“Their voice has spread throughout the whole earth, and their words have reached to the ends of the world.”
But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.”(Romans 10:18,NIV)
》 About Bible Translation
The history of Bible translation spans over two thousand years. The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, and the process of translating it into various languages has undergone many changes and developments. Around the 3rd century BC, the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament, played a key role in the spread of early Christianity. In the late 4th century AD, the Vulgate, a Latin translation of the Bible from the Greek, became the standard text for the Roman Catholic Church and was widely used throughout medieval Europe.
During the Middle Ages, the Roman Catholic Church restricted access to the Bible by limiting translations and reserving it for clergy use. As a result, most general public could not read or understand the Scriptures in their own language. This began to change with John Wycliffe’s English translation, Martin Luther’s German translation, and the 1611 King James Bible translation. These have continued to be widely used to this day.
During the 19th and 20th centuries, Bible translation efforts expanded rapidly, reaching an increasing number of languages. Today, the Bible has been translated—at least in part—into thousands of languages around the world. Translation work continues today, with the goal of producing versions that are both faithful to the original texts and clear and meaningful to readers in their native languages.
》 Scripture Focus
| Romans 10:11-18(NIV) 11 As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.” 12 For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on Him, 13 for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” 14 How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” 16 But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our message?” 17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: “Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world.” |
》 Prayer Points
1. In 2023, Bible Societies around the world translated the Scriptures into 106 languages spoken by approximately 1.25 billion people. From Benin in West Africa to Malaysia in Southeast Asia, around 100 million people received the Bible in their native language for the very first time across 72 languages. In addition, new translations or revised editions were completed in 36 languages used by over 1.15 billion people. These milestones represent significant progress in bringing the message of Scripture to people of diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. In total, the first Bible translations were published in 72 languages in 2023. Of these, 16 were complete Bibles, 17 were New Testaments, and 39 were portions of Scripture. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit moves powerfully in every heart reading the Bible in their own language, leading many to believe and confess that Jesus is the Christ. And let us pray that the Church of Jesus Christ—firmly grounded on the truth of God’s Word—continues to grow and flourish throughout the world.
2. Despite great progress, around 1.46 billion people still do not have access to the full Bible in their own language. An estimated 3,710 languages still require translation work. Let us pray that Bible translation will continue swiftly and effectively in every nation, tribe, and tongue. May the gospel of salvation reach all who call on the name of Jesus Christ—whether Jew or Gentile—without delay. Let us ask the Lord to bring His mission to fulfillment, so that He may truly be the Lord of all.
3. Rev. Dirk Gevers, General Secretary of the United Bible Societies, said: “Bible translation is at the heart of the United Bible Societies’ unique and powerful story. Translation teams serve on the front lines of this mission, working to bring the power of God’s Word to the communities they serve. This is truly a labor of love—an ongoing and demanding task that requires deep commitment. As Paul encouraged the Corinthians, I pray that every member of these Bible translation teams may ‘stand firm and be steadfast.’”
Let us pray for the missionaries and organizations dedicated to Bible translation. May they stand firm in their calling, serving with Christ’s love, perseverance, and humility. Let us ask God to give them wisdom and understanding so that this sacred task can be completed with excellence. Through their faithfulness, may the good news spread to every corner of the earth, may God’s Word reach the nations, and may churches rise up around the world to welcome the return of our Lord Jesus.
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