Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander viewers are advised that this page contains images, voices or names of deceased persons.

500 years ago, William Tyndale printed the New Testament in English, alllowing those who didn't know Latin to read the Gospel for themselves. Translating the Bible into vernacular languages allows Christians to read and understand God's message in the language they know best, strengthening their faith and personal relationship with God. It also makes the teachings of the Bible accessible to more people, helping spread Christianity across different cultures and communities. This featured collection highlights resources on Biblical translation work, with a particular focus on Australian Indigenous languages.

Indigenous Bible translation work

Video exploring the importance and history of bible translation into Indigenous languages. Languages include Awabakal, Ngarrindjeri, Meriam Mir, and Wubuy. 

From the Bible Society Australia collection.

Di Buchanan with co-translator Rarrkminy, daughter Dipilinga and children Bidayurr and Markuniny

Dianne Buchanan (1945-1993) was a Uniting Church linguist, missionary, and translator of the Bible into Djambarrpuyŋu, the largest language group represented on Elcho Island (Galiwin'ku) and also used in the neighbouring Yolŋu communities of North East Arnhem land. Photograph taken Elcho Island, November 1985. Digitised from 35mm slide held in the Bible Society Australia collection.

Introducing the Bible: The Bestseller

Video giving an overview of the structure of the Bible, and the overarching narrative. It looks at the different genres of the text, the historical contexts, and the Bible's claim of divine inspiration. Presented by Alanna Nobbs, Michael Hadley and Graeme Goldsworthy, drawing upon material from the Introduction to the Bible units in the Preliminary Theological Certificate. 

Interview with Susanna Baldwin

Peter Orr interviews Susanna Baldwin about the challenges of Bible translation, and suggests questions that we as readers should ask when selecting an English translation. Susanna shares how she became involved in Bible translation work in the Northern Territory. She introduces the Plain English Version and discusses some of the challenges involved in translation work.

Centre for Christian Living podcast episode recorded on 8th September 2024.

Lost in translation? The English Bible and the Word of God

Rev Dr Andrew Shead looks at translation, especially translated scriptures. He looks at the translatability of scripture, and the implications of translation, both for understanding scripture and understanding how we translate. He concludes that the meaning of the text must have primacy over the form.

Talk given at the School of Biblical Theology 2005.

Pitjantjatjara Bible dedication

Photos and videos from the dedication service for the Pitjantjatjara Bible in 2007. Some of the Indigenous translators speak on the translation project which completes the translation of the Old Testament. From the Bible Society Australia collection.

Psalm 119 - Reformation Series (1): Sola Scriptura

Talk given by Robert Doyle on 5th May 1993. For the 16th century Reformers, the doctrine of Sola Scriptura was formulated. Four aspects of the doctrine are explored by Doyle. Firstly, the Bible alone is the final, authoritative source for Christian faith and living. Secondly, it is sufficient for the Christian life. Thirdly, the Bible is clear for all. Finally, the Bible is where God meets us and reveals Himself to us.

William Tindale: translator, reformer, and martyr

William Tyndale (circa 1494-1536) was an English biblical scholar who translated much of the Bible into English, directly from the original Hebrew and Greek. His English New Testament was first printed in 1526. This pamphlet gives an overview of his life, work and martyrdom.