One of the most famous and tragic figures in the history of Bible translation is William Tyndale (c. 1494–1536). Tyndale was the first to translate substantial parts of the Bible into English from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. His work laid the foundation for many subsequent English Bible versions, including the King James Bible.

Tyndale’s translation efforts were met with fierce resistance from both the Catholic Church and the English monarchy, who feared that an English Bible would empower the laity to question Church doctrines and authority. In 1535, Tyndale was arrested in Antwerp, betrayed by a friend, and imprisoned for over a year.

Despite pleas for mercy, he was convicted of heresy and executed by strangulation in 1536, followed by the burning of his body at the stake. His death was a profound blow to the Protestant Reformation but also served to galvanize supporters. Tyndale’s courage and sacrifice became a symbol of the struggle for religious freedom and the right to access the scriptures.

The Perils of Translation Across Europe

Similar stories of persecution and murder accompanied Bible translation efforts across Europe during the Reformation and Counter-Reformation.

• Michael Servetus (1511–1553): A Spanish theologian and physician, Servetus opposed the doctrine of the Trinity and translated the Bible into various languages. His theological views led to his arrest in Geneva. He was burned at the stake in 1553, becoming one of the most notable victims of religious intolerance.
   

• Jan Hus (c. 1369–1415): Though primarily known for his reformist preaching and writings, Hus also supported the translation of the Bible into Czech. He was condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake in 1415 during the Council of Constance.
   

• Peter Waldo (c. 1140–1218): Founder of the Waldensians, Waldo advocated for laypeople’s access to the scriptures in their own language. His followers were persecuted, and many were killed in crusades against heretical groups. shutdown123