The Bible Translation Roadmap
Our Bible Translation Vision Is Bold
Inspired by the Great Commission, the United Bible Societies has an ambitious vision: 1,200 Bible translations by 2038, making the Word of God accessible to 600 million people.
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…” — Matthew 28:19 (NIV)
Bible Poverty
The Roadmap
Progress
Stories
Justice
The Terms
When you give towards The Bible Translation Roadmap, you support the translation projects we back each year, enabling people to engage with the life-changing Word of God in their own heart language.
Bible Poverty Still Exists
The Bible Reaches More People Than Ever, Yet Millions Still Wait
As of the start of 2026, the full Bible is available in 795 languages spoken by 6.2 billion people, over 70% of them translated by the United Bible Societies Fellowship, which Bible Society NZ is part of. Yet 123 million people worldwide still cannot access the Word of God in their own heart language.
%
Of The World’s Languages Have No Scripture At All
A total of 3,272 languages used by 123 million people still have no Scripture whatsoever.
People Don’t Have The Full Bible
Around 1.5 billion people still do not have the full Bible available in their heart language.
Making The Bible Accessible To Everyone, Everywhere
A Bold 20-Year Vision
In 2018, the United Bible Societies Fellowship developed a bold vision — to complete 1,200 Scripture translations by 2038. Of those, 880 are first translations, and another 320 are new or revised translations.
At a cost of about $500 million USD, the Roadmap will open the Word of God to 600 million people worldwide — many for the very first time.
1,200
Scriptures Translated
600M
People Reached
20
Years To Complete
$500M
Cost To Complete
Join us in answering Jesus’ call by supporting The Bible Translation Roadmap — so together we can bring the Word of God to the 201 million people who still have no Scripture in their heart language.
The Journey So Far
Progress On The Roadmap
We have started the journey. Will you help us reach our destination? Here’s what Bible Societies achieved in the two most recent years.
In 2024
105
languages received translations
580M
people served
In 2025
100
languages received translations
566M
people served
In 2025, the United Bible Societies continued to expand global access to Scripture through a combination of first and new translations, as well as revisions, published in 100 languages used by approximately 566 million people, reflecting sustained activity across diverse linguistic contexts.
Latest First Bible Translations
Communities Reading God’s Word For The First Time
A first translation is the first time Scripture is made available in a language.
First Full Bible For Vietnam’s Tày People
The Tày are Vietnam’s second-largest ethnic group, over 1.8 million people. Their first Bible, published at the end of 2022, is the answer to a deep, long-held prayer to know and share God’s Word in their heart language.
Okun Speakers Welcome Their First Bible
The fastest global translation project, dedicated by The Bible Society of Nigeria in Kogi State on 3 November 2022, completed in a record five years.
First New Testament For Umbangala Speakers
With their first New Testament launched mid-2022, around 400,000 Umbangala speakers in Angola can now read God’s Word in their language for the first time, dancing for joy.
Making Dreams Come True
In Their Own Words
“We will no longer need to use the Bible in a language that does not touch our hearts, and where we go to evangelise we will have no more difficulties.”
Cristina Bartolomeu
Umbangala New Testament
“I went to church but I felt something was missing inside me — I lacked this Word. I have dreamed of this day for years!”
Rosa Miudo
Umbangala New Testament
“When you present the Gospel in the language of the people you are preaching to, it is more impactful. It will bring about a total transformation in the lives of the people.”
Evangelist Omolara Theophelus
Okun New Testament
“I have since been consistently reading the Word of God, which has helped me do away with the bad things I was doing before. To be like Christ, one must be humble.”
Olorundare Ayodele
Okun New Testament
“This Bible is a magnificent and vital treasure. Through it, the San people are blessed with a library of more than 70 books in their mother tongue.”
Monsignor Boniface KY
Burkina Faso — First San Bible
It’s A Matter Of Justice
God Speaks To Us All In The Languages Of Our Hearts, Not Only The Languages Of Power
Translation frees people to explore the Bible for themselves. No one should have to depend on others to interpret God’s Word for them.
Understanding The Terms
Three Kinds Of Translation
First Translation
The first time Scripture is made available in a language. A first Bible is the first time a language receives the full Bible; a first portion may be the very first Scripture a language receives, or a new portion added to what it already has, for example a language with the New Testament receiving the Book of Ruth for the first time.
New Translation
A completely fresh translation into a language that already has Scripture. It is not based on an existing translation, but is translated anew directly from the source texts.
Revised Translation
An update of a translation that already exists, so the language stays understandable to the community today, keeping God’s Word clear as everyday language changes.
Launching a new bible translation
Join The Experience Of Giving People The Bible In Their Own Language
Empty Hands
Bible Poverty
Empty Minds
Bible Engagement
Empty hearts
Bible Care