Why Bible Translation?

Bible translation is still necessary because right now, there are men, women and children around the world who don't have access to Scripture in a way that is clear, personal and meaningful to them.

In Revelation 7:9, we get a glimpse of a future in which people from every language and nation are worshipping before God's throne together.

This isn’t just a distant vision — it’s a promise. And it’s why we continue to be part of this work, so that all people can encounter God through His Word in a language and format they clearly understand.

See global progress and current needs >

No, the Bible has not been translated into every language. In fact, some language communities are still waiting for Bible translation work to begin.

Explore how Bible translation is progressing around the world, including how many languages have Scripture and where work is still underway.

While the Bible is available in most major and majority languages, Scripture is clearer and more meaningful when it’s translated into a language that people use every day. 

Many communities:

• Speak minority or local languages

• Only have portions of the Bible

• Need Scripture in audio or visual formats

The goal is to ensure that all people can experience the full story of God’s Word in a language and format they clearly understand.

Wycliffe and our partners are committed to seeing Scripture made available for every heart, everywhere, so that all people can understand how much God loves them. 

Sign languages are completely different from written and spoken languages, with their own grammar, structure and visual way of expressing meaning through movement, facial expression and body language.

Because of this, reading the Bible in a written language can feel to a Deaf person like engaging with the Bible in a second language. That’s why many Deaf communities understand Scripture most clearly when it’s translated into sign language and presented visually — allowing them to encounter God’s Word in a language and format that resonates with their hearts.

Want to go deeper? See how sign language Bible translation is helping Deaf communities encounter God’s Word, and step into these stories through immersive storytelling and firsthand accounts.

Explore sign language Bible translation in action >

Today there are 514* known languages that still need Bible translation to begin.

Back in 1999, Wycliffe and our partners set a bold goal to see Bible translation started in every language still needing it by the year 2025. We called it Vision 2025.

At the time, it was estimated that around 3,000 languages needed translation. As research improved and understanding of global languages grew, that number was later revised to approximately 4,500-5,000 languages.

Since then, significant translation progress has been made, with more people than ever having access to God’s Word in their language.

*As of April 1, 2026. See the latest updates at wycliffe.org/progress.

Get a closer look at the numbers >

Historically, it could take 20-40 years for a New Testament to be translated. But today, that’s changing! Through modern technology, AI tools and local language partnerships, a New Testament translation can be completed in four to eight years, depending on the language and resources available.

Factors include the size of the language community, whether a writing system exists, the technology available and how much support the project receives from the local community.

Technology helps accelerate Bible translation so more people can encounter God’s Word in a language and format they clearly understand. 

Tools like artificial intelligence (AI) support translation teams by improving efficiency, accuracy and collaboration, allowing Scripture to become available more quickly in many languages.

For example, technology can:

• Help generate a first draft of Scripture using existing translations

• Identify errors or unclear wording in seconds

• Process language data to support translation in communities with little or no written Scripture

• Assist in developing writing systems for languages without an established alphabet

While technology can support the work, people remain at the center. Translators, consultants and community leaders help ensure that God’s Word is clear, natural and faithful to the original message.