History of the Icelandic Bible – From Early Translations to Modern Icelandic

The journey of the Icelandic Bible began in the 1500s, when early efforts were made to translate Scripture into Icelandic. At the time, Iceland was part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and translation efforts were influenced by the Protestant Reformation. In 1584, an Icelandic clergyman completed one of the first New Testament translations, making the Bible more accessible, though the language remained difficult for everyday readers.

By the 19th century, Icelanders were seeking to reconnect with their language, culture, and heritage. In 1815, the Icelandic Bible Society (Bíblíufélagið) was founded to provide Bible translations that modern Icelanders could understand. After years of work, a modern Icelandic translation was released in 1912, and in 1981, the text was revised again to reflect evolving language and cultural nuances.

Today, the Icelandic Bible is a cherished part of Icelandic life. While multiple translations exist, the Icelandic Bible Society continues to maintain and update them, preserving a vital link between Scripture, culture, and national heritage.