Translation

The need for Bible translations is overwhelming. All over the world people are hungry for God’s Word in their mother tongue – yet there is a shortage of trained translators and project funds. Find out more and donate today.

Over two thousand languages now have some part of the Bible – but this figure represents just a third of the languages in use in the world.

For those of us in the West, it is very hard to imagine the Bible being unavailable in our own language, but many people across the world are hearing God’s word in a language which is foreign to them. This can leave them feeling that GOD IS FOREIGN or, even worse that he doesn’t care.

Many people have to wait a long time for the Scriptures in their own tongue, because the translation process is lengthy, requiring extensive research and revision. But when the wait is over, the receiving and reading of the Word of God in their own language can be life changing, giving A SENSE OF WORTH, IDENTITY and purpose.

Although the complete Bible has been available in English in printed form since 1535, keeping the English translation up to date, using clear, everyday language for today's culture is an ongoing task. That’s why translations like the CONTEMPORARY ENGLISH VERSION of the Bible are so important.

Our MACHINE ASSISTED TRANSLATION TEAM (MAT) (opens in a new window) research ways of applying mathematics, linguistics and computer technology in order to develop software to assist Bible translation projects around the world. This is one way that we are living out our vision to make the Bible heard everywhere, giving people the opportunity to have a personal encounter with the Bible.

Part of the work of Bible Society is to fund translation consultants, who give expert advice, encouragement and practical hints to translation teams around the world, as well as helping with the REVISION process. We also work with a range of partners including WYCLIFFE BIBLE TRANSLATORS.

Latest BIBLE TRANSLATION FIGURES