Miles Smith
Encyclopedia
Miles Smith was a scholar, theologian, and bibliophile.
, but graduated from Brasenose
, in the same University, where he "proved at length an incomparable theologist." In time, he became resident canon of Hereford Cathedral
and earned his Doctor of Divinity in 1594. In 1612 he was appointed Bishop of Gloucester
, wherein he was buried after his death at the age of 70.
As a scholar, Smith was known for his mastery of Biblical languages. He was also known as a severe Calvinist and a great accumulator of books.
During the translation of the King James Version of the Bible
, Smith served in the "First Oxford Company", responsible for the later books of the Old Testament
, as well as on the "Revision Committee" which oversaw the final editing. He, along with Thomas Bilson
, Bishop of Winchester
, performed the final examination of the text before sending it to the printer. Smith also composed the Preface which accompanies the Authorised Version.
Life
He attended Corpus Christi College, OxfordCorpus Christi College, Oxford
Corpus Christi College is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom...
, but graduated from Brasenose
Brasenose College, Oxford
Brasenose College, originally Brazen Nose College , is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. As of 2006, it has an estimated financial endowment of £98m...
, in the same University, where he "proved at length an incomparable theologist." In time, he became resident canon of Hereford Cathedral
Hereford Cathedral
The current Hereford Cathedral, located at Hereford in England, dates from 1079. Its most famous treasure is Mappa Mundi, a mediæval map of the world dating from the 13th century. The cathedral is a Grade I listed building.-Origins:...
and earned his Doctor of Divinity in 1594. In 1612 he was appointed Bishop of Gloucester
Bishop of Gloucester
The Bishop of Gloucester is the Ordinary of the Church of England Diocese of Gloucester in the Province of Canterbury.The diocese covers the County of Gloucestershire and part of the County of Worcestershire and has its see in the City of Gloucester where the seat is located at the Cathedral Church...
, wherein he was buried after his death at the age of 70.
As a scholar, Smith was known for his mastery of Biblical languages. He was also known as a severe Calvinist and a great accumulator of books.
During the translation of the King James Version of the Bible
King James Version of the Bible
The Authorized Version, commonly known as the King James Version, King James Bible or KJV, is an English translation of the Christian Bible by the Church of England begun in 1604 and completed in 1611...
, Smith served in the "First Oxford Company", responsible for the later books of the Old Testament
Old Testament
The Old Testament, of which Christians hold different views, is a Christian term for the religious writings of ancient Israel held sacred and inspired by Christians which overlaps with the 24-book canon of the Masoretic Text of Judaism...
, as well as on the "Revision Committee" which oversaw the final editing. He, along with Thomas Bilson
Thomas Bilson
Thomas Bilson was an Anglican Bishop of Worcester and Bishop of Winchester. He, along with Miles Smith, oversaw the final edit and printing of the King James Bible. He is buried in Westminster Abbey in plot 232 between the tombs of Richard the Second and Edward the Third...
, Bishop of Winchester
Bishop of Winchester
The Bishop of Winchester is the head of the Church of England diocese of Winchester, with his cathedra at Winchester Cathedral in Hampshire.The bishop is one of five Church of England bishops to be among the Lords Spiritual regardless of their length of service. His diocese is one of the oldest and...
, performed the final examination of the text before sending it to the printer. Smith also composed the Preface which accompanies the Authorised Version.