Binumarien Bible (BJRWBT)

Overview

The Binumarien Bible, comprising the New Testament, Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, and Proverbs, is the product of translation work begun by Wycliffe and SIL missionaries Desmond and Jenny Oatridge, who arrived in the Kainantu District of Eastern Highlands Province in 1958. [1] When the Oatridges arrived, the Binumarien population had fallen to just 111 people as a result of tribal warfare and disease; they developed a Latin-script writing system for the language, promoted literacy, and completed the New Testament, which was dedicated in 1983–1984. [2] [3] The language, which belongs to the Kainantu-Goroka branch of the Trans-New Guinea family and is called Afaqinna ufa by its speakers, employs two tones not typically marked in writing. [3] Following the New Testament dedication, the Binumarien community grew to more than 1,000 people; Des Oatridge subsequently translated Genesis, Exodus, Psalms, and Proverbs before the Oatridges departed Papua New Guinea in 1998, and a revised New Testament with five Old Testament books was dedicated in June 2018. [1] [2] As of 2026 a partnership between SIL PNG, Tyndale Bible Translators, and local translators is working toward completion of the full Old Testament. [4]

Language and People

Binumarien (ISO 639-3: bjr) is spoken by approximately 1,200 people in Papua New Guinea, Map 10. [Glottolog: binu1245]

Publishing and Organizations

Published by Wycliffe Bible Translators USA.

References