Sorani Kurdish Bible translation finally complete

Middle East

After 28 years of translation work, the first Bible in Sorani Kurdish was launched at a special ceremony in April 2017.

It took place in the public hall of the Central Library, Erbil — a venue suggested by Dr Khalid Doski, Minister of Culture of the Kurdistan Regional Government in northern Iraq, who was invited to the milestone event.

The speakers included Dr Carl Moeller, CEO of Biblica, the International Bible Society, along with Middle East Director Maged, who began this project in 1989. There were representatives from the Chaldean Catholic church, the Assyrian Church of the East, and the pastor of the Kurdish-speaking church in the city.

Dr Moeller said: “We are humbled by the reality that this Bible we are presenting today is in fact a great and special gift to the Kurdish people. A gift from God himself. It is so rare and special. We are proud and grateful to have served the Kurdish people in this way — to bring God’s Holy Book to you in your language.”

Dr Moeller presented a special edition of the Bible to Nawzad Jalal, director general of public libraries in the Kurdistan Region, patron of the launch event.

Representatives of Assyrian, Chaldean and Kurdish ethnicity then read from the new Bible, including the pastor of the Kurdish Church, who read from Genesis 11. Another 10 passages were also read, including John 1.

At the close of the meeting participants were reminded about the Erbil International Book Fair, which took place later in April, where the Bible was on sale.

Dr Moeller added: “I want to thank our translators and workers over 28 years who have laboured to produce this great and influential work, simply out of love and respect for the Kurdish people.

“I pray that God who has led us to this point will be glorified in this. And now may the one who ‘bestows upon us every blessing,' give you great blessing from this Holy Word. May this work be a true blessing to all who read it.”

Pray for:

• many to read the Sorani Kurdish Bible and grow in their faith.

• more Kurdish people to come to know Jesus through scripture reading.