Modern Aramaic Bibles Iraq

The Christian minorities in today’s Iraq have maintained a continual presence in the Nineveh Plains for generations. However, in 2014, these communities faced catastrophic losses with the rise of the ‘Islamic State’ (ISIS). Christians were forced to flee their ancestral homes, losing their personal identity, possessions, homes and businesses.

In June 2014, ISIS imposed its brutal rule over Christian communities. Christian homes were marked with the Arabic letter ‘ن’ (nun), symbolising ‘Nassarah’, or followers of Jesus of Nazareth. Churches, homes, and communities were ransacked, and Bibles and religious texts were systematically destroyed through burning, alongside the destruction of many churches. In Iraq, the Christian population has plummeted from an estimated 1.5 million before 2003 (about 5% of the population) to fewer than 200,000 today.

Although ISIS has been militarily defeated, the scars of this persecution remain. Iraq’s Christian communities face immense challenges, including persecution, displacement, and cultural erosion, which threaten their faith and linguistic heritage. Aramaic remains the native language of Christians in Iraq. For many Christians, owning a Bible in their native Aramaic language was previously unimaginable.

Traditionally, church services relied on Old Aramaic, a complex language mainly used by scholars and church leaders. Recognising this challenge, our project partners created a corrected computerised file of the New Testament in Western Aramaic.

Last year, 2,200 Bibles were successfully printed and distributed to churches and families in Iraq. Of these, 2,100 Bibles were distributed to Christian families, representing up to 11,000 individuals. A further 100 Bibles were distributed among churches, equipping church leaders, adding to church libraries, and for use in language schools. Receiving a Bible in their own language, families are empowered to read Scripture independently and engage with Scripture in a more personal and familiar way, without relying on church leaders or scholars. This nurtures faith, strengthens cultural identity, and preserves the Aramaic language amid ongoing hardships.

Aramaic Bible

The ability to read the Bible daily in their own language strengthens the faith and identity of Christians in the region, helping them endure hardship and displacement. Giving families access to the Scriptures in a format that aligns with their linguistic heritage, ensures the continuation of Christian traditions and the preservation of Aramaic as a vital part of their cultural legacy. Families can now draw support from biblical stories in their daily lives and pass these lessons on to their children and grandchildren, keeping their faith and identity alive in the Middle East for generations to come.

Several recipients of the Western Aramaic Bible distribution project shared their stories with us and how this gift has impacted their lives:

Issam is a church deacon who focuses on teaching children and young adults the value of their heritage and the importance of understanding their faith in their mother tongue. Issam shares, “When families read the Bible together in their own language, it brings faith closer to their hearts. It gives them strength, hope, and a sense of identity in challenging times.”

Salma, a former consulting architect and now a dedicated housewife, remains deeply committed to her community by promoting both the Syriac language and her Christian faith. Salma regularly leads her family in reading the Bible together, instilling faith and resilience as they navigate the challenges of life. Salma reflects, “Having the Bible in our spoken Aramaic dialect has brought God’s word into our daily lives. Now, my children and grandchildren can read and reflect on the scripture in a language that feels personal and familiar.”

Salah is a Syriac language teacher, a church deacon, and a respected journalist and poet, Salah’s work spans education, faith, and cultural preservation. As a poet, Salah views the Bible as both a spiritual and cultural cornerstone. He shares, “The Bible is the heartbeat of our community. It reminds us of who we are, connects us to God, and strengthens us in the face of persecution.”

Ablahad serves as a deacon in his local church. With fluency in Syriac, Arabic, and English, Ablahad has dedicated much of his life to serving the church and preserving its spiritual and linguistic heritage. Reflecting on the Bible distribution’s impact, Ablahad shares, “When I see families holding the new Aramaic Bible, I feel a sense of renewal in our faith. It allows every member of the family, from the youngest to the oldest, to connect with God’s word in a language they truly understand.”

Ablahad frequently uses this Bible during home visits and community gatherings, helping to explain its messages in ways that resonate with the daily lives of Christian families. He believes that having this Bible at home not only strengthens the faith of persecuted Christians but also equips them with spiritual resilience to endure hardships.

• Thank the Lord for the many Bibles distributed and received in Iraq last year. Praise God for the work of Bible translation projects making God’s work accessible to many.
• Pray for the families who received the Bibles. Ask the Lord to use His Word to shape their faith and lives, that they would be a light and witness to unbelievers in Iraq, growing always in their knowledge and love of God.
• Pray for Christians in Iraq as they face ongoing persecution and hardship. Ask God to strengthen them through His Word and by His Spirit, that they might persevere and hold firm to their faith in Christ.