English ecclesiastical reformer chiefly known as a Bible translator
1488 CE
to 1569 CE
Myles Coverdale, first name also spelt Miles (1488 – January 20, 1569), is an English ecclesiastical reformer chiefly known as a Bible translator, preacher and, briefly, Bishop of Exeter (1551-1553).
Regarding his probable birth county, Daniell cites John Bale, author of a sixteenth century scriptorium, giving it as Yorkshire.Having studied philosophy and theology in Cambridge, Coverdale becomes an Augustinian friar and goes to the house of his order, also in Cambridge.
In 1514 John Underwood, a suffragan bishop and archdeacon of Norfolk, ordains him priest in Norwich.
He is at the house of the Augustinians when in about 1520, Robert Barnes returns from Louvain to become its prior.
In 1535 Coverdale produces the first complete printed translation of the Bible into English.
He is also significant because during his long life, he experiences eight decades of crucial importance in religious history.
His theological development is a paradigm of the progress of the English Reformation from 1530 to 1552.
By the time of his death, he has transitioned into an early Puritan, affiliated to Calvin, yet still advocating the teachings of Augustine.
