New milestone in Bible translation work with 700th language

 (Photo: Chuttersnap)

An indigenous people group in Mexico can now enjoy the Bible in their own language thanks to the decades-long commitment of translators.

The completed Bible, for the Huichol people group - also known as Wixáritari, was launched on 10 July. 

It marks a new milestone as Huichol is believed to be the 700th language to receive its own translation of the whole Bible. 

The New Testament in Huichol was completed all the way back in 1968.  After half a century of painstaking work, they can now enjoy the Old Testament in their own language as well. 

One member of the Huichol community said: "We are so happy that we now have the complete Bible, the Old and New Testaments." 

James Poole, Executive Director of Wycliffe Bible Translators, said the completion of the Huichol Bible was indicative of the "tremendous work" being done by translators around the world to give more people access to God's story in their own language. 

"It's good to take a step back and realise what this 700th Bible means: 5.7 billion people who speak 700 languages now have the Bible in the language that speaks to them best," he said.

"That is a remarkable figure and continues to grow.

"However, there are still about 1.5 billion people – that's roughly 1 in 5 – who do not have the Bible in their language. That's an injustice that Bible translation teams worldwide continue to work to put right." 

Other translations to be completed this year include the Ellmowe Bible in Malawi and two more digital copies on the YouVersion app - a newly edited version in the Tiv language, first published in 1964, and the Igede Bible, both in Nigeria.

"We live in exciting times, when the vision that all people will be able to read or hear God's word in their language is becoming a reality," Poole added. 

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
'Dark day' as retired pastor is convicted for preaching John 3:16 near abortion facilities
'Dark day' as retired pastor is convicted for preaching John 3:16 near abortion facilities

A retired pastor has been found guilty of breaching an abortion clinic 'safe access zone' after he preached a sermon on John 3:16. 

'Managerial' secularism becoming commonplace across Europe, says rights group
'Managerial' secularism becoming commonplace across Europe, says rights group

Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) says that governmental restrictions on religions freedom have reached their highest level in Europe in two decades.

Church of England publishes report on mission funding impact
Church of England publishes report on mission funding impact

Over £100m went to Church of England dioceses and mission partners.

Manipur Christians face 'grave and escalating humanitarian crisis'
Manipur Christians face 'grave and escalating humanitarian crisis'

Three years on the crisis is far from over.