A TRULY MALAYSIAN BIBLE
Bahasa Malaysia Bible – Borneo Bible in Malay - BM Bible - Malay Bible
Bahasa Malaysia (BM) or Malay is the common language in Malaysia. The Indonesian version differed significantly in form, expression and terminology from BM, thus posing an impediment to a fuller grasp of the depth and extent of the Word of God. An accurate and high-quality translation using formal BM and based on the original languages is a high priority for the Malaysian church.
As the translation neared completion in 2014, the translators who were based in West Malaysia realised that equally passionate co-labourers from East Malaysia were needed to embrace this new translation, as East Malaysia houses the majority of Malay-speaking Christians.
Quite independently, God moved the hearts of leaders like Rev. Jerry Dusing of Sidang Injil Borneo (SIB), who for years urged for a good BM translation of the Bible. In God’s good timing, the parties from West and East met, and together they laid the groundwork for the formation of Literature and Bible Network (LAB Network), with a mission to publish the new BM Bible and to produce other biblical resources. God willing, LAB Network looks forward to produce different kinds of scholarly materials in BM, like study bible, Interlinear bibles, and bible dictionaries.
With such an alignment of initiatives, and a merger of passion and mission from East and West Malaysia, we see AVB as a truly Malaysian Bible.
THE PROCESS
AVB is a completely new translation and had taken the project team more than 15 years to complete.
The Lord provided a nucleus team of key translators who began drafting in 1998. Eminently qualified linguists and educationists with fluency in classical and modern Malay contributed in literary beauty and linguistic clarity. Native speakers helped out in its acceptability, while Greek/Hebrew scholars and reviewers played a major part in biblical accuracy and theological meaning.
Modern translation softwares and tools were utilized to the fullest to achieve significant progress on consistency of words, rendering of biblical terms, harmonization of parallel passages, and ensuring fidelity to the original languages.
Finally, this mega effort is due in no small part to the spiritual oversight of leading national leaders over the years.
AVB has the hallmarks of a good translation - accuracy, clarity, naturalness and acceptability. We commend AVB to a new generation to enjoy God’s Word in Bahasa Malaysia.
To God be the glory!
Blessings,
Yohanes
= Malay Bible, Authorized Malay Version, BM Bible, Borneo Bible, Alkitab Bahasa Malaysia, Alkitab BM, Alkitab Bahasa Melayu =