Several factors contributed to the increased availability of Bibles over time:
* The Printing Press: Arguably the most significant factor. Johannes Gutenberg's invention of the printing press in the mid-15th century allowed for the mass production of books, including the Bible. Before this, Bibles were painstakingly copied by hand, making them rare and expensive.
* Translation into Vernacular Languages: Initially, the Bible was primarily available in Latin, which was not understood by the majority of the population. Reformers like Martin Luther translated the Bible into vernacular languages (like German), enabling more people to read and understand it themselves. Other translations followed into English, French, and other common languages.
* Increased Literacy: As literacy rates increased across Europe and later other parts of the world, more people were able to read and understand the Bible, leading to greater demand and thus greater availability.
* The Reformation: The Protestant Reformation emphasized the importance of individual interpretation of the Bible, leading to a push for wider distribution and translation into common languages.
* Bible Societies: Organizations like the British and Foreign Bible Society (founded in 1804) and the American Bible Society (founded in 1816) were established with the specific goal of distributing Bibles around the world, often at low cost or even free.
* Technological advancements: In more recent years, digital formats and online access have further increased the availability of Bibles to a global audience.