Cipriano de Valera: The Man Behind the Name

Introduction to Reina Valera

• The term "Reina Valera" is synonymous with Spanish Bibles, named after Casiodoro de Reina and Cipriano de Valera.

• Casiodoro de Reina is more widely recognized than Cipriano de Valera, prompting an exploration of Valera's contributions.

Early Life and Education

• Cipriano de Valera was born in 1531 in Valera la Vieja, part of the Kingdom of Seville. His surname originates from this town.

• He moved to Seville for university studies at the newly established University of Seville, focusing on philosophy and humanities. A significant influence was his study of Hebraism.

Monastic Career and Reformation Influence

• After deciding on a monastic life, he joined the monastery of San Isidoro del Campo under the Order of Saint Jerome near Seville. Here he met Casiodoro de Reina and others interested in Protestant Reformation ideas.

• In 1557, their reformist circle was discovered by the Inquisition, leading to their flight from Seville to Geneva due to persecution threats.

Exile and Academic Pursuits

• In Geneva, Cypriano became a citizen in 1558 amidst a refuge for Protestant exiles; he studied reformed theology under Theodore Beza but felt out of place there.

• Following Queen Elizabeth I's rise in England, which allowed religious freedom for Protestants, he expressed gratitude for England’s protection against tyranny from inquisitors.

Contributions to Academia and Literature

• Settling in London with other exiles like Casiodoro de Reina, he helped establish a Spanish church while pursuing academic ambitions over ecclesiastical roles. He earned degrees from Cambridge University and later taught at Magdalen College.

Cipriano de Valera's Contributions to Spanish Christianity

Critique of Religious Authority

• Cipriano de Valera criticizes the blind following of religious authority, specifically targeting the Pope and labeling him as "the man of sin" and "the Antichrist."

Translation of Calvin's Work

• Valera translated Calvin's The Institution of the Christian Religion into Spanish, publishing it in London in 1597. This edition consisted of four volumes and over 1,000 pages.

• He included a preface addressing Spanish readers, emphasizing his admiration for Calvin as a proponent of pure Christianity free from papal influence.

Personal Motivation for Translation

• Valera expressed a deep desire to advance the conversion and spiritual health of his nation through this translation effort, indicating a personal commitment to spreading Protestant beliefs.

Revision of the Bear Bible

• His most significant work is the revision of the Bear Bible, originally published by Cassiodorus de Reina in 1569. The revision process began with the New Testament printed separately in 1596.

• The complete Bible was published in Amsterdam in 1602 after overcoming financial difficulties and finding a suitable printer.

Acknowledgment of Previous Works

• Valera referred to his work as a second edition, acknowledging Reina’s original translation while improving its quality through careful revisions.

• He aimed to ensure that Spanish speakers had access to an accurate biblical text without extraneous influences from apocryphal books.

Features of Valera's Bible Edition

• The revised Bible contained 66 canonical books accepted by Protestants, excluding deuterocanonical texts. It featured annotations for reader guidance.

• Each book included summaries, chapter numbers, and verse divisions consistent with traditional formats to enhance readability.

Purpose and Exhortation

• Valera’s motto emphasized glorifying God and benefiting the Spanish Church by making scripture accessible in their language.

• He urged all faithful Christians to read scripture based on divine commands found throughout both Testaments.

Presentation After Publication

Cipriano de Valera: His Life and Legacy

The Influence of Jacobus Arminius

• Cipriano de Valera was notably supported by the Dutch Protestant theologian Jacobus Arminius, who recommended him to another theologian in a letter expressing concern for Valera's well-being.

Uncertainty Surrounding Cyprian's Final Days

• The details of Cyprian's last days remain unclear; after publishing his Bible, he intended to return to England with his wife, but it is uncertain if he succeeded. Speculations about his death range from 1602 to a few years later.

The Fate of the Reina Valera Bible

• The Reina Valera Bible, originally published in 1602, was reprinted multiple times (1625, 1862, 1909, 1960, and 1995), becoming the most significant Bible in the Castilian language for Spanish-speaking Protestants.

Condemnation of His Works

• In 1640, the Holy Office banned Cyprian’s other works as heretical writings. Despite being a patriot concerned for Spain, he also empathized with the indigenous peoples affected by Spanish Conquistadors' greed and violence.

Advocacy for Indigenous Peoples

• Valera viewed native populations as deserving fair treatment and Christian teachings. He did not foresee that his edition of the Bible would reach these communities or become foundational for Latin American evangelical churches.

Reflection on Impact and Usage