Today’s reading comes from Matthew 2, offering rich insights into the life of Jesus and the lessons embedded in His early ministry, and it’s particularly meaningful to highlight the Wycliffe Bible translation, a landmark in the history of scripture. John Wycliffe, an English theologian and reformer, was the first person to translate the entire Bible into English in 1382 — over six centuries ago — making the Word of God accessible to ordinary English speakers who, until then, relied primarily on Latin texts that few could understand. His work not only opened the door for personal engagement with scripture but also laid the foundation for all future English translations of the Bible. Notably, Wycliffe’s version included texts now classified as apocryphal, which in modern Christian contexts are often considered non-canonical or unauthentic, leading many translations — including the widely used King James Version — to omit them. However, during Wycliffe’s time, these books were an integral part of the Bible that people read and studied daily, with their removal occurring much later as theological interpretations evolved and the biblical canon was standardized. Recognizing the Wycliffe Bible allows us to appreciate the historical and spiritual context of scripture, reminding us that access to God’s Word has been a journey shaped by centuries of translation, interpretation, and debate, and by studying these early translations, we gain insight into how past generations understood and interacted with the Bible, helping us reflect on how that understanding can inform and deepen our faith today.
The Apocrypha includes 14 books:
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The Prayer of Manasseh
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Third Ezra
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COVID Judith (perhaps a typo; likely "Book of Judith")
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Additions to Esther
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Wisdom of Solomon
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Ecclesiasticus (Sirach)
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Baruch
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Epistle of Jeremiah
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Prayer of Azariah
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Song of the Three Holy Children (Daniel and Susanna)
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Bel and the Dragon
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First Maccabees
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Second Maccabees
What Modern Translations Conceal
The word "apocrypha" originally meant "hidden" or "secret" things in Greek. It wasn't until the 16th century, after Wycliffe's time, that "apocryphal" came to mean "unauthentic" in English. That change in meaning impacts how we view these ancient texts today.
When I compared Wycliffe's translation of Matthew 2 with newer translations, I noticed significant differences. For instance, Wycliffe calls the wise men "astronomers," whereas newer texts call them "Magi." The Wycliffe Bible makes it clear: they studied the stars and skies. In Acts 7:42, it says God turned people over to worship the sun, moon, and stars — essentially, astrology.
Matthew 2:1 After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem - NIV 2011
Matthew 2:1 Therefore when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, lo! astrologers, came from the east to Jerusalem, - WYC 1382
Acts 7:42 But God turned away from them and gave them over to the worship of the sun, moon and stars.
This fits right into Matthew 2: after Jesus was born, astronomers (or astrologers) came from the East, following the star to find Him. It's a detail that's easy to miss when translations use unfamiliar words like "Magi" without context.
Another notable difference: Wycliffe says a Duke would "govern" God's people, while newer versions say a "shepherd." The idea is similar, but the wording is important because "governing" implies ruling, while "shepherding" implies guiding and caring.
Matthew 2:6 And thou, Bethlehem, the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda; for of thee a duke shall go out, that shall govern my people Israel. - WYC 1382
Matthew 2:6 “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’” - NIV 2011
Throughout Matthew 2, the differences continue:
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The astronomers are warned in sleep (dreams) not to return to Herod.
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Joseph is warned in sleep to flee to Egypt.
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The prophecy mentions "Jeremy" (Jeremiah) — again, slight name differences.
How One Word Changes Everything
These seemingly minor changes open up layers of deeper meaning. For example, Wycliffe's wording often ties back to spiritual concepts of hidden knowledge, visions, and enlightenment. When Abraham was told to go to the "land of vision" (not "region of Moriah," as newer texts say), it points to a much broader, spiritual understanding of the story — even connecting to the idea of psychosis, visions, and spiritual insight.
Genesis 22:2 God said to him, Take thine one begotten son, whom thou lovest, Isaac; and go into the land of vision, and offer thou him there into burnt sacrifice on one of the hills which I shall show to thee. - WYC 1382
Genesis 22:2 Then God said, “Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac—and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” - NIV 2011
The Hidden Power in Scripture’s Smallest Details
We live today in a society obsessed with cravings, comforts, and consumerism, very much like the Israelites who longed for Egypt's abundance after their exodus. Spiritually, Egypt represents slavery to worldly desires. In a way, we are still in Egypt.
Even the capture of Jesus in Gethsemane has hidden meaning: when Jesus said "I am he," His captors fell down. Not because they respected Him, but because His spirit commanded recognition. God’s spirit — the breath of life that animates all living things — acknowledged Jesus even in those who were against Him.
John 18:6 "As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground."
All these little differences matter. They reveal a deeper layer of faith, history, and spiritual truth that we risk losing when we don't study the origins and translations carefully.
I encourage everyone: don't just skim the surface. Dive into the "hidden things," the apocrypha, the old translations. Pay attention to the little differences. There's a wealth of spiritual knowledge waiting for those willing to seek it.