It’s a new world record! Bible translation tops 700 languages for the first time in history. That’s just over 5.7 billion people- or around 80 percent of the global population- who now have access to Scripture in their native tongue.

This incredible feat is the result of extraordinary partnership between Bible translation agencies in the Illuminations alliance and advances in technology which made it possible to accelerate Bible translation like never before.

Almost three-quarters of these Bible translations have been completed by Bible Societies around the world known as United Bible Societies. United Bible Societies is the world’s largest translator, publisher, and distributor of the Bible. American Bible Society has also been able to contribute in significant ways- funding translations in 328 languages in the past 4 years alone.

We thank God for the role of each Bible translation agency, each ministry and financial partner, and we thank God for you. Your prayers make translating God’s Word into the remaining languages possible. Your prayers infuse all those involved in this vital work with God’s strength and joy. We couldn’t do this without you.

Finishing the Task

Although we celebrate this significant milestone of the full Bible translated into 700 languages, there is still more work to be done. There are an additional 1.5 billion people who have no Scripture in their language. They need the life-changing message of God’s Word. Our goal is to translate Scripture into 100% of the world’s living languages by 2033. And we invite you to join us as we continue to pray for Bible translation ministry.

Let’s Pray Together:

Father, today we celebrate that your Word is now available in 700 languages around the world. Thank you for your help in reaching this milestone. Grant each of the Bible translation agencies, Bible Societies, and local ministry partners, strength and wisdom as they press ahead to translate the Bible in the remaining languages. We also pray for their financial, spiritual, and physical needs to be met so that the task of translating your Word into every language can be completed.