Top 10 Religious Texts with the Most Language Translations
This ranking compiles the top 10 religious texts based on the number of language translations, drawing on data from the United Bible Societies and major religious research institutions. These texts are not only central to their respective faiths but are also among the most widely distributed documents in human history, reflecting their profound global influence and long-standing historical significance.
Interesting Facts & Summary
In the history of global publishing, the Bible is not just the undisputed champion of this list, but the unassailable Everest of translation. As of 2026, according to the United Bible Societies (UBS), the full Bible has been translated into over 750 languages, while including partial translations (such as the New Testament only), the figure exceeds 3,700.
Fascinating Comparisons:
- Scale of Reach: By comparison, literary giants like The Little Prince generally reach between 300 and 500 languages. The Bible’s linguistic footprint covers the mother tongues of over 95% of the world’s population.
- Motivation: Unlike literature driven by market demand, the translation of the Bible is often a monumental task undertaken by thousands of linguists over decades or even generations. Many translations have even involved the linguistic feat of creating writing systems for previously unwritten languages.
- Continuous Growth: Driven by digital expansion, 1 to 2 new language translations are added on average every week, ensuring that the Bible continues to break its own records dynamically.
| Rank | Name | Number of Languages | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
The Bible (Complete) | 743 | The most translated book in history | |
New Testament | 1680 | Statistics independent of the full Bible | |
Quran | 112 | Includes various commentaries and translations | |
| 4 | Bhagavad Gita | 75 | Most widely translated Hindu scripture |
| 5 | Amitabha Sutra | 60 | One of the most widespread Mahayana sutras |
| 6 | Tao Te Ching | 50 | Core Taoist text with extensive translations |
| 7 | Dhammapada | 45 | Most popular text in the Pali Canon |
| 8 | Diamond Sutra | 40 | Widely circulated in East Asia and the West |
| 9 | Book of Mormon | 35 | Rapid translation growth in modern religion |
| 10 | Upanishads (Selected) | 30 | Core philosophical texts of Vedanta |