Small Bibles with silver mounts and a chain served as both a symbol of social status and a means of portable devotion. Being able to read the scripture in one’s own language became a pillar of the Reformation during the sixteenth century. At the Synod of Dordt in 1618–1619, the Dutch Reformed Church agreed that new translation of the Bible was necessary, one translated from the original Hebrew and Greek texts. The Dutch government, known as the States General, took responsibility for funding the project and the University of Leiden oversaw the scholarly activities. Translation finally began in 1625, and the first published States General Bible came to market in 1637. It remained the official Dutch language Bible used by the Reformed Church.