Why “Lutheran” Bible Translators? 

One of the most frequently asked questions that we receive is about our name. Are we translating ‘Lutheran’ Bibles or are we Lutherans translating Bibles? The answer is the latter. Our Lutheran heritage is closely connected with Bible translation and an emphasis on not only delivering printed copies of Scripture to people but also ensuring that they are fully engaging with God’s Word so that they may be fully transformed by it.

Deeply Rooted in Scripture 

Lutherans are a denomination of Christians who derive their name from the 16^th century reformer, Martin Luther. “Luther knew from his own experience, as well as from the testimony of Scripture, how powerful and life giving the words of God, the written words of God out of the Bible, are and what a firm confidence they give us in Christ and in his plans and promises for us,” says President Thomas Egger of Concordia St. Louis. 

Luther wanted every man, woman, and child to experience the hope, life, and transformation of Scripture. He dedicated much of his life to translating the inaccessible Old and New Testaments into the language of the people. Luther wrote, “Nothing helps more powerfully against the devil, the world, the flesh, and all evil thoughts than occupying oneself with God’s Word, having conversations about it, and contemplating it.” 

God Uses Tragedy for Good 

Lutheran missionary Rev. Morris Watkins deeply loved God’s Word. He moved to Nigeria with his family, hoping to share Gospel truth through a language development and Scripture translation project. He wanted the people of Nigeria, so dear to his heart, to experience Scripture in the way they understood best. Tragically, an epidemic raced through Nigeria claiming the life of his youngest daughter and forcing the Watkins family out of the country. But God still had plans for Rev. Watkins. Working with a group of like-minded individuals in Southern California, he founded Lutheran Bible Translators. His love for God’s Word and God’s people became action. 

Accessible Scripture for All 

For the past sixty years, Lutheran Bible Translators has maintained the identity of Lutherans who translate Scripture so that all may experience hope, life, and transformation. Today, LBT looks to equip local leaders around the world with the tools they need to translate the Bible into the language they understand best. As technology develops, LBT learns and grows. When natural disasters or national conflicts occur, LBT innovates. Martin Luther laid the foundation, Morris Watkins built the frame, and today the Lord is continuing this good work through partners all over the globe.  

Go Deeper: Learn more about Martin Luther and the importance of his translation of the Bible into German.