Institute for Bible Translation
The Institute for Bible Translation (IBT) was founded in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1973 by the Bosnian-Croatian poet Borislav Arapović. Its mission is to publish Bibles for non-Slavic peoples in Slavic countries, including translations into languages spoken in Russia and Central Asia. The work reaches millions of people across many languages and religions in the former Soviet Union and its successor states. IBT is part of the Forum of Bible Agencies International.
In its early days, IBT also reprinted older BFBS editions that had fallen out of print, such as the Psalms in Yakut. The Helsinki office opened in 1983 to coordinate translation projects in 12 Finno-Ugric languages spoken in Russia. In 1988 IBT shipped 150,000 copies of the Lopukhin Bible to the Orthodox Patriarchate, helping to greatly increase Bible circulation in the region (following an earlier 100,000-copy shipment).
Since 1995, IBT Russia/CIS has been registered in Moscow. The current director is Dr. Vitaly Voinov. The Moscow office coordinates about 65 translation teams, provides training and seminars, and prepares Bible texts for printing. IBT also produces Scripture books for children, Bible reference works, and language research material. The institute works with churches, national Bible Societies, academic institutions, and state authorities, and collaborates with other international Bible agencies such as the United Bible Societies, SIL/Wycliffe, and Pioneer Bible Translators.
IBT aims to produce translations that are accurate and faithful, helping modern readers understand the Bible’s message. To date, IBT has translated or published the Bible, or portions of it, in more than 80 languages, including five complete Bibles and 31 New Testaments, and its Children’s Bible has appeared in 38 languages.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 12:08 (CET).