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Nathan A. Esala explores the distinct biblical translation practices in the northern regions of Ghana, Africa, from the region’s precolonial encounters with Christianity to its postcolonial engagement today. Esala illustrates how biblical translation into the languages of Ghana has been partially coopted in ways that support Western economic and cultural invasion as well as political colonization. As an alternative to more invasive biblical translation practices, Esala presents case studies that adapt methods of group Bible study for the purpose of retranslation. From people living with disabilities engaged in retranslating Job 2–3 to communities in ethnic conflict retranslating Judges 6–9, this collaborative dialogue has the potential to build community in the face of oppression.

Nathan Esala lived in Ghana for ten years, working for Lutheran Bible Translators, USA, under the auspices of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ghana. Esala is an adjunct professor at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, and a  a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America, serving at Rockway Lutheran in Springfield, Ohio. Esala is the Coordinator for Strategic Alliances at Seed Company, facilitating Bible translation as ministry with mainline churches. He is the author of several scholarly articles.