1611 Geneva Bible Leaf — Matthew 15–16, Keys to the Kingdom
1611 Geneva Bible Leaf — Matthew 15–16, The Keys to the Kingdom
Step into one of the most significant years in the history of English biblical printing with this genuine, original 1611 Geneva Bible leaf, printed in London by Robert Barker during the same historic year in which the first edition of the King James Bible was published.
This substantial leaf preserves passages from Matthew Chapters 15 and 16, including Christ's teaching on purity of the heart, the healing of the Canaanite woman, and the celebrated “Keys to the Kingdom” passage addressed to Simon Peter.
Measuring approximately 8" × 11¾", the leaf presents the Geneva Bible's characteristic double-column format, readable Roman typography, and extensive marginal commentary—features that made the Geneva Bible an important study Bible for generations of English readers.
FEATURED SCRIPTURE
Matthew Chapters 15–16 — The Canaanite Woman & The Keys to the Kingdom
Among the passages preserved on this remarkable leaf are:
Matthew 15 — Christ's teaching concerning what truly defiles a person.
The account of the Canaanite woman, including her memorable response concerning the “whelps” receiving the crumbs from their master's table.
Matthew 16 — Christ's declaration to Simon Peter:
“Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my Church…”
The celebrated promise:
“And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdome of heaven.”
These passages make the leaf particularly appealing to collectors interested in the history of English Scripture and recognizable Gospel narratives.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The Geneva Bible was one of the most influential English Bibles of the Reformation era, distinguished by its extensive marginal annotations and study-oriented presentation.
This 1611 printing is especially interesting because it belongs to the same year that Robert Barker printed the first edition of the King James Bible. A surviving 1611 Geneva Bible therefore provides a fascinating snapshot of the English biblical landscape at the precise moment when two major English Bible traditions stood side by side.
The Geneva Bible's extensive marginal commentary also gives this leaf an important historical dimension beyond the biblical text itself, preserving the interpretive framework presented to its early readers.
TYPOGRAPHY & VISUAL FEATURES
Original 1611 Geneva Bible printing
Printed in London
Printer: Robert Barker
Folio format
Approximately 8" × 11¾"
Double-column layout
Roman typeface
Extensive period marginal commentary and references
Early 17th-century English biblical typography
AUTHENTICITY & CONDITION
Certificate of Authenticity:
This historic leaf is accompanied by an official Certificate of Authenticity documenting its identification.
Overall Condition:
Excellent antiquarian condition for a leaf approximately 415 years old, with strong paper integrity and a crisp, well-preserved printed appearance.
Text Completeness:
The text columns are complete, clean, and fully legible, with the principal biblical text preserved on both sides of the leaf.
Historic Wormholes:
A few tiny historic wormholes are present within the blank channel between the principal Scripture text and the marginal notes. They do not result in loss or obstruction of the printed text.
Creasing & Edges:
A natural historic vertical crease follows the margin-divider area, consistent with the leaf's former binding and centuries of handling. The edges remain straight and strong, with only minor handling wear.
Tone & Patina:
The original rag paper displays an attractive, even light amber age tone across the surface, contributing to the leaf's authentic historic character.
PRESERVATION & DISPLAY
At approximately 8" × 11¾", this leaf presents beautifully as a standalone historical artifact. The combination of its 1611 date, Roman typography, extensive marginal commentary, and memorable passages from Matthew 15–16 makes it particularly well suited for archival preservation or professional framing.
For long-term preservation, archival acid-free materials and appropriate UV-protective glazing are recommended.
A remarkable survivor from 1611, this leaf offers a tangible connection to the history of the Geneva Bible and to one of the most consequential years in the development of the English printed Bible.
INQUIRIES
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Collection Reference: AS-1027
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