The first iTaukei study Bible has been officially launched, 27 years after the translation of the holy book began.

Derived from the old version, the King James Version Bible, the Bible Society of the South Pacific, publishing director and translation officer Reverend Apenisa Lewatoro said one of the many challenges translators faced was revising certain archaic words in the old version.

He said they asked for a revision of the old Bible so that the words could be translated into a language more applicable to today’s generation.

Mr Lewatoro said the Bible offered a unique style to readers which would allow them to have a better understanding of the scriptures.

“It is like adding value to the Bible, so people can pick it up and have a different way of looking at the old version,” he said.

“With the revision and explanation of what the Book is about at the start of the book, and there are section headings all throughout to talk about the stories in the Bible.”

Methodist Church president Reverend Ili Vunisuwai said at the launch, the study Bible was needed and he thanked the Bible Society of the South Pacific for its work.

According to Mr Lewatoro, only 1000 copies have been printed and he urged Fijians to visit the Bible Society Bookshop in Nabua to purchase a copy or wait for its availability at bookshops around the country.