22. The language of the Bible

Question 1

Why was the Bible influence on English a controversial topic?

Answer 1

Because it was thought to be an unworthy language for moral sentiments of the Bible.

Question 2

What was Tyndale’s importance? How and why did he die?

Answer 2

He contributed to a plain, colloquial English. He was put to death by burning for his work.

Question 3

What can you say about King James Bible after then new king gets a throne?

Answer 3

The new king, King James 1st, wanted for the King James Bible (of the previous king) to be put for use in all churches and for it to get standardised.

Question 4

What’s so special about the language used in King James Bible? How does it impact Modern English?

Answer 4

Its idioms enter the ME (Modern English).
Other language peculiarities are:
Using the old word order: “they knew him not”, “things eternal”;
-eth/th forms for the verbs in the third person in singular;
old irregular verbs: “spake” (spoke), “gat” (got), “wist” (knew);
different prepositions: “tempted of” (instead of “by”)

Question 5

How long had King James Bible been used?

Answer 5

For the next 3 centuries.