Translating God’s Word into Unwritten Languages

Many people think that translating God's Word into another language is a fairly straight forward process. You simply find a corresponding word in English for each Greek or Hebrew word in the Bible. I wish it were that simple, but it isn't.

In John 10:24 the Jewish leaders came to Jesus and asked Him:

Greek: Ἕως πότε τὴν ψυχὴν ἡμῶν αἴρεις;

English: Until when the soul of us you raise up?

A literal, word for word translation from Greek into English just does not work for this idiomatic question. They were actually asking, "How long will you keep us in suspense?" Imagine how confusing it would be to literally translate the phrase "he's really in a pickle" into another language. The problems are only magnified when translating into a tribal language.

Once our missionaries have done an initial rough draft translation then they need to have it checked to see if they are conveying the meaning of the Biblical text into the tribal language. These translation checks can be daunting.

Albert and Lynne Castelijn are translating the book of Romans into the Banwaon language. They write, "In order to faithfully convey truth, the process must be much more than simply a matter of switching words from English to Banwaon."

Albert spends very long days reading a passage to two tribal co-workers, who think the passage through and speak back to him what they understand it to mean. Then, in English, Albert tells the translation consultant what they have said. He carefully scrutinizes the passage to determine whether they have understood it entirely.

Then there is re-reading and more discussion. Did they get this point? Maybe this word needs to be clearer—or changed. And finally: That's great—they got it exactly!

The translation group sits long hours in heat and humidity, focusing intently. The tribal co-workers are not accustomed to this. Their days are usually full of farm work. Sitting on a chair for such long hours in deep concentration is very hard work for them.

Translating the Bible into unwritten languages is a complicated task. Our students at the Missionary Training Center take classes such as Bible Translation so that they are prepared to face such challenges in their future ministries.

Your prayers are very much appreciated as we begin a new semester. Classes begin August 19th. Please pray for the safe arrival of our new and returning students. Also pray for our preparations as we kick off the new semester.

Thanks.

Bob

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KEEP THE GOSPEL CLEAR!

By Charles Ryrie

Keep the issue clear: The issue is sin, and Who is going to forgive it.

Keep the direction clear: It is from the Giver to the recipient. The gift of righteousness is given when you believe.

Keep the requirements clear: It is salvation through FAITH. There is nothing more!