Seed Company Begins 800th Bible Translation Project

The Seed Company, the world’s fastest-growing Bible translation organization, has begun its 800th language project, the Arnhem Land Aboriginal Partnership in Northern Australia. Aboriginal translators are spearheading the translation work that began this month, and includes nine languages.

Nearly 7,000 languages are spoken in the world today, yet fewer than 500 have the complete Bible. More than 2,000 languages are still without even one verse of Scripture. The Arnhem Aboriginal Partnership is another milestone in accelerated efforts to remedy this. Only six months ago The Seed Company marked the beginning of its 700th language project.

Though most Aboriginal people consider themselves Christian, they are without Scripture in the languages they speak and understand best. Bible translation brings people closer to God, as they are better able to understand His words.

“[We have] a deeper understanding when we hear our own language spoken, especially the Scriptures,” said Dhalwaŋu translator Marrpalawuy Marika.

“Our language is like a pearl inside a shell,” said Yurranydjil Dhurrkay, a Wanguri speaker and translation adviser.

Local Aboriginal speakers initiated the translation project through the primary churches in the region.

The Coordinating Support for Indigenous Scriptures, which is the Uniting Church strategy to support translation efforts, will further Scripture use through Aboriginal art, song and dance. Churches are eager to use indigenous Scripture in discipleship efforts, as well as community health, education and language preservation.

The translation project includes the Dhalwaŋu, Dhuwaya, Ganalbiŋu, Golumala, Gupapuyŋu, Kuninjku, Maung, Wangurri and Warramiri languages, which are considered endangered.

This project will be part of a Seed Company initiative focused on Bible translation for the world’s smallest language groups. Associated with this initiative is a matching grant for churches that supports Bible translation for qualifying languages with fewer than 10,000 speakers.

Initially, Arnhem Land Aboriginal translation teams will produce the Gospel of Mark in both print and audio formats.