A Collector’s Guide to Historic Bible Errata: Scarcity, Narrative, and Value in the World of Misprints
For centuries, the printed Bible has stood as a cornerstone of faith and culture. Yet, the journey of scripture from manuscript to printed page has been fraught with challenges, resulting in a fascinating history of errors, misprints, and textual variations. These “Bible errata” are not simply historical curiosities; they represent a unique asset class within the rare book world, driven by scarcity, compelling narratives, and the enduring allure of a tangible connection to history. This article delves into the world of historic Bible misprints, providing a deep dive into the most notable errors, their historical context, and a guide to understanding their valuation in the collector’s market.
The Fragile Path to Textual Purity
The early days of printing were a mechanical endeavor, susceptible to human error and the limitations of technology. From the Reformation onward, printers faced constant pressure to produce accurate and legible Bibles, but the process was far from foolproof. We will attempt to highlight how textual corruption arose from translational choices, typesetter fatigue, and even deliberate sabotage. These flaws offer a window into the legal, commercial, and technical difficulties faced by early printers. The history of the printed English Bible is indeed marked by a pervasive struggle for textual purity.
Notable Bible Errata & Their Valuation
Let’s explore some of the most famous (and valuable) Bible misprints, examining the historical context and current estimated valuation ranges (note: valuations are estimates and can vary significantly based on condition, provenance, and auction results).
➡️ 1535: The “Bug Bible”
- Description: An early English translation by Myles Coverdale. Named for its translation of Psalm 91:5: “Thou shalt not nede to be afrayed for any bugges by nighte”. At the time, “bugges” was an archaic word for ghosts or goblins, not insects.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): Individual leaves from a 1535 Coverdale can be valued at around $1,450. A complete edition would be extremely rare and likely exceed $500,000.
➡️ 1560-1644: The “Breeches Bible”
- Description: A nickname for the Geneva Bible, which contains a unique translation in Genesis 3:7. It states that Adam and Eve made themselves breeches from fig leaves.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): A complete first edition is very rare, with copies listed or sold in the low to mid-thousands of dollars.
➡️ 1611: The “He” and “She” Bibles
- Description: Two separate folio-sized editions of the first King James Version. They are differentiated by an error in Ruth 3:15, where the text reads either “he went into the citie” or “she went into the citie”. The “He” version is the first-issue error.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): Values range from $25,000 to over $300,000, depending heavily on completeness, condition, and provenance. A first-issue “He” Bible is on the higher end of this range.
➡️ 1612: The “Printers’ Bible”
- Description: A 1612 octavo edition of the KJV with an error in Psalm 119:161, where it reads, “Printers have persecuted me” instead of “Princes“.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): The base value for a complete 1612 octavo is around $12,500. A copy with the famous “printers” typo would likely command a higher price among collectors. A recent auction sale indicates prices can range from $3,500–$7,000 for copies in varying conditions.
➡️ 1631: The “Wicked Bible”
- Description: This notorious KJV edition omits “not” from the Seventh Commandment in Exodus 20:14, making it read, “Thou shalt commit adultery“. Most copies were destroyed, making survivors exceptionally rare.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): With only about 15 copies known to exist, the Wicked Bible is highly valuable. Auction sales show values ranging from $56,250 to nearly $100,000 or more.
➡️ 1651: The “Fools’ Bible” (Legendary)
- Description: A legendary, likely fictional, Bible with a supposed misprint in Psalm 14:1, omitting “no” from “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God“. No verifiable copy is known to exist.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): Zero. As a legendary item with no confirmed copies, it has no market value.
➡️ 1653: The “Unrighteous Bible”
- Description: A KJV edition printed in Cambridge known for omitting the word “not” from 1 Corinthians 6:9, making it imply the unrighteous will inherit the kingdom of God.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): While less famous than the Wicked Bible, it is a known error. An estimate from 2020 put the value around $3,000 for a complete copy. Adjusted for 2025 inflation, this might be higher.
➡️ 1682: The “Cannibal Bible”
- Description: A KJV edition with a mistake in Deuteronomy 24:3, misspelling “hath” as “ate”.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): Information is scarce, but based on comparative rarity to the Unrighteous Bible, the value would likely be in the low thousands, dependent on condition.
➡️ 1716: The “Sin On” Bible
- Description: This KJV edition contains a typo in Jeremiah 31:34, which reads “sin on more” instead of “sin no more“.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): Since 8,000 copies were printed, it is not as rare as the Wicked Bible. The value is likely in the low thousands, depending on condition.
➡️ 1717: The “Vinegar Bible”
- Description: A lavishly printed Oxford KJV. It is named for the misprint of “Parable of the Vinegar” instead of “Parable of the Vineyard” in the heading for Luke 20.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): Copies list for a wide range depending on condition. A recent listing showed a two-volume set for over $34,000, with other listings around $27,500. The price reflects the quality of the printing as much as the error.
➡️ 1795: The “Murderer’s Bible”
- Description: A KJV edition printed in London with an error in Mark 7:27, reading “Let the children first be killed” instead of “filled“.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): An auction listing from July 2025 gives an estimated price of $1,300+, though this is for a specific, likely restored, copy.
➡️ 1801: The “Murderers’ Bible”
- Description: A different KJV edition from 1801 with an error in Jude 16, which reads “murderers” instead of “murmurers“.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): A copy with a detached board was listed for $275. An average copy in good condition would likely be worth a few hundred dollars.
➡️ 1806: The “Standing Fishes” Bible
- Description: A KJV with a mistake in Ezekiel 47:10, the word “fishers” was accidentally replaced with “fishes”.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): A complete copy from Isaiah Thomas of Boston was listed for $388.
➡️ 1823: The “Rebecca’s Camels” Bible
- Description: This KJV features a typographical error in Genesis 24:61, which reads “her camels” instead of “her damsels”.
- Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): Likely in the hundreds to low thousands, depending on condition and completeness, similar to other 19th-century misprint Bibles.
➡️ 1944: The “Owl Bible”
Description: A modern KJV printing error in 1 Peter 3:5, where “own” is misprinted as “owl“.
Average Estimated Worth (2025 USD): The market for modern misprints is far smaller. The value would be minimal, likely comparable to other collectibles rather than a rare book.
The Rarity/Narrative/Value Equation
The high price points associated with some of these unique editions are driven by a confluence of factors:
- Scarcity: The vast majority of misprinted Bibles were recalled or destroyed, making surviving copies exceptionally rare.
- Narrative: Each error tells a story – of human fallibility, the challenges of printing, and the potential for misinterpretation.
- Historical Significance: These errors provide valuable insights into the printing process, linguistic evolution, and the cultural context of early modern Britain.
Collectors are not simply acquiring a rare book; they are acquiring a tangible piece of history, a narrative, and an investment. The more significant the error, the rarer the edition, and the more compelling the story, the higher the value.
The Collector’s Landscape
The market for rare Bibles, including those with misprints, is a global one. Collectors range from religious institutions and historical societies to private individuals with a passion for rare books and historical artifacts. Auctions, specialized book dealers, and online marketplaces are the primary venues for acquiring these treasures.
This is a dynamic market; therefore, diligent research and consulting with experts is essential to ensure authenticity, valuation, and provenance.
Below is a distinction that is crucial for understanding how Christians view the Bible as both a divine and human artifact.
Here’s a breakdown:
🖨️ Bible Printing Errors
Definition: These are mistakes made during the physical reproduction of the Bible—especially in printed editions. They can include:
- Typographical errors: Misspelled words, missing verses, or incorrect punctuation.
- Omissions or additions: Accidental exclusion or duplication of text.
- Formatting issues: Misaligned columns, incorrect chapter headings, or misplaced footnotes.
Impact: These errors are usually human mistakes in the transmission process—not flaws in the original message or divine inspiration. They do not undermine the theological or spiritual authority of Scripture itself.
📜 Authority and Reliability of Scripture
Definition: The Bible, in its original manuscripts (autographs), is divinely inspired, trustworthy, and authoritative for faith and life.
- Authority: Scripture is considered the ultimate guide for doctrine, ethics, and spiritual truth.
- Reliability: Despite centuries of transmission, the Bible has been preserved with remarkable accuracy through thousands of manuscripts and translations.
Key Points:
- Inspiration: Christians believe the original texts were inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16).
- Preservation: Through textual criticism and manuscript comparison, scholars affirm that the Bible we have today is highly faithful to the originals.
- Translations: While no translation is perfect, most modern versions are based on rigorous scholarship and are reliable for study and devotion.
🧠 Why the Distinction Matters
- Printing errors are external and correctable—they reflect human fallibility in production.
- Scriptural authority is internal and theological—it reflects divine intent and truth.
So, while printing errors may cause temporary confusion or amusement, they do not compromise the core message or trustworthiness of Scripture. The Bible’s authority rests not in flawless printing, but in its inspired origin and enduring truth.
In Closing
The world of historic Bible errata is a fascinating intersection of religion, history, and commerce. These misprints are not merely flaws; they are windows into the past, offering valuable insights into the challenges and complexities of the printing process. For collectors, they represent a unique opportunity to acquire a tangible piece of history, a compelling narrative, and a potentially lucrative investment. Understanding the historical context, rarity, and narrative associated with each error is key to navigating this dynamic and rewarding market.
Footnotes of References
Crawford Sterling Rare Books, eBay, “1535 Coverdale Bible TITLE LEAF First Edition TYNDALE King James RARE Original,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
Specs Fine Books, “1535 / 1974 MYLES COVERDALE. Original 1535 Leaf w/ The Coverdale Bible in Folio by Allen P. Wikgren,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
eBay, “Geneva Bible In Antiquarian & Collectible Books for sale,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
Quora, “How much is a first edition King James Bible worth…,” (updated May 10, 2023).
Antique Bible, “1611 The Great He Bible – First Edition King James Bible,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
Winter Associates – Auctioneers & Appraisers, “Lot – BOOK: [HOLY BIBLE, in English, King James Version …],” (accessed October 4, 2025).
Crawford Sterling Rare Books, eBay, “1612 KING JAMES “HE” BIBLE First Octavo Edition COMPLETE Fine Binding RARE 1611,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
Antique Trader, “A Misprint in a Bible From 1631 Endorses Hanky-Panky,” (July 11, 2021).
Institute in Basic Life Principles, “How to Identify Five Types of Fools,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
the-end-time.org, “The True Meaning of ‘Fool’ in Scripture,” (August 2, 2025).
YouTube, “HOW MUCH IS MY OLD BIBLE WORTH ? The Value of a …,” (February 4, 2020).
YouTube, “[Sermon] The Impact of Sin // Jan-19-2025,” (January 21, 2025).
eBay, “1716-1717 2vol The Holy Bible John Baskett Vinegar Bible George III Binding,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
AbeBooks, “Vinegar Bible, John Baskett,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
Helios Auctions, “1795 CHILD KILLER BIBLE IN ENGLISH 2 VOLUMES ANTIQUE ILLUSTRATED RARE,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
Specs Fine Books, “1801 GOD + A BAD TYPESETTER. The Murder’s Bible. Rare …,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
eBay, “Boston Isaiah Thomas Standing Bible 1806 OT 1805 NT Rare J T Buckingham Print,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
The Bart Ehrman Blog, “Infamous Typos in the King James Bible,” (January 5, 2023).
Bible Collectors, “Bibles With Misprints or Unusual Renderings,” (accessed October 4, 2025).
Facebook, “History Posting! In 1631, a new printing of the King James …,” (June 8, 2022).
Adventist Record, “The Ten: Worst biblical typos of all time,” (December 18, 2019).
