Jehovah’s Witnesses Expand Multilingual Bible Translations and Digital Resources

Jehovah’s Witnesses have long prioritized translating religious materials into local languages to ensure the Bible is accessible to people in their mother tongue. This effort spans from widely spoken languages to less commonly used ones, reaching communities across the globe. The organization’s commitment to linguistic inclusivity is evident in its extensive translation work, which includes both the Bible and various publications.

Jarod Lopez, a spokesperson for the Jehovah’s Witnesses World Headquarters in New York, emphasized the significance of translation in fostering unity and understanding. He noted that the completion of large-scale translation projects is a major undertaking, and the organization is dedicated to refining and improving these materials. Lopez highlighted the importance of using people’s native languages for effective communication, a principle that aligns with the United Nations’ recognition of International Translation Day on September 30th.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses have translated religious messages into numerous languages, including Guna, a native tongue spoken in parts of Panama and Colombia. In Taiwan, individuals who speak Arabic or use Gulf sign language also have access to the Bible through the organization’s resources. These efforts reflect a broader mission to provide spiritual knowledge to diverse linguistic communities.

The Jehovah’s Witnesses’ website offers over 1,100 language versions, including more than 100 sign languages and many native languages. In the past two years, the organization has added a new language version to its website each month. The website’s Globalization Report author noted that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have demonstrated respect for language diversity, even in areas where other platforms lack such representation.

To support their translation efforts, Jehovah’s Witnesses have established more than 300 remote translation offices worldwide. Volunteers in these offices, who often use local languages as their mother tongue, translate a variety of content, including videos, music, articles, and recordings. Over 18,000 volunteers have contributed to this work, underscoring the community-driven nature of the organization’s translation initiatives.

In 1979, Jehovah’s Witnesses introduced a computer system that revolutionized their translation processes. Known as MEPS, or the Multi-Language Electronic Publishing System, it enables the production of publications in over 1,000 languages. This system supports both print and electronic formats, facilitating simultaneous translation and distribution. Through MEPS, the organization has significantly expanded its ability to share religious materials globally, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and technological innovation.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Mandarin Chinese)