A Comparative Analysis of Βαπτίζοvτεσ in the Greek New Testament (Matthew 28:19) and the Fulbe Bible

Abstract

Bible translation is a vital tool used by the Church to communicate the gospel in the heart languages of various communities, with the aim of fostering spiritual growth and discipleship. However, when a target audience lacks access to Scripture in their native language or encounters translation inconsistencies that obscure the original meaning, understanding the biblical message becomes significantly hindered. This paper explores the translation challenges faced by the Fulani people, focusing specifically on the rendering of the Greek term βαπτίζοντες in Matthew 28:19 within the Fulbe Bible. Using the Mother-Tongue Biblical Hermeneutics approach, this article investigates the contextual meanings of the Fulfulde terms baptisma, baptisima, batisima, and looton and compares them exegetically with the original Greek term baptizontes. The findings indicate that mutineede is the most suitable translation, as it accurately conveys the theological significance of water baptism while resonating with the cultural and linguistic framework of the Fulani people. By addressing these translation issues, the article contributes to a more theologically sound and culturally relevant understanding of baptism among Fulani Christians, an essential step toward deeper discipleship and integration into the Christian faith. Accordingly, churches, missionaries, and Bible translation organisations across Africa are encouraged to consider adopting mutineede in future outreach strategies and Bible translation revisions to enhance the Fulani community’s comprehension and connection to Scripture in their own language.