William{' '} Tyndale
c. 1494 – October 6, 1536
Born near Gloucestershire, England, William Tyndale was a scholar and theologian who dedicated his life to a singular mission: making the Bible accessible to every English-speaking person. After studying at Oxford and Cambridge, he became convinced that Scripture should be available in the common tongue, famously declaring that even a plowboy should be able to read God's Word.
In 1525, Tyndale completed the first English translation of the New Testament directly from the original Greek—a revolutionary achievement. Despite fierce opposition from church authorities who suppressed his work, over 18,000 copies were printed by the time of his death. He also translated the Pentateuch and other portions of the Old Testament from Hebrew.
Tyndale was captured in Antwerp in 1535 and executed for heresy in October 1536. Yet his legacy endures: his elegant prose and faithful scholarship shaped English Bible translations for nearly 400 years, forming the foundation of the beloved King James Version of 1611. His courage and conviction transformed how millions would encounter Scripture for generations to come.