Casiodoro

Casiodoro is a historical figure primarily known for his significant role in the translation of the Bible into Spanish. Born Casiodoro de Reina in Montemolín, Spain, in 1520, he was a theologian and minister who became a prominent figure during the Protestant Reformation in Spain. He was an Augustinian monk who, after his conversion to Protestantism, had to flee Spain to escape persecution.

His most enduring legacy is the Reina-Valera Bible, a Spanish translation of the Bible that he dedicated his life to. The first edition, known as the "Bible of the Bear," was published in Basel, Switzerland, in 1569. This translation was groundbreaking for its accuracy and faithfulness to the original Hebrew and Greek texts. It was a monumental undertaking, involving years of meticulous scholarship and diligent work.

Casiodoro de Reina faced numerous challenges during the creation of the Bible translation, including financial difficulties and the constant threat of the Spanish Inquisition. Despite these obstacles, he persevered, driven by his conviction to make the Holy Scriptures accessible to Spanish-speaking people in their own language. The Reina-Valera Bible has since undergone revisions, most notably by Cipriano de Valera, and remains one of the most widely used and respected Spanish translations of the Bible today. Casiodoro de Reina died in Antwerp, in the Spanish Netherlands, in 1594.