English reformer William Tyndale completed first English New Testament translation in 1526, printed in Germany and smuggled into England. Tyndale translated from Hebrew and Greek originals rather than Latin Vulgate, creating English biblical vocabulary and idioms. His translation used vernacular English accessible to common people, confronting Catholic Church's Latin-only scripture policy. Tyndale was executed for heresy in 1536, but his translation became foundation for later English Bibles including King James Bible. This work occurred during English Protestant Reformation beginnings.

Tyndale's English Bible established biblical English idioms entering literature including Shakespeare's works and later English poetry. His translation created English biblical vocabulary (including 'passover,' 'scapegoat,' 'let there be light') used by English poets for centuries. The translation influenced English religious poetry, hymn writing, and biblical poetry traditions. Tyndale's vernacular approach enabled English literary Renaissance including metaphysical poetry and later Romantic biblical poetry.