The Genesis of Numbered Bible Verses in the Genevan Bible

The advent of Bible verses as we know them was pioneered by Robert Estienne, a 16th-century scholar. Before this innovation, Bible manuscripts existed as unbroken texts, separated only into chapters. This transformation facilitated easier referencing and quoting of passages, marking a significant shift in how biblical texts were interacted with.

To streamline scripture navigation, Estienne introduced the system of verses, greatly enhancing accessibility for the faithful. This innovation was first implemented in the Genevan Bible, a version so esteemed it was Shakespeare’s preferred Bible. This evolution from a ‘sea of words’ to a meticulously organized text is a testament to the enduring impact of Estienne’s work on biblical study.