“Thou shalt commit adultery.” That’s exactly what many in England read from their Bible in 1631. This was a typographical error found in a batch of King James Version Bibles printed by Robert Barker and Martin Lucas. Somehow the printers failed to notice that the word “not” was omitted from the command in Exodus 20.14. As a result this edition has been called the “Wicked Bible,” for it promoted adultery.
When the error was discovered, King Charles I ordered the flawed Bibles to be recalled and burned. Though the error wasn’t intentional, the printers were fined and they lost their printing license. But a few copies escaped the destruction order, and they continue to exist today. In fact, one copy is said to be up for auction in England this November.
Now, what would you do if you were one of those who read this specific command from this Bible? The Dunham Bible Museum in Houston, Texas, also has a copy of the book. Diana Severance, director of the museum, has commented that while many in 1631 possibly read the wicked command, they did not go out and put it into practice. “There was enough Christian teaching, and pervasive Christian teaching in England, to know that this was an error.”
I like that. The observation testifies to the importance of a solid and secure knowledge of God’s Word to recognize error. And as long as we are human, error will happen again. Sadly, though, the words “enough” and “pervasive” seem to be an inadequate description of Christian teaching these days, even within the church. It appears there is a diminishing desire to know God’s Word. Even with the increased accessibility of the Bible via the Internet, many seem content just to know that it is available without actually taking the time and effort to know scripture personally and intimately. And with so many voices that clamor for attention, claiming to teach the truth, the Christian’s grounding in the Word becomes even more urgent. Jesus himself warned his followers: “Many false prophets will appear and deceive many people. Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold” (Matthew 24:11–12 NIV).
This is not so much about becoming excessively literalistic regarding scripture, but about knowing the true character of scripture and of the God to whom it directs us. It’s about letting the truths of God’s Word “pervade” our very thoughts and attitudes and actions (Colossians 3.16-17). Then we are empowered to avoid error and the wickedness that could follow. This will remain a continuing challenge for every disciple of Christ.
—Keith Y. Jainga
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