Celebrating International Translation Day

Honoring St. Jerome, Martin Luther, and the Ongoing Work of Bible Translation

Every year on September 30 we celebrate International Translation Day—a day dedicated to recognizing the invaluable work of translators around the globe. As Christians, this day holds special significance as we remember the transformative impact Bible translation has had throughout history. From the early church to today, Bible translation has opened the door for people to encounter God’s Word in their own language.

St. Jerome and the Vulgate

St. Jerome, a scholar and theologian, was commissioned by Pope Damasus in 382 AD to translate the Bible from Hebrew and Greek into Latin. At that time, Latin was the common language of the Roman Empire, but the Bible was only accessible to those who could read Hebrew or Greek. Jerome’s translation was groundbreaking, as it made the Scriptures accessible to ordinary people. He spent over two decades working on the translation, carefully refining his work to ensure faithfulness to the original texts.

The Vulgate became the standard Bible of the Western church for over a millennium and was a catalyst for the widespread growth of Christianity in the Middle Ages. Jerome’s work was not just about words on a page—it was about connecting people to the divine story of God’s salvation in a language they could understand.

Martin Luther and the German Bible

Fast forward to the 16th century, when another monumental translation forever changed the course of Christian history. Martin Luther, the great Reformer, was passionate about making the Bible available to all people, not just the clergy or the elite. At the time, most Bibles were still in Latin, making them inaccessible to the general population.

In 1522, Luther translated the New Testament from Greek into German while he was in hiding at Wartburg Castle. His translation, written in the vernacular of the common people, sparked the Protestant Reformation and paved the way for many to encounter the Word of God directly, without the need for the church to act as an intermediary. Luther believed that every Christian should be able to read the Bible in their own language, and his work set a precedent for future translations.

The Legacy of Bible Translation

St. Jerome and Martin Luther were pioneers, but their work was only the beginning. Since the Reformation, Bible translation has been at the heart of Christian mission and outreach. Today, Bible translation organizations like Lutheran Bible Translators and others continue this legacy by working with local language communities to ensure that God’s Word is available to every people group. Every translation is a testament to the belief that God’s Word is for all people, no matter where they live or what language they speak.

Why International Translation Day Matters

International Translation Day is not just a day for linguists and scholars—it’s a day for all Christians to celebrate the global movement of Bible translation. It’s a time to reflect on the work that has been done, the sacrifices made, and the ongoing efforts to bring the Gospel to all people.

As we celebrate today, let us give thanks for the translators—both past and present—who have dedicated their lives to this sacred task. From St. Jerome, to Martin Luther, to the thousands of translators working in remote parts of the world today, their work reminds us that God’s Word transcends time, culture, and language barriers.

Let us also remember that Bible translation is not just a historical achievement but a present reality. Every new translation brings hope, life, and transformation to people who are hearing the Good News in their own language for the first time.

How You Can Be Part of the Movement

As you reflect on the impact of Bible translation, consider how you can be part of this ongoing mission. Whether through prayer, advocacy, or financial support, we all have a role to play in making sure that every person has access to the Bible in their language. Partnering with organizations like Lutheran Bible Translators is one way to help spread the Word and participate in the global movement.

On this International Translation Day, let’s celebrate the translators who have brought us closer to God’s Word and recommit ourselves to the work that still lies ahead. God’s Word is alive, powerful, and transformative, and it is meant for everyone.

Happy International Translation Day!

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