French Bible* (La Bible)

The French Bible, or La Bible, has a rich history that reflects the evolution of the French language and the religious developments. The French Bible translation started in the 1500s when people wanted to read the Holy Bible in their own language. It became especially important during the Protestant Reformation, that is when they wanted to make the Bible more accessible to everyone.

Jacques Lefèvre d'Étaples made one of the first attempts to translate the Bible into French in the 1520s, though it wasn't complete. A major milestone came in 1535 with Robert Estienne's complete French Bible, which influenced Protestants. However, it wasn't until the late 19th century that the Louis Segond Bible was published, which became a key translation for French-speaking Protestants.

Louis Segond's translation, completed in 1880, became a key text for Protestant communities, known for balancing faithfulness to the original Hebrew and Greek with clear language.

For Catholics, La Bible de Jérusalem, published in 1956, became the preferred French translation of the Bible. Known for its scholarly depth and literary beauty.

The translation is praised for its academic rigor and detailed footnotes that provide historical context and explain difficult passages

Despite the variety of translations, all French Bibles share the goal of making God’s Word accessible. Each version reflects its unique approach to translation, adapting to the linguistic and cultural context of its time.