Bible Translator William Tyndale Gave English Language 'Nobility,' Says Author

While the words "16th century England" likely call to mind images of Shakespeare, Henry VIII, and Queen Elizabeth, one author has argued that another name should be held in higher renown.

David Teems, author of the recently released Tyndale: The Man Who Gave God an English Voice, argues that a Bible translator named William Tyndale was extremely influential in shaping the English language.

"Tyndale emancipated the English language," said Teems in an interview with CP, adding that Tyndale's translation of the Bible gave the English language "nobility."

"He taught us how to shape our words, but is still largely uncelebrated," lamented Teems, who added that "England has a very poor memory of William Tyndale."

In the book, Teems focuses on the life of the translator, and also lists many words and phrases that come from Tyndale's rendering of Greek and Hebrew Scripture into English.

According to Teems, it is from Tyndale's work in the early 1500s that we get English phrases like "I am the way, the truth, and the life," "Seek, and ye shall find," "With God all things are possible," and "Fight the good fight." Keep reading.