The Wicked Bible: The Aftermath of a Biblical Blunder and Its Lasting Impact

In 1631, a single missing word in a printed Bible led to one of the most infamous publishing errors in history, forever branding the edition as the “Wicked Bible.” This error altered the seventh commandment to read “Thou shalt commit adultery,” omitting the crucial “not” and causing shock and outrage among its readers. The printers, Robert Barker and Martin Lucas, faced immediate consequences from the authorities as this mistake was deemed both scandalous and blasphemous.

The blunder turned what should have been a standard King James Bible into a rare collector’s item, with only a few surviving copies known today. Its legacy highlights how a single oversight can have widespread repercussions, sparking both controversy and curiosity for centuries. Readers continue to be fascinated by how a simple error reshaped the fate of a book meant to guide the faithful.

The Wicked Bible: A Notorious Misprint

The Wicked Bible, printed in 1631, is infamous for a single error that led to significant consequences for its printers and shocked readers across England. This event highlights how a minor mistake can have far-reaching effects on religious texts and their interpretation.

Origin and Printing of the Wicked Bible

The Wicked Bible was produced by royal printers Robert Barker and Martin Lucas in London. This printing was meant to be another edition of the King James Bible, which had already been established as the standard English translation.

The Old Testament, including the book of Exodus, formed a crucial part of this edition. It was intended for both church and personal use, and accuracy was critical. Misprints in such an important text were rare but not impossible.

Barker and Lucas oversaw the printing process. In an age without digital typesetting, every letter was set by hand, increasing the risk of mistakes. The resulting error in this edition would become one of the most famous in publishing history.

The Omission That Changed Everything

The scandal stemmed from the omission of a single word—"not"—from the Seventh Commandment in Exodus 20:14. The text, instead of reading "Thou shalt not commit adultery," was printed as "Thou shalt commit adultery."

This alteration completely reversed the intended meaning regarding the sin of adultery. Readers suddenly saw a commandment that appeared to endorse a forbidden act, contrary to the fundamental teachings of the Old Testament law.

Below is a comparison table:

Passage Correct Version (KJV) Wicked Bible Version Exodus 20:14 Thou shalt not commit adultery. Thou shalt commit adultery.

This seemingly minor omission turned the commandment into a directive for sin, creating confusion and outrage among the faithful.

First Reactions and Early Scandal

News of the error spread rapidly once the mistake was discovered. Clergy, scholars, and church officials were quick to speak out against what they saw as a serious blunder.

The authorities acted swiftly. Barker and Lucas were summoned to the Star Chamber, fined heavily, and had their printing licenses revoked. Most copies of the Wicked Bible were immediately recalled and destroyed.

The mistake became the subject of public scandal, with many seeing it as a cautionary example of the dangers of human error in religious publishing. Early reactions underlined the need for accuracy, especially when dealing with the truth of scripture and the gravity of sin as described in the Old Testament.

Biblical Context: Understanding ‘Thou Shalt Commit Adultery’

The phrase "Thou shalt not commit adultery" originates in the Book of Exodus. The omission of "not" in the 1631 Wicked Bible drastically altered its intended message, leading to significant theological and societal consequences.

The Seventh Commandment in the Bible

The Seventh Commandment, as described in Exodus 20:14, explicitly forbids adultery:
"Thou shalt not commit adultery." This command is also reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:18.

Adultery in the biblical context specifically refers to sexual relations between a married individual and someone other than their spouse. In Mosaic Law, such acts were strictly prohibited and often punished severely, sometimes by death (Leviticus 20:10).

The commandment’s primary aim was to protect marriage and maintain social order within the community. It also reflected broader values concerning fidelity, trust, and faithfulness.

The Impact of a Single Word

The absence of just one word—"not"—in the Wicked Bible changed a strict prohibition into an outright command. As a result, the meaning reversed from a moral instruction to what appears as a directive to commit a sin.

This error was not a minor typographical slip; it struck at the foundation of Christian moral teaching. Adultery, far from being allowed, is categorized as a grave sin in both Old and New Testaments.

Following its publication, this misprint led to embarrassment for the printers, government fines, and the destruction of many copies. The incident also became a historical example of the profound impact a single missing word can have on religious doctrine.

Theology and Sin in Christian Doctrine

In Christian theology, sin is seen as any action that goes against God's commandments. Adultery is specifically identified as a serious sin due to its violation of marital trust and covenant, both central to Christian ethical teachings.

Judgment for adultery, under Mosaic Law, was harsh and immediate. However, Christian teaching on sin and forgiveness evolved after the New Testament, offering the concept of repentance and redemption.

Adultery’s theological significance extended beyond personal morality. It symbolized unfaithfulness to God’s covenant, making it not only a personal wrongdoing but also a communal and spiritual failing in the eyes of Christian doctrine.

Social and Religious Aftermath

The printing error in the Wicked Bible led to swift and widespread consequences. Religious authorities, the public, and the monarchy all reacted decisively, demonstrating the seriousness with which biblical integrity was guarded.

Condemnation by Religious Leaders

Upon discovering the omitted “not” in the commandment “Thou shalt not commit adultery,” religious leaders voiced strong condemnation. For figures such as bishops, clergy, and scholars, the error represented not just a typographical mistake, but a grave ethical concern.

The potential to damage scriptural authority was significant. Religious leaders stressed the importance of precise biblical transmission, referencing the Pharisees’ traditional emphasis on the letter of the Law. The judgement was public, vocal, and swift, as any misprint that threatened moral guidance called established standards into question.

Prominent church figures urged the monarchy and civil authorities to act, based on their responsibility for upholding justice and doctrine. Many held the printers accountable, arguing that such an oversight could undermine congregational trust in Scripture.

Public Outcry and Legal Consequences

The general public responded with shock and ridicule. News of the “adulterous” commandment spread quickly, causing embarrassment not only to the printers, but also to those responsible for approving religious texts.

The public’s reaction included both sincere alarm and satire. Many saw the error as a breach of ethics, demanding that justice be served. Others found humor in the blunder, spreading stories and printed copies among themselves.

Authorities launched a formal investigation. The Star Chamber, a royal court dealing with serious offenses, was involved in prosecuting the printers responsible. The books were rapidly recalled and most copies destroyed as the legal process commenced.

Royal Response and Printing House Penalties

King Charles I took rapid action after being made aware of the printing error. The Crown viewed the mistake as an affront not only to religious standards, but also to royal authority and national reputation.

The royal court convened to judge the matter. The two printers, Robert Barker and Martin Lucas, were fined £300—a substantial amount at the time—and had their printing licenses revoked. This consequence made clear the seriousness of the offense, reinforcing a standard of ethical responsibility for future printing.

Many copies of the Wicked Bible were ordered destroyed. The episode left a lasting mark on England’s printing industry, establishing stricter oversight and reinforcing a culture of acute attention to the integrity of biblical texts.

Moral and Theological Ramifications

The Wicked Bible's omission in Exodus 20:14 created not only a textual error, but also sparked significant debate on the integrity of scriptural transmission. The fallout affected beliefs about divine truth, human fallibility, and concepts of mercy and redemption within Christian faith communities.

Faith, Truth, and the Importance of Doctrine

Accurate transmission of scripture is vital to maintaining the integrity of Christian doctrine. When the Wicked Bible stated, "Thou shalt commit adultery," it undermined a core moral commandment and challenged trust in the printed Bible.

This blunder prompted concern over how believers discern authentic teachings. Reliability of scripture is foundational for faith traditions that rely on textual consistency to establish doctrine. Even minor errors or perceived contradictions, especially in key texts, can raise difficult questions about the nature of divine inspiration and scriptural authority.

Clinching the truth behind an error of this scale drew attention to the processes of canon formation and textual criticism. Many reflected on the responsibilities of translators and publishers, highlighting the need for diligence in handling sacred texts.

Mistakes, Redemption, and Forgiveness

Human error, as in the Wicked Bible, brings up long-standing themes of mistake and redemption in Christianity. Rather than ignoring mistakes, faith communities often use them as entry points for teaching about responsibility and humility.

Church leaders and theologians have emphasized that while mistakes can have serious consequences, the possibility for redemption remains central. This sometimes includes formal apologies, retractions, or corrective measures, but also encourages the practice of forgiveness within the community.

Highlighting mistakes can foster humility among leaders and followers. This episode reminded believers that compassion and understanding for human error can coexist with a commitment to upholding truth.

Discussion on Grace and Mercy

Theological understanding of grace and mercy are closely linked to how believers respond to both intentional and unintentional faults. The Wicked Bible incident prompted many to revisit the principles of forgiving others and showing mercy, even to those whose errors had widespread impact.

Many leaders invoked passages such as Galatians 6:7 ("What a man sows, he reaps") to discuss consequences and the opportunity for learning. These discussions highlighted the spirit of compassion and the Christian calling to grant forgiveness, distinguishing between error and malice.

Responses to the Wicked Bible thus demonstrated the tension and balance between holding to doctrinal truth and practicing mercy when confronted with genuine mistakes.

Cultural and Literary Legacy

The printing error in the 1631 Wicked Bible caused widespread controversy and left a lasting mark far beyond its immediate historical context. Its effects are visible both in literary references and ongoing debates around biblical authority and Christian values.

The Wicked Bible in Popular Culture

The Wicked Bible's omission of "not" from the Seventh Commandment—"Thou shalt not commit adultery"—has made it a symbol of human error in publishing. It often appears in books, films, and lectures as an example of how small mistakes can have far-reaching consequences.

Writers and satirists use the incident to discuss themes of responsibility and editorial discipline. Exhibitions in museums and libraries sometimes display the Wicked Bible as a rarity, using it to highlight the impact of accidental changes in religious or historical texts.

Tables, such as the following, are used to compare the Wicked Bible to other famous misprints:

Edition Year Error Wicked Bible 1631 Omitted "not" in the Seventh Command. Breeches Bible 1560 Genesis 3:7: "Breeches" not "aprons" Murderers' Bible 1795 "Let the children first be killed"

Such references have kept the story in the public eye and ensured its place in the history of publishing errors.

Influence on Christian Ethics and Morality

The Wicked Bible prompted renewed discourse on the importance of accuracy and integrity in transmitting sacred texts. Many religious leaders cited it as a cautionary tale about the need for careful stewardship and ethical responsibility in Christian publishing.

Its effect on Christian views of fidelity and commitment is notable. The error specifically altered the commandment on adultery, which deals directly with personal integrity and loyalty in relationships. This led to renewed emphasis on ethical teachings within churches and congregations.

Discussions about dating, marriage discipline, and the seriousness with which biblical commands are treated have sometimes used the Wicked Bible as a starting point. It has also been referenced in seminars on personal and editorial accountability, reminding believers and publishers alike of the weight of their responsibilities.

Comparison with Other Biblical Textual Errors

Biblical printing and translation errors have a long history, each with its own consequences and lessons for readers and scholars. Some mistakes, like the Wicked Bible, are infamous for their direct impact, while others prompted ongoing debates about biblical accuracy and interpretation.

Notable Historical Misprints

The Wicked Bible of 1631 earned its name after printers accidentally omitted the word "not" in the commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." This error led to harsh penalties for the printers and the rapid recall of nearly all copies.

Another significant example is the so-called "Vinegar Bible" of 1717. A misprint in the Gospel of Luke labeled a chapter as "The Parable of the Vinegar" instead of "The Parable of the Vineyard." Less damaging but still notable, the "Adulterous Bible" of 1795 included a typo resulting in "Let the children first be killed" rather than "filled."

Historical misprints also affected actions beyond simple reading errors. Reactions ranged from the jailing of printers, as with the Wicked Bible, to embarrassment for religious authorities tasked with explaining such mistakes.

A simple table shows a few famous errors:

Year Name Error Detail 1631 Wicked Bible Omitted "not" in Commandments 1717 Vinegar Bible "Vinegar" instead of "Vineyard" 1795 Adulterous Bible "Killed" instead of "filled"

Scholarly Debate and Interpretation

Textual errors have fueled argument and debate about the doctrine of biblical inerrancy. While critics cite these mistakes as evidence against scriptural perfection, many scholars point to the large number of surviving manuscripts that allow errors to be detected and corrected.

Debate often centers on whether such errors undermine the truth or core teachings of the Bible. Advocates of inerrancy typically argue that mistakes are the result of human actions, not the original inspired speech.

Manuscript comparison is a key scholarly practice. Redundant manuscripts make it possible to spot variants and typos, supporting the claim that the essential message remains intact despite occasional copyist or printer mistakes.

Discussions about these errors rarely change core doctrine, but they shape ongoing interpretation and what actions translators and publishers take to ensure accuracy. The truth about biblical reliability is constantly examined in scholarly circles, reinforcing the Bible's complex transmission history.

Conclusion: Lessons from the Wicked Bible’s Aftermath

The Wicked Bible incident serves as a reminder of the importance of careful workmanship and attention to detail. Even a single error can transform meaning and have long-reaching effects.

Wisdom can be gained from examining how this mistake impacted perceptions of authority and trust in printed texts. Publishers and religious institutions learned to implement stricter review processes, recognizing that errors could damage credibility.

The aftermath also offers hope for restoration. Despite the blunder, the event encouraged reforms and improvements in publishing standards. It showed that errors, while regrettable, could be catalysts for positive transformation within communities.

Those directly affected sought blessings by using the experience to foster humility and resilience. Mistakes became opportunities for learning and growth, both individually and collectively.

In reflection, the legacy of the Wicked Bible illustrates that even unintended errors can lead to meaningful change. By facing the consequences directly and responding thoughtfully, individuals and institutions can emerge wiser.