Need help deciding what to do? Visit the Journey for videos and ideas to help you narrow down your choices.

The History of Bible Translation

This illustrated story of the history of Bible translation has been created in template form for movie production software. The story begins with the earliest written forms of Scripture and follows the progression to our present-day Scriptures. Starting with the Hebrew Old Testament, the overview tells the story of how Bible translation started. It traces the roots of the Greek, Hebrew, Latin and European language Bibles culminating with present-day translation work. The story also highlights those translators who were key figures in the world of Bible translation such as the Hebrew scribes, Jerome, Wycliffe, Tyndale, Luther, and others.

Website: IMS

This May Be a Good Tool For Your Community If:

Church and community leaders need a better understanding of the historical context of Bible translation. It is an excellent tool to encourage involvement in Bible translation and provides meaning and context to a community’s present work in the worldwide Bible translation movement.

History of Bible Translation is intended to inform the local church about the importance of Bible translation, along with evangelism and discipleship, and the value of having the Scriptures in the community’s language(s). This resource works the same as other video templates using a script, music, and images. These elements can be combined with narration to produce a video in any language. The templates can be contextualized, adding local art and illustrations, as well as additional information such as dates and the people involved in bringing the gospel to the area.

How This Works

The History of Bible Translation resource can be downloaded directly from the International Media Services (IMS) website. Scripts can be translated and recorded in PhotoStory 3, a software slideshow video maker that is available for free on the IMS website. All that’s needed is the recording; the template comes set up with images and regional music.

Finer Details

Financial cost: Free

Translation Method: Translate and record the text from the script. The text from the script is not Scripture but is descriptive.

What kind of technical expertise is needed to adapt this resource to your situation?

Knowledge of MS Windows as well as PhotoStory 3 software or another slideshow to video software (iMovie, Movie Studio, Photostage, etc.). The templates are in PhotoStory 3 format.

How much time is required to do all the work required to bring the resource to completion?

Producing all of the videos may take a month.

What sort of logistical setting is needed? (e.g. quiet space for recording, good Internet access)

A Windows Computer and microphone is needed along with PhotoStory 3. PhotoStory 3 can be downloaded without cost from the IMS web site or from Microsoft.

What challenges or difficulties are there using this resource?

The IMS web site includes an assistance page which answers technical questions about Video Templates. A Quick Start Guide is also available.

How To Get Started

Go to the IMS webpage for this product.

Distribution Methods

Distribution can be accomplished using a personal computer or cell phone. Once the product has been produced in video form, it can be distributed digitally using a variety of methods common to computer and cell phone data distribution.