Brazil topped the world in Bible distribution in 2024, delivering 4.2 million printed copies and recording more than 16 million digital downloads, according to the 2024 Global Scripture Distribution Report. The country also logged 5 billion online chapter views, second only to the United States, Diario Cristiano reports.
Worldwide, Bible translation made notable progress. The report Global Scripture Access in 2024 by the Wycliffe Global Alliance, based on ProgressBible data, said translation work is active in 3,526 languages across 173 countries, reaching 1.26 billion people—about 16.9% of all language users.
Wycliffe organizations are directly involved in 3,146 languages in 146 countries. Historically, they have helped produce New Testament or full Bible translations in 1,895 languages, along with portions of Scripture in another 871.
A world increasingly connected to the Bible
By 2024, access to Scripture reached a milestone: 99% of the global population has at least some portion of the Bible available in their language, according to ProgressBible tracking. Only 544 languages—spoken by an estimated 36.8 million people—still lack a translation project.
This progress is part of Vision 2025, a movement launched in 1999 to begin Bible translations in every remaining language within a generation. Since then, more than 4,600 languages that once had no Scripture have gained access.
Testimonies of transformation
The report highlighted personal stories of change brought by Scripture. In Tanzania, Annette, a refugee who joined a Bible reading program, said: “I was afraid to sleep. But after studying the Word of God, I now sleep soundly at night. My heart is at peace,” according to the Missioesurgente portal.
In Laos, a woman described traveling 50 kilometers by boat and then walking another 10 kilometers to receive her first Bible: “I had waited years for this moment. When I finally received the Bible, I couldn’t hold back the tears.”
Founded in 1948, the Bible Society of Brazil played a central role in these achievements. Its mission is to translate, produce and distribute accessible and relevant Bibles—efforts that helped position Brazil as the global leader in Scripture distribution last year.
Brazil’s accomplishments not only reflect its success in spreading both printed and digital Bibles but also highlight a global movement that is bringing the Bible closer to nearly every language community in the world.
Based on reporting by Diario Cristiano, Christian Daily International's Spanish edition.
