The Sinners’ Bible: A Historical Curiosity
The Bible, a sacred text for millions around the world, has a rich history filled with fascinating stories and unique occurrences. One such intriguing event is the creation of the “Sinners’ Bible” in 1631. This edition of the Bible contained a significant typo that led to its infamous name and a place in history.
The Infamous Typo
In 1631, a London publishing company, Robert Barker and Martin Lucas, printed an edition of the King James Bible. Due to a printing error, the word “not” was omitted from the Seventh Commandment in Exodus 20:14, which then read, “Thou shalt commit adultery.” This mistake drastically altered the meaning of the commandment and caused quite a scandal.
The Consequences
The error was discovered a year later, and King Charles I ordered all copies of the Bible to be destroyed. The publishers were fined £300, a substantial amount at the time, and lost their printing license. Despite the efforts to recall and destroy the copies, a few survived. Today, only nine copies of the “Sinners’ Bible” are known to exist, making it a rare and valuable collector’s item.
Biblical Context
To understand the gravity of this typo, let’s look at the original scripture and its intended message:
Exodus 20:14 (KJV): “Thou shalt not commit adultery.”
Exodus 20:1-17 (KJV): This passage contains the full text of the Ten Commandments, which are fundamental laws given by God to Moses on Mount Sinai.
The Ten Commandments are central to Christian and Jewish ethics and morality. The Seventh Commandment, in particular, emphasizes the importance of marital fidelity and the sanctity of marriage.
Reflections on Human Error
The “Sinners’ Bible” serves as a reminder of the fallibility of humans, even in the process of transmitting sacred texts. It highlights the importance of diligence and accuracy in preserving religious scriptures. Despite the error, the Bible’s core messages of love, faith, and morality remain unchanged.
Conclusion
The story of the “Sinners’ Bible” is a fascinating chapter in the history of biblical printing. It underscores the impact of human error and the enduring significance of the Bible’s teachings. As we reflect on this historical curiosity, we are reminded of the importance of careful stewardship of sacred texts and the timeless wisdom they contain.
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