December 31, 2025
A historic milestone has been reached in Israel with the completion of the first-ever Modern Hebrew translation of the Old Testament (the Tanakh), led by the Bible Society in Israel (BSI). This project is already reshaping how people across the country encounter the Bible. For many Israelis, the updated translation provides unprecedented clarity, allowing them to read ancient Scripture in a language that resonates with their daily lives.
The release comes at a critical time. After two years of war following the October 2023 conflict, many citizens are searching for comfort, stability, and renewed hope. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Education has introduced a nationwide program making Hebrew Scripture study a core requirement in all government schools, significantly increasing demand for accessible biblical resources.
A Word in the Language of the Heart: Why Modern Hebrew Matters
The official celebration, held on November 20, 2025, brought together more than 200 attendees, marking the culmination of years of collaborative work. Victor Kalisher, General Secretary of the Bible Society in Israel (BSI), expressed the significance of this moment:
“The new Modern Hebrew Translation of the Old Testament is helping Israelis encounter Scripture in a language that speaks to their hearts. After two years of devastating war, people are in need of comfort, hope, and healing. Hearts are open to God’s Word in a new way.”
Even before the printed copies were available, thousands were already reading the translation online, sharing how they can now understand and teach God’s Word. Some churches have even requested PDFs of specific books for use in their weekly services.
The Bible Society printed 10,000 copies, including 4,000 Old Testaments and 6,000 full Bibles, each presenting ancient Hebrew alongside Modern Hebrew.
Reaching Beyond the Page: Digital and Audio Bible in Modern Hebrew
The impact of this translation extends far beyond physical books. New digital initiatives are bringing Scripture to Israelis wherever they are: online, on their phones, and through audio.
- The Full Audio Bible in Modern Hebrew: The entire Modern Hebrew Old Testament has now been fully recorded and released. Every book is freely available on Spotify, YouTube, and Haktuvim.co.il.
- Modern Hebrew Bible App: A dedicated Modern Hebrew Bible app is now in development. This app will give Israelis daily, user-friendly access to Scripture and helpful tools for deeper engagement.
- Digital Scripture Outreach: Every week, the Bible Society reaches 20,000 to 40,000 people through social media, sharing Scripture clips, hope-filled messages, and links to the new translation.
Next Steps: Building a Future of Scripture Engagement
The completion of the Modern Hebrew Old Testament is only the beginning. The Bible Society in Israel is already planning new initiatives to expand Scripture access and discipleship across the nation:
- Weekly Torah Portions: Distribute curated readings in print and audio.
- Compact Bible Edition: A portable version featuring a built-in reading plan.
- Updated Outreach Resources: Revised evangelistic tools, including materials highlighting how the Psalms and Prophets point to Jesus.
- Daily Digital Reading Plan: An online devotional platform featuring daily passages.
- Expanded Partnerships: Collaboration with ministries and organisations to widen scripture engagement.
- Audio New Testament: Record the revised Modern Hebrew New Testament to complete a fully aligned audio Bible.
A Nation Encountering Scripture Anew
From printed Bibles to digital platforms, from audio recordings to future outreach tools, the Modern Hebrew translation is touching lives across Israel. Many readers, Jewish, Muslim, secular, and religious alike, are encountering the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in a fresh and powerful way.
For some, this translation represents their first genuine encounter with the biblical text. For others, it may be a moment of spiritual recognition and renewed faith.
As Israel continues to heal and rebuild, God’s Word, clear, accessible, and beautifully translated, is bringing comfort, hope, and transformation to a nation hungry for truth.
To learn more about the Modern Hebrew Bible and access digital and audio resources, visit the Bible Society in Israel’s official platforms.
