Lutherbibel

Lutherbibel refers to the German-language Bible translation associated with Martin Luther and his collaborators, traditionally viewed as a cornerstone of the Reformation and the development of modern German. Luther began translating the Bible for the German-speaking public in the early 1520s, aiming to render the biblical text in accessible vernacular German based on the original Hebrew and Greek texts, with reference to the Latin Vulgate. His work culminated in a complete Bible published in 1534, commonly known as the Lutherbibel 1534.

The project began with Luther’s translation of portions during his stay at the Wartburg and expanded to a full German Bible by 1534. A later, posthumous revision in 1545 refined language and wording. Over the centuries, the Lutherbibel has undergone numerous revisions to reflect changes in German orthography, scholarship, and language usage. Today, it remains a foundational text for Protestant communities in German-speaking regions and a major influence on the standard German language.

Modern editions of the Lutherbibel are produced by the Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft and include versions such as the Lutherbibel 1912, the Lutherbibel 1984, and the Lutherbibel 2017. These editions preserve the core translation while updating spelling, punctuation, and terminology to contemporary usage, and they are widely used in churches, education, and daily study. The Lutherbibel’s enduring impact extends beyond religious practice, contributing significantly to the development of standard German prose and literary expression.

In summary, the Lutherbibel is the historic German translation of the Bible initiated by Martin Luther, influential in shaping both religious practice and the German language.