a College reading level.
Who should use the Wycliffe Bible?
Historical study, medieval English study, understanding Bible translation history.
How does the Wycliffe compare to other Bible translations?
The Wycliffe Bible 1388 (Wycliffe) is a Formal Equivalence translation. Compare it with other versions like the KJV, ASV, or NIV using our Bible comparison tools to find the best translation for your needs.
Read the Wycliffe Online
Search any verse, compare with other translations, or start reading from Genesis.
Start ReadingHistory
Complete History of the Wycliffe Translation
The Wycliffe Bible represents the first complete translation of the Bible into English. John Wycliffe organized the translation project in the 1380s, though he likely did not personally translate much of the text. The Early Version (1382) was extremely literal, following Latin word order closely.
The Later Version of 1388, largely attributed to John Purvey with assistance from Nicholas Hereford, revised the earlier work into more natural English prose. This version appeared four years after Wycliffe's death in 1384.
Thousands of handwritten copies were produced and distributed across England by Wycliffe's followers (called Lollards), despite the translation being condemned by church authorities. Over 250 manuscript copies survive today, making the Wycliffe Bible texts the most prevalent extant Middle English texts of our time.
Translators
Meet the 3 Key Translators and Contributors
John Wycliffe
Project Organizer
English theologian and Oxford professor (c. 1328-1384) who organized the first complete English Bible translation. Called 'the Morning Star of the Reformation.'
John Purvey
Primary Reviser
Wycliffe's secretary who is credited with the 1388 revision that made the translation more readable.
Nicholas Hereford
Translator
Collaborated on the translation project, contributing especially to Old Testament portions.
Textual Basis
Manuscript Sources and Translation Methodology
Translated from the Latin Vulgate, the only text available to the translators.
Reception
Scholarly Praise
"The 1388 revision by John Purvey improved upon the earlier rigid literal translation, producing more idiomatic English that became the preferred version for two centuries."
— Britannica, John Wycliffe (2024) [source]
Scholarly Concerns
Being translated from the Latin Vulgate rather than Hebrew and Greek originals, the Wycliffe versions inherit any errors or interpretive choices present in Jerome's translation.
— Wikipedia, Wycliffe's Bible (2024) [source]
Revision History
View 2 Major Revisions and Updates
- 1382 Early Version produced (highly literal).
- 1388 Later Version (Purvey revision) with improved English.
Compare Translations
See how the Wycliffe compares to other English Bible translations.
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