I read this week that February 2026 marked five hundred years since Protestant Reformer William Tyndale’s translation of the Bible into English. While parts of the Bible had already been translated into Old and Middle English prior to 1526, Tyndale’s New Testament was the first to be translated directly from the original Greek text, rather than the Latin translation. Fellow English reformer Miles Coverdale completed Tyndale’s work by translating the rest of the Old Testament into English as well.

Tyndale’s reward for his astounding achievement was execution. The Catholic church denounced him as a heretic, both for translating the Latin Bible into a common tongue, and for teaching what these Scriptures actually say: salvation comes through faith in Christ alone, not by good works. For these so-called ‘crimes’, Tyndale was strangled, then burned at the stake. His last words before his execution were reported to have been, “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.” Was an English translation of the Bible worth dying a horrible death for? I think Tyndale’s last words answer with a resounding “yes”. For the Bible is not just any book or collection of books – it is the very Word of God Himself. Divinely inspired, without error, and able to change even the most unlikely person forever. People like Tyndale knew that God wants His Word to be understood by everyone, not just scholars and religious leaders who can read ancient languages. The Scriptures make known to us the love, truth and will of God, the pinnacle of which is the good news of forgiveness and eternal life in the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ alone makes us right with God forever, bringing everlasting peace and joy to all who put their faith in Him.

So, five hundred years on from Tyndale’s work, let us give thanks for the sacrifices he made so we can access the Bible today. And may we praise the God who makes Himself known through His matchless Word.