Statistics

Scripture exists in over 2,500 of the 6,860 languages used on Earth.

About 4.7 billion people have a Bible available in their first language, and a further 542 million people have at least the New Testament.

Of the remaining languages with no known Scripture or a translation program in progress, current estimates suggest around 340 million people speaking 2,078 languages may have a need for Bible translation to begin.

Wycliffe, a global alliance of organizations with staff from more than 50 nations, is one of the key international organizations involved with Scripture translation. Since Wycliffe’s beginnings in 1942, Wycliffe personnel have been involved in the translation of 745 complete New Testaments and 27 complete Bibles, potentially impacting around 114 million people speaking 704 languages.

Wycliffe personnel have also worked with others in the production of Faith Comes By Hearing audio Scriptures in 211 languages, the JESUS film in 225 languages, some or all of the Luke video in 237 languages, and some or all of the Genesis video in 86 languages. They have also helped produce thousands of resources for literacy, education, health, and other development-related goals.

Wycliffe staff are currently involved in 1,525 active language programs representing 2.6 billion people. Additional work is being undertaken by other organizations in a further 500 languages.

All information taken from Wycliffe data systems as of September 2010. Learn more here.