Who Is This For?
Best For:
Bible translators, cross-cultural workers, those wanting detailed explanation of difficult passages.
Not Ideal For:
Regular devotional reading, worship, memorization, or general Bible use.
Strengths & Limitations
✓ Strengths of the T4T
- Invaluable for translation work
- Explains difficult concepts inline
- Great for understanding biblical meaning
- Helpful cross-cultural resource
- Free for ministry use
✗ Limitations to Consider
- Much longer than normal translations
- Not suited for regular reading
- Interpretive expansions may be debated
- Unfamiliar format for most readers
- Limited use outside translation work
Overview
Translation for Translators is a unique Bible resource designed to help Bible translators understand the meaning of the original text by making implicit information explicit and explaining idioms and cultural concepts. It reads more like a commentary woven into the biblical text.
Want to read the T4T Bible online? Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, or start reading from Genesis.
Notable Features of the T4T
- Designed for Bible translators
- Makes implicit information explicit
- Explains idioms and cultural concepts
- Much longer than standard translations
- Free for translation projects
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Translation for Translators?
Translation for Translators is a unique Bible resource designed to help Bible translators understand the meaning of the original text by making implicit information explicit and explaining idioms and cultural concepts. It reads more like a commentary woven into the biblical text.
How can I read the T4T Bible online?
You can read and search the Translation for Translators online for free at Acts1 Family. Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, chapter, or keyword in the T4T translation.
When was the T4T Bible published?
The Translation for Translators was first published in 2008. It is classified as a Expanded translation with a 8th Grade reading level.
Who should use the T4T Bible?
Bible translators, cross-cultural workers, those wanting detailed explanation of difficult passages.
How does the T4T compare to other Bible translations?
The Translation for Translators (T4T) is a Expanded translation. Compare it with other versions like the KJV, ASV, or NIV using our Bible comparison tools to find the best translation for your needs.
Read the T4T Online
Search any verse, compare with other translations, or start reading from Genesis.
Start ReadingHistory
Complete History of the T4T Translation
Ellis Deibler created Translation for Translators to assist Bible translators working in minority languages who needed to understand not just what the biblical text says, but what it means and how to convey that meaning in languages with very different structures and cultural backgrounds.
The translation makes explicit what is implicit in the original - explaining idioms, unpacking cultural references, and clarifying who is speaking or being addressed. While this makes it much longer than standard translations, it provides invaluable help for translators working to communicate Scripture across cultural boundaries.
Translators
Meet the 1 Key Translators and Contributors
Ellis Deibler
Translator
Bible translation specialist who created T4T to assist translators working in minority languages.
Textual Basis
Manuscript Sources and Translation Methodology
Based on standard critical texts, with focus on conveying meaning rather than technical textual matters.
Reception
Scholarly Praise
"This translation utilizes decades of research into the meaning that original writers expected to convey. The implicit information, written in italics, helps translators choose to use, modify, or reject it as unnecessary."
— SIL International, A Translation for Translators (2024) [source]
Scholarly Concerns
It is not anticipated that a translator would use only this translation. There is no implied endorsement by SIL or Wycliffe Bible Translators of this translation.
— eBible.org, Translation for Translators Preface (2024) [source]
Revision History
View 1 Major Revisions and Updates
- 2008 Initial publication for translation use.
Compare Translations
See how the T4T compares to other English Bible translations.
Other Translations
Explore these popular Bible translations: