Heritage, Promise and Obligation: A Plea for the Enduring Significance of the Luther Bible for the Communication of the Gospel

Abstract

This paper describes the main characteristics of Luther’s translation of the Bible. Two dimensions are considered: First, its historic significance for the Germanic languages, second, its theological basis and power which laid ground for the first one. These dimensions are brought forward as heritage, promise and obligation for further translation and use of the Bible, esp. Luther’s translation.