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 by asking why God didn’t speak his language. That question sparked a lifelong mission, and after personally working among the Cakchiquel Indians, ultimately helping them translate the New Testament in their language, God birthed in Townsend the vision of Wycliffe Bible Translators.

In 1942, he founded Wycliffe with the goal of making the Bible accessible to every language group in the world. Named after John Wycliffe, the 14th-century scholar who first translated the Bible into English, Wycliffe Bible Translators 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 Bible Translators has helped translate the Bible into over 700 languages and is involved in reaching thousands more through translation.

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

Tomorrow

Since 2000, Wycliffe's future has been driven by an audacious vision: to see a Bible translation program started in every language still needing one by 2025. In late 2024, the number of languages on the Vision 2025 list dropped below 1,000 and the number of unengaged communities continues to drop month by month.

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

Legacy and Hope

Wycliffe 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 Bible Translators presses on with passion, prayer, and innovation—until everyone can hear God's Word in the language they understand best.