"These statistics are very important in showing progress toward our goal of seeing a Bible translation in progress in every language community needing it by 2025," said Bob Creson, president of Wycliffe USA, in a statement shared with The Christian Post. "They demonstrate, not only to ourselves, but to those who invest in us, and those we invite to join us, that what we are doing is making a difference in the pursuit of our God-given mission."
Wycliffe noted that along with affiliated organizations like The Seed Company and SIL International, the organization has managed to translate the Bible into 2,075 different languages around the world. While that still leaves another 1,967 others to be translated, the vast majority of the human population now has access to the Scriptures in their own languages.
The recent statistics showed that for the first time ever, the number of languages with a Bible translation outnumber those without. This accounts for an estimated 5.4 billion around the world, while the remaining 1,967 languages, many of them dialects with minor variations from larger groups, are spoken by an estimated 209 million people.
"Every generation before us has seen the numbers increasing as more and more languages were discovered, and more translation needs were verified," Creson added. "Now that trend has been reversed."
What has helped in recent years with translation projects are new technologies and strategies that directly reach out to local communities and figure out creative solutions about how to translate the Bible using the most accurate means available. Wycliffe noted that it has been using new computer and satellite technology to assist with translation efficiency.
Besides bringing the Word of God to impoverished communities, the projects also help with economic growth, better medical care, and the acquisition of marketable skills in the region.
"More importantly, Bible translation brings people closer to God Himself – the One who transforms their hearts," Wycliffe's statement concludes.
Stoyan Zaimov