Bible translations into the languages of the Philippines

Portions of the Bible were first translated by Spanish friars into the Philippine languages in the catechisms and prayer materials they produced. The Doctrina Cristiana (1593) was the first book published in Tagalog Baybayin Script.

Protestants published Ang Biblia (American Standard Version) in 1905 in Tagalog, based on the Spanish version of the Protestant canon. Most Protestant denominations use the New International Version of the Bible, since English is an official language of the Philippines.

However, Mainline Protestant denominations in the Philippines tend to prefer the Magandang Balita Biblia (Good News Bible). The Iglesia ni Cristo also uses the same translation. Jehovah's Witnesses use their own translation of the Bible, the Bagong Sanlibutang Salin (New World Translation) which is published in Tagalog, 2000 edition, 2019 revision.[1][2]

The Philippine Bible Society has translated the Bible into other major Philippine languages, namely: Ilocano, Pangasinan, Kapampangan, Bicolano, Hiligaynon, Waray, and Cebuano. Each of these languages has at least two Bible versions published by the society: one formal equivalence translation (mainly used among conservative Protestants), and one dynamic equivalence translation (available with or without the deuterocanonical books).

In addition to the Tagalog translation of Jose Abriol, the Catholic Church, through the Daughters of St. Paul, publishes Catholic Bibles in Kapampangan, Bicolano, and Waray. Moreover, derivative translations of the Christian Community Bible published by the Claretians are also available in Hiligaynon (Biblia sang Katilingban sang mga Kristiano) and Cebuano (Biblia sa Kristohanong Katilingban).

The Jehovah's Witnesses also translate their Bible, the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, into several regional languages such as Cebuano (2000 edition, 2019 revision);[3][4] Hiligaynon (2007, 2014 edition);[5][6] Iloko (2000 edition, 2018 revision);[7][8] Pangasinan (2009, 2015 edition);[9] Bicol (2016 edition);[10] and Waray-Waray (2012, 2019 edition).[3][11]

Regions in the Philippines where Visayan languages are predominantly spoken.

Other languages of the Philippines:

• Asi – spoken in towns on Tablas Island as well as the islands of Banton, Simara, and Maestro de Campo in Romblon province. It is known officially as Bantoanon language.
• Cebuano – includes Boholano, Leytehanon, Mindanao Cebuano and Mindanao Visayan dialects. - New World Translation; 2000 edition, 2019 revision.[3]
• Surigaonon (including Jaun-Jaun). May be closest to Cebuano.[12]
• Central Visayan – includes:
  • Waray - two modern Bible translations;[13] New World Translation; 2012, 2019 edition.[3]
  • Romblomanon which includes Sibuyan various dialects of Cajidiocanon, San Fernando-Azagra Sibujanon and the Magdiwang-Espana Sibuyanon variety, Ati, Capiznon, Masbatenyo, Porohanon, the Bisakol languages of Sorsogon and Northern Samar, and others.
• Western Visayan – includes:
  • Hiligaynon - New World Translation; 2007, 2014 edition.[5]
  • Kinaray-a (the major language of Antique),
  • Aklan languages (Aklanon, Malaynon),
  • Onhan or Loocnon (Tablas)- Eldon Leano Talamisan, 1999 (New Testament), Philippines, into the Onhan language or Bisaya-Inunhan
  • Caluyanon,
  • Cuyonon,
  • Ratagnon,
  • and others.
• Tausug – spoken in Jolo, Sulu; Palawan; Basilan; Tawi-Tawi; and Zamboanga City and environs. Also spoken in Indonesia (Kalimantan), and Malaysia (Sabah). It has been suggested to be more closely related to the Mansakan languages than to Visayan.

• Philippine Bible Society