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AVB is the first formal-equivalent translation of the Bible in Standard Malay. Drawing on the beauty of the Malay language, AVB presents the living Word in highly readable and fluent Malay.
"In East Malaysia, it was so right for readers to feel an euphoric sense of ownership, of God's Word in fluent Malay. In West Malaysia, native readers who love the language read it with tears of joy."
As Bahasa Melayu is the singular unifying language of the Malay archipelago, the AVB text was adopted in a befitting tribute as the unifying liturgical text in Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei in mainline denominational constituencies.
AVB — The Word of God in the heart language of the land.
It started with an agony to produce a high quality translation of the Bible in Standard Malay. Supported by reputable pastoral oversight, passionate volunteers chose to work without pay, to produce a cherished resource that resonates deeply with the Bahasa Melayu speakers.
With unrivalled mastery of linguistic accuracy, textual fidelity, and painstaking attention to the beauty of the Malay language, AVB soon become a highly readable Bible in fluent Malay, and now the most popular Malay Bible for a new generation.
Literal and formal language: A 'literal translation' approach, targeting a formal equivalence that closely adheres to the original texts while utilizing modern literary Malay grammar, syntax, and idiom.
Accuracy: Faithful to the original Greek and Hebrew texts, using sources like the UBS Greek New Testament, 5th edition, and the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Bible.
Readibility: Despite its literal approach, the AVB is highly readable, making it accessible and engaging for modern readers. It balances linguistic precision with the beauty of the Malay language.
AVB is God’s free gift to us, to be used for His glory. We give it back to Him when the gift is made freely available for others’ benefit. We acknowledge our partners and collaborators who have been great conduits in bringing the AVB to all corners of our land, thus multiplying the gift and its blessings.
We received these blessings freely, and freely we must give them away (Matthew 10:8).
I would like to express my deepest appreciation and gratitude to the translators and publishers of the Alkitab Versi Borneo (AVB) for their generosity and devotion in blessing the Malay-speaking Christian community in Sabah and Sarawak. In a region where many church services are conducted in Malay, the AVB is a wonderful resource for pastors, church leaders, and congregations alike. It is truly a gift that meets the spiritual needs of a growing number of Christians who now ha... See more >
In April 2016, I ordered and introduced the whole available stock of 13,000 copies of AVB BM Bibles to all churches in Sarawak. The Lord put a burden in my heart: During the pandemic years, with a team in Kuching, we compiled a 3-year cycle of readings from the AVB, covering all the books of the Bible. Today AVB Word is proclaimed every Sunday in Catholic Churches throughout Malaysia during BM Mass services. The seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). And will continue to bear f... See more >
As a Bishop of the church and having 129 Bahasa Malaysia-speaking congregations, I have witnessed a growing adoption of the AVB, especially among our younger generation of believers. The AVB's language closely mirrors the everyday language spoken in our schools and communities, making it accessible and relatable. Since its publication, I have personally used the AVB as my primary Bahasa Malaysia Bible, finding that it clearly conveys the message of the Scriptures in a way th... See more >
“I have been telling folks that while many translations speak to the mind, the AVB speaks to the heart.” The AVB Bible has truly become a cornerstone of our Christian community. Recently, when I offered a copy to several pastors, I was delighted to learn that each of them already owned one. That response warmed my heart and underscored the deep impact this version has had. It’s remarkable how quickly the AVB has resonated with so many, seamlessly integrating into diverse con... See more >
The AVB is a very good translation of the Bible for the Christian congregations in Malaysia because the language used is contextually compatible and easily understood. It gives me a deep personal impact when I read this translation, because it is as if God's word is delivered for the people of Malaysia. A sense of peace is always felt when reading this translation.
I am hugely enthusiastic about this AVB version! I read the AVB from the time it was first published. Praise God, the Malaysian Malay used in the translation is pretty close to the standard Bruneian Malay and is easy for me to follow. The AVB has been standardized for public reading in the church where I serve. In fact, AVB became my main reference and source for sermon preparation. AVB is really easy to use because of its beautiful language, easy to understand, and effective for its readers. Its content coupled with relevant audio and videos to satisfy users should also be commended. Let's continue to pray that this "jewel" reaches more souls for Christ!! To God be the glory.
When I received the AVB for the first time, I immediately read several passages in the Psalms and something resonated strongly in my heart; I opened the New Testament and flipped through a few paragraphs, then I read a few pages from the book of Job. After that I closed the AVB, holding it while crying with great gratitude. Personally, AVB conveys the Word of God more clearly and the language used is very close to my heart.
I came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ in the 1980s when I set out to read the Bible to scrutinize for errors, as some had alleged. Yet instead of flaws, I found truth—one that illuminated my heart and saved my life. At that time I read the LAI translation of the Bible. But when I received the AVB and began reading it, it felt as though I were encountering Scripture anew. The language spoke deeply to my heart and was remarkably easy to understand. I vividly remember reading the book of Exodus—its accounts of the 10 plagues were so powerfully described that I felt as if I were witnessing the events firsthand. What touched me even more was the familiar expressions to depict time, such as "pada waktu mahgrib." That moment stirred something profound within me, bringing me to tears as I gave thanks for the beauty of the language that God has given us. Well done to the AVB team.
I use the AVB every day for my quiet times. More than that, I use the AVB to study the Bible. I feel that AVB is easy to understand, as the language used is more comprehensible to me as a Malaysian. I really appreciate AVB and pray that AVB will continue to be a blessing to everyone.
In 2018, while on a 5-day hospital attachment, Pauline (a nurse) approached me with a heartfelt request. She had heard about the AVB and were eager to explore its teachings with 3 other colleagues, though they did not have a copy. Strangely, Pauline mentioned that the AVB is "very powerful". Moved by their enthusiasm, I brought my only copy of the AVB the next day. I entrusted them with this precious Bible to share among themselves. I was left me without an AVB, but filled with hope that it would guide and inspire them. In 2024, while in Kuala Lumpur to teach the rebana dance, a divine encounter unfolded. I met Ms. Goh LH, who graciously gifted me a new AVB Bible. My heart swelled with gratitude for this unexpected blessing, a testament to God's provision. In January 2025, I reconnected with Pauline. She joyfully shared how she now uses the AVB I had given her to spread the gospel. Hearing this, I was overwhelmed with thankfulness. AVB is indeed a divine blessing to us.
Alkitab Versi Borneo has indeed been a blessing for me personally. I still remember the first time AVB was introduced (in 2016)—it's hard to explain the feeling, I definitely felt the excitement to hold the Bible itself and be able to read it. AVB has helped me understand more and made it easier for me to do my personal devotions and share with others. Segala kemuliaan bagi Tuhan 🔥
I started reading the AVB from a young age, initially by reading and memorizing short verses of God's Word. The AVB helped me understand the Bible story more clearly and easily. It played a greater role in my life as a student because AVB uses fitting words and appropriate language. There were new words that I didn't understand at first but I learned a lot more new words, and got to use the appropriate language and terms. Personally, I believe that understanding God's Word is very important especially when I want to learn and appreciate the Bible story. Therefore, the language used in the AVB played an important role in helping me to better connect with God's Word, from childhood until I am 19 years old now.
The AVB translation is clear and easy to understand. As a Bumiputera resident of Sabah, overall the words and verses used in the AVB Bible are natural and familiar to me.
AVB is known for its accord with the principle of formal-equivalent translation in preserving the accuracy of the original language texts. This makes this translation theologically accurate, while preserving the eloquence and beauty of modern Malay. The AVB website promotes the correct use of Bahasa Malaysia, by developing new terms that are contextually relevant for the Malay-speaking community, while preserving cultural heritage.
Shalom. From the beginning of my faith journey, I grew up with Terjemahan Baru Indonesia (TB). However, after the publication of the Alkitab Versi Borneo (AVB), I understood more deeply what was conveyed in the Bible. And since then, I have continued with the AVB.
As a long time ministry partner, SABDA greatly appreciates the dedication of the AVB Team for providing the 'Alkitab Versi Borneo', and giving Malay speakers easy access to the Word of God digitally. We trust that the AVB platforms and tools will be used by God as a great tool for distributing and promoting Bible knowledge and biblical understanding. We also pray that God will give wisdom to the AVB Team on avenues for the future development, especially in "Scripture engagement" so that users can receive wider experience of the richness of God's Word.
I am very grateful for the publication of the AVB. By using the standard daily language used in Malaysia, the context of the Bible becomes clearer to understand and easy to remember. I encourage all God's people in Malaysia to continue to study God's Word and I strongly encourage the use of the AVB.
This is a source of pride for all Christians in general in Malaysia because we now have the Alkitab Versi Borneo in simple language that is easy to understand for all ages. Thank God, because in every struggle to complete a task there must be many obstacles but He continues to work in the AVB team.
I began reading the AVB seven years ago and initially experience some difficulty in understanding due to the unfamiliar style. I had to do a lot of cross-referencing to grasp the details and background of the Bible stories. However, I persevered, and over time, I became more familiar with its style. Now, I prefer using the AVB for in-depth Bible study because I find it clearer and more straightforward. My pastor has also started using the AVB in his Sunday sermons, replacing the Indonesian translation they used before. I am truly grateful for this positive change and deeply appreciate the team's effort to preserve the accuracy of the original language text. One of the aspects I enjoy most about the AVB is how it helps me memorize Bible verses more easily. It's truly a blessing to have the AVB.
I first received the AVB in June 2022 during a discipleship program, and I was told that the copy I obtained was from the first limited edition printing. I am deeply grateful to have been using this Bible for almost three years now. It has significantly helped me grow in my knowledge of the Lord Jesus, thanks to its clear and accessible language. While it took some time to adjust—having previously used a different Malay Bible translation—I now find great comfort in reading the AVB, as its verses are easy to understand and deeply resonate with me. Today, the AVB remains my preferred Bible for meditation, discipleship classes, and sharing the word of God with young people. I sincerely appreciate the dedication and hard work behind this noble ministry. May the Lord Jesus bless all those who have contributed to this incredible effort. 🥰❤️🔥
