The 1839 translation of the Bible into the Hawaiian language from Hebrew and Greek was the single-greatest literary project ever undertaken in Hawaii history.
The 1839 translation of the Bible into the Hawaiian language from Hebrew and Greek was the single-greatest literary project ever undertaken in Hawaii history.
It required more than a decade of intense cooperation between an elite team of American Bible scholars and a group of Hawaiian language experts and editors composed of high-ranking ali‘i and their top advisers.
Together, they produced a Bible translation superior to what either group could have achieved on its own, and one of the great Bible translations of the 19th century.
Who were the groundbreaking individuals whose dedication and collaborative work made “Ka Baibala Hemolele” a reality, and how did that come about?
Kapali Lyon, chairman of the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s Department of Religion, has researched and written extensively about this remarkable effort. Lyon will present “The Hawaiian Translation of the Bible: Its Makers, History, and Influence” from 3-4:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Monday (Oct. 30) at the Lyman Museum.
The program is part of Lyman’s Saigo Public Program lecture series. Admission is free to museum members, $3 for nonmembers.
The nationally accredited and Smithsonian-affiliated Lyman Museum showcases the natural and cultural history of Hawaii. The museum is open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday at 276 Haili St.
For more information, call 935-5021 or visit www.lymanmuseum.org.