Bible Translation in Algeria (Kabyle)

Kabyle is a Berber language predominantly spoken in Kabylia, a region in northeast Algeria, as well as in the capital Algiers. Globally there are about 7.9 million Kabyle speakers, most of whom are in Algeria. The language borrows significantly from French but mostly from Arabic, which as in other languages can present challenges for Bible translation.

In March 2023 we were able to commence a pilot project on the Gospel according to John, and in recent months the draft Gospel was approved for publication after a successful review.

The majority of people in Kabylia adhere to Islam. There is significant persecution of Christians in Algeria, and all churches have been closed. This presents some significant challenges for the project; please pray that the Lord will open the way for the Scriptures to reach these needy believers.

'I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron: and I will give thee the treasures of darkness, and hidden riches of secret places, that thou mayest know that I, the LORD, which call thee by thy name, am the God of Israel' (Isaiah 45.2-3).