The 1522 edition of Erasmus' Novum Testamentum holds a unique place in the history of biblical scholarship as the third of his five Greek New Testament editions. This edition was the most influential of all, primarily because it served as the direct source for the New Testament in the Authorized King James Version of 1611. As such, the 1522 edition solidified its lasting impact on Christian theology and translation for centuries.
After publishing his first edition in 1516, which was revolutionary as the first printed Greek New Testament, and the second in 1519, Erasmus worked tirelessly to improve his work. The 1522 edition is particularly significant because Erasmus made substantial revisions based on feedback from scholars and church leaders who critiqued earlier editions. One of the most notable differences is the inclusion of 1 John 5:7-8 (the Comma Johanneum), which had been absent in the 1516 and 1519 editions but was included in the 1522 version, making it a crucial text for later theological debates.
This edition also reflected Erasmus' desire to respond to Catholic criticisms while supporting Reformation scholars, who increasingly relied on his text. The 1522 edition's refinements in the Greek text helped make it the definitive version for early Protestant translators, like William Tyndale, and later served as the foundation for the King James Bible’s New Testament. The careful attention Erasmus paid to the nuances of Greek syntax and grammar in this edition made it stand out as the most precise version up to that point.
While the earlier editions of 1516 and 1519 broke new ground in printing and scholarship, the 1522 edition distinguished itself by presenting a more polished and theologically influential text. This is the edition that cemented Erasmus’ Novum Testamentum as the Textus Receptus, or Received Text, which would shape Protestant Bible translations for centuries.
Holding this facsimile of the 1522 Erasmus Greek New Testament allows you to experience the version that not only refined Erasmus’ earlier works but also became the cornerstone for one of the most important Bible translations in history. Its influence on both the Reformation and the development of English-language Bibles makes it a vital part of Christian heritage.
Product Dimensions: 8.5" wide x 2.5" deep x 13" high
Product Weight: 5.75 lb.
