In this episode of “Liana’s Favorite Books,” Dr. Liana Lupas shows off the hidden wonders of the Spanish “Bear Bible,” which was published in 1569. It was the first Spanish Bible printed with the Old and New Testaments in a single volume.

Translated by a Spanish refugee named Casiodoro de Reina, this version—known as the Reina-Valera translation—is still the most popular Spanish translation of the Bible today.

But why is it called the “Bear Bible?”

Well, the title page of this Bible contains a beautiful engraving of a bear reaching for honey inside of a tree—a reminder that the Word of God is indeed sweeter than honey (Psalm 119:103). But, as Dr. Lupas explains, the images of the bear and honeybees also contain a hidden message about who printed this Bible and where he printed it.

Watch Dr. Lupas unlock the mysteries of the classic 1569 Bear Bible and discover its secrets for yourself!