BIBLE TRANSLATIONS

Adopted by the General Board in 2022

The United Pentecostal Church International (UPCI) holds that the Holy Scriptures were inspired by God and that they constitute the infallible Word of God (II Peter 1:21). Since they are the only God-given authority that humankind possesses, all doctrine, faith, hope, and all instruction for the church must be based upon, and harmonize with, the Scriptures. (See II Timothy 3:16.)

Because the Scriptures were principally written in Hebrew and Greek, they need to be translated into vernacular languages, including English, to be understood by people around the globe. It was the desire for common people to know and understand the Scriptures that led to the development of the English versions, beginning with John Wycliffe’s translation in 1384,

William Tyndale’s Bible in 1526, and subsequent editions including the Great Bible, the Bishops’ Bible, the Geneva Bible, and the King James Version (KJV). These versions, especially the KJV, not only shaped the faith of millions, but also influenced the very contours of the English language.

As the 1611 King James translators themselves understood, no language is static. The English language has changed substantially over the course of the four hundred years since then. While it is certainly possible for those raised with the English versions from the Reformation Era to grasp the fundamental meaning of the biblical text, the purpose of Bible translations is to make its message as accessible as possible to common people.

In addition, the UPCI is a global church whose members speak and read a multitude of languages. Many, if not most, use Bibles translated from the original languages rather than being re-translated from an English version. Given the growth and spiritual maturity of the global church, it is evident that there are Bible versions available in their language that are sufficient for correct doctrine and a healthy devotional life.

Views of the nature of inspiration as well as translation theory influence the final form of any Bible version. A high view of inspiration holds that not only is the entire volume of original Scripture inspired and infallible, but also each word is significant. Therefore, for authenticity and primary study we recommend a relatively literal translation developed by a committee of scholars who hold a high view of inspiration and infallibility. We recommend only the translations in English or other languages that meet these guidelines.

We continue to recognize the King James Version of the Bible, because of its historic influence, as a trusted and prominent translation of the Scriptures to be used in our churches and among our people.