Cebuano Translation Project

Location: Philippines | Speakers: 24 million | Project Status: Gospel

Cebuano, also referred to as Bisaya or Binisaya by most of its speakers, is an Austronesian language primarily spoken in the southern Philippines. It is most widely spoken in Central Visayas, including Cebu, Bohol, and Negros, though it is also used as a trade language in the surrounding areas, including Eastern Visayas and most areas in Mindanao. Due to the influences of Spanish missionaries from the sixteenth century, the majority of Cebuano speakers are Roman Catholic, though younger generations are only nominally so. Recently however, as this influence weakens, evangelicals have grown in number.

While there are Bibles in this language, none are suitable for use—there is a translation based on the Authorised (King James) Version, but it is extremely literal in following the English syntax and follows this over the original biblical languages, resulting in a translation that does not read naturally to Cebuano speakers. Other Bible translations exist; however, they fall into the opposite extreme in that they are not formal equivalence translations made directly from the Received Text.

In April 2025, we met with a translator interested in producing a fresh translation in line with our translation principles. It was his belief that, while the influence of Catholicism was strong amongst Cebuano speakers, this presented a good evangelistic opportunity, as concepts such as the Trinity, the Bible being God’s Word, and the existence of heaven and hell were already understood and accepted by individuals. In light of this, in May 2025, the Gospel according to John was approved as a pilot project by the TBS Committee.

Since then, the translation team have been working diligently in drafting the New Testament, with the first drafts of the four Gospels already completed, and work underway on Acts. Recently, we were able to examine their work on John and are close to finalising the text, once the team's final review has been completed this month, Lord willing.

We trust that this translation will bring Cebuano speakers a full understanding of the Grace of God as revealed in the Holy Scriptures alone, and that many will be brought to the saving faith that is in Christ Jesus.

Please pray for:

• The translation team as they endeavour to produce a faithful and accurate translation.
• Cebuano speakers to be made aware of this new translation and why it is needed.