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About the AVB
The most widely-used Malay language bible.
What is the AVB?
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.
Our story and mission
Inspiring individuals to uncover the transformative power of the Bible through a deeper understanding and connection with God's Word.
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.
Our translation philosophy
1. Literal philosophy: A 'literal translation' approach, targeting a formal equivalence that closely adheres to the original texts while utilizing modern literary Malay grammar, syntax, and idiom.
2. Accuracy and clarity: 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.
Ways to access
the AVB
Ways to access the AVB
Partners
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).
The Gideons International
Started helping young learners with the AVB in 2022. Their breakneck pace of printing and distributing the AVB amazes us.
Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship Malaysia
Sponsored the Audio AVB Bible (NT in 2017, OT in 2020) — a shot in the arm to bless rural communities and impact new audiences.
LAB Network Sabah
The face of AVB in the pioneering years — provided impactful leadership, promoting nationwide acceptance for AVB.
Komuniti Digital, Sarawak
A pioneer platform with the best of its kind ministry to Bahasa-speaking communities:
https://www.komuniti-digital.com/alkitab
Faith Comes By Hearing
Unwavering in its mission to make God's Word audible to new audiences. For AVB, FCBH overdelivers by helping to flesh out its message with the Gospel Films.
Lighthouse of Hope (Sarawak)
Exceptional mission in elevating Bible literacy in rural constituencies. Made Kapit the district with the highest adoption of the AVB nationwide.
Scripture Union Semenanjung Malaysia
Scripture Union utilizes the AVB for their Bible Engagement resources and training, effectively reaching and inspiring thousands of youth.
Catholic Bishops' Conference of Malaysia
Superintended the synergy of the Deuterocanonical books with the AVB. Heralded the adoption of the AVB as official liturgical text for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei.
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Lutheran Hour Ministries strive to bring Christ to the Nations and the Nations to the Church by proclaiming His word using media, especially using AVB in its audio Bible initiative in Malaysia.
Pristine World
A publisher championing the use of AVB Bible verses in printed and online storybooks, E-Learning Bible stories, and Online Quizzes. Thank you for making the Word of God more accessible, engaging, and impactful for all.
Our Daily Bread Ministries
Bible Engagement for Life - Our Daily Bread Ministries is committed to connect people in all walks of life to God’s Word. In Malaysia, we have been using the AVB since 2022 as our primary Scripture reference for BM resources.
What leaders say about AVB
A good number of church leaders have commended the AVB.
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 >
Rev Datuk Jerry W. A. Dusing
President of SIB Sabah, Past President of Sabah Council of Churches
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 >
Catholic Archbishop Dr. Simon Poh
Archdiocese of Kuching, Sarawak
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 >
Bishop Rev. Dr. James Wong
The Basel Christian Church of Malaysia (BCCM) Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
“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 co... See more >
Bishop Dr T Jeyakumar
Bishop of the Methodist Church in Malaysia
What our readers say about the AVB
A good number of AVB readers share their thoughts ...
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.
Vongco Eriano
SIB KL
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.
Reader Jesstina Padan
Full-Time Church Worker, St. Andrew's Church, Brunei Darussalam
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.
Emelda Roukin
Faith Comes by Hearing SE Asia OBT Projek Coordinator
I came to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ in the 1980s when I read the Bible to find errors in it like the allegations of certain parties. I did not find errors but I found the truth that has enlightened and saved my life. At that time I read the Bible translated by the Indonesian Bible Society. When I got the AVB Bible manuscript and read it, it felt like I was reading the Bible for the first time. This is because the language used is closer to my heart and very easy to understand. I remember when I read the book of Exodus, the events of the 10 plagues were so clearly described as if I was there at that time. Then when I read about the use of words to express time such as the use of the word mahgrib it really touched my heart and I cried for a long time thanking the beautiful language that God has given us. Well done to the AVB team.
Pastor Jubilie Apin
Pena Rajawali
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.
Steffi Ann
Cell Leader
In 2018, the hospital where I worked sent me on a five-day attachment in another hospital. On the last day, a nurse named Pauline approached me with a heartfelt request. She, along with three of her colleagues, wanted to learn to read the Bible. They had heard about the Alkitab Versi Borneo (AVB) and were eager to explore its teachings, though they did not have a copy. Strangely, Pauline mentioned that the AVB is "very powerful" and easy to understand. 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. This act left me without an AVB, but I was 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.
Joyce Padan
Senior Nurse
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 🔥
Roger Jalong Anak Taffi
Community Worker
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.
Velly Skylla
University Student
Frequently asked questions
Get in touch
Have a question or feedback? Seeking permission to quote from or reproducve AVB resources? We'd love to hear from you. Please get in touch.Contact us