John Layfield (theologian) facts for kids
John Layfield (sometimes spelled Laifield) was an English scholar and Bible translator who passed away on 6 November 1617. He played an important role in creating one of the most famous English Bibles.
Life of John Layfield
John Layfield went to school at Merchant Taylors' School, Northwood. After that, he studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was a Fellow from 1585 to 1603. A Fellow is like a senior student or a teacher who helps run the college.
In 1592, he traveled to Puerto Rico with George Clifford. Clifford was a powerful noble, and Layfield was his chaplain. A chaplain is a religious advisor or priest who serves a specific person or group.
From 1602 until his death in 1617, John Layfield was the rector of St Clement Danes church in London. The rector is the main priest in charge of a church.
In 1610, King James I of England chose him to be one of the first members of Chelsea College. This was a new college that the King helped to start.
John Layfield was also part of a special group called the "First Westminster Company." This group had a very important job from King James. They were asked to translate the first 12 books of the Bible into English. This new translation became known as the famous King James Version of the Bible. People said that because he was skilled in architecture, his advice was very helpful for understanding the design of the ancient tabernacle and temple.
He passed away in London on 6 November 1617.
