Bible translation has powered ahead during the pandemic

Wycliffe Associates Bible translators at work in the Democratic Republic of Congo before the pandemic. (Photo: Wycliffe Associates)

More translations of the New Testament were completed in 2020, at the height of the pandemic, than in any other year, according to Wycliffe Associates. 

The Bible translation ministry said that translators completed the New Testament in 141 languages last year despite the challenges of Covid-19. 

In addition to work on the New Testament, last year saw the completion of the Old Testament in eight new languages. 

Wycliffe is currently working on 773 Bible translations.

Tim Neu, Wycliffe's interim president and CEO, said that Bible translation work had "actually accelerated" during the pandemic, rather than slowing down. 

Much of the work was made possible by the ministry's online Bible translation system, but Neu also paid tribute to the  commitment of the translators who continued to work on the Bibles despite their own challenges with Covid-19 and lockdown. 

"I've been humbled to see how believers in difficult areas, some in places of intense persecution and real danger, have been absolutely unwavering in their dedication to the cause," Neu said.

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
Sam Allberry resigns after being 'disqualified' from ministry by church
Sam Allberry resigns after being 'disqualified' from ministry by church

Sam Allberry has resigned from his position as associate pastor of Immanuel Church Nashville after reportedly being in an “inappropriate relationship with an adult man in 2022". 

12 Christians killed in Nigeria
12 Christians killed in Nigeria

Terrorists from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) killed at least 12 people and burned a church building in an attack on a Christian village in northeastern Nigeria’s Adamawa State, according to the international Christian aid organization Barnabas Aid.

Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas team up for faith-based single
Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas team up for faith-based single

Contemporary Christian artist Brandon Lake and pop singer Nick Jonas have released a two-song collaboration, featuring the new single “The Author” and a remix of “Hope.”

Where is Scotland heading this week? 
Where is Scotland heading this week? 

Scotland is experiencing serious political, economic and social decline after years of SNP governance and failed policy choices. Will this week's elections change that?