How the Choctaw are making a missionary-translated Bible their own
Halito! (Hello!)
Did you know that Bible translation is happening in the southern United States?
Meet the Mississippi Choctaw translation team, descendants of Native Americans who remained in their homeland during the Trail of Tears (1830–1850). Now the only federally recognized Native American tribe in the state, the Mississippi Choctaw includes more than 11,000 members. They speak Chahta along with the Oklahoma Choctaw Nation of over 200,000 members. Since 1992, translators have been working to revise a 200-year-old New Testament into their modern language.
A Quick Timeline:
Early 1800s: Missionaries share the gospel with the Choctaw
1830–1848: Missionaries translate the New Testament into Choctaw
1886: New Testament and nine Old Testament books are combined into the Chahta Holisso Holitopa (Choctaw Holy Book)
1992: Choctaw Bible Translation Committee (CBTC) was formed; New Testament revision begins
2024: CBTC starts partnering with Seed Company to accelerate translation
But why can’t they use the old translation? The Chahta Holisso Holitopa was missionary-led, using an alphabet they thought would suit the Choctaw people. But few can read that alphabet today, and the language has naturally developed over time, just like any other.
Take, for instance, how English translations have changed throughout the centuries:
“Seeing then that wee haue such hope, we vse great plainnesse of speech.” — 2 Corinthians 3:12 (1611 KJV)
“Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold.” — 2 Corinthians 3:12 (NIV)
The Choctaw need a Bible that speaks to their hearts, affirms their value in Christ, and helps them navigate modern-day battles like substance abuse and domestic violence.
They also believe it could save their language from extinction. While 90 percent of Mississippi Choctaw speak the language, only about 500 individuals speak it unmixed with English. Their history of displacement and discrimination has resulted in it becoming an endangered language. That’s why CBTC’s mission is “to strengthen and revive the Choctaw culture through Scripture and Scripture-related materials.”
God’s Word could be the key to preserving their heritage for the generations to come. And we’re excited to play a part in their story. The team plans to complete the New Testament by 2027 and continue straight into Old Testament translation until the whole Bible becomes a reality.
“Only time will tell if the Choctaw have been successful in revitalizing the language,” said Rachel Parker, the field project manager, “but the Word of God will not come back void.” Instead, it will transform Choctaw lives, bringing light into dark spaces and fresh identity to a people who have fought for generations to preserve all that God made them to be.
Curious where else in the United States we’re translating the Bible? Journey with us to Utqiaġvik, Alaska, to watch the story of the Iñupiat people.
