A-Z: General definitions: Vernacular Translations and Paraphrases

Definition

i. Anglo-Saxon. Though no complete Anglo-Saxon version of the Bible remains, portions were translated or paraphrased including Psalms 1-50 and the Four Gospels. Inter-linear glosses were produced and poems on biblical themes composed for a population largely ignorant of Latin.

ii. Middle English. Metrical versions of certain books were made and Richard Rolle produced a prose version of the Psalter. However after 1200 the Church became more cautious about vernacular translations, due to their use by heretical groups. The first complete translation of the Bible into English was made by followers of Wyclif (d. 1384). They were condemned as heretics and although their Bible was not rejected in itself, its use was restricted to those who had obtained a bishop's licence.

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