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William Tyndale Bible — Reading Comprehension

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This world history reading passage explores the life and legacy of William Tyndale, a key figure of the Renaissance who risked his life to translate the Bible into English. Students will examine Tyndale's motivations, the dangers he faced, his execution for heresy, and his lasting influence on the English language and religious thought. The text addresses change over time, cause-and-effect relationships, and social context, providing multiple perspectives and primary source references. Activities include a glossary, reading assessment, writing prompts, graphic organizers, and timeline. Spanish translation and read aloud audio support diverse learners. The passage aligns to CA HSS 7.8 and CCSS RH.6-8.2 standards, making it ideal for history classrooms seeking rigorous, engaging content.

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Portrait of William Tyndale — A portrait of William Tyndale (c.1494-1536) who translated the Bible from the original Hebrew and Greek into English. Wikimedia Commons

William Tyndale was an English scholar during the Renaissance, a period of cultural and intellectual growth across Europe in the 1400s and 1500s. In the early 16th century, most people in England could not read the Bible in their own language. The official Bibles were written in Latin, a language only the educated elite and clergy understood. Tyndale believed that every ordinary person should be able to read and understand the Bible without relying on priests or scholars for interpretation.

In 1524, Tyndale traveled from England to the city of Worms in Germany. He wanted to escape the strict English laws that banned translating the Bible into English. At that time, the Catholic Church controlled religious texts and saw unauthorized Bible translations as a threat to its authority. Tyndale used the latest advances in printing press technology to produce thousands of English New Testaments. He based his translation on original Hebrew and Greek texts, not just the Latin version. This dedication to accuracy made his work revolutionary.

Tyndale’s translation quickly spread through England, often smuggled in bales of cloth. English authorities saw his work as dangerous. In 1535, Tyndale was arrested near Brussels, accused of heresy—the crime of holding beliefs that challenged the official church. He was imprisoned for over a year and then executed in 1536. According to a letter from prison, Tyndale asked for a warmer cap and a Hebrew Bible, showing his dedication even in captivity. His final words reportedly were, “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” The king soon allowed English Bibles, though not without restrictions.

Tyndale’s translation had a huge impact on English society and language. Many phrases he created, like “let there be light,” remain in modern English. About 80% of his text was used in the later King James Bible of 1611. His work helped ordinary people read and interpret religious texts themselves, weakening church control and encouraging new ideas during the Reformation. Despite being condemned by leaders, Tyndale’s Bible paved the way for religious freedom and literacy in England.

The story of William Tyndale connects to broader themes in world history, including the spread of new ideas, the power of technology like the printing press, and struggles for religious and individual rights.

Interesting Fact: Tyndale’s Bible was the first printed English New Testament, and copies were so rare that only three of the original 1526 editions are known to survive today.

Who was William Tyndale?

English Bible translatorKing of EnglandGerman printerSpanish explorer

What did Tyndale translate?

The BibleA science bookA law codeA history novel

Where was Tyndale arrested?

Near BrusselsLondonRomeWorms

Why did Tyndale leave England?

Escape strict lawsVisit familyStudy LatinBecome a king

How did the printing press help Tyndale?

Mass produced BiblesBuilt churchesTaught LatinHid Bibles

What was the effect of Tyndale’s work?

More people read the BibleChurch grew strongerNo change at allLatin replaced English