Select delivery location
See All Buying Options
Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Hendrickson Bibles
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Geneva Bible: The Bible of the Protestant Reformation Hardcover – Illustrated, November 1, 2007

by Hendrickson Publishers (Creator)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,013 ratings
See all formats and editions
Original translation. Original commentary. Original illustrations. If you are looking for one of the most original Bibles―this is it! Get the first English Bible ever to be translated from the original languages of Greek and Hebrew. This is a facsimile of the Geneva Bible, which means you get an exact copy of the original (including margin notes from the translators!). Use this Bible as your main translation, next to another version, or simply as a must-have keepsake from Christian history!

The Geneva Bible was a monumental achievement in the history of Protestant Bible translation. Born in a time of religious and political upheaval it helped foster Scripture literacy among the common people of England and offered for the first time “study resources” to make the Bible easier to understand.

Features that made this Bible revolutionary then and still makes it valuable now:
  • Text printed in readable roman type
  • Division of the text into numbered verses and includes cross references
  • Italic type used for words not in the original languages
  • Comes with the Apocrypha (like most Bibles printed before 1800)
  • Extensive textual and explanatory commentary placed in the margins
  • Words/phrases displayed at the heads of pages to promote Scripture memorization
  • Over 30 maps and woodcuts illustrating biblical scenes, including labeled diagrams of the Ark of the Covenant, Tabernacle, and more

Features that make this particular version of the Geneva Bible a top pick:
  • Clear facsimile―this is a copy, yet it is still easy to read
  • Original and authentic―complete, original commentary, maps, and woodcut illustrations
  • Added context―solid overviews and an in-depth introduction to the Geneva Bible
  • Quality―includes ribbon markers, sewn binding, and more!

Enjoy seeing original illustrations from the Geneva Bible! Not all modern Bibles include illustrations yet the Geneva Bible of 1560 did. It was created so both the common people and church leaders could deepen their understanding of the Bible―and included labeled diagrams and maps!

Fascinating facts about the Geneva Bible:
  • Queen Mary’s (1553–1558) persecution of her Protestant subjects caused many to flee to the continent to avoid imprisonment or execution. Geneva, Switzerland soon became a center for Protestant biblical scholarship. It was there that a group of the movement’s leading lights gathered to undertake a fresh translation of the Scriptures into English: the Geneva Bible.
  • It was the first Bible to include many “study” features, including margin commentary, verses, readable roman type, and more. It was even a quarter of the size of most Bibles at the time, making it easy to carry around!
  • The Pilgrims brought it with them on the Mayflower’s perilous voyage to religious freedom.
  • It would have been the version John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim’s Progress, would have read.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    596 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Hendrickson Publishers
  4. Publication date
    November 1, 2007
  5. Dimensions
    7.4 x 2.5 x 9.6 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1598562126
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1598562125
  8. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now

From the Publisher

The Geneva Bible: 1560 Edition, hardcover The Bible of the Protestant Reformation

See the Key Theme, Name of Book & Introduction, and Margin Commentary with Cross References.

The Geneva Bible: 1560 Edition, hardcover The Bible of the Protestant Reformation
Get Your Personal Copy of the Geneva Bible Today!

This version is an exact copy (facsimile). This means you aren't just reading one of the first English Bible translations-you are seeing it! It even includes brief chapter summaries!

Deepen Your Understanding of Scripture with the Geneva Bible

Includes Original Commentary, Illustrations, and More!

Get the first English Bible ever to be translated from the original languages-Greek and Hebrew. This is a facsimile of the Geneva Bible, which means you get an exact copy of the original (including the translator's notes!).

Fascinating Facts About The Geneva Bible:

  • The Geneva Bible was birthed out of Queen Mary's persecution of her Protestant subjects. Refuge-seekers fled to Geneva, Switzerland to pen this historic English translation in safety.
  • It was the first Bible to include many 'study' features, including margin commentary. It was even a quarter of the size of most Bibles at the time, making it easy to carry around!
  • The Pilgrims brought it with them on the Mayflower's perilous voyage to religious freedom.
  • It would have been the version John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress, would have read.

Enjoy Having These Key Features at Your Fingertips!

The Geneva Bible 1560 Edition hardcover The Bible of the Protestant Reformation

The Geneva Bible 1560 Edition hardcover The Bible of the Protestant Reformation

The Geneva Bible 1560 Edition hardcover The Bible of the Protestant Reformation

Easy–to–Follow Format

What made this Bible revolutionary then still makes it valuable now:

  • Text printed in readable roman type
  • Division of the text into numbered verses and includes cross–references
  • Italic type used for words not in the original languages
  • Comes with the Apocrypha (like most Bibles printed before 1800)
  • And even more!

Extra Study Resources

The Geneva Bible could easily be considered the first study Bible! It included added resources to help make the Bible easier to understand, including:

  • Extensive textual and explanatory commentary placed in the margins.
  • Words/phrases displayed at the heads of pages to promote Scripture memorization.
  • Over 30 maps and woodcuts illustrating biblical scenes, including labeled diagrams of the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, and more.

Clear Facsimile (Exact Copy)

Hendrickson's facsimile reproduces one of the finest existing copies of the 1560 Geneva Bible. Enjoy the features of this clear and easy-to-read facsimile (copy):

  • Original and Authentic: Complete and original commentary, maps, and woodcut illustrations.
  • Added Context: Solid overviews and an in-depth introduction to the Geneva Bible.
  • Quality: Includes ribbon markers, sewn binding, and more!

Using quality materials and crafted to last, Bible collectors and anyone interested in the history of the Bible will treasure this volume.

The Geneva Bible: 1560 Edition, hardcover The Bible of the Protestant Reformation

Enjoy Seeing Original Illustrations from the Geneva Bible

Not all modern Bibles include illustrations. Yet, the Geneva Bible of 1560 did! It was created so both the common people and church leaders could deepen their understanding of the Bible-and it included labeled diagrams and maps!

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Hendrickson Publishers (November 1, 2007)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 596 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1598562126
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1598562125
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 4.6 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.4 x 2.5 x 9.6 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,013 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Hendrickson Bibles

Hendrickson Bibles

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Hendrickson Publishers has a strong history of producing outstanding academic, trade, and reference books at a reasonable price.

Through our academic publishing program, we seek to meet the publication needs of the religious studies academic community worldwide with works on the Hebrew Bible and Hebrew language, ancient Near Eastern studies and archaeology, New Testament and Greek language, biblical theology, Judaism, patristics, church history, historical theology, practical theology, and religion and culture. Hendrickson is also delighted to be partnering with the German Bible Society, the premier publisher of original language Bibles.

On the trade end, Hendrickson is pleased to offer a greatly expanded Bibles publishing program, including a wide variety of print, audio and DVD Bibles. Our products include books on Christian living topics, Biblical studies and reference works for both pastors and the thoughtful layperson, devotionals, and many of the Christian classics.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
1,013 global ratings
Prepare yourself
5 Stars
Prepare yourself
This is a big heavy Bible. It is a facsimile of actual 1560 books so it's in middle English. IT IS NOT TYPOS OR BAD PRINT. Prepare yourself in teaching yourself how to read and recognize middle English. That's what I did because reading it isn't easy. We spoke and spelled very different way back then so don't expect it to look like our texts today. But I love it because a true 1560 edition is exactly what I wanted to see how things have changed through the English translations of Bibles. My NIV will still be my go to, take to church Bible but this is great for deep diving during Bible study. GET A MAGNIFIER. The print, especially in the margins, is tiny.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Shawn
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing translation that's all but forgotten in our time
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2022
Verified Purchase
I like the history behind this translation that it came to the u.s. on the mayflower on their mission towards freedom for religion and for our rights. I love the authoritativeness of this also and prefer it over kjv. When I read kjv it just didn't do it for me, but this one I feel like is better. I like all the things it has for its day such as introductions/arguments , notes, maps and illustrations and the 14 book Apocrypha. The Apocrypha is from 1 esdras to 2 maccabees. There is no book of Enoch so you'll have to get that separately, but there is an introduction to the 14 that are in it. For the individual books themselves in the Apocrypha there seem to be no introductions to them except for ecclesiasticus where it says this argument was found in a certain Greek copie. The ot and nt books all seem to have arguments in them. The marginal notes are pretty helpful, but they are small and a lot of the letters are faded making it challenging to read, but if you ask God he will tell you what it says. The chapter summaries tell you what the chapter is about. There are subheadings at the top as well to tell what the chapters key theme is. For example on Matthew 1 the theme is genealogies so that's what's on the top. For the Apocrypha however it dosnt seem to have these key themes at the tops of the pages nor are there a lot of marginal notes as with the ot and nt books. The chapter summaries in here I don't see in a lot of other study bibles so that makes me think this book is unique. You could use this as your main translation although you might be better off in terms of readability if you get one that's not a facsimile. Since this is the first geneva edition then the notes and cross references are all jumbled up without any organization to them but the 1599 remakes have much better organization. The remakes of the1599 don't have things like the Apocrypha, maps, introductions or illustrations so there's that to consider. Altogether I love this because it's nice to have the same translation my ancestors used to read when it came out and before King James executed order 66 on all genevas lol. It makes me proud of my English Irish Scottish American heritage and what it means. There's nothing wrong with the translation itself from what I've read and researched. There are verses in this translation that talk about amending your lives in place of repent. Some people like kjv onlyists say that this means that we are saved by works because when they think of amend they think of going out and physically doing good works to get people to forgive them. This isn't true because I did research on this word amend and the way they use it in this translation is its a transitive verb meaning to change or modify something for the better and this means to change your mindset for the better. The word repent means the same thing where your having a change of mind. The theif on the cross had a change of mind for the better. They are two ways of saying the same thing and in no way refers that works are required. When you have this amendment of life, what's happening is first your having a change of mindset which is the amend/repent part and the part that follows where it says of life means what follows after you go through this. Paul says we are transformed by the renewing of our minds and when we go through this, then we do good things for others like giving, not lusting at others and not lying. There's a note in Luke 13:3 that explains this further by the translator saying and I quote "He warneth them rather to consider their owne estate, then to reprove other men's." This means they should consider and have a change of mind of their own sins rather than to condemn and criticize other men for their suffering because condemning others is a sin as Jesus says. It's amazing what this Bible had in its day as some modern study bibles don't even have the stuff this one from 500 Yeats ago had. The dust jacket design is also pretty cool and the colors of green and tan give off an Irish theme. The hardback cover itself is grey and has one bookmark. In the beginning there's a epistle to the queen of England at that time who was Elizabeth and also one that follows called to the followers of christ in England, Ireland and Scotland. Also a new addition is some history on geneva and the amazing story it had with the reformation and its journey to the America's.
Customer image
Shawn
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing translation that's all but forgotten in our time
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2022
I like the history behind this translation that it came to the u.s. on the mayflower on their mission towards freedom for religion and for our rights. I love the authoritativeness of this also and prefer it over kjv. When I read kjv it just didn't do it for me, but this one I feel like is better. I like all the things it has for its day such as introductions/arguments , notes, maps and illustrations and the 14 book Apocrypha. The Apocrypha is from 1 esdras to 2 maccabees. There is no book of Enoch so you'll have to get that separately, but there is an introduction to the 14 that are in it. For the individual books themselves in the Apocrypha there seem to be no introductions to them except for ecclesiasticus where it says this argument was found in a certain Greek copie. The ot and nt books all seem to have arguments in them. The marginal notes are pretty helpful, but they are small and a lot of the letters are faded making it challenging to read, but if you ask God he will tell you what it says. The chapter summaries tell you what the chapter is about. There are subheadings at the top as well to tell what the chapters key theme is. For example on Matthew 1 the theme is genealogies so that's what's on the top. For the Apocrypha however it dosnt seem to have these key themes at the tops of the pages nor are there a lot of marginal notes as with the ot and nt books. The chapter summaries in here I don't see in a lot of other study bibles so that makes me think this book is unique. You could use this as your main translation although you might be better off in terms of readability if you get one that's not a facsimile. Since this is the first geneva edition then the notes and cross references are all jumbled up without any organization to them but the 1599 remakes have much better organization. The remakes of the1599 don't have things like the Apocrypha, maps, introductions or illustrations so there's that to consider. Altogether I love this because it's nice to have the same translation my ancestors used to read when it came out and before King James executed order 66 on all genevas lol. It makes me proud of my English Irish Scottish American heritage and what it means. There's nothing wrong with the translation itself from what I've read and researched. There are verses in this translation that talk about amending your lives in place of repent. Some people like kjv onlyists say that this means that we are saved by works because when they think of amend they think of going out and physically doing good works to get people to forgive them. This isn't true because I did research on this word amend and the way they use it in this translation is its a transitive verb meaning to change or modify something for the better and this means to change your mindset for the better. The word repent means the same thing where your having a change of mind. The theif on the cross had a change of mind for the better. They are two ways of saying the same thing and in no way refers that works are required. When you have this amendment of life, what's happening is first your having a change of mindset which is the amend/repent part and the part that follows where it says of life means what follows after you go through this. Paul says we are transformed by the renewing of our minds and when we go through this, then we do good things for others like giving, not lusting at others and not lying. There's a note in Luke 13:3 that explains this further by the translator saying and I quote "He warneth them rather to consider their owne estate, then to reprove other men's." This means they should consider and have a change of mind of their own sins rather than to condemn and criticize other men for their suffering because condemning others is a sin as Jesus says. It's amazing what this Bible had in its day as some modern study bibles don't even have the stuff this one from 500 Yeats ago had. The dust jacket design is also pretty cool and the colors of green and tan give off an Irish theme. The hardback cover itself is grey and has one bookmark. In the beginning there's a epistle to the queen of England at that time who was Elizabeth and also one that follows called to the followers of christ in England, Ireland and Scotland. Also a new addition is some history on geneva and the amazing story it had with the reformation and its journey to the America's.
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image
Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
206 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
TonawandaTexan
5.0 out of 5 stars Prepare yourself
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is a big heavy Bible. It is a facsimile of actual 1560 books so it's in middle English. IT IS NOT TYPOS OR BAD PRINT. Prepare yourself in teaching yourself how to read and recognize middle English. That's what I did because reading it isn't easy. We spoke and spelled very different way back then so don't expect it to look like our texts today. But I love it because a true 1560 edition is exactly what I wanted to see how things have changed through the English translations of Bibles. My NIV will still be my go to, take to church Bible but this is great for deep diving during Bible study. GET A MAGNIFIER. The print, especially in the margins, is tiny.
Customer image
TonawandaTexan
5.0 out of 5 stars Prepare yourself
Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2024
This is a big heavy Bible. It is a facsimile of actual 1560 books so it's in middle English. IT IS NOT TYPOS OR BAD PRINT. Prepare yourself in teaching yourself how to read and recognize middle English. That's what I did because reading it isn't easy. We spoke and spelled very different way back then so don't expect it to look like our texts today. But I love it because a true 1560 edition is exactly what I wanted to see how things have changed through the English translations of Bibles. My NIV will still be my go to, take to church Bible but this is great for deep diving during Bible study. GET A MAGNIFIER. The print, especially in the margins, is tiny.
Images in this review
Customer image Customer image Customer image Customer image
Customer imageCustomer imageCustomer imageCustomer image
Helpful
 Report
Thomas Allen
5.0 out of 5 stars Oldie But Goodie!
Reviewed in the United States on September 6, 2023
Verified Purchase
The Geneva Bible, often hailed as "The Bible of the Protestant Reformation," is an incredible resource for anyone interested in the history of the Bible and its significant role in shaping religious thought and practice. It's important to note that this particular edition is a facsimile of the original text, and while it may pose some readability challenges, it remains a valuable and essential piece of religious literature.

First and foremost, the Geneva Bible is a window into the past, allowing readers to connect with the rich history of the Protestant Reformation and the tireless efforts of figures like William Tyndale. It provides a unique perspective on the translation and interpretation of the Bible during a pivotal period in religious history.

The facsimile format, while presenting challenges in terms of readability due to the archaic language and printing style of the time, offers a genuine and unaltered experience. This authenticity is a treasure for scholars, historians, and anyone seeking a firsthand look at the Bible as it was originally presented to the English-speaking world.

The Geneva Bible's comprehensive commentary and annotations are also noteworthy. They provide valuable insights into the theological and social context of the Reformation era, enhancing our understanding of the text and its significance. This feature makes the Geneva Bible not just a religious text but also a historical and educational resource.

For those with a deep interest in religious history and a willingness to engage with the challenges of reading older English, the Geneva Bible is an invaluable asset. It's a testament to the dedication and sacrifice of individuals like William Tyndale, who played a pivotal role in bringing the Scriptures to a broader audience.

So the Geneva Bible, while presenting some readability challenges due to its facsimile format and archaic language, is an indispensable resource for anyone interested in the history of the Bible and the Protestant Reformation. Its authenticity, historical significance, and comprehensive commentary make it a must-have for scholars, historians, and enthusiasts seeking a deeper understanding of the religious landscape of its time.
43 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Amy Schuett
5.0 out of 5 stars Very Interesting and BIG Bible!
Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2024
Verified Purchase
I love this Bible and it sits in my living room ready for use!
Helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars Not What I Was Expecting
Reviewed in the United States on February 27, 2024
Verified Purchase
I understand that this is a facsimile of the original Bible. I wish I could afford an original print, but they cost hundreds of dollars. However, the print could be better on some pages. Some of the print is pretty light. Also, I will definitely need my bifocals to read from this particular Bible.

I love the hardcopy and all of the additional information that is included. if it were not for the light print on some of the pages, I would have given it 5 stars 🌟
13 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Paul C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Difficult reading
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2024
Verified Purchase
This is not an easy book to read. Get some good reading glasses, a lot of patience (I mean a lot). It is old English many have a hard enough time reading regular new English. This is not for the lazy people - it takes time. Print is small (too small in some areas). Personally I would have been ok with larger and clearer print, book would have been thicker - but I would have been ok with that.
23 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
C H
5.0 out of 5 stars Cool bible
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
Verified Purchase
Got this for a gift for mother. Small print but not an issue. Just remember that it is in old english. Once you get used to it very easy to read.
Helpful
 Report
EBey
3.0 out of 5 stars Print too small
Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2024
Verified Purchase
Its already difficult to read this old aaah language then the print is so small it makes it worse! Great insightful book though!
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Translate all reviews to English
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Eye opening book
Reviewed in Canada on December 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
Best Bible ever.
Report
Pedro Gabriel
3.0 out of 5 stars A well-constructed edition; alas, a photocopy
Reviewed in Brazil on November 8, 2021
Verified Purchase
It is a beautiful edition indeed, but I would expect some major retouching work. The body is readable throughout (well, 96% maybe), but chapter introductions and annotations will ask for a telescope or major guessing work. Which is not that bad to be honest, I hope the reader's sins may be diminshed by the pious effort of straining his/her eyeballs to the limit in search of olden interpretations of G-d's words.
Customer image
Pedro Gabriel
3.0 out of 5 stars A well-constructed edition; alas, a photocopy
Reviewed in Brazil on November 8, 2021
It is a beautiful edition indeed, but I would expect some major retouching work. The body is readable throughout (well, 96% maybe), but chapter introductions and annotations will ask for a telescope or major guessing work. Which is not that bad to be honest, I hope the reader's sins may be diminshed by the pious effort of straining his/her eyeballs to the limit in search of olden interpretations of G-d's words.
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
One person found this helpful
 Report
Let's Re-View
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing. I'm now a GB girl
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 28, 2019
Verified Purchase
Absolutely in love with this bible so far. The notes give it a whole new level.

I may update this review in due course.

What an insight into the times and the language of the times.

Yes, it has the apocrypha (no enoch, which i would have preferred), but you may disregard that if you choose.

I have only read a few sheets of matthew so far and it had me bawling my eyes out. It's the depth of understanding one gets from the notes that gets me. No wonder King James I didn't want the lay person having this in their hands. Knowledge and truth is indeed freedom...

I was a KJV girl until this came along. Maybe when i have more dough, i may get a second copy that i can annotate myself.

The notes are very small print. If you aren't good at near vision, then a magnifying glass will be in order.

Yes, some words, the print is weak, but it is decipherable.

Thanks Amazon for having this stocked....

I have been hearing about this bible for months and in 2 days i am completely sold.

Yay!

May all the glory be to God! In Iesus' name.

My original reason to get this bible was realising that Yehusha's name never was meant to begin with a J... but this has taken me so much deeper.
14 people found this helpful
 Report
MPS87
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome For Collection
Reviewed in India on April 2, 2017
Verified Purchase
Must Buy. Awesome For Collection!!!
Report
teonaos
5.0 out of 5 stars Satisfaction générale.
Reviewed in France on September 5, 2015
Verified Purchase
Excellent emballage, et rapidité d'exécution dans la commande. Un vrai plaisir.
Cette Bible écrite en anciens caractères reste bien lisible, néanmoins la taille des lettres utilisée dans les explications marginales est petite et parfois difficile à lire.
Je lirai cette Bible un peu plus tard car actuellement étudie la version du roi Jacques (kjv) sans les apocryphes.
Cette édition 1560 est riche en documentations, dessins et représentations de certains passages notamment en ce qui concerne les premiers livres du Pentateuque.
Un achat utile car il permet d'étudier tant de différences avec la King James, ce qui explique par ailleurs qu'une version ultérieure de la Bible de Genève ait été réécrite mais anti-datée 1599 et donc...
La version 1560 est à recommander à toute personne soucieuse de la recherche la plus juste qui soit de la parole de D.
2 people found this helpful
 Report