Imagine If the Bible Had Never Been Translated

Imagine if the Bible was never translated. Imagine if you had to pour over Greek and Hebrew words.

William Tyndale risked his life to make the Bible available to English speakers. His translation in the 1500s came not long after the printing press was invented in the mid-1400s. However, the Church was not happy, and they executed Tyndale—he was strangled while tied to a stake. His final words, uttered loudly, were, “Lord! Open the King of England’s eyes.” And that he did—albeit a different king, Henry VIII had him killed, but King James I would authorize an official English translation in 1604 (it was finished in 1611).

The point is—the Bible in one’s native tongue is essential. People died to ensure this. Myanmar is almost 10% Christian, and its roots are traced back to Adoniram Judson. He was America’s first missionary to the East, and he worked tirelessly to translate the Bible to Burmese. When he arrived, there were no Christians in Burma (now Myanmar). Judson believed that, “All missionary operations, to be permanently successful, must be based on the written word.”

While the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, the New Testament was written in Greek. In modern times, Israelis are entirely unfamiliar with the story of Yeshua.

Shelanu in Hebrew

When we birthed Shelanu—Israel’s only Hebrew language Messianic channel—we were adamant that it had to be in Hebrew. We had many English broadcasters who wanted their programs on, but we had to stick to our guns—the gospel must be preached to Israelis in Hebrew! I don’t even put my own stuff on there if it is not in Hebrew.

Shelanu is planting seeds every day. Some of our promoted videos have tens of thousands of views. And because they are in Hebrew, we know that it is Israelis who are viewing! Check this out!

Jewish acceptance of Yeshua is promised all throughout the Bible (Hosea 3:4-5, Romans 11:26). While it is slow, Israelis are coming to faith. And God only knows how many Israelis are searching for him amid this war.

When you stand with Shelanu, you stand with Yeshua for his people. Your partnership enables us to reach more people, and like us, we know that you want to see Yeshua’s physical brothers and sisters find him.

Thank you so much for supporting Shelanu!