Embarking on a journey through the pages of the Bible unveils not only profound spiritual insights but also a tapestry of intriguing facts that often go unnoticed. In this exploration, we delve into the realm of 12 rare Bible fun facts that might just reshape your perspective on this ancient text. Beyond the well-known verses and stories lie hidden gems, offering a unique glimpse into the rich history, linguistic nuances, and unexpected anecdotes that make the Bible a reservoir of both wisdom and fascinating curiosities. Join us on this illuminating adventure as we uncover lesser-known facets of the Good Book, providing a fresh and captivating perspective on its timeless significance.
The List of 12 Rare Bible Fun Facts
1. A Major Typo
In the 17th century, a fascinating Bible published by Robert Baker inadvertently included a misprint in the 7th Commandment, stating, “Though shalt commit adultery,” inadvertently promoting infidelity. Referred to as the Sinner’s Bible, Adulterous Bible, or Wicked Bible, approximately 1,000 copies were circulated before the error was detected, as reported by Reader’s Digest.
2. More Women Than Men Read The Bible
As per a 2017 study commissioned by the American Bible Society, women exhibit a 20% higher likelihood of reading the holy book compared to men. Additionally, an interesting statistic reveals that 20% of the entire U.S. population regularly engages with the Bible at least four times per week.
3. The Bible Existed Before Jesus’ Birth
While Jesus’ life and teachings play a central role in the Bible, its construction commenced many years prior to his birth. The Old Testament, originally the Hebrew Bible, is a compilation of numerous sacred Jewish scriptures written between 1200 and 165 BC, as reported by the BBC.
4. The Bible Is The World’s Best-selling Book
As per the Guinness Book of World Records, the Bible holds the title of being the best-selling and most extensively distributed book globally. While it is challenging to pinpoint the precise number of copies sold over the past 3,000+ years, Guinness estimates the figure to be around 5 trillion.
5. China Publishes The Most Bibles
Whether surprising or not, China holds the title of the world’s largest producer of Bibles, consistent with its status as the leading global exporter of goods since 2009. Through a collaboration between the Amity Printing Company and United Bible Societies, China exports Bibles to 70 countries, with over 160 million distributed as of March 2017. However, this growth may face obstacles, as CNN reports that earlier this year, Beijing took measures to control religion by removing Bibles from online stores such as Amazon.
6. The Bible Has Been Translated Into Hundreds Of Languages
Delving into this age-old tome transports you through a significant span of history. Initially conveyed orally, the messages and stories were later transcribed by scribes, resulting in a voluminous 788,280-page book that has been translated into over 600 languages.
7. The Bible Is A Series Of Mini Books
Comprising letters, stories, songs, and poetry that unfold over centuries, the Bible can be likened to a comprehensive library. As reported by BBC, the Old Testament encompasses 39 books that include Jewish scripture and the teachings of Moses, while the New Testament comprises 27 books centering on the life and lessons of Jesus.
8. The Most Expensive Bible Is Worth Millions
As reported by Reader’s Digest, the Gutenberg Bible, produced with a moveable-type printer in the 1450s, marked the inaugural edition of its kind. Achieving a remarkable milestone, a copy of this Bible was sold to Japanese bookseller Maruzen Co. Ltd for an astonishing $5.4 million, securing its position as the most expensive Bible ever sold to date.
9. The Book of Psalms Is The Shortest Chapter In The Bible
Containing only two verses, Psalm 117:1 is succinct and compelling, urging humanity to extol the name of the Lord, as noted by Bible Study Tools. In contrast, the briefest verse originates from John 11:35, delivering a concise message: “Jesus wept.”
10. ‘Bible’ Means ‘Book’
The term used in English for the Good Book is “bible,” originating from the Latin word ‘biblia’ or the Greek word “byblos.” As outlined by the Encyclopedia Britannica, ‘byblos’ can be traced back to the Phoenician port city of Gebal, known as Byblos in Greek. Byblos, one of the oldest cities globally, served as a center for papyrus, a sturdy paper used by ancient civilizations for writing. The Greek designation for papyrus, ‘byblos,’ established a linguistic connection between the ancient city and the contemporary word “bible.”
11. The King James Version Is The U.S. Bible of Choice
In 2017, Statistica reported that the King James Version, issued by King James I of England in 1611, holds the status of the most widely used Bible in the United States. Additionally, the New International Version and the English Standard Version are two alternative and popular translations.
12. You Can Find A Free Bible
Rest assured, not every copy of the Bible comes with a hefty price tag. In fact, obtaining one for free is entirely possible. Visit your nearby parish, and chances are you can acquire a copy at no cost. Alternatively, reach out to the United States Bible Society, as they pledge to dispatch a free Bible to those in need. Simply complete a straightforward online form, and your sacred book will be delivered in approximately 30 days.
Conclusion
As we conclude our journey through these 12 rare Bible fun facts, we’ve uncovered a wealth of captivating details that add new layers to our understanding of this ancient text. From linguistic origins to historical intricacies and surprising anecdotes, these lesser-known facets showcase the Bible’s richness and complexity. As we reflect on the significance of these fun facts, may it inspire a deeper appreciation for the profound layers embedded within the scriptures. The Bible, beyond its spiritual significance, stands as a remarkable repository of diverse knowledge and hidden treasures waiting to be explored. As we continue to engage with this timeless source, may the pursuit of knowledge and curiosity lead us to even more discoveries within the pages of this revered book.
