Translating the Word

Ross and Lyndal Webb, Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia
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Translating the Word is a podcast hosted by experienced practitioners Ross and Lyndal, offering an 8-minute peek into the world of Bible translation and its place in the world today. With over 7,000 languages spoken globally and millions still lacking scripture in the language they think and dream in, the series explores the urgent mission of making God’s Word understandable to all. New episodes will drop every Friday morning.

Episodes

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 12: The Witch Doctor’s Son: The Spirit-Taught Theologian

    Can a young man raised by a village witch doctor become a master editor of the Bible? In this moving tribute, Ross and Lyndal share the story of Gogisia Muruwat, a close friend and key revisor for the Irumu New Testament. Discover how Gogisia grew into a self-taught, "spirit-taught theologian" who boldly challenged local taboos—even bathing his infant son in a sacred spring to demonstrate God's supreme power over fear. From synthesizing scripture booklets at his doorstep to standing firm against local cargo cults, this episode celebrates a life deeply transformed by the Word of God

  2. Oct 22

    Episode 11: Motorbikes, Muesli, and the MK Life

    What happens to the kids when a family moves to the remote jungle for the sake of the Gospel? In this episode, Ross and Lyndal are joined by their grown sons, Christopher and Paul, for a candid look at growing up as "Third Culture Kids" in Papua New Guinea.

  3. Oct 15

    Episode 10: Spiritual Trigger Words & Hidden Meanings

    This episode explores how cultural worldviews act as a lens that can distort or clarify a reader's understanding of scripture. The speakers argue that effective Bible translation requires more than linguistic accuracy; it demands a deep awareness of local traditions to avoid trigger words that might suggest magical or legalistic ideas about God.

  4. Oct 8

    Episode 9: Plantains, Grammar, and The Joy

    Between the endless checking, the complex grammar codes, and the isolation, is there any joy left in the work? The answer is a resounding yes. Ross and Lyndal reflect on the sheer thrill of waking up in the middle of the night to crack a grammar rule, the deep privilege of sharing life over roasted plantains with local friends, and the unmatched joy of watching people wonder at the Word of God.

  5. Oct 1

    Episode 8: The Best Teaching Job in the World

    Bible translation is a massive team effort, and not everyone at the table is a linguist. Ross and Lyndal sit down with veteran teacher Helen Sahl to explore the vital role of educators in the mission field. Helen shares her journey from a simple prayer of surrender to teaching high school PE, anatomy, and sewing at the Ukarumpa support hub.

  6. Sep 24

    Episode 7: Rote Learning, Romans 1, and Brain Training

    Is there more to Bible translation than just translating words? In this episode, Ross and Lyndal explore "Scripture Engagement"—the vital bridge between a printed book and a transformed life.

  7. Sep 17

    Episode 6: The Clay Pot Problem

    Is the translation finished when the ink dries? Not even close. We take you on location to Vanuatu, an island with three volcanoes and five languages. First, we sit in on a grueling quality control check of 2 Corinthians to fix cultural gaps.

  8. Sep 10

    Episode 5: The Theologian in the Bush

    It takes a village to translate a Bible. Step inside a translation session where worlds collide. Meet the local team: Pastor Bafeke, an elder, and Gokasia—a self-taught theological genius whose father was a witch doctor. We break down the ultimate partnership where locals bring language mastery and expats bring helpful experience. It’s a masterclass in mutual dependence, humility, and the difficult process of finding out how to translate the word Love.

  9. Sep 4

    Episode 4: Translation is good because it takes a long time

    The New Testament has nearly 8,000 verses. How long does it take to translate them? For the Irumu people of Papua New Guinea, it took 17 years. But why so long? Ross and Lyndal explore why Bible translation isn’t a race to a product, but a lifelong journey of deep friendships, cultural immersion, and creative brain strain. Find out why a Bible finished in three years might actually miss the entire point.

  10. Aug 27

    Episode 3: For Food They Are Eating Me: Cracking the Code

    If you translate a sentence word-for-word, you’re going to end up with a mess. In this fascinating dive into field linguistics, Ross and Lyndal explain why translation is about communication, not just swapping vocabulary.

  11. Aug 20

    Episode 2: A dangerous business

    Why don't we just teach everyone English? It sounds efficient, but God's people have never settled for efficient. In this episode, we trace the bloody and rebellious history of Bible translation. From Ezra translating on the fly, to John Wycliffe having his bones dug up and burnt, to Tyndale's dying breath, discover why translating the Bible has always been a dangerous movement.

  12. Aug 1

    Episode 1: A matter of life and death

    With over 7,000 languages in the world, millions still can't read the Bible in the language they dream in. From cracking unwritten grammar codes in the jungles of Papua New Guinea to navigating dangerous cultural worldviews, this is the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring the Word to the nations.

  • 12 Episodes

About

Translating the Word is a podcast hosted by experienced practitioners Ross and Lyndal, offering an 8-minute peek into the world of Bible translation and its place in the world today. With over 7,000 languages spoken globally and millions still lacking scripture in the language they think and dream in, the series explores the urgent mission of making God’s Word understandable to all. New episodes will drop every Friday morning.

Information

  • Creator
    Ross and Lyndal Webb, Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ross and Lyndal Webb, Wycliffe Bible Translators Australia
  • Show Website
    Translating the Word