The In-"Famous" Bible Misprints

During the 16th to 18th centuries, Bible printing faced numerous errors, from minor typos to significant omissions that altered meanings. Known as Bible errata, these mistakes arose from manual typesetting and inconsistent spelling and grammar. Printers often faced financial penalties for errors, as seen in the Wicked Bible and the Fools Bible cases. Serious mistakes could result in the revocation of printing licenses, exemplified by Barker and Lucas. Misprinted Bibles, particularly those considered heretical, were frequently recalled and destroyed, damaging the reputations of printers, such as in the case of the "Baskett-ful of Errors" nickname for the Vinegar Bible printed by Thomas Baskett in 1717.

1534 - “Cleansed Outside” Bible

William Tyndale's New Testament, published in 1534, features a notable misprint in Matthew 23:26, stating, "Thou blind Pharisee, cleanse first, the outside of the cup and platter, that the inside of them may be clean also." Tyndale addressed this error in his note "W. T. To the Reader," highlighting that the printer had mistakenly inverted "outside" and "inside." Tyndale's translations faced significant opposition during a time when religious reform was gaining momentum, ultimately leading to his execution for heresy in 1536.

1551 - “Bugges” Bible

 The Matthew's Bible of 1551 features a peculiar translation in Psalm 91:5: "So that thou shalt not need to be afrayed for any bugges at night," deviating from the more commonly accepted "for the terror by night." This edition illustrates the challenges of translation and the evolution of language during the period.

1551 - “Wife Beater” Bible

In 1551, Taverner’s Bible included a marginal note at 1 Peter 3:7 that read, “And if she be not obediente and healpful unto hym, endevoureth to beate the fere of God into her heade, that thereby she may be compelled to learne her dutye and do it.” This wording drew criticism for its implications regarding domestic violence. The historical context highlights the societal norms of the time, which often reflected patriarchal views.

1560 - “Breeches” Bible

The Geneva Bible of 1560 refers to Adam and Eve making themselves “breeches” instead of the more traditional “aprons” in Genesis 3:7. This edition reflects the evolving language of the time, showcasing how translations adapted to contemporary vernacular.

1562 - “Place-Makers” Bible

In a 1562 Geneva Bible, Matthew 5:9 incorrectly states, “Blessed are the place-makers” instead of “peace-makers.” This misprint highlights the linguistic shifts occurring during the Reformation.

1598 - “Jesus Church” Bible

A Geneva Bible from 1598 misstates 1 John 5:20 as “in his son Jesus Church” instead of “Jesus Christ.” This error exemplifies the variations in translation practices of the time.

1600s - “Fool” Bible

During the reign of Charles I, a Bible edition printed with a significant error in Psalm 14:1 stated, “The fool hath said in his heart, there is a God” instead of “no God.” This period was marked by religious turmoil and scrutiny over biblical texts.

1605 - “Third River” Bible

The Geneva Bible of 1605 inaccurately reads Genesis 2:13 as “the third river is Gihon” instead of “the second river.” This misprint reflects the complexities of biblical geography and translation.

1608 - “Judas” Bible

In 1608, a Geneva Bible erroneously stated, “Then said Judas” instead of “Jesus” in John 6:67. This error reflects the challenges of maintaining accuracy in translation.

1609 - “Rosin” Bible

A Douay Version from 1609 misquoted Jeremiah 8:22 as “Is there no rosin in Galaad?” instead of “no balm.” The translation issues during this time period often led to public debate.

1611 - “He” King James Bible

The first issue of the King James Version (KJV) published in 1611 contains an error in Ruth 3:15, stating, “and he went into the city” instead of “she went into the city.” This edition is significant as it marked a turning point in English translations of the Bible.

1611 - Second Issue of the King James Bible

The second issue of the KJV corrected the error in Ruth 3:15. This edition reflects the ongoing efforts to refine and improve biblical translations.

1611 - “Basketball” Bible

In Exodus 38:11, the KJV mistakenly states “the hoopes of the pillars” instead of “hookes.” This error is an example of the typographical challenges faced by early printers.

1612 - “Pilate’s Tile” Bible

 In John 19:19, a KJV edition incorrectly states “And Pilate wrote a tile” instead of “title.” This error highlights the challenges of maintaining accuracy in biblical texts.

1612 - “Printers” Bible

A KJV edition from 1612 reads Psalm 119:161 as “Printers” instead of “Princes.” This misprint demonstrates the potential for confusion in early printing practices.

1613 - “Praise” Bible

A KJV Bible from 1613 misstates 1 Corinthians 11:17 as “I praise you” instead of “I praise you not.” This reflects the nuances of translation that can significantly alter meaning.

1613 - “Judas” Bible

An early KJV edition incorrectly reads Matthew 26:36 as “Then cometh Judas with them” instead of “Jesus with them.” This misprint showcases the potential for misinterpretation in biblical texts.

1631 - “Wicked” Bible

The KJV edition of 1631 famously omitted the word “not” in the seventh commandment at Exodus 20:14, resulting in “Thou shalt not commit adultery” becoming “Thou shalt commit adultery.” This edition is often noted for its significant impact on the perception of biblical accuracy.

1632 - “No Blame” Bible

In Jeremiah 8:22, a KJV edition states, “Is there no blame in Gilead” instead of “no balm.” This misprint illustrates the challenges of translation fidelity.

1637 - “Religious” Bible

A KJV Bible from 1637 incorrectly states at Jeremiah 4:17, “she hath been religious against me” instead of “rebellious.” This error reflects the evolving language and interpretation of biblical texts.

1638 - “Forgotten Sins” Bible

This KJV edition misreads Luke 7:47 as “Her sins which were many are forgotten” instead of “forgiven.” This highlights the importance of precise language in biblical interpretation.

1638 - “Vexing Wives” Bible

In Numbers 25:18, a KJV Bible states “for they vex you with their wives” instead of “with their wiles.” This misprint illustrates the potential for confusion in translation.

1640 - “Subtle Servant” Bible

The KJV edition from 1640 incorrectly states Genesis 3:1 as “Now the servant was more subtil” instead of “the serpent.” This error reflects the translation challenges of the time.

1641 - “More Sea” Bible

In Revelation 21:1, the KJV omits the word “no,” making it read “And there was more sea.” This misprint exemplifies the difficulties in maintaining textual integrity.

1648 - “Flesh Killer” Bible

This KJV edition misstates Psalm 105:29 as “slew their flesh” instead of “fish.” This error illustrates the potential for misinterpretation in biblical texts.

1653 - “Unrighteous” or “Field’s” Bible

Printed by John Field, this KJV Bible contains multiple errors, including 1 Corinthians 6:9 reading “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall inherit the kingdom of God?” without “not.” Other errors include omissions in Matthew 6:24 and Romans 6:13. This edition reflects the ongoing challenges of translation accuracy.

1658 - “No Miracle” Bible

A KJV Bible from 1658 incorrectly states “will he do no miracles” in John 7:31 instead of “do more miracles.” This misprint highlights the nuances of language in biblical translation.

1682 - “Cannibals” Bible

In Deuteronomy 24:3, a KJV Bible reads “if the latter husband ate her” instead of “hate her.” This error showcases the potential for confusion in translation and interpretation.

1698 - “Not Servants” Bible

A KJV edition misstates Romans 6:17 as “ye were not the servants of sin” instead of “were the servants.” This misprint reflects the complexities of biblical language and translation.

1711 - “Profit” Bible

An Oxford KJV edition reads Isaiah 57:12 as “I will declare thy righteousness, and thy works: for they shall profit thee,” instead of “not profit thee.” This error emphasizes the importance of accurate translation.

1716 - “Sin On” Bible

The first English Bible printed in Ireland (KJV) contains an error in Jeremiah 31:34, stating “Sin on more” instead of “Sin no more.” This error was discovered after 8,000 copies had been printed and partially distributed, leading to significant embarrassment for the printers.

1717 - “Vinegar” Bible

In a KJV edition, the heading for Luke 20 reads “The Parable of the Vinegar” instead of “Vineyard.” This misprint illustrates the potential for confusion in biblical headings.

1745 - “Avenging Obedience” Bible

William Whiston’s translation includes an error in 2 Corinthians 10:6, stating, “And having readiness to avenge all obedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.” The first “obedience” should be “disobedience.” This error highlights the importance of precision in biblical language.

1747 - “Sting” Bible

A KJV edition at Mark 7:35 reads, “the sting of his tongue was loosed” instead of “the string.” This misprint exemplifies the potential for misinterpretation in biblical texts.

1792 - “Denial” Bible

An Oxford edition of the KJV misstates Luke 22:34 as “Philip” instead of “Peter” denying Jesus. This error reflects the ongoing challenges of maintaining accuracy in biblical translations.

1795 - “Child Killer” Bible

In the KJV, Mark 7:27 reads “Let the children first be killed” instead of “be filled.” This misprint serves as a reminder of the importance of careful translation in conveying the intended message.

See all