“Let us not lose the Bible in translation. The Holy Spirit speaks through the language of the people, and understanding the Word in their tongue brings faith alive.” – Martin Luther
Language is one of the most vital tools for communication, shaping how we understand the world, engage with others, and grasp spiritual truths. In the context of Christianity, language has been central to the dissemination of the Gospel, fostering human connections, and deepening our relationship with God.
Language in Biblical Context
The Bible itself highlights the power and significance of language. In Genesis 1, God creates the world through spoken words: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light” (Genesis 1:3). This demonstrates how language is a divine instrument for action and revelation. The Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9) further underscores the importance of language in unifying or scattering people, showing how a shared language can foster unity, while its fragmentation can lead to division.
The New Testament, written in Greek, Aramaic, and Hebrew, reflects the multicultural and multilingual nature of the early Christian community. Acts 2:4-11 recounts the miracle of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in different tongues, allowing people from various regions to hear the Gospel in their own languages. This moment is a profound illustration of God’s intention for His message to transcend linguistic barriers.
Missionaries and the Role of Translation
While understanding the original languages of the Bible; Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek would be great for gaining deeper understanding of the Bible’s nuances and context, most people in the world cannot read or understand them. That is why from the early days of Christianity to modern times, translating the Bible into different languages has been instrumental in ensuring that God’s Word is accessible and relatable to people of all cultures and tongues.
As Romans 10:17 declares, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” When individuals hear Scripture in their language, the truths of the Gospel become clearer and more impactful.
Christian missionaries have historically played a pivotal role in translating the Bible into various languages, enabling countless individuals to access God’s word in a way that resonates with their cultural and linguistic context. The work of William Tyndale, who translated the Bible into English, and St. Jerome, who translated the Scriptures into Latin (the Vulgate), were foundational in making Scripture accessible to wider audiences.
William Carey, often called the father of modern missions, and who translated the Bible into multiple Indian languages, including Bengali and Sanskrit stated, “The Bible is the word of God in such a sense that, when it speaks, God speaks.” His dedication underscores the belief that understanding Scripture in one’s native tongue fosters a deeper connection with God.
Lamin Sanneh, an advocate for Bible translation in Africa, argued that translating the Bible into native languages affirms the dignity and value of those cultures. He wrote, “The God of Scripture is not a tribal deity but one who speaks in all tongues and claims all peoples.”
Many communities experience deeper spiritual growth when the Bible is available in their native language. Understanding God’s Word in a familiar tongue fosters personal faith and communal worship.
Bible translation also helps preserve and elevate indigenous languages, affirming their significance in the modern era.
Language as a Tool for Understanding Fellow Man
Language barriers can cause a lot of miscommunication and mistrust and therefore it is a big advantage to know as many languages as possible and especially those that are used globally such as English or regionally like Kiswahili. The Bible verse, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19), calls Christians to engage with all people, regardless of linguistic or cultural differences.
Multilingual people are more likely to appreciate different customs, traditions, and perspectives, which fosters cross-cultural empathy, understanding and collaboration. As Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Words can heal or harm, unite or divide, and it is our responsibility as Christians to use them wisely.
Conclusion
Language is a divine gift that serves as a bridge between God and humanity and among people. Through language, we can better understand Scripture, connect with others, and live out the Gospel message in a world that needs it more than ever.
May we, like the apostles at Pentecost, be vessels through which God’s word is communicated to every tribe, tongue, and nation.
