‘Draw Closer To God If You Read It More’: Sign Language Bibles Now Available Worldwide
JOHANNESBURG — For four million Deaf South Africans and millions across the world, a long spiritual silence has been broken.
Many in the Deaf community say they yearn to connect with God, but earlier versions of the Bible, usually available in only text or audio, are inaccessible.
They cannot depend on the verbal message from the pulpit on Sundays, and according to Adan Burke, Sign Language Partnership Specialist at Wycliffe Bible Translators, many Deaf individuals face barriers to written literacy; therefore, a printed Bible can feel out of reach.
READ: How A Nigerian Priest Made Mass Accessible For All
But a new Bible video translation app now brings Scripture to life through movement, expression, and visual storytelling. Known as the Deaf Bible, it allows users in 195 countries to download the app and watch verses signed in sign language, giving the Deaf community access to God’s word in their own language.
“A Sign Language Bible allows them to encounter God’s Word in a language that speaks to their hearts, making Scripture clear, personal and accessible, and allowing for confident, independent engagement,” Burke said. “There are more than 350 known sign languages worldwide, though estimates vary. Many Deaf communities share a wider language of communication within their regions, which means about 220 sign language translations could serve Deaf churches globally.”
According to the Deaf Bible Society, Bible translation is currently available in 82 sign languages and growing. The Deaf Bible is the largest video hub of sign language Scripture in the world, using videos to reflect gestures and movements that clearly communicate Bible stories. To date, there have been over two million video streams through the app and online platform.
The Deaf Bible was designed to provide access to the Bible in multiple sign languages offered in video format. The app began in 2012 as an arm of an organization called Faith Comes by Hearing. As the app grew, Deaf Bible Society in the United States of America (USA) incorporated it in 2015 to form a separate organization.
The Wycliffe Bible Translators said the American Sign Language Version (ASLV), a complete translation of the Bible, was finalized in 2020 after more than 38 years of work. It’s available in video format, with every passage signed by fluent ASL users to ensure clarity, cultural relevance, and authenticity for Deaf viewers. New ASL Bible projects are also underway. South Africa later started its own version to accommodate millions of deaf residents.
Leaders said new translation projects are launching rapidly, and the goal is for each community to have access to Scripture in their sign language by 2033.
For many Deaf Christians, seeing Scripture signed in their language is deeply moving. They say it helps them understand God’s message more clearly and feel included in the churches at last.
Janice Jonker, the leader of a pageant called Miss Deaf South Africa, told Religion Unplugged: “I do have a deaf Bible, the one that was done in South Africa. They made the words so much easier, even the hearing people prefer it, as it makes it easier for all to understand. It really helps me when I need some guidance; the words make it loud and clear. It is easy for me to read, and it is almost like reading a book because you understand it so much better. I haven’t read my Bible in a while, but I believe that it will help you draw closer to God and Jesus if you read it more.”
President and CEO of USA Deaf Bible Society Chantel Pagán said the project has been transformational for the Deaf Community.
“When someone sees Scripture in their own sign language, it validates that they matter,” she said. “In places where we are working with local Deaf leaders on translation, there are stories of people encountering the gospel for the very first time, including individuals who had been turned away by churches that weren't equipped to welcome them. They are discovering that God knows their language and they are fully welcomed into His family. That's what makes this work so meaningful.”
Vicky Abraham is an investigative journalist based in South Africa and has reported for the Mail & Guardian, City Press, Assist News, the Nation newspaper in Nigeria and Nation Media Group in Kenya.