“Now I see that God never abandoned humanity. Even when people disobeyed him, he still loved them and had already planned a way of salvation (through Jesus).”
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Poleg was familiar with the New Testament but still struggled with understanding the depth of “God with us.” Then when he read Genesis for the first time in his own language, he said:
“Now I see that God never abandoned humanity. Even when people disobeyed him, he still loved them and had already planned a way of salvation (through Jesus).”
When the full revelation of God’s Word takes root in our hearts, it transforms our minds and imaginations. The full wonder of God and his love for us is revealed. We know that we are made in the image of God, valued by God so much that he gave us his Word who became flesh and dwelt among us. Imagine this truth taking root in every human heart. This is why local churches and pastors long for their people to know both the Old and New Testaments—to tell God’s whole story of redemption, his coming, and his presence with us.
Biblical Hebrew training enables churches to translate directly from the original Hebrew into their own languages, creating full Bible translations and resources that strengthen discipleship and growth amid challenging faiths and worldviews. Local training programs are happening now in Benin, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Mozambique, and South Africa.
A translation leader in West Africa shared with me: “Many people in my community live in complete ignorance and die without knowing about Jesus. That’s why this translation work is urgent, and the time is now.”
This Advent season, I invite you to help prepare hearts through the knowledge of God’s Word, so more people may know and receive Immanuel, God with us. Your gift of any size supports translators in Biblical Hebrew training for new Bible translations.
One translator changes lives. One translation changes generations.
Thank you to each of you who are already giving. Your generosity sustains translators who are advancing translation projects for their people.
The Word is alive, and He is with us!
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“For the first time, I truly understood the story without confusion. God’s Word spoke directly to my heart.” This was the moment a translator could finally have Genesis in his own language, translated directly from Biblical Hebrew. Grace, an Indonesian translation leader, shared this testimony with me, saying:
In this season of giving thanks and celebrating God’s gift of our savior, would you prayerfully consider a contribution to bless and sustain these translators? |
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]]>I’ve just returned to Jerusalem from Thailand, where I was meeting with Bible translation partners to plan how to complete the task of providing the needed thousands of whole Bible translations for Southeast Asia. Sharon joined me here in Jerusalem, and we have the joy of seeing yet more Biblical Hebrew instructors and translators ready to begin programs in Bibleless regions.
(On left) David with leaders of Indonesian translation & leadership development agency at a gathering of all the Wycliffe Global Alliance organizations from the Asia-Pacific region
(On right) David and Israeli colleague with leaders of two Indonesian translation agencies
Thank you for your continued prayers and generosity. The gifts you’ve given are multiplying opportunities for many new Bible translations. Like loaves and fishes, as we offer what we can, whether small or large, God is using it to make the way for His whole Word to reach people in their own languages.
This next season will be intense as Whole Word’s Hebrew Extension Learning Programs (HELP) multiply rapidly. Programs in Mozambique, Indonesia, and Benin are well underway, training translators for Old Testament translation. In November, new programs will launch in Ethiopia and South Africa. The new year will bring two additional locations—the Philippines and another in Indonesia—each one building local capacity for translation into Bibleless languages.
Eyerusalem, one of our best student instructors, returns to Ethiopia this month to serve as a program leader and assistant teacher in our foundational “Jonah” course in Biblical Hebrew hosted by our partner, Harvest Mission Ethiopia. Translators from South Sudan and other neighboring countries will join the Ethiopians in learning Biblical Hebrew for translation. Ethiopia alone has over 80 languages of which only 16 have a full Bible.
Peleg is preparing to lead the ongoing program in Mozambique and will serve as a teacher’s assistant for the South Africa ”Jonah” course that also begins this month with local partner, Wycliffe SA. That cohort will gather translators from South Africa, Kenya, Botswana, Zambia, Malawi, Namibia, Lesotho and Eswatini, representing 23 distinct language translation projects.
Through all of these programs, translators, teachers and pastors are equipped to multiply biblical language training and translation so their churches can access the whole Word of God in their own languages and develop biblical resources for discipleship.
As our brother Rodrique Jacob, who is studying in Biblical Hebrew through HELP in Benin just shared with us:
“My community needs the entire Bible in its own language to clearly understand the Word of God—His thoughts, His desires, and His expectations. Learning Hebrew helps me grasp the deeper meaning of Scripture and lead our translation team to render God’s Word faithfully from the original text. When we share these passages [from Genesis] people tell us how clear and easy to understand they are, even without additional commentary.”
Your prayers and support fuel the work of translators like Rodrique, who serve faithfully to bring the whole Word of God to people’s hearts. God is blessing your contribution—taking our loaves and fishes and feeding many thousands through your gifts.
I look forward to sharing testimonies and stories from other parts of the world soon.
Con ustedes en su servicio,
David
David Swarr PhD
Presidente y Consejero Delegado
P.S. I dedicate this in memory of our beloved student and translator, Cosme “Aran,” who recently passed away in a tragic accident in Mozambique. Cosme spent the past year in Jerusalem with us studying Biblical Hebrew to help bring God’s Word to Bibleless languages in Mozambique. He had just returned home to join Wycliffe in Mozambique and local translators in advancing full Bible translation in Lusophone Africa. We will remember Cosme as a devoted follower of Jesus and a joyful friend whose life and work will leave a lasting legacy in Bible translation. Please pray with us for his family and colleagues as they mourn his loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Cosme with Dr. Niek Arentsen at the School of Biblical Hebrew graduation in Jerusalem this year,
along with his fellow graduating class of translators
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]]>“Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is;
and walk in it and, find rest for your souls.” — Jeremiah 6:16
“Everyone wonders what road their dreams will take,” Ariel shared with us as we gathered for staff prayer. “Even when we’re in the middle of what we feel is God’s calling, things don’t always go the way we expect. But He is guiding our path. God has a plan for us—and it’s not about us, but about Him, and about preparing the way for His Word.”
Ariel’s words remind me of the vision before us: translating the whole Bible for every person—toda la Palabra para todo el mundo. They also challenge me to reflect: How many times have we seen the Lord’s miraculous provision? How many times has He opened a path where, humanly speaking, there was no way? Remembering His faithfulness strengthens our confidence that He is leading the way ahead. If we step in obedience, He will accomplish His purposes. “My word shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose” (Isaiah 55:11).
God prepares the path and His Word guides the way. Through every generation, faithful men and women have opened the way for others to walk in His truth—and today, translators and teachers are bringing the whole Bible to new languages, helping others discover the “ancient paths” of God’s Word.
With that confidence, I invite you to special prayer this month for nine Hebrew teachers and mentors who will teach translators and church leaders Biblical Hebrew for Old Testament translation, equipping them to multiply God’s Word in their own languages.
SPECIAL PRAYER THIS MONTH FOR:
- Eyerusalem (Ethiopia), Yehezkel and Rachel (Indonesia), and Moriya (Brazil) are in Jerusalem for continued specialized training. They will return to strengthen biblical language training for Bible translation in East Africa, Indonesia, and South America. In October and November, they will also do fieldwork and assistant teaching through the Hebrew Extension Learning Program (HELP) in partnership with local leaders in Indonesia (Kartidaya) and Ethiopia (Harvest Mission).
- Peleg, Aron, and Miriam (Mozambique) will be working with translation for their own languages. Together with Wycliffe South Africa, they are helping build Bible translation capacity in Lusophone Africa (Angola, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé, and Equatorial Guinea). While Old Testament projects have begun in Angola and Mozambique, most Mozambican languages remain without Scripture.
- Alona (Ukraine/Israel) and Adam (USA) are preparing as instructors for Deaf Bible translation. Alona is serving in Jerusalem, helping a Deaf team begin an Israeli Sign Language Bible translation. This week Adam is working with a First Nations project in partnership with SIL and Wycliffe USA, translating Old Testament books into Native languages.
Let’s walk alongside them in prayer as they journey in obedience to the Lord and prepare the way for His whole Word.
Con ustedes en su servicio,
David
David Swarr PhD
Presidente y Consejero Delegado
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I’m writing to share some encouraging news and testimonies from a few of my heroes—men and women who’ve dedicated themselves to the challenge of living and learning Biblical Hebrew so they can help bring the whole Bible to their people in their own languages.
What’s remarkable isn’t just how quickly they learned Biblical Hebrew, but the depth of their faith and perseverance. This year, while studying Scripture in the land of the Bible, they were in a safe location—but still surrounded by war and uncertainty. Yet they remained unwavering in their commitment to bring God’s whole Word to those still waiting.
At the recent School of Biblical Hebrew graduation in Jerusalem, several graduates gave speeches (in Hebrew), sharing their journeys and their deep love for God’s Word. Hosea from Nigeria said: “I didn’t do this for me, but for the Lord—and for the many people who need to hear the Word of the Lord in their languages.”
Rachel and Yehezkel from Indonesia also shared with us, “This program not only gave us deeper understanding of the Scriptures—it equipped us to translate faithfully and clearly. Becoming Bible translation consultants and instructors is a calling, but also a great hope for churches and agencies longing for whole Bible translation.”
Miriam from Mozambique, who will mentor others in her community, says: “I saw the great need for Bibles in our local language. Now I’m happy to know I’ll be able to translate, interpret and teach God’s Word in my own language, on solid foundations.”
These people are multipliers of the Word for their communities, places where Scripture is still unknown and the harvest is great. On average, each one will help bring 3 to 8 new Bible translations to life—impacting not just communities, but generations.
As this movement to translate the whole Bible grows, so does greater call to action. That’s why our Hebrew Extension Learning Program (HELP) continues in four other nations—training local translation teams where they serve, removing dependence on a third language for translation, and laying a deep foundation for lasting discipleship and faith.
Help Bring the Whole Word to the Whole World
Thank you for standing with us in prayer and sacrificial support for these leaders. Please continue to lift them up as they step into the work ahead. And if you’re able, give to support and multiply their efforts as they faithfully bring God’s whole Word to those still waiting.
Thanks to the continued generosity of our partner, every gift you give this year will be doubled.
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]]>“Last month, I had the privilege of teaching 17 Bible translators in Dassa-Zoumé, Benin. The students came from all over the country, one student came all the way from Togo to Benin, riding the bus for 12 hours in order to participate. Some of them have been translators for years, some just started. Some left fields, goats, chickens and more behind to come to this class, while others came from big cities, but they all came with the same goal (to learn to translate the Old Testament directly from Biblical Hebrew into their languages). I was impressed with the eagerness with which these students learned. Coming from oral traditions, their ability to learn new words is outstanding and I could see their vocabulary grow every day. This was only my second time in Africa, and it still feels like ‘the other side of the world’ to me. But coming to such a place and suddenly finding yourself in a room full of people speaking (Biblical) Hebrew, feels nothing short of a miracle.
During the two weeks of learning spoken Biblical Hebrew through the story of Ruth, we laughed in Hebrew, prayed in Hebrew, talked about our families, agriculture, biblical feasts and more, all in Hebrew. Even the real-life challenge of finding a snake in the classroom, while writing the final exam, could not break the flow of Hebrew: The students were shouting ‘snake’ and ‘we need a big stick’, all in Hebrew. It was a delight to see this group grow, their kindness and care for each other and their passion for Hebrew.
At the end of the class, we told the students that the one who gets the highest grade in the final exam will receive a Hebrew Bible. Nes, whose name means ‘miracle’ in Hebrew, was the one receiving this special gift. Afterwards, he shared with me how for a long time already he had been looking for ways to buy a Bible in Hebrew – to no avail. It was a true miracle for him, as he said that ‘God has given me this book.'”
— From Raffaela, sharing her experience teaching translators Biblical Hebrew in Benin
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Whole Word Institute’s Jerusalem programs offer a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the language and land of the Bible—preparing you to serve in local Scripture translation efforts that bring lasting impact to churches and communities around the world.
A one-of-a-kind immersive program that equips translators to work directly from Biblical Hebrew for Old Testament translation on the field. Learn Hebrew deeply—and live it daily—in the land of the Bible. SBH is a stand-alone program as well as a prerequisite to the master’s programs.
A fully accredited program combining Biblical Hebrew, translation consulting skills, and a supervised field internship. Graduates are prepared to serve as Translation Consultants supporting Bible translation projects and teams around the world.
Specializations can be added in Hebrew Teaching, Oral Bible Translation, and Deaf Bible Translation. Scholarships are available for qualified applicants.
A fully accredited intensive program focused on biblical language training for translators and future instructors. Includes the School of Biblical Hebrew plus additional advanced coursework.
Applicants who qualify for a specialty in Hebrew Pedagogy & Instruction may receive scholarships.
Example of graduate certificates available:
- Certificate of Specialization in Biblical Hebrew Pedagogy
- Certificate of Specialization in Sign Langauge Translation
- Certificate of Specialization in Oral Bible Translation
- Certificate of Specialization in Translation Consulting
Acreditación
SBH and MA programs are accredited through our partners Corban University (through Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities) and University of the Holy Land (through Asia Theological Association).
Upcoming Deadline:
Apply by June 30 to join our next School of Biblical Hebrew in Jerusalem. Scholarships are available for qualifying students.
Accommodation opens Nov. 14th. The departure date will depend on the chosen program and specializations. Please get in touch for further information: [email protected]
About Whole Word Institute
We are part of a global movement of churches, translators, and Bible agencies committed to making God’s whole Word accessible to every person. A major barrier remains: few translators are trained in the Bible’s original languages.
Whole Word Institute equips local leaders around the world—both hearing and Deaf—with biblical language training so they can translate Scripture faithfully into their own languages. The result: Bible translations and biblical resources that are accurate, enduring, and rooted in their cultures and the life of the church.
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]]>You can respond to the urgent call from churches around the world for the whole Bible in their own language. This spring, any gift you give to enable a Bible translation will be doubled!
“What this community really wants is the whole Bible… so the Word of God can enter this place and transform people’s hearts.”
Razack is an example of local translators leading the way. He helped launch the first Hebrew Extension Learning Program (HELP) in Benin for translators across West Africa. His training began in Jerusalem—and it’s already bearing fruit in multiple countries.
Less than 10% of the world’s languages have a full Bible. Millions of people have never heard the stories that lead to Jesus. And very few translators are trained in the original languages of the Bible. Benin is one of the poorest countries in the world, and many languages there still have no Scripture at all. Yet these translators are committed to the vision of a whole Bible in every language—both in their country and beyond. They are multiplying translation efforts across borders by serving and mentoring other leaders who share this vision for their people.
Your support will help complete this vital work in Indonesia, Mozambique, Ethiopia, West Africa, and Tonga. You’ll be equipping local translators to bring the whole Word of God to their communities so they can experience God’s deep love as Creator, Savior, and Lord—from Genesis to Revelation.
“Now I don’t just have hope, but a new gift—to help with translation for sign languages in Tonga and the South Pacific.”
— Mele, translation consultant in training for Deaf Bible translation in Tonga
A gift of $50/month helps one translator learn biblical Hebrew to begin translating God’s Word into a Bibleless language. Over a lifetime, that one translator may help launch 3 to 15 new translations—bringing the whole Word of God into new languages for the first time.
Every gift, large or small, will be matched by a generous partner—doubling your impact.
Will you help bring the story of God’s love to communities still waiting?
Gracias por compartir la Palabra,
Instituto de la Palabra Entera
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When daily news shakes our sense of stability, it can feel difficult to hold fast to the Good News and not be afraid. I am comforted by the story in all four Gospels where Yeshua (Jesus) stood in the boat on the stormy Sea of Galilee, rebuked the disciples for their lack of faith, and said, “Shalom (peace), be still.” Shalom is often translated as “peace,” but it means so much more. Shalom comes from the root word “shalem”—when something is “shalem” it is in right order; it is complete; it is whole.
Yeshua, the incarnate Word, is the One who is whole. He is our peace. If we keep our eyes on Him, hear His voice, and obey His Word, we align ourselves with truth and thereby come into right order, making it possible to experience His shalom—peace and wholeness.
In these tumultuous times, we’ve reflected on our mission with renewed conviction: toda la Palabra para todo el mundo. It is through God’s Word that people are freed from fear and find restoration, wholeness, and lasting peace.
I remember a translator who shared that His people had never heard Psalm 23 and did not understand Yeshua as the Good Shepherd. He said, “How can they not be afraid when they do not know the story of God as their creator and a shepherd who loves them?”
As we enter Passover and the celebration of the Resurrection, we are reminded of the salvation story which began in Genesis and Exodus and has always pointed to Yeshua. The story of Passover points to His ultimate sacrifice as the Lamb of God, the atonement for our sins, and the deliverance that triumphs over death and darkness. The whole story through the book of Revelation demonstrates the deep love of God that we desire to make accessible to every person, in every language, so that they too may experience the fullness of the knowledge of God, know His peace and become whole.
Shalom,
David
David Swarr PhD
Presidente y Consejero Delegado
P.S. As we reflect on the peace and wholeness found in God’s Word, I invite you to be encouraged by how your contributions are part of giving His Shalom to the World. Because of you, translators are equipped, communities receive God’s Word, and lives are made whole.
Our annual report is full of the dreams of translators working to bring the whole Bible to their people. We hope you glimpse the depth of their dedication to the Word of God. Learn more about the lives being made whole through the dedication of translators and the power of the whole Bible by clicking the link below:
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]]>The heart of the hybrid Hebrew Extension Learning Program (HELP) is localized training that allows translators to work directly from the biblical languages into their own. This deepens both quality and sustainability, removing dependence on a third language and strengthening the church’s ability to create full Bible translations and lasting resources for discipleship.
The heart of the hybrid Hebrew Extension Learning Program (HELP) is localized training that allows translators to work directly from the biblical languages into their own. This deepens both quality and sustainability, removing dependence on a third language and strengthening the church’s ability to create full Bible translations and lasting resources for discipleship.
“It is urgent for us to have this program that equips our people for better translations through a clear and quality understanding of the biblical text. My vision for the future of Bible translation in West Africa is to see people who are well-trained. And two key principles are very important for us: ownership and sustainability. That’s why we want to train local people so that the community will own the work, and that by doing that, we make sure that the work will be sustainable.” — Prosper Nongnide; Wycliffe US Field Coordinator for Gabon, Benin & Togo–Global Partnership; Translation consultant, Wycliffe Benin (West Africa) & our partner with Wycliffe for HELP Benin.
Prosper’s vision for Bible translation in West Africa calls us to action: local translators, well-trained in biblical languages, carrying forward a work that belongs to their communities and will last for generations. That’s why we come alongside local leaders, equipping them with the biblical Hebrew they need to translate the whole Word of God faithfully for their communities.
As Easter approaches, we long for every person to experience the deep love of God through His whole story that leads to Jesus. In the coming weeks, we’ll share ways to support this vital work so that more communities around the world can have the whole Word in their language.
Gracias por compartir la Palabra,
Instituto de la Palabra Entera
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