the Bible for EVERY.ONE.

By 2020 translation into the final remaining languages will be underway.

… but there is still much we need to do!

What’s happening in the world of bible translation.

150 years is not good enough!

At the turn of the century, the Wycliffe Global Alliance estimated that it would be the year 2150 before the translation of the last language on earth would begin.

This assessment seemed unacceptable to them. So, they committed to work differently and with a renewed sense of urgency, so that “by the year 2025 a Bible translation project will be in progress for every people group that needs it.”

As a result, a release of new technologies, new approaches and a new spirit of collaboration among mission organizations has led to a remarkable acceleration.

The latest figures show we can expect active translation projects for every language by the year 2020.

We are living in the generation that will likely see everyone on earth – for the first time in history – able to read or hear God’s Word in their own mother tongue.

So how close are we?

Translation: the facts

source: Wycliffe • Progress Report 2020/21

55.37%

3,415

languages with some or all translations
7 billion people

704 languages with a complete Bible – 5.7 billion people

1551 languages with a complete New Testament (some also have Old Testament portions) – 815 million people

1160 languages with some translated Bible portions – 458 million people

11.96%

738

738 languages have work in progress
65.4 million people

1.5 billion people, speaking 6656 languages, do not have a full Bible in their first language.

32.65%

2,014

languages need translation to begin
167 million people

1193 languages are not vital enough to plan translation work – 20.8 million people

So let’s get it done!

Tell me what I can do!

7000 Known Languages…

That’s a lot of translation!

There are over 7000 (7360 at last count) known languages in the world.

It is essential that people connect with the Word of God in their heart language for real encounter and transformation to occur.

“Without the Bible, world evangelization would not only be impossible, but actually inconceivable.”

The Reverend John Stott

Translation efforts have increased massively thanks to the work of organizations like Wycliffe and the Seed Company, but there still remain around 180 million people without access to any portion of Scripture in their heart language, and a total of around 1.3 billion people without access to the full Bible in their first language.

The Word for non-readers!

2/3 of the world’s unreached people can’t, won’t or don’t read.

Reaching the non-readers of the world – over 5.7 billion people

A lot of missions work has been aimed at the literate world, only 1/3 of the earth’s population. The remaining 2/3 have only recently being focused on.

Oral learning cultures are highly relational and stories, songs, chants, poems, proverbs, dramas and dances are the way they can hear the Good News.

The Jesus Film Project has been used in an amazing way with more than 10 million decisions recorded. Check out their website.

Don’t miss this powerful presentation from one of our partner ministries – The Seed Company. Hear the dramatic stories of Berki and Bethi and many more and marvel at the power of the Word.

Jesus said:

If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

John 8 v 31b,32

Help everyone on earth engage with the word of God

Find a Bibleless People Group

Our friends at The Seed Company have developed a marvellous tool to explore the world of Bible translation.

You can search for locations, size of groups, specific projects and needs or just explore the map.

Support Translation

Go yourself or become a partner at home – pray, engage your church or small group, raise funds for projects…

A good place to start is Wycliffe and The Seed Company – or any of the other partners listed below.

Help Distribute

There is more needed than you might think – like generators and projectors to show the Jesus Film, digital recorders and SD memory cards for audio Bibles… check The Seed Company.

Get Trained

Events, Seminars, Internships and whole mission careers… check out Wycliffe or any of the other partners listed below.

The Bible in every language means that everyone for the first time in history can be discipled. Could you share the Bible right where you are with those around you? Are you called to help get God’s word to those who’ve not yet heard?

Connect with some of the great opportunities, resources and partners listed below.

Or get in touch by email and we would be delighted to assist you:

Name*
First Last
Email*
Country
I am interested in...
- Reaching Unreached People Groups
- Bible Access (Translation and Distribution)
- Church Planting
- Evangelism
- Compassion and Justice
Message