Christian Organization Spearheads Global Translation Efforts
Abuja – September 21, 2023—The United Nations has declared September 30 as International Translation Day. The observance was instituted in 2017 to honor the challenging work of language professionals worldwide.
Among the organizations that value the monumental efforts of Bible translators worldwide are Jehovah’s Witnesses.
“We believe that the Bible is God’s written message to mankind. It is at the core of our very existence and should be available to everyone,” said Folarin Odebode, regional spokesperson for Jehovah’s Witnesses.
That is no empty claim. In the 1950s, Jehovah’s Witnesses continued the long legacy of Bible translation when they released the highly acclaimed New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, which has been published in whole or in part in over 210 languages.
Beyond the Bible itself, the official website of Jehovah’s Witnesses, jw.org, has earned the title of the world’s most translated website. Bible-based content is available in almost 1,100 languages, including over 100 sign languages.
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The UN has chosen the date of September 30 because it marks the death of Jerome of Stridon over 1600 years ago. He is best known for his translation of the Bible into Latin, called the Vulgate, which has been described as “the greatest and most influential literary accomplishment of the fourth century.”
“The Bible has endured as the world’s best-selling book for centuries,” said Odebode. “Innovations, growth, and inventions cannot ground God’s Word. With translation, language stops being a barrier.That’s only possible because of the work of translators like Jerome who have paved the way to make it the most available book in human history. We are happy to contribute to that effort today.”
The public is invited to read various translations of the Bible online on jw.org. All content is freely accessible, and no registration is required. Additionally, Jehovah’s Witnesses are known for displaying special exhibits of rare Bible translations in scores of languages at several of their national offices around the globe. The public is welcome to tour free of charge. An appointment can be made on jw.org.
