This impressive translation took 12 years to make. Twenty-six born and raised local folks from all over Hawaii, along with the Wycliffe Bible Translators team, dedicated themselves to translating the New Testament into “Hawaii pidgin”— the everyday language of the
This impressive translation took 12 years to make. Twenty-six born and raised local folks from all over Hawaii, along with the Wycliffe Bible Translators team, dedicated themselves to translating the New Testament into “Hawaii pidgin”— the everyday language of the islands.
Using the original Greek translation as their starting base, they referenced numerous English translations and commentaries to give this book a well-rounded presentation. The sentence structure and grammar is laid-out in traditional written pidgin. The non-pidgin readers/speakers will quickly find it a very fun introduction to the lyrical beauty of the local language. A quote from the book: “Wen God in da sky stay King, dass jalike wen one wahine take yeast an mix um wit plenny dough fo make bread. Bumbye da whole dough goin come mo big, cuz a da yeast.”
The reception to “Da Jesus Book” has been amazing! Folks recommend it to their friends, and then they recommend it to their friends. We have had numerous locals tell us how much this translation speaks to them and a few of them have even told us there were parts they didn’t really get the meaning of until they read “Da Jesus Book.” Visitors from around the world love “Da Jesus Book” and buy them as gifts as well as adding it to their translation collections.
Many national and international pastors have bought it, looking forward to using it in their next sermon! We have really enjoyed the authenticity of the language, and love seeing how much people enjoy reading it when they pick it up. In a world of numerous versions and translations, any book that works hard at making important books easier to read and understand to one’s familiar way of thinking and speaking is truly invaluable.
Ed & Cynthia Justus are the owners of “The Bookstore” in Hanapepe. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and Saturday; Friday 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Info: 335-6469 or www.kauaibookstore.com.
