Publication of Luther's German New Testament

Timeline

1. 1522Wittenberg · GermanyLuther brought the New Testament translation back from the Wartburg, reviewed it in Wittenberg with colleagues including Melanchthon, and commissioned local printer Melchior Lotter and others to typeset and print it. The manuscript included Luther's preface explaining translation principles and critiquing papal authority.
2. 1522Wittenberg · GermanyThe German New Testament (Das Neue Testament Deutzsch) was published in Wittenberg, comprising all twenty-seven books of the New Testament. Based on Saxon-Thuringian spoken German, the translation aimed to be faithful to the Greek original while close to the people's language, and the first edition was in wide demand.
3. 1522–1523German states of the Holy Roman Empire · GermanyThe German New Testament was rapidly reprinted and circulated throughout Germany via print, despite the Edict of Worms still banning Luther's works; large numbers reached the people. Its plain language style profoundly influenced the formation of standard German and promoted the religious practice of individuals reading the Bible directly.