Wycliffe partners with many organizations around the world to see Bible translation completed.

Today, more than 1,600 languages still need a Bible translation to start, but many are in areas that are hard to reach.

Here’s a glimpse of what translation efforts might look like in different regions of the world:

Africa:

As the world’s second-largest continent in size and population, Africa is home to about 30 percent of the world’s total languages. More than 500 language groups in Africa, more than 90 languages, still have translation needs. Although Africa has one of the greatest Bible translation needs in the world, local churches are quickly growing and joining in the vision of evangelism and discipleship in their own countries.

Americas:

About 1,000 of the world’s languages are found in the Americas, which covers 11 different time zones. Bible translation needs are some of the lowest in the world, but there are more than 110 languages* are still waiting for Bible translation to begin.

Asia:

Individuals and mission organizations across Asia are working together to help reach the world with the message of God’s hope and love. In many Asian countries, work that was started years ago by missionaries from other areas is now being handled by locals. Asia is quickly becoming a leading partner in advancing the work of the gospel around the world. There are at least 650 languages* in Asia that likely still need a Bible translation started.

Europe:

Since around A.D. 50, when Paul first brought the Good News to the continent, the Bible has been translated into various languages across Europe. Translation work is currently in progress for many European sign languages, as well as for many displaced people groups that have immigrated to Europe across the centuries. These communities need to hear the gospel in the languages that speak directly to their hearts, and Scripture translation is key to reaching these people with God’s love. There are at least 50 languages* in Europe that likely still need a Bible translation started.

Pacific:

The Pacific region includes thousands of islands within the world’s largest ocean. From the Australian desert, to the dense tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea, to the palm-lined coasts of Vanuatu, the Pacific is home to over 1,300 languages (not quite 20 percent of the world total). There are more than 300 languages* in the Pacific region that likely still need a Bible translation started.