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Join us as we celebrate what God is doing in Deaf communities around the world as people encounter Him through the sign languages they clearly understand.
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Sign Languages: The Final Push in Bible Translation
Think back to a time in your life when you didn’t know who Jesus was or how much He loved you.
Was there ever such a time? Perhaps you’ve known Jesus since you were a young child, and can't recall a day where you didn’t know of His love for you.
The gospel is going out into the furthest corners of the earth, becoming accessible to people in the languages and formats they clearly understand.
But there’s still a significant group of people who have not yet experienced the gospel: the global Deaf.
Without complete access to God’s Word in a language you clearly understand, it’s impossible to know how much He sees, loves and values you.
But thanks to the work of dedicated Deaf Bible translators all over the world, more and more Deaf communities are connecting with Scripture in their sign languages.
Come along with us on a global journey where we’ll meet some of the hardworking Deaf translators bringing the Bible to their people in a language and format that best captures their hearts.
DEAF COMMUNITIES ARE IN GREAT NEED OF BIBLE TRANSLATION
Sign languages are the final frontier of Bible translation. And the need for Bible translation among the Deaf is much greater than we could have ever imagined.
70
Million
The numbers are shocking: There are as many as 70 million Deaf people worldwide. Yet only 2% of them have been introduced to the gospel.
This means millions of Deaf people around the world are without God’s Word; they do not yet know how much Jesus loves them.
Pray for the GLOBAL DEAF
Of the world’s Deaf, many still haven’t encountered the gospel. Will you stop and pray — right now — for their hearts, and for those working to bring them the Bible in sign language?
Not quite. There are actually nearly 400 known sign languages across the globe.
Continue
400
Yes! There are nearly 400 known sign languages around the world.
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Extend the Legacy of God’s Word
God's story of faithfulness didn't end with the Isnags — it's unfolding right now in communities around the world
You can be part of that story through prayer.
Join believers everywhere as we lift up language groups still waiting for Scripture in a language they clearly understand.
Join the Prayer Movement
400
1982-2020
Deaf translators worldwide desperately want to share the Good News of Jesus with their communities, but they face significant challenges in doing so.
Nearly 400 known sign languages exist worldwide. To date, American Sign Language is the only sign language with a completed Bible translation.*
*This is based on the translation standards established by the Forum of Bible Agencies International. The American Sign Language Bible was completed by Deaf Missions in collaboration with partners like American Bible Society, Seed Company, DOOR International, Deaf Bible Society, Pioneer Bible Translators and Wycliffe Bible Translators USA.
Translation work on the American Sign Language Bible began in 1982 and was completed in 2020. A gathering of Deaf believers celebrated in September 2021 as part of a Deaf Missions conference in Nebraska.
“66 years I waited for this whole bible to come. I got to fly the first new testament, the first printing of the New Testament here June 24, 1982. The first 500 copies, flying it here as a pilot. It’s just been exciting to see the culmination of that, too.”
— Nard Pugyao, Missionary pilot | Philippines
Did you know ... ?
Sign languages need their own Bible translations. They have different sentence structures, word order and syntax than spoken languages.
Fun fact: Because sign languages are highly visual, parables like The Good Samaritan and The Prodigal Son become more expressive and easier to understand than in spoken languages.
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SIGN LANGUAGES NEED THEIR OWN UNIQUE BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
You might be surprised to learn that sign languages need their own Bible translation. After all, isn’t the written word sufficient?
The reality is, the written word isn’t the best solution for those who use sign language.
Sign languages and written languages don’t share the same rules for grammar, structure or sequence. And in spoken language, we incorporate inflection and intonation to emphasize what we say.
But none of this is helpful for those who can’t hear. Sign languages are completely different from written and spoken languages.
For instance, Thai Sign Language is nothing like spoken Thai. It’s a completely different language!
Sign languages are also incredibly dynamic. A person using sign language communicates with every part of their body, including hands, facial expressions, posture and body movement.
Sign language is a visual language, different from any spoken language. Without Scripture in sign language, it’s challenging to gain a complete understanding of God’s love. When the Bible isn’t in your language, it’s all too easy to miss out on the depth and breadth of encountering Jesus.
Having a sign language Bible creates a level playing field for everyone, where it’s possible for all hearts to fully receive God’s Word in a language they clearly understand. For God to capture His people’s hearts, Scripture must be presented to the Deaf naturally, clearly and visually — and in the language that they connect with. This is why Bible translation matters.
Did you know ... ?
Deaf communities have their own way of storytelling, which affects how biblical passages are interpreted and translated. Many words and concepts do not have a direct one-to-one correlation between spoken Thai and Thai Sign Language.
Interesting fact: Thai Sign Language has many similarities with American Sign Language (ASL) due to the influence of American missionaries who established Deaf schools in Thailand in the 1950s. About 50% of Thai Sign Language signs are similar to ASL!
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Imagine receiving Scripture in a language you don’t fully understand. Maybe you know the words, but you miss the nuances. Would you be able to fully grasp the depth and breadth of the message?
”And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
— Colossians 3:15 (NLT)
A visual language needs a visual Bible. For Deaf individuals, a visual Bible removes the barrier of having to interpret a second language (written text) that’s also in a different format than their preferred language (sign language).
When Scripture is translated into sign language, Deaf people have direct access to God’s Word in both a language (sign language) and format (video) that resonates with their hearts. Many parts of the Bible, like parables and miracles, are naturally visual stories.
When translated into sign language, these stories become vivid, clear and transformational because they’re clearly understood.
Help bring the gospel to every language
The Deaf are among the last people groups to receive Scripture in their unique sign languages — but that’s changing
Projects like the Veditz Cluster Regional Plan are making God’s Word accessible to more Deaf communities every day. You can be part of what God is doing!
CHALLENGES AND CONSIDERATIONS IN SIGN LANGUAGE BIBLE TRANSLATION
There are other challenges and considerations to take into account when it comes to translating God’s Word for the Deaf.
A visual Bible looks different from printed Scripture. Typically, a sign language Bible video is developed by recording a Deaf translator's face, hands, body movements and expressions — all part of natural sign language. This then brings the gospel to life!
When you read a printed Bible, you’re reading the Word of God that has been passed down from generation to generation. While you might get a sense of the various authors’ personalities (think Solomon or Paul), you won’t typically feel a personal connection with them.
That’s not the case when engaging with a sign language Bible. When an individual signs the Word of God, you begin to associate the message with that person. This can be detrimental if the signer is the focus rather than the gospel.
Setting the Scene
Sign languages arrange the details of a story or narrative in a different order than spoken or written languages. Because they’re so visual, sign languages set the scene before telling a story.
A great example of this is Jesus feeding the 5,000 from Mark 6:30-44. The Scripture doesn’t tell us how many people were in the crowd until the end. But a depiction of this story in sign language would set the scene by describing the crowd first.
On top of that, in many areas of the world, Bible translators put themselves at great risk to bring Scripture to their people in a language they can clearly understand.
In countries and language communities where Bible translation isn’t welcome, it’s dangerous for a signer’s identity to be known. If their face is revealed on camera, they risk criticism, rejection, arrest or the termination of the entire translation project.
If sign language Bible translation must be visual, how can the translators address these concerns?
Journey 7:9
Visual storytelling changes everything. For many Deaf communities, it’s the first time they can fully understand the Bible and feel God’s love personally.
Want to explore how people all over the world are discovering Scripture in a language that touches their hearts?
Chameleon, a leading-edge technology that leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and motion capture capabilities, is specially designed for sign languages. Chameleon addresses Deaf communities’ communication needs — and it’s changing how people deliver sign language resources.
“66 years I waited for this whole bible to come. I got to fly the first new testament, the first printing of the New Testament here June 24, 1982. The first 500 copies, flying it here as a pilot. It’s just been exciting to see the culmination of that, too.”
— Nard Pugyao, Missionary pilot | Philippines
This innovative Bible translation technology not only opens up new possibilities for Deaf communities — it dramatically accelerates the work!
Now, let’s look at more of the incredible sign language Bible translation work that’s happening around the world.
Let’s take a look at Chameleon in action.
Did you know ... ?
Chameleon protects the identity of signers in regions where Bible translation might be unwelcome. In certain parts of the world, maintaining translators’ anonymity is critically important. This technology enables Deaf Bible translators to safely continue their work without fear.
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SIGN LANGUAGES BRING ETERNALLY VALUABLE REWARDS
How many Deaf leaders, representing over 49 countries, gathered in 2023 for a Bible translation consultation?
God's story of faithfulness didn't end with the Isnags — it's unfolding right now in communities around the world
You can be part of that story through prayer.
Join believers everywhere as we lift up language groups still waiting for Scripture in a language they clearly understand.
Join the Prayer Movement
April 2023
In April 2023, 173 Deaf leaders representing more than 50 sign languages, over 49 countries and more than 95 churches and organizations gathered for a consultation — a major milestone in sign language Bible translation.
They engaged in a collaborative discussion to address the remaining sign languages across Eurasia that still need Bible translation. Their aim: to start a translation project in every sign language still needing it within three years.
Praise God for the global cooperation of so many dedicated Deaf Bible translators!
Translating Bible stories into sign language is no easy feat. But the rewards are eternally valuable.
Did you know ... ?
As of 2023, there were 108 sign languages in Eurasia across 84 countries. Thirty-four active Bible translation projects had begun, while 74 had not yet begun. These numbers represent both progress and opportunity, as more translation efforts will bring God’s Word to Deaf communities in need.
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Church planting and growth for the Deaf will only succeed if sign language translation work develops in as many places as possible.
To do that, we need help to advocate for the gospel to spread among Deaf communities worldwide so they can experience God’s love in their own unique sign language.
Become an Advocate
Deaf communities around the world are longing to understand that truth — and you can help make it possible.
Explore how you can advocate for Bible translation among the Deaf, wherever you are.
Thank You, God, for opening doors so that Deaf communities worldwide can receive Your Word in the sign languages they use! May churches and Deaf Bible translators encounter You through Scripture in sign language so that they can see Your love on display in ways that capture their hearts and transform their lives forever.
GOD IS ON THE MOVE AMONG DEAF COMMUNITIES WORLDWIDE
Extend the Legacy of God’s Word
Deaf communities around the world are seeing Scripture come alive in their languages for the very first time.
Want to follow along as God continues this work? We’d love to send you stories of lives being changed through sign language Bible translation. Get stories like this in your inbox. Text SIGHTINGS to 407-358-0916.
Through Project Slingshot, Wycliffe partner illumiNations is using AI to accelerate the pace of Bible translation in 80 concurrent projects!
Through Project Slingshot, Wycliffe partner illumiNations is using AI to accelerate the pace of Bible translation in 80 concurrent projects!
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UNITED STATES
Do you remember the first time you truly understood how much Jesus loves you? It’s a transformational moment! That’s why we’re so excited about “JESUS: A Deaf Missions film.” The American Sign Language community can see the story of Jesus come to life through film for the very first time. Join us in praying that this portrayal of Jesus will draw people to Himself!
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THE AMERICAS
Bible translation isn’t just about spoken and written languages; it’s about signed languages too! That’s why the new SLAm! 43 Cluster project is so exciting. SLAm (short for Sign Languages America) aims to engage 43 sign languages in 37 countries or territories across North, Central and South America, as well as the Caribbean, to ensure that these Deaf communities have the opportunity to encounter Jesus through Scripture in a way that captures their hearts forever.
Please join us in praising God for this effort and praying for all involved. As a result of this project, Vision twenty-twenty-five — a vision to see Scripture translation started for every language still needing it by the year twenty-twenty-five — will be accomplished in thirty countries and territories throughout the Americas!
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THE SPAIN SIGN LANGUAGE CLUSTER
Spain is a country located at the southern tip of Europe, with a population of forty-seven million. A little over half identify as Catholic, while most others consider themselves atheist, agnostic or simply not religious. Evangelical Christians make up less than 1% of the population, and the Deaf community is among the most unreached.
The Deaf in Spain primarily use Spanish Sign Language and Catalan Sign Language, which make up the Spain Sign Language Cluster project. Many of the Deaf in this region believe Christianity isn’t relevant to their daily lives. For this reason, intentional relationship-building between Deaf Bible translators and Spain’s Deaf is crucial to the work.
Bible translators in Spain are working in collaboration with both Catholics and Protestants — an undertaking that requires flexibility. Together, they drafted the entire New Testament in both Spanish and Catalan sign languages.
Praise God for the work He’s doing in the hearts and lives of the Deaf in Spain!
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SCRIPTURE TRANSFORMS A DEAF BIBLE TRANSLATOR IN ROMANIA
Seated alongside other Romanian Deaf Christians in a local church, Emma watched the Scripture video depicting the story of Jesus’ birth. Even though Emma was in the video and had gone through the work of translating, memorizing and recording it, she was still moved by the message that day.
“Seeing it in church really touched my heart,” Emma signed. She also marveled at how Jesus came as a baby to bring salvation to the world.
“On earth, Jesus didn’t want to be a boss,” Emma signed. “He chose to be human so we would easily accept Him.”
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AZERBAIJAN
There are 30,000 Deaf people in Azerbaijan [Ah-ZER-bye-SZHAN] and only 300 are Christians. More than 85% of Azerbaijanis [Ah-ZER-bye-SZHAN-eez] follow another major religion. But God hasn’t forgotten the Deaf in Azerbaijan, and work is in progress to bring Scripture to life in Azeri [A-ZHER-ee] Sign Language!
Pastor Israil [Pastor Iz-Rail], a member of Azeri Sign Language translation team, shared, “Long before this work started, I have constantly been translating from the Bible to people. Since we have very few educated Deaf people in our country, I have always been the ‘book’ for people here. I was the only Bible they could ‘read’!”
Today, that is changing for the Azeri Deaf community. The Gospels and Book of James have already been translated and produced as videos. The team is now working to translate 20 more New Testament books, publishing them on memory sticks and posting them online.
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ESTONIA
For many years, the Deaf community in Estonia was overlooked by hearing people. In 2007 the country officially recognized Estonian Sign Language as an independent language, and it’s now being used in schools, daily television programs and government services.
This has led to a thriving, connected Deaf community where Bible translation has begun! A translation team produced the Gospel of Mark in Estonian Sign Language, heightening the Deaf community’s desire for Scripture. Translation is ongoing, and a project facilitator shared, “Deaf Estonians have the desire to understand God's Word without depending on pastors and church leaders.”
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LIBERIA
Amuenoon [AH-mah-wee-nee] is a word from the Sarpo language of Liberia that means, “We can do it!” Deaf churches and communities in Liberia, Gambia and Sierra Leone are starting sign language Bible translation. One hundred Liberian Deaf people gathered to be trained to translate the Bible into their sign language! Join us in praying for those involved in the project.
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VEDITZ CLUSTER REGIONAL PLAN
The Veditz [VEH-ditz] Cluster Regional Plan is the single largest Bible translation initiative ever undertaken among the Deaf! It seeks to engage and mobilize Deaf churches and communities that sign 49 different languages that are used by more than 886,000 Deaf people in 46 countries.
This bold strategy is possible because all forty-nine languages are influenced by American Sign Language! It will address almost twenty percent of the remaining sign language translation needs.
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See where God's moving next
Deaf communities around the world are seeing Scripture come alive in their languages for the very first time.
Want to follow along as God continues this work? We’d love to send you stories of lives being changed through sign language Bible translation. Get stories like this in your inbox. Text SIGHTINGS to 407-358-0916.
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