More Than Words

The Crucial Work of Bible Translation

Introduction

Translating the Bible into many languages holds immense spiritual and cultural significance. This monumental task not only facilitates the spread of the Gospel but also fosters communal growth. Bible translation primarily ensures all people have access to the truth–God’s revelation of Himself–in a language they deeply connect with. But Bible translation extends beyond this important aspect. Bible translation touches upon attributes of cultural preservation, educational development, and community honor as tribe after tribe joins the developing world in having their language written or recorded in the most historic and well-known book in the world.

For the Christian, Bible translation is not a project to yawn about.

For the Christian, this Great Commission work is an exciting part of our earthly purposes that will one day, in the not too far future, welcome the reign of Christ. In Matthew 24:14 (ESV), Jesus said, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Blood for our Bibles

The Protestant Reformation of the16th century marked a pivotal moment in the history of Bible translation. Reformers like Martin Luther and William Tyndale risked everything to make Scripture accessible. Tyndale, ultimately martyred for translating the Bible into English, paved the way for the many English versions we hold today.

Far too often, the Great Commission (given by Christ and documented in Matthew 28:16-20) is seen as a distant program on a church budget—financial offerings a mission committee votes on annually. Just as Noah faithfully built an ark to save humankind, we are called to build a human kingdom of Christ followers by going into every nation, tribe, and language. We’re not building the ark; we’re building God’s Kingdom, and its foundation is found in the pages of the Holy Bible.

This is not drive-by evangelism at work.

Hundreds of Bible translators, following in the footsteps of Luther and Tyndale, have sacrificed everything to fulfill Christ’s mandate.

Bible translation is difficult toil in remote regions of persecution. These monumental translation efforts put the very breath of God into the cavernous lungs of the lost. It is God’s Word that brings life — just as it brought abundant, spiritual life to you.

Religious and Spiritual Impact

The translation of the Bible into local languages plays a crucial role in the spiritual lives of individuals and communities. It allows people to engage with the Scriptures in their native tongues, making the teachings of Christ more relatable and understandable. We need to remember if you don’t have the Bible in your primary, spoken-at-home language, then it is hard to imagine Christ as your brother, or God as your Father. Having God’s Word come through a second or third language lacks the full sense of family or community.

Promoting Personal and Communal Faith

When individuals read or hear the Bible in their own language, they are more likely to internalize the messages and apply these truths to family, friendships, work relationships, and all areas of daily life. This accessibility promotes personal Bible study and reflection, leading to a deeper understanding of faithful teachings. Additionally, communities which have access to the Bible in their native language can share and discuss its teachings more effectively, fostering a sense of unity and shared faith.

Ultimately, discipleship and spiritual growth are centered on the Word of God. Today, there are still approximately one billion people without the crucial opportunity to grow spiritually … or fully understand the sacrifice of Christ.

But The Word for the World accelerates our translation efforts, moving into hard-to-reach regions and partnering with other Bible translation agencies to finish the Great Commission task. And this acceleration moves forward with the unfathomable peace that surpasses all understanding. Bible translation happening around the world today is worth every hardship, our worn-out knees, and the persecution that comes when offering Christ’s ultimate tool—His Word.

Cultural Preservation and Identity

Bible translation is both an evangelistic and spiritual endeavor. In addition, it fosters growth within the community. Many languages, particularly those of indigenous and minority communities, are at risk of extinction. Translating the Bible into these languages helps preserve them by providing a written record that can be passed down through generations. This preservation of language is vital for maintaining cultural identity and heritage.

Educational and Social Benefits

The availability of the Bible in various languages also has significant educational and social benefits. It promotes literacy and learning, as translated Bibles often serve as some of the first written materials accessible in an indigenous language. This fosters a culture of reading and education, which can have far-reaching positive effects on communities.

Enhancing Education

In many parts of the world, especially in remote and underdeveloped regions where much of today’s translation work takes place, the translated Bible acts as an essential educational tool. The stories and teachings offer valuable lessons which shape character and behavior, contributing to the overall well-being and spiritual strength of individuals and societies. With a world in constant chaos and with morality disintegrating by the day, what better way to change the future than to put the Truth into the hands of all people in a language they completely comprehend?

Reacting to Scripture

With satellites bringing the internet to even the most remote regions, people are more aware of what they lack, including Scripture. As The Word for the World embarks on translation worldwide, we often hear people within bibleless language groups explain they have been waiting for someone to come and help them translate for years. This news is heartbreaking. But across the globe, God has spurred local people on to seek His Word, and The Word for the World answers their need by investing in local communities, equipping and training translators, and building an infrastructure that allows for sustainability and replication.

As they receive those first fruits of Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, their hearts pound for more. We hear responses like these:

“I thought I understood Scripture, but when I heard it in my language, my heart opened to the truth.”

“God has not forgotten us.”

“Now we know the love of Christ. The truth is God is working with us even in war.”

“We leave family and homes to travel to the remote village for months, but we do it because it is God’s Word.”

“His Word brings us courage to face our hardships.”

“My brother is no longer my enemy. Neither is my neighbor.”

“Now, God is not getting on a plane or going back in a car. Now [with the Bible] He is truly Emmanual—God with us.”

Conclusion

Translation of the Bible into the languages of the world is a vital and multifaceted endeavor. As The Word for the World continues to translate the Bible into more languages, we enrich the cultural tapestry of humanity and bring people to a profound understanding of faith in Jesus. The work of Bible translation is an ongoing testament to the enduring power of Scripture.

Because God’s Word is more precious than gold (Psalm 19:8-10), everyone who follows Christ is invited to share this priceless treasure with the nations—our mandate, our call. Join the movement by supporting The Word for the World through prayer.

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