The Geneva Bible is one of the most historically significant translations of the Bible into English, preceding the King James Version by 51 years. It was the primary Bible of 16th century English Protestantism and was used by William Shakespeare, Oliver Cromwell, John Knox, John Donne and others. Because the language of the Geneva Bible was more forceful and vigorous, most readers strongly preferred this version to the Great Bible.

1) Do you have any important comments about The Geneva Bible?
2) So, were there three major bibles back then: The Great Bible, the Geneva Bible, and the King James Bible?

3) If the King James was a toned down version of The Geneva Bible, was The Geneva Bible a better translation?

Thank you.

Dr. Ehrman

They are all variations/editings of the Tyndale Bible. When people go on about the marvels of the language of the KJV, they are often, unknowingly, referring to language minted by Tyndale himself. If you want a full scoop, you mnay want to check out the lecture I gave on teh whole thing some years ago, here:

[11 years ago, 558K views]

Steefen

Thank you.

Ephesians 6:12

King James Bible
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Geneva Bible of 1587
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, and against the worldly gouernours, the princes of the darkenesse of this worlde, against spirituall wickednesses, which are in ye hie places.

Young’s Literal Translation
because we have not the wrestling with blood and flesh, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, with the spiritual things of the evil in the heavenly places;

So, someone was complaining that the KJV did not say we wrestle against “the authorities,” worldly governors [government].

Well isn’t that the same as principality (a state ruled by a prince)?
No.
Supposedly, in traditional Christian angelology, principality is the third highest order of the ninefold celestial hierarchy; and, power is the fourth highest.

Highest orders
Seraphim
Cherubim
Ophanim (thrones)

Middle orders
Dominions
Virtues
Powers

Lowest orders
Principalities
Archangels
Angels

= = =

In Judaism, Bene Elohim, Sons of God, are only ranked 8th out of 10 [Mishneh Torah by Maimonides].

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Paul calling Jesus an angel, but of what rank?