Bibel in gerechter Sprache marks 20th anniversary

The “Bibel in gerechter Sprache” (Bible in Just Language) is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Originally released at the 2006 Frankfurt Book Fair, the translation was a volunteer effort by over 50 theologians aiming to address social, gender, and textual justice.

The project initially faced significant controversy. The Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) originally rejected the translation in 2007, suggesting that the focus on justice might introduce preconceived opinions into the text. Co-editor Claudia Janssen noted that some translators even faced the end of their academic careers due to the backlash.

However, the EKD's stance has evolved. Bishop Kirsten Fehrs provided the foreword for the anniversary edition, acknowledging that the translation has opened new ways for people to access biblical texts by making the active role of women and various social and political contexts visible.

Translator Luzia Sutter Rehmann explained that the work involved more than just adding feminine forms; it required rethinking passages with anti-Jewish connotations and addressing the translation of the divine name. While new theological questions continue to arise, there are currently no plans for a full new translation due to limited resources.