Simplified Kiswahili bible version launched

Written By:Rose Kamau/ , Posted: Thu, Aug 19, 2010
A simplified Kiswahili bible version which is easier to understand has been launched in a bid to reach a wider audience in the East African region.

The first ever Kiswahili language version of the Africa Bible Commentary (ABC) entitled "Ufafanuzi wa Bibilia Katika Mazingira na utamaduni wa Kiafrika (UBK)" published by WordAlive Publishers Limited gives a section by section interpretation that provides the reader with a contextual, readable and useful guide to the entire Bible.

The bible that was launched in Nairobi on Thursday and which has a special relevance to Africa was written and translated by over 70 scholars and experts drawn from across the continent.

The ABC/UBK which is firmly established in sound theology contains 70 articles on pertinent issues facing the region's churches such as HIV/AIDS, angels/demons/powers, funeral and burial rites, widows and orphans and persecution.

At least 100 million speakers of the Kiswahili language in the East African region are expected to access the UBK bible.

"It is expected that churches, missionaries and mission agencies, pastors, theologians and theological students, university academic communities as well as individual Christians will find in it a handy reference tool and a door opener to many hitherto unreached people and frontiers of Africa," said Rev Canon Dr Mkunga Mtingele, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Tanzania.

"Speakers of Kiswahili language have waited a long time for a commentary like this which has been written with thorough care and thoughtful analysis to give readers a fresh deeper understanding of the Bible," said Mkunga.