IBT Seeks Rectification Of Telugu Bible Translation Errors

Hyderabad: The Institute of Bible Technology (IBT) team, under the chairmanship of its Founder and Director Dr. Bonkuri John, submitted a detailed representation to the Bible Society of India (BSI), seeking urgent rectification of key translation and language errors in the Protestant Standard Telugu Bible to safeguard doctrinal clarity and Christian unity.

• Concern over translation and language accuracy

In the representation, the IBT team expressed serious concern over what it described as persisting translation and language inconsistencies in the Telugu Bible editions published by BSI. According to the team, these errors are not theological in origin but arise from human limitations in translation and language usage, requiring careful correction to ensure accuracy and consistency in scriptural understanding.

• Scripture-based methodology for rectification

Dr. John emphasized that their approach to identifying and correcting errors is rooted in internal scriptural consistency rather than external interpretation. They explained that any apparent inconsistency must be resolved by examining the broader scriptural context, ensuring harmony across passages without altering the essence of the original message.

• Correction not alteration of sacred text

Clarifying its position, Dr. John stated that the proposed rectifications should not be misconstrued as additions to or deletions from sacred scripture. Instead, the request focuses solely on correcting translation and language mistakes introduced unintentionally during the publishing process, while fully preserving the integrity of the original message.

• Comparative study across languages

As part of its scholarly process, IBT noted that original Hebrew and Greek texts are consulted only when necessary. In addition, Bible versions in other languages and modern translation tools are used for comparative analysis to arrive at accurate conclusions regarding language usage and meaning.

• Unity of Christianity a central objective

A key motivation behind the representation, according to IBT, is the long-term unity of Christians. The team stated that unresolved translation discrepancies can lead to doctrinal confusion and division, and that timely corrections would help promote shared understanding and collective faith among Christian communities.

• Submission of topics and verses for review

As an initial step, IBT has submitted a structured set of materials identifying 24 thematic contexts and 37 related verses requiring rectification. These have been presented in a two-page tabular format along with detailed explanatory notes for each topic. In exceptional cases, select reference pages from an Orthodox Jewish Bible have also been attached to support contextual clarity.

• Call Rooted in Faith and Responsibility

Dr. Bonkuri John emphasized that the request submitted fromally on April 22 in 2023, is driven by reverence for God, responsibility toward believers, and a commitment to truth, urging the authorities to act without delay in the larger interest of the Christian faith.

“This request is not about altering sacred scripture, but about correcting human errors in translation so that faith, truth, and unity among Christians remain uncompromised,” said Dr. Bonkuri John, Founder and Director, Institute of Bible Technology, Hyderabad.

• Appeal for timely action

The representation appeals to the Bible Society of India to consider the request with urgency, sensitivity, and responsibility. IBT has expressed hope that prompt action will help strengthen faith, clarity, and unity within the Christian community.

The submission was formally handed over to the General Secretary and Director of the Translation Wing of the Bible Society of India. Copies were also marked to the Secretaries of BSI Telangana and BSI Andhra Pradesh.

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/IBT/DPJB)