Historic Geneva Bible

Discover the Bible That Shaped English-Speaking Christianity and Early America

The Geneva Bible is one of the most historically significant and influential English Bibles ever produced. First published in 1560, this groundbreaking translation became the household Bible of English-speaking Protestant Christians, cherished for its clarity, accuracy, and accessibility. Long before the King James Version (KJV), the Geneva Bible was the primary scripture for Reformation-era believers and early American colonists.

Unlike its predecessors, the Geneva Bible was the first English Bible to include modern chapter and verse divisions, italicized words to denote insertions not found in the original Hebrew or Greek, and even English currency equivalents for ancient coins. It also introduced the use of Roman typeface, making it far more legible than the Gothic fonts previously used. Portable and practical, it was printed in a convenient quarto size, perfect for study and everyday use.

For over 80 years, from 1560 to 1644, more than 160 editions were printed, totaling over half a million copies—an unprecedented milestone at the time. Unlike other Bibles of its era, the Geneva Bible included prologues, cross-references, and marginal notes, making it the first true English study Bible. These Calvinistic annotations provided theological context and were loved by many but also controversial—prompting King James I to commission a new translation that became the KJV Bible in 1611.

Despite being overshadowed by the King James Bible in later centuries, the Geneva Bible remains a cornerstone of Protestant heritage. It was the Bible brought to the shores of America by the Pilgrims and other early settlers, shaping colonial life and Christian culture more profoundly than any other book.

This modern edition of the Geneva Bible removes the original commentary, allowing the strength of the translation to shine on its own. We’ve modernized the spelling and added bracketed definitions for archaic or outdated words, making this historic text accessible for today’s readers without altering its original intent or beauty.

Whether you’re a student of theology, a historian, or a devoted Christian seeking a deeper connection with the roots of your faith, this edition is an essential addition to your library. It complements the King James Bible beautifully, showing how closely aligned both translations are—each derived from the Traditional Hebrew and Greek texts.

• 1: The 1560 Defined Geneva Bible: With Modern Spelling, New Testament, Book 1, (1560 Geneva Bib) (Hardcover)
• Author: David L Brown
• ISBN: 9780998777863
• Format: Hardcover