Gospel Translation in Kannada

Location: Karnataka, South India 
Speakers: 58 million
Project Status: Gospel

Kannada is spoken by over 58 million people in southern India, yet many believers lack access to a faithful translation of Scripture. We are working with translators to produce the New Testament using accurate biblical scholarship while remaining faithful to the Greek Received Text.

In 1987 the Society published its first Kannada Bible, a translation from the Authorised Version; it was then reprinted in 1991. In 2021 the Society commenced a revision to bring the Bible up to the Society’s textual and translational standards. The Gospel according to John has been typeset and the team is reviewing it. Lord willing, we hope to publish the Gospel in spring 2026. A Kannada version of the article The Lord Gave the Word is being prepared to help believers understand the textual foundations of Scripture and strengthen their confidence in God’s Word.

As work on the Gospel according to John nears completion, the team has turned its attention to other New Testament books. The book of Matthew has been completed, Luke is nearly finished, and work on Mark has begun.

‘As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him’ (Psalm 18.30).

How to pray for this project:

• For the translator and team to remain encouraged, focused, and diligent in this important work among their competing priorities.
• For Kannada-speaking churches to recognise the need for faithfully translated Scripture.
• For the publication of the Gospel according to John and the distribution efforts that will follow.