Sometimes, frustration during the translation process can lead to a deeper understanding of God’s character.
For months, the Bali translation team had been wrestling with how to translate the word grace. They had been using the term ngasa, which literally means “good fortune.” While familiar in local churches, it didn’t fully convey the idea of God’s favour—being well-disposed toward a person.
Their translation consultant, Lee, continued to encourage the team to explore other options, but the solution still eluded them. Then, while checking the book of Romans, Lee revisited the topic and shared a document outlining possible approaches. After reading it together, he left to give the team space to reflect on their own.
When he returned, the translators were beaming with excitement. They had discovered the perfect expression: (God’s) good heart. Laughing with delight, they explained how it fit naturally in key verses and captured the fullness of God’s favour. They were confident the community would be thrilled to hear the word expressed this way, because it fit perfectly.
Moments like this are a regular part of Bible translation. The work can be challenging, but translators often say that the process draws them closer to God while deepening their understanding of both Scripture and their own language.
“Personally, I thank God for including me in this ministry,” says Assongi, the translation team leader. “It strengthens my faith because I am constantly immersed in God’s Word, and it enriches my understanding of our language.”
The impact of Scripture in Bali is already evident in the community. Ruth, an elderly participant at a Bali-language Gospel & Culture workshop, shared her joy:
“I am overjoyed by this work. When I read God’s Word in my native language, Bali, it penetrates my heart and transforms me day by day.”
Romans 3:23-24 now says:
For all people have sinned and miss having God’s glory. But God counts people as righteous at no cost, by means of his good heart and the salvation that is in Jesus Christ.