The True Meaning avoids words and phrases that are not understood by most Arabic speakers.

Our translation team conducted Bible surveys among one thousand Arabic speakers throughout North Africa and the Middle East. The survey results were analyzed at a workshop of native Arabic speakers. Participants identified words and concepts that were not understood in existing translations and proposed solutions. Next, our translation team composed an initial draft from the Greek text. Then the draft was tested, reviewed and revised. During the testing period, we asked readers to paraphrase what they understood from the text they read or heard. By listening to their responses, the translation team learned whether the text accurately and effectively communicated the meaning of the inspired Greek and Hebrew texts.

“When I read [another Arabic translation], I can read pages and pages of it, and not understand what it’s saying. When I read this translation, it speaks to my heart.”

– An Arabic Speaker

Thought-for-Thought Translation

As the title suggests, the True Meaning is a thought-for-thought translation. In ancient times the Jews followed the practice of thought-for-thought translation in producing the Targums, which were a rendering of the Hebrew Old Testament Scriptures into Aramaic. In more recent times, many English Bible translations have followed the practice of translating thought-for-thought, such as the Today’s English Version, the Contemporary English Version, and the New Living Translation.

Both word-for-word and thought-for-thought translations are important because they meet different needs of readers of the Bible. The True Meaning is intended primarily for Arabic speakers with little to no knowledge of the Bible, so a thought-for-thought approach is appropriate for them, just as such an approach is good at communicating Scripture to any people who lack familiarity with its concepts and vocabulary.

“I’ve read parts of the translation from a church, and never understood it. Now when I read Jesus’ prayer in Matthew, I feel like it is something I could add to my own prayers.”

– An Arabic Speaker

Explanatory Articles

Our previous translation work demonstrated the importance of including explanatory articles in the same volume as the biblical text. Articles allow the reader to explore biblical topics in depth and help the reader to understand important background information that is too lengthy to include in a footnote. The articles accompanying the True Meaning translation explain or develop particularly challenging concepts, such as the inspiration of Scripture, the nature of Christ, and the titles of Christ (such as the Son of God). They are written by scholars, Christian clergy and experts in various fields.

“The introductory articles are abundant and necessary, and I was delighted with them since they certainly answer many old and new questions posed by ordinary people in our society.”

– Lucien Accad, Late Director of the Bible Society of Lebanon

Sacred Design

Did you know that in Arab cultures the design and color of a sacred book can communicate respect for the content? Bibles with hard backs, elegant borders, and gilt edges show reverence to a book as God’s Word. The True Meaning adheres to cultural design traditions, communicating clearly that it is a valuable text. Learn more about design standards for holy texts here.