Why Bible Translation?

The Bible is one of the oldest and most popular books of all time. But is it just a book, or is it much more?

We believe that the Bible is God’s Word to us — something that everyone should be able to understand in a language and form that clearly speaks to their hearts. But approximately 2,000 languages* around the world are still waiting for a translation project to begin.

When people finally get Scripture in their own language, lives often change in amazing ways. People are transformed as they discover Jesus Christ and enter into a right relationship with God.

That’s why [groups such as] Wycliffe Bible Translators exists — to help speakers of these remaining languages get the Bible for themselves. And we won’t stop until all people have God’s Word in a language they understand.

The Worldwide Status of Bible Translation:

• More than 1,500 languages have access to the New Testament and some portions of Scripture in their language.
• More than 650 languages have the complete translated Bible.
• At least 7,000 spoken or signed languages* are known to be in use today.
• At least 1.5 billion people do not have the full Bible in their language — that’s more people than the entire continent of Africa!
• More than 2,500 languages across 170 countries have active translation and linguistic development work happening right now.
• Approximately 2,000 languages still need a Bible translation project to begin.

(“Why Bible Translation?”, Wycliffe Global Alliance Online, 10/2018).