Wycliffe Bible Translators

The History of Wycliffe Bible Translators: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Yesterday

Wycliffe Bible Translators traces its roots back to the vision of a young American linguist, William Cameron Townsend, in the 1930s.

While distributing Spanish Bibles in Guatemala, Townsend encountered an indigenous Cakchiquel man who challenged him, asking why God didn’t speak his language. That question sparked a lifelong mission.

In 1942, he founded Wycliffe Bible Translators with the goal of making the Bible accessible to every language group. Named after John Wycliffe—the 14th-century scholar who translated the Bible into English—Wycliffe committed itself to reaching the world’s least-reached peoples through Bible translation and literacy.

Today

Over the decades, Wycliffe has grown into one of the largest and most influential Bible translation organizations in the world.

Partnering with local churches, mission groups, and communities, Wycliffe has helped translate the Bible into over 700 languages and assisted in starting translation work in thousands more.

Thanks to modern technology, including software for linguistic analysis and digital Scripture distribution, Wycliffe has dramatically accelerated the pace of translation. Their work now goes far beyond simple translation—it includes literacy training, linguistic research, Scripture engagement, and support for holistic community transformation rooted in the gospel.

Tomorrow

Wycliffe's future is driven by an audacious vision: to see a Bible translation program started in every language still needing one by 2025.

With over 1,200 languages still lacking even a single verse of Scripture, the task remains urgent.

Wycliffe is investing in training national translators, embracing artificial intelligence tools, and expanding partnerships to finish the task more effectively and sustainably.

Their emphasis is increasingly on empowering local communities to own the process and lead translation efforts themselves, ensuring that the Scriptures come to life in culturally meaningful ways.

Legacy and Hope

As Wycliffe looks ahead, it carries the legacy of pioneers who believed that God speaks every language. Their mission has always been more than about books—it’s about transformation.

For many communities, receiving the Bible in their heart language is the first step toward renewed faith, cultural dignity, and lasting hope.

The dream that began in a small Guatemalan village continues today, reaching across continents and cultures, as Wycliffe presses on with passion, prayer, and innovation—until everyone can hear God's Word in the language they understand best.