Why Translate the Bible?

“Isn’t there someone who can learn my language and give us the message in words we can understand easily?” pleaded a Caquinte Campa woman in Peru after hearing the Bible read in another translation. Without a Bible in her own language, the Bible stories she hears by word of mouth can be confused. Most importantly, she may never hear the message of life through Jesus Christ. Bible translation can provide her and millions more with God’s Truth.

The Bible is God’s message for all people. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ commanded his followers to share the good news with all nations. Since Scripture is essential to knowing Jesus, it must be translated so that people everywhere can truly understand its message. As directed through the Great Commission, the Church carries the responsibility for Bible translation.

History documents the Bible’s profound impact on individuals and societies. Its impact is greatest when written in the heart language of a people, the language they understand best. Barriers to understanding the gospel are reduced. People grow spiritually. Strong, healthy churches result. Strong churches reach out to their neighbours in acts of service, which can ultimately transform whole communities and bring glory to God.

The Task Ahead

Research indicates that nearly 200 million people in over 2,400 language groups still don’t have a single verse God’s Word in their own language. If translation continues at its current rate, it could take another 150 years to even begin a translation project in these remaining languages. They need help!

Vision 2025

Since 2000, Bible translation projects have begun in over 600 languages around the world. Today, more than 2,400 languages have some or all the Bible translated. Wycliffe’s vision is to have a translation project started in all of the remaining 2,300 languages by the year 2025.

To read more about Bible translation around the world visit www.wycliffe.net.