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Oral Bible Translation (OBT) and Oral Bible Storying (OBS): What’s the Difference?

Post Date: 2025-11-07 | Author: BiLTA media team

Oral Bible Translation (OBT) and Oral Bible Storying (OBS):

What’s the Difference?

By Musa Mulambia

Musa Mulambia has been a translator with BiLTA since November 2023, working at the Tambo office in Isoka District, Zambia.

1. Oral Bible Translation (OBT)

Definition:

Oral Bible Translation is the process of translating Scripture directly into spoken form, without necessarily transcribing it first. This translation is done orally and intended for oral use, particularly for communities that may not read or write their language fluently.

Key Points:

  • Translators listen to or read the original biblical text (often in a trade language or a major language) and then retell it accurately in their mother tongue.
  • The aim is to produce faithful and accurate translations of Scripture that are verified for meaning, clarity, and naturalness.
  • Recordings of these oral translations are shared through audio devices, apps, or radios.
  • The process adheres to translation principles, ensuring theological accuracy and equivalence of meaning.

Example: Translating the Gospel of Mark orally into a local language for audio Bible use.

Goal:

To make the exact Word of God available in an oral, accurate, and reproducible format for oral communities.

2. Oral Bible Storying (OBS)

Definition:

Oral Bible Storying is the process of selecting, crafting, and telling Bible stories in a natural storytelling format that resonates with the culture. Instead of a word-for-word translation, it focuses on narrating Bible stories in a way that people can easily remember and share.

Key Points:

  • It utilizes chronological storytelling, covering the narrative from Creation to Christ, which helps people grasp the Bible’s overarching story.
  • Each story is simplified and contextualized while retaining biblical truth.
  • This approach emphasizes discipleship, evangelism, and teaching rather than creating a comprehensive translation.
  • Storytellers are trained to ensure accuracy while making the stories engaging and suitable for oral presentation.

Example: Telling the story of David and Goliath in a way that local listeners can visualize and easily repeat.

Goal:

To help people understand and internalize biblical truths through memorable, oral storytelling.

Main Difference Summary

Oral Bible Translation (OBT) Oral Bible Storying (OBS)
Purpose:
- To produce accurate, oral Scripture translations.
- To teach and share Bible truths through stories.		 Purpose:
- To help people understand and internalize biblical truths through storytelling.
Approach:
- Word-for-word or meaning-based translation.
- Storytelling and summarizing key Bible narratives.		 Approach:
- Focus on narrative and retelling.
- Emphasis on cultural relevance and memorability.
Accuracy Level:
- Follows strict translation checks.
- Faithful to meaning but simplified for storytelling.		 Accuracy Level:
- Emphasizes biblical truth in a simplified, engaging manner.
Output:
- Audio Bible passages in the local language.
- A set of Bible stories told orally.		 Output:
- Oral storytelling of Bible narratives.
Use:
- Scripture listening, worship, discipleship.
- Evangelism, teaching, and church planting.		 Use:
- Evangelism, discipleship, teaching.
- Oral retelling for sharing and memorization.
Focus:
- The text of the Bible