I counted how many Bibles my family owns. The total came to twenty-four. And that’s not even including the digital and audio versions. They’re bound in various materials, some small enough to fit in a pocket, others with wide margins for notes. Thanks to modern technology, I can access any translation anytime on my phone or computer. In other words, I have no shortage of access to God's Word.

This abundance, however, doesn't guarantee that we truly appreciate what we have. Despite the wide availability of Bibles today, studies show biblical literacy is declining. Most families own a Bible, but as Charles Spurgeon once said, “I venture to say that the bulk of Christians spend more time reading the newspaper than they do reading the Word of God.” Owning a Bible and actually reading it are two very different things.

In light of this, it’s easy to forget how much blood, sweat, and tears went into preserving and translating the Bible for us. Think of men like William Tyndale. His life was devoted to ensuring that the common English speaker could have access to Scripture. It wasn’t just academic work—it was a mission that cost him his life. Tyndale once said, “I defy the pope and all his laws; if God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that driveth the plough shall know more of the Scripture than [the pope].”

Tyndale lived out that calling, translating the Bible into English when it was forbidden, moving from city to city, constantly hunted by those who wanted to silence him. His final prayer, before being executed, was, “Lord, open the king of England’s eyes.” Less than a year later, the king authorized the distribution of an English Bible throughout his kingdom.

It’s hard to overstate Tyndale’s impact. Much of what we read in the King James Bible, and even many modern translations, is directly influenced by his work. Yet, we easily take this treasure for granted. The Bible is everywhere, but do we let it shape us? Do we marvel that God has preserved his Word for us, or has it become just another book on the shelf?

My challenge for you—and for myself—is simple: Let’s not allow our access to Scripture to make us complacent. Instead, let’s open our Bibles with the awe and gratitude they deserve, knowing how precious it is that we can hold the very words of God in our hands.

Recommended reading

God’s Word Alone by Matthew Barrett
This book is part of the Five Solas series and thoroughly covers the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, emphasizing the sufficiency and authority of Scripture.

The Daring Mission of William Tyndale by Steven J. Lawson
Lawson tells the inspiring story of how Tyndale risked his life to translate the Bible into English, profoundly shaping the course of Christian history.

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