A Changed Bible: NIV 2011/WYC 1382

We have in our world today a changed bible. This page webpage is devoted to understanding the scriptural modifications that have emerged. John Wycliffe (c. 1330-1384), an English theologian and early reformer, profoundly impacted Christianity by translating the Bible into English, known as the Wycliffe Bible. Often called the “Morning Star of the Reformation,” Wycliffe challenged the ecclesiastical order, believing every Christian should access the scriptures in their native language for a more personal relationship with God.

Wycliffe's 1382 translation was the first complete Bible in Middle English, breaking the Latin monopoly that restricted access to the educated elite. This pivotal work opened the scriptures to a broader audience and laid the groundwork for future reformers.

Despite facing opposition, particularly after the Council of Oxford condemned his translations in 1408, Wycliffe’s legacy endured. His followers, the Lollards, ensured the translation remained faithful to the Latin Vulgate, influencing religious thought and spreading Reformation ideas.

In comparing the NIV 2011 and Wycliffe 1382 translations. we can see how language and interpretations have shaped our understanding. These differences highlight how translations have led us the "dissention" mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2.

2 Thessalonians 2:3 [That] No man deceive you in any manner. For but dissension come first, and the man of sin be showed, the son of perdition, WYC 1382

Dissension, by definition, means a disagreement that leads to discord. Discord, in turn, implies a lack of harmony among people. With 45,000 Christian denominations, each with a different doctrine, we indeed have dissension. We are the FALLEN ONES!

Ultimately, these translations reveal the ongoing struggle between knowledge and obscurity, as the Man of Sin—the Viper—seeks to conceal God's Word from the world. By examining these texts, we gain insight into the transformative power of scripture and the necessity of accessible truth for all believers.

In the text, I will use red lettering to highlight alterations. Some changes may be more evident than others, as the underlying meanings may not always be clear.

These nuances will be explored throughout my blog postings found in Genesis through Revelation.