The Wicked Bible

The Printing Error That Allegedly Doomed Its Creators and Transformed Religious Publishing

The Wicked Bible, printed in 1631, is infamous for a shocking misprint that turned a core biblical commandment into its exact opposite. Instead of reading "Thou shalt not commit adultery," the word "not" was accidentally omitted, instructing readers to "Thou shalt commit adultery." This printing error quickly caught the attention of both the public and church authorities.

The consequences for the creators were serious. The printers, Robert Barker and Martin Lucas, faced heavy fines, lost their printing licenses, and suffered significant reputational harm. The Wicked Bible stands as a historical reminder of how even small typographical errors could lead to major fallout in an era when the written word carried immense authority.

Collectors and historians still discuss this edition today, fascinated by how a single missing word altered the meaning of scripture and dramatically changed the fate of its printers.

The Origin and Creation of the Wicked Bible

Produced in 1631, the Wicked Bible is notorious for its notorious misprint in the Ten Commandments. Its creation can be traced to a particular moment in English religious and publishing history, shaped by the demand for accessible scripture, the responsibility of royal printers, and the legacy of the King James Bible.

Historical Context of the Early 17th Century

The early 1600s in England saw religious change and the spread of literacy. The Protestant Reformation had already asserted the importance of scripture in the vernacular. Bibles became more available to ordinary households, making errors in printing particularly consequential.

The translation of the King James Version in 1611 marked a turning point. Divine revelation and holy scriptures were increasingly seen as accessible, not just the reserve of clergy. This period also saw significant technological advancements in printing, which helped meet rising demand.

Translations like the King James built on earlier texts, sometimes referencing the Septuagint and other source materials. The surge in demand for scripture meant printers worked at an unprecedented pace, increasing the risk of errors.

Commissioning the King James Version

The King James Version (KJV) was initiated by King James I in 1604 and completed in 1611. Its aim was to provide one authoritative English translation, replacing a mix of previous versions and consolidating religious practice under the monarchy's supervision.

Committees of scholars and theologians translated the text from ancient Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, as well as consulting the Septuagint. This translation sought fidelity to original scripture while being understandable to English speakers. Over time, the KJV became the standard for English-speaking Protestants.

By the time of the Wicked Bible in 1631, the KJV was in widespread use. Royals licensed only certain printers—such as Barker and Lucas—to produce these Bibles, underscoring the significance and potential consequences of errors.

Printing Houses and Key Figures

Printing houses held exclusive rights to publish the Bible, and in 1631, Robert Barker and Martin Lucas were the royal printers responsible for the infamous edition. Their London operation was tasked with reprinting large numbers of the King James Version for public and private use.

Barker and Lucas had a simple but urgent job: reproduce scripture accurately and promptly. Pressure to meet demand sometimes led to mistakes passing unnoticed through the typesetting and proofreading stages. The soon-to-be infamous omission of "not" from the commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" happened under these circumstances.

The involvement of the crown amplified the gravity of printing errors. Printers faced severe penalties for mistakes that altered doctrine or misrepresented divine revelation. In the wake of the Wicked Bible, Barker and Lucas faced heavy fines and their reputations were forever marked by this error.

The Infamous Printing Error

A single word’s omission in a 1631 edition of the King James Bible led to a scandal that shocked religious authorities and readers. This event became a notable example of how a simple printing error could create accusations of heresy and blasphemy, and bring about severe professional consequences.

What Was the Mistake?

In 1631, royal printers Robert Barker and Martin Lucas accidentally left out the word “not” from the Seventh Commandment in Exodus 20:14. Instead of the intended “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” the Bible read, “Thou shalt commit adultery.”

This fundamental change reversed the command and appeared to encourage sin rather than prohibit it. The error quickly drew attention as it undermined a significant moral and religious truth.

For a culture deeply invested in scriptural authority, the misprint amounted to disobedience of God’s word. Clergy and scholars recognized the mistake as potentially spreading heresy, given its contradiction of biblical law.

How 'Thou Shalt Commit Adultery' Was Printed

The misprinted phrase appeared in thousands of Bibles distributed across England. During the 17th century, printing was manual and errors like this, though common, rarely went unnoticed at such a scale.

The substitution of a single word created a statement that was blasphemous to most readers. Instead of warning against adultery, it appeared to command it. This went beyond a simple typo due to the significance of the Ten Commandments as foundational Judeo-Christian laws.

Historians note that the cause was likely human error during typesetting, not intentional mistranslation. Still, the outcome led to severe questioning of the printers' competence and their respect for biblical translation standards.

Immediate Reaction to the Error

Once discovered, the reaction was swift and severe. Church leaders denounced the edition as an affront to doctrine and religious practice, considering it a grave act of disobedience.

King Charles I ordered almost every copy destroyed. Only a handful survive today, making them rare.

The printers faced serious consequences. They were summoned before the Star Chamber, fined heavily, and lost their printing licenses. The incident became widely known as "The Wicked Bible," a label that underscored its association with sin and blasphemy, rather than scriptural truth.

Consequences and Fallout for the Printers

The infamous printing error in the Wicked Bible had immediate and severe consequences for those responsible. The printers faced both legal action and lasting damage to their reputations, which shaped how errors in published works were judged by authorities and the public.

Punishments Imposed by Authorities

When the omission of “not” in the commandment “Thou shalt not commit adultery” was discovered, King Charles I and the Archbishop of Canterbury viewed it as a grave violation. The printers, Robert Barker and Martin Lucas, were summoned before the Star Chamber in 1631.

The Star Chamber, which heard cases of censorship and civil liberty, fined Barker and Lucas £300—a substantial sum at the time. The court stripped them of their printing license, barring them from further Bible production. Authorities demanded that as many copies of the “Wicked Bible” as possible be destroyed to prevent the error from undermining religious tradition.

This incident demonstrated the strict control religious and royal authorities exercised over publishing, especially regarding Scripture. The judgment reflected a broader concern over tyranny, censorship, and the sanctity of religious texts.

Financial and Social Repercussions

The financial penalty imposed by the Star Chamber essentially ruined Barker and Lucas. The loss of their license hit their business hard, as Bible printing was one of the most lucrative publishing contracts in England. Without the right to print Scriptures, their income and social standing collapsed.

Beyond direct punishment, they also faced public ridicule. The printing community distanced itself from Barker and Lucas, fearing association with such a notorious blunder. This exclusion directly impacted their opportunities and relationships within the trade.

The episode underscored the risks printers faced if they were deemed careless or subversive. Their example became a warning throughout the printing world about the consequences that could result from even small editorial errors.

Long-Term Legacy for the Creators

Despite the destruction of most Wicked Bibles, the story of Barker and Lucas became part of printing folklore. Surviving copies are now rare collectors’ items, but their association with the error overshadowed their previous reputable careers.

The episode reinforced strict quality controls within English printing traditions. Publishers used the event to justify detailed proofreading of religious texts, aiming to avoid similar judgments and maintain civil liberties within tight legal constraints.

Barker and Lucas’s names remain linked to the concept of the “printer’s devil”—an example that influenced arguments over censorship, tradition, and the potential tyranny of state control over information. Their story still circulates as a cautionary tale in the history of books and publishing.

Impact on Biblical Doctrine and Tradition

The Wicked Bible’s infamous printing error led to immediate confusion and alarm within Christian circles. This event raised serious questions about textual reliability, doctrine, and the potential for dangerous misreadings to infiltrate traditional beliefs.

Implications for Christian Doctrine

The erroneous omission of the word "not" from the commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" put the accuracy of printed Bibles into sharp focus. Such a glaring mistake risked undermining Christian doctrine, as printed texts serve as an instructional foundation for readings and teachings.

Church leaders feared that mistakes like this could lead believers astray, potentially resulting in heresy or the unintentional spread of false doctrine. Trust in authorized editions was temporarily shaken, and extra caution was urged when introducing new copies for reading or learning.

This incident highlighted the essential role that precise transmission plays in safeguarding core beliefs and commandments, showing that even seemingly minor errors could have theological consequences.

Theological Controversies Sparked

The Wicked Bible incident intensified debates regarding human error’s role in religious transmission. Some critics argued that such mistakes exposed the dangers of relying too heavily on man-made traditions or unchecked printing practices.

Concerns about heresy and false teachers grew, as mistakes—intentional or accidental—could easily mislead lay readers. The church responded with stern penalties for the printers, intending to deter carelessness in biblical publication.

Lists of banned editions and stricter review processes for new printings emerged, aiming to maintain doctrinal integrity. This episode exemplified the struggle to balance tradition with accurate scriptural preservation.

Role in Textual Criticism

The Wicked Bible case became a significant example for scholars of textual criticism. It illustrated how scribal or printing errors could enter the biblical text and alter meaning, thereby affecting doctrine and interpretation.

Textual critics began emphasizing the importance of careful manuscript comparison and systematic review of variant readings. Publishers instituted stricter proofreading standards, knowing the impact that even a single word could have.

This incident contributed to a more rigorous approach to preserving the biblical text, helping later generations develop better tools for evaluating authenticity and accuracy in scriptural transmission.

The Wicked Bible's Rarity and Collectibility

The Wicked Bible, infamous for its controversial misprint in the seventh commandment, has become a sought-after artifact. Surviving copies are few, and the story surrounding its creation and aftermath adds to its appeal among collectors and historians of the Bible.

Surviving Copies and Value

Estimates suggest that fewer than 20 copies of the Wicked Bible are known to remain in existence. Many were ordered destroyed after the printing error was discovered in 1631. Surviving examples are typically found in institutional collections and major libraries, though a handful remain in private hands.

When a copy appears at auction, interest among rare book collectors is strong. Prices can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on condition and provenance. For example, a single copy has sold for over £30,000 in London. The rarity of these editions and the notoriety of the error contribute directly to their high value.

Ownership of a Wicked Bible is primarily reserved for major institutions or individuals with a deep interest in religious history and rare books. Libraries such as the British Library and New York Public Library hold notable examples.

Modern Interest Among Collectors

Collectors view the Wicked Bible not only as a typographical curiosity, but also as a cultural artifact with a narrative that reflects the sensitivity surrounding the transmission of the Bible. Its story is referenced in both literary and religious scholarship.

Auction houses continue to promote its legend, often highlighting its infamous omission, "Thou shalt commit adultery", in their descriptions. This single verse has caused the edition to gain enduring notoriety, elevating its desirability.

Among Bible collectors, rivalries sometimes emerge over ownership of unique editions, and the Wicked Bible is often considered a rare prize. The association with printers Barker and Lucas, and the infamous royal punishment that followed, has only heightened its mystique within the tradition of rare book collecting. Interest remains high not just for its error, but also for what it represents in the history of Zondvervan and Bible publication.

Cultural and Social Repercussions

The misprinting of the Wicked Bible in 1631 was not simply a technical mishap. It triggered significant responses from religious authorities and had lasting effects on how future Bibles were produced and reviewed in England.

Reactions from Religious Leaders

Religious leaders quickly condemned the Wicked Bible due to the grave error in the commandment, “Thou shalt commit adultery,” which contradicted the gospel and Christian fellowship. Bishops and clergy expressed outrage, fearing that believers might lose trust in scripture and the guidance of the Holy Ghost.

Many saw the mistake as a dangerous source of superstition, interpreting it as a sign or punishment. The British government intervened after pressure from both church and state. The printers, Robert Barker and Martin Lucas, faced heavy fines and the loss of their printing license, sending a stern message about the seriousness of scriptural accuracy.

Influence on Future Bible Printing

The incident led to much stricter oversight in Bible printing. Printers were required to follow more meticulous proofreading and cross-checking processes. Authorities enforced these rules to prevent any further damage to the reputation of published scripture among believers.

The episode demonstrated the importance of accuracy in preserving faith and fellowship within the church. Publishers adopted consistent quality controls, acknowledging that errors could undermine the message of the gospel and trust in religious texts. The legacy of the Wicked Bible served as a cautionary tale for future generations of Bible printers.

Interpretations, Myths, and Legends

The Wicked Bible has inspired speculation, stories, and debates about its meaning and impact. This section explores the myths that have grown around the printing error and its influence on culture, especially regarding ideas of evil, temptation, and biblical authority.

Myths Surrounding the Wicked Bible

Stories about the Wicked Bible often link its infamous omission—transforming “Thou shalt not commit adultery” into “Thou shalt commit adultery”—to supernatural causes. Some have claimed the devil, or evil angels, played a hand in the error, suggesting demonic sabotage to undermine morality.

Rumors circulated that the printers faced divine punishment, with many believing their misfortune signaled an apocalyptic warning. They were fined and stripped of their printing license, fueling tales that their doom was foretold or that the millennium would bring similar disasters if scripture was tampered with.

Legends also connected the error to fears of the bottomless pit and Satan’s influence, reflecting anxieties about biblical accuracy and authority. However, there is no historical evidence that Lucifer or satanic forces intervened; the printing mistake was a human error, not an act of supernatural evil.

The Role of the Error in Popular Culture

The Wicked Bible’s notoriety has made it an object of fascination in literature, media, and academic study. Its story appears in lists of infamous printing mistakes, highlighting the consequences of careless typesetting and the weight of biblical language in Western culture.

Writers and comedians have referenced the error to discuss topics like temptation, sin, and human fallibility. In some fictional retellings, the incident is dramatized, with characters invoking the devil or the apocalypse to explain the misprint or its aftermath.

Collectors and scholars study surviving copies as rare artifacts. The Bible’s error raises questions about the transmission of sacred texts, authority, and the role of printers, rather than the intervention of evil angels or supernatural beings. The incident serves as a concrete example of how human error can gain legendary status—even when myths around the event outgrow the facts.

The Wicked Bible in the Context of Biblical Errors

The Wicked Bible is a well-known example of typographical mistakes in biblical texts. Such errors have influenced public perception, led to printed recalls, and sparked changes in how Bibles are edited and produced.

Comparison with Other Famous Bible Misprints

Typographical errors are not unique to the Wicked Bible. Another example, the so-called “Printers’ Bible,” replaced “princes” with “printers” in Psalm 119:161, leading to the phrase, “Printers have persecuted me without a cause.”

In the “Sin On Bible,” a misprint in John 5:14 changes the phrase “sin no more” to “sin on more.” These errors have sometimes affected readings and church teachings, causing confusion or embarrassment.

While the Wicked Bible’s omission of “not” in the Old Testament commandment "Thou shalt not commit adultery" remains the most infamous, errors in both Old and New Testament passages show that vigilance in Bible translation and printing has long been necessary.

A table below summarizes notable cases:

Bible Edition Error Book/Verse Wicked Bible Omitted "not" from 7th Commandment Exodus 20:14 (OT) Printers’ Bible "Printers" instead of "princes" Psalm 119:161 (OT) Sin On Bible "Sin on more" instead of "sin no more" John 5:14 (NT)

Safeguards in Modern Bible Production

Today, large translation teams and multiple proofreading stages have greatly reduced misprints in editions like the NIV (New International Version) and others. Modern publishers use typesetting software with checklists and digital tools to cross-check readings against original manuscripts.

For popular translations—including both Old and New Testaments—publishers coordinate with scholars proficient in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. Proofs are reviewed in detail, and controls such as peer review are used before and after printing.

Publishers also provide public errata and guidelines for correction in case a typographical error is discovered after release. These safeguards are designed to maintain accuracy and reader trust. The contrast with 17th-century incidents like the Wicked Bible highlights advances in printing, translation, and quality control.

Lasting Influence on Modern Christianity

The Wicked Bible’s printing error had profound consequences, shaping attitudes toward scripture, authority, and the human element in religious transmission. The event continues to raise questions about the reliability of sacred texts and the standards for handling doctrinal matters that deal with ideals like grace, immortality, and the afterlife.

Lessons Learned from the Incident

One of the key outcomes was a heightened sense of responsibility around the publication of the Bible. Christian leaders and printers recognized the dangers of even minor mistakes, as they could alter foundational beliefs about heaven, hell, sin, and grace.

This led to stricter reviews and greater accountability within the printing process. Authorities made it a point to double-check doctrines relating to death and resurrection, minimizing the risk of further errors compromising important messages.

The Wicked Bible highlighted the fragility of “truth” when scriptures come under human control. This realization influenced later debates about immortality, the certainty of salvation, and how small errors could change perceptions of heaven and hell. Faith communities learned to balance respect for the text with caution regarding its human transmission.

Reflections on Faith and Authority

The scandal pushed Christian communities to consider who has the right to interpret and distribute scripture. Doubts about fallibility encouraged some to reflect deeply on issues of authority—whether it resided with clergy, printers, or the text itself.

For many, the episode reinforced the importance of grace and humility in belief. It prompted discussions on how errors could affect both believers and skeptics, including atheists who might use such mistakes to question immortality or resurrection. In some circles, it highlighted the need to trust not just in human authority, but in divine guidance.

Lists and annotated editions became more common as tools to flag variations in biblical texts. This approach allowed scholars and laypeople to navigate questions of death, hell, and salvation with clearer context, fostering careful engagement rather than blind acceptance.