Why the pronoun 'he' makes this Bible on display in Shawnee unique

A historic holy book known for its unique use of a particular pronoun will be on display at an art museum in Shawnee.

The 1613 "Great He Bible" will be part of an exhibit at the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art on the grounds of Oklahoma Baptist University's Green Campus at 1900 W MacArthur. OBU, in partnership with the Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commission and the museum, will an free opening reception on Nov. 10 at the museum. The exhibit will be on display through 2024.

OBU archivist Joshua Mackey said Shields Boulevard Baptist Church donated the 1613 King James Bible to OBU's J.M. and Helen Gaskin Baptist Historical Library and Archives in October 2020. He said an initial assessment of the bible showed that it needed restoration, so it was sent to the Musuem of the Bible. Conservators at that museum conducted an extensive restoration of the holy book.

"They actually went page by page and actually scrubbed some of the grime off of each and every page," Mackey said. "They put in quite a labor of love to bring it back to good condition."

The refurbished Bible is known for a typographical error in the Book of Ruth, which refers to Ruth as "he." Having earned the title of the "Great He Bible," Mackey said the book's publication date is a also big reason why it is considered a historical artifact.

He said the first authorized King James Bible was published in 1611 while King James 1 reigned from 1603 to 1625. The archivest said this means that the Bible was not only among the first copies of the original KJV, but it is also contemporary to the king who authorized its translation and publication.

"It's a remarkable piece of history because this was an object that was actually produced during the life of King James I, the man who authorized that version of the Bible, and it made its way across the Atlantic," he said.

"To actually physically handle that Bible was remarkable and a reminder of just how special it is to get to be an archivist and handle rare and interesting items."

The opening reception for the exhibit featuring the Bible will give members of the university and Oklahoma Baptist community as well as the community-at-large an opportunity to the craftmenship of the Bible up close. Mackey said the Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art has created an exhibit that will include other religious art, in addition the historic Bible.

The reception will include brief statements from OBU leaders and the Oklahoma Baptists. After remarks are shared, attendees will be able to get a first look at the exhibit, explore the museum and visit with Mackey, Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art staff and Oklahoma Baptist Historical Commissioners.

'Great He Bible' exhibit opening reception

When: 2 to 4 p.m. Nov. 10.

Where: Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art, Oklahoma Baptist University's Green Campus, 1900 W. MacArthur, Shawnee.

Information: https://www.mgmoa.org/.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: 1613 'Great He Bible' is on display at Mabee-Gerrer Museum of Art