Why Bible? | Wycliffe Bible Translators

The first two pages of e-book 'In Your Own Words'

Why Does the Bible Matter?

Because of Scripture, people are freed from addiction, families are healed and lives are transformed. Check out the power of Bible translation in our free e‑book, “In Your Own Words.”

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Around the world, millions of people speak thousands of languages. Many of them are speakers of major languages, but millions of others have one thing in common — they’ve never heard God’s Word in a way that speaks directly to their hearts.

7,000 languages are spoken by more than 7 billion people around the world.

160 million people are still waiting for Bible translation to begin in their language.

90% of families in the U.S. own at least one copy of the Bible — The average is 3.

They used to be enemies.

Two people groups in South Asia were estranged for 100 years. Occasionally these groups even grew hostile toward each other. But when a Bible translation project began in both languages, antagonism soon softened into forgiveness and reconciliation.

Read this story — and more just like it — in our e‑book, “In Your Own Words.”

He used to be an atheist.

Elvis’ disbelief in God was challenged when he enrolled in a translation training course. What first began as an intellectual exercise soon turned into a discovery of Scripture’s truth.

Read Elvis’ story in our e‑book, “In Your Own Words.”

Number of languages waiting for Bible translation per region. Africa: 642 languages waiting out of 2139 total. Asia: 574 languages waiting out of 2296 total. Pacific: 346 languages waiting out of 1313 total. Americas: 67 languages waiting out of 1062 total. Europe: 42 languages waiting out of 287 total.

Through the work of Bible translation, people around the world can draw close to a God who speaks their language — a God who is near, personal, and touches their hearts with his Word.

“In Your Own Words”

Now that you’ve seen some examples of what you’ll find in “In Your Own Words,” fill out your information below to read all the stories.

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Check out these other stories and videos of transformation!

#WhyBible 2017 is Here!

It’s time to tell the world that the Bible still has power and relevance today! There are a few easy, creative ways you can do just that. Check out some options below.

Pray

You can pray for people around the world who are still waiting to receive the life-changing Word of God in their own language.

Advocate

Share these beautiful images on social media to help make your followers aware of the #WhyBible campaign!

Reading the Scripture in another language is like eating a banana with the skin on. Now the Scripture in my language is satisfying ... like a sweet banana. I can't get enough of it! — Minority Language Speaker

There are deep things here that nobody ever told me about! How glad I am to be able to read [the Scriptures] for myself! — Woman from Central African Republic

There are deep things here that nobody ever told me about! How glad I am to be able to read [the Scriptures] for myself! — Natemba pastor in Benin

The Nadëb, thanks to the Word of God, are not inferior. … God is with them. — Hig, Nadëb village chief from Brazil

Give

Every bit helps! Will you help give someone access to the Bible in their own language for the first time?

Encourage

Missionaries around the world help bring God’s Word to those who still need it. And you can encourage them as they do! Find a missionary, click on their profile and then hit “Send a Note.”

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Pray for Others

Change the way you relate to God and the world.

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Give Scripture to Others

Anything you give helps people get one step closer to God’s Word in their language.

A minority language speaker can’t get enough of God’s Word! #WhyBible

This woman can now read the Scriptures in her own language. #WhyBible

God’s Word touched a pastor in Benin deeply. #WhyBible

The Nadëb found their value in the Word of God. #WhyBible

A Worn-Out Basket

One little word totally changed a translation team’s view of Jesus.
While translating Luke 2:7, the Mbe translation team discovered just how much Jesus had humbled himself to reach them.
The Mbe translation team in Nigeria came to Luke 2:7, where Luke describes the infant Jesus laid in a manger. The team first used the word “ókpáng” — a traditional cradle used by the Mbe — for the term “manger.”
But as the team read the notes and commentaries, they realized that a manger was an animal feeding trough and not a nice “ókpáng,” which every Mbe mother wants for her newborn.

God chose the lowliest way possible to come live among us.
One translator said, “We feed our animals out of an old worn-out basket that is not usable anymore except to feed the animals.
We call it ‘ɛ́dzábrí.’”
The team tested it, reading the story of Jesus’ birth to church groups and individuals in Mbe villages. As the Mbe listened, they were visibly moved. Picturing the newborn baby lying in the animals’ feeding basket, they understood that Jesus was willing to do whatever it took to reach them.
Read more stories like this one in our free e‑book, “In Your Own Words.”

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Why Does the Bible Matter?

Thanks! We’ll be in touch!

They used to be enemies.

He used to be an atheist.

“In Your Own Words”

Thanks! We’ll be in touch!

Check out these other stories and videos of transformation!

Wycliffe 101: The How and Why of Bible Translation

Translating for Understanding

Why Bible Translation

God's Word Alone is Enough

#WhyBible 2017 is Here!

Pray

Advocate

Give

Encourage

Pray for Others

Thanks! We’ll be in touch!

Give Scripture to Others

A Worn-Out Basket

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