Why is it that every good movie and story has a protagonist and an antagonist? One reason is, well, the story would be pretty boring without the contrast of good and evil. But the deeper reason is, it is a reflection of the world we live in. John Eldredge talks often in his books about how we live in a world at war. And he’s not referring to actual wars (though they are very real), but to a spiritual war. A war in the heavens. A clash of good and evil that has raged for thousands of years. And they are warring over the souls of mankind.
2 Corinthians 4:3–4 (NIV) paints a clear picture of how evil is pulling out all the stops to keep unbelievers blind and in the dark:
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Knowing this, we must carry a sober awareness that the forces of darkness are doing everything they can to hinder and prevent the Bible from being translated into every language.
Did you know that nearly 1,000 languages do not have a single word of Scripture and only 10% of the world’s 7,000+ language groups have a full Bible translation?
While there has been great progress in the work of Bible translation, there is much work to be done. Satan knows this and is vehemently opposing progress on every side.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the start of a well-prepared project has been delayed due to unexpected funding limitations. This is just one example of the various challenges that are often encountered in the process of Bible translation.
And despite opposition, we rejoice in significant breakthroughs that are happening around the world. In Anglophone West Africa, Bible translators are making unprecedented progress in Ghana. By 2027, nine Ghanaian language groups are projected to receive their first full Bibles!
Let us look at four points backed by Scripture to better understand the spiritual battle behind Bible Translation:
1. God’s Word is Light that Exposes Darkness
Scripture is “the sword of the Spirit” (Ephesians 6:17), and when people receive it in their own language, lies and spiritual blindness are confronted with truth. Satan’s kingdom thrives in darkness, but Bible translation brings the light of God’s Word where it has never shone.
“The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.” Psalm 119:130 (ESV)
2. God’s Word Brings Freedom and Salvation
The Gospel is the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16). When people receive the Bible in their own language, they can fully understand God’s promises, repent, and be set free from the bondage of sin and fear—something the enemy fiercely opposes.
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32 (ESV)
3. God’s Word Equips the Church to Stand Firm
Believers without Scripture are vulnerable to false teaching and spiritual attack. Translated Bibles root churches in truth, enabling them to grow strong and resist the enemy’s schemes (Ephesians 6:11-17). Satan knows a well-equipped, Scripture-filled church is unstoppable.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Colossians 3:16 (ESV)
4. God’s Word Fuels the Great Commission
Bible translation is at the very heart of fulfilling the Great Commission. Satan resists it because every new translation brings us closer to the day when every tribe, tongue, and nation will hear—and Christ will return to establish His reign forever.
“And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14 (ESV)
What is our role?
We are not bystanders in the war that is raging between good and evil. We play a vital role in taking a stand against the forces of darkness and one of our greatest weapons is prayer. We can pray confidently, knowing that He has given us authority over evil.
“Behold, I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.” Luke 10:19 (ESV)
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-5 (ESV)
Prayer is essential to the work of Bible translation. Satan hates when God’s people pray and tries to prevent our prayers by distracting us or making us believe our prayers don’t really make a difference.
Brothers and sisters, we must pray. And we must not let anything keep us from praying—for we are at war. Take up your weapon by going to your knees. Join our community of prayer warriors around the globe and let’s watch God bring breakthrough. The Kingdom of God shall prevail over all forces of darkness!
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