ABSTRACT
Translation of the Bible into English was first attempted in the Old English period, when Ælfric and those associated with him produced version of the Pentateuch. During the tenth century also, four Gospels translated into West Saxon, and in the next century the Psalter rendered, partly into prose, and partly into verse. Despite King Alfred's apparent interest in project, no translation of complete Bible made. The diminished status of English after the Conquest discouraged further attempts at translation until two versions of the Bible produced by the Wycliffite reformers in the late fourteenth century. He commences its publication considered the father of the Modern English Bible. Moreover, earlier translators revered the exact wording of their sources, because later translators are more concerned with making accessible to a contemporary audience full significance of the text before them. In this respect, the New English Bible is a freer rendering than earlier ones, and does not necessarily match them word for word.
