When the Word Arrives but Meaning Stays Behind: Rethinking Bible Reception in African Christianity

Abstract

The translation of the Bible into African languages has played a pivotal role in the growth and expression of African Christianity. However, the reception of Scripture does not always lead to full understanding, particularly when transliteration overshadows meaningful interpretation. This paper critically examines this issue within the framework of African Christianity, using the Mfantse Bible as a case study. It focuses on the transliteration of the names of the Pentateuch, namely Gyenesis, Eksodɔs, Lewitikɔs, Nkanee, and Deuteronomi, which, although phonetically faithful to the original languages, often lack semantic clarity for local readers. Employing a mixed method, the study combines textual analysis of the Mfantse Bible with data from semi-structured questionnaires administered to users and readers of the Mfantse Bible. These methods uncover how transliteration affects biblical comprehension, spiritual formation, and theological engagement. The paper advocates for a more contextually grounded approach to Bible translation of biblical titles, particularly regarding biblical titles, one that prioritises both fidelity to the original text and accessibility for indigenous speakers. It further proposes strategies for enhancing biblical literacy and theological understanding within African Christianity.