Popular Translations Available Today from The Bible Society of South Africa
The Bible Society of South Africa (BSSA) provides a range of Bible translations to meet the diverse linguistic and cultural needs of the South African population. Among these, a few notable translations stand out for their popularity and the breadth of communities they serve:
- English Standard Version (ESV): A literal translation that combines word-for-word accuracy with literary excellence, appealing to English-speaking congregations seeking depth and clarity in Scripture study.
- Good News Translation (GNT): Known for its easy-to-understand language, the GNT caters to a wide audience, making it suitable for outreach and those new to the Bible.
- King James Version (KJV): The time-honored classic favored for its majestic language and poetic beauty, deeply revered in traditional worship settings.
- Afrikaans 1983 Translation: A modern translation that resonates with Afrikaans speakers, balancing contemporary language with faithful adherence to the original texts.
- IsiZulu 2020 Translation: A recent update that brings the Word closer to Zulu speakers, incorporating modern idioms and expressions while retaining the essence of the biblical message.
- IsiXhosa 1996 Translation: Addressing the Xhosa community, this translation is crucial for engaging speakers in their heart language, fostering a deeper understanding and connection with Scripture.
- Setswana 1970 Translation: Serving the Tswana-speaking population, this version ensures accessibility to the transformative power of the Bible in a language that speaks to their cultural and spiritual identity.
These translations underline BSSA’s commitment to meeting the diverse linguistic and cultural needs of South Africa’s population, ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to engage with the Bible in a language and version that speaks directly to their heart.