The Geneva Bible: Why did it become known as "The Breeches Bible"?

I have to say that I have received much positive interest regarding my earlier blog post on the Geneva Bible. How we need a richer knowledge of church history! The Geneva Bible has an esteemed history and its influence upon the Reformed and Protestant world has been incalculable. It was the main Bible exported by the Puritans to North America and there it took on the unusual nickname of "The Breeches Bible". Does anyone know why?

Its translation takes on much of Tyndall's thought and I cannot say if this is from Tyndale, but it is certainly memorable. In Genesis 3:7 in record of the Fall of Adam and then indeed mankind, we read this from the Geneva Bible:

"Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig tree leaves together, and made themselves breeches".

Breeches meaning an old English term for trousers. These would have covered their private parts and thus covering their nakedness. It is certainly a bold and memorable translation, we have to say.

Well, at least you are informed on something that is more than mere trivia. When we consider the nickname of the Geneva Bible we are then constantly reminded of the Fall of Man. Listen to Paul the apostle speaking of this Fall in Romans chapter 3:9-20.

What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: “None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God. All have turned aside; together they have become worthless; no one does good, not even one.” “Their throat is an open grave; they use their tongues to deceive.” “The venom of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; in their paths are ruin and misery, and the way of peace they have not known.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
Now we know that whatever the law says it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped, and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For by works of the law no human being will be justified in his sight, since through the law comes knowledge of sin.

We may wonder then, what hope is there? Romans 3:21-24 supplies the answer.

"But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus".