This week sees the launch of NT 2026, a new Swedish translation of the New Testament. Among other things, the translators have been tasked with striving for more inclusive language—something that is evident in how several traditional gendered expressions are rendered.

On Thursday, NT 2026 will be presented at the Gothenburg Book Fair. The project is backed by the Swedish Bible Society, and represents a completely new Swedish translation of the New Testament.

The need for a new translation is partly motivated by changes in the Swedish language and advancements in the research on the Greek source texts since the previous translations were produced.

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But the translators have also had an express goal of using more inclusive language. The translation principles of the Swedish Bible Society state that “inclusive language should be sought” when it does not fundamentally obscure differences between biblical times and contemporary Swedish society.

At the same time, it is emphasized that the historical and theological significance should not be distorted.

“Brothers” becomes “siblings”

A concrete example concerns the Greek word adelphoi, which has traditionally often been translated as “brothers”.

In Philippians 3:1, NT 2026 writes:

“So then, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord.”

In other contexts, the word “siblings” is used instead.

The explanation is that the Greek word does not always refer solely to men, but can also denote a group of believers including both women and men. The translators therefore believe that “brothers and sisters” or “siblings” in these cases more accurately conveys the meaning in modern Swedish.

Broader Discussion

This change also illustrates a wider debate on how a Bible translation should balance fidelity to the original text with language that is perceived as comprehensible and inclusive in Sweden today.

NT 2026 is not intended to be a complete replacement for the entire Bibel 2000. The project concerns the New Testament, while a potential new translation of the Old Testament is a separate endeavor.

The new translation launches on September 24 and will thereafter become the subject of ongoing discussion within, among others, the Church of Sweden and other denominations.

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