Davis Powell CEO of Seed Company Bible Translation Artificial Intelligence IllumiNations Alliance Missions Finish Line Podcast
Finish Line Podcast Episode 123

Davis Powell, CEO of Seed Company, on the Explosion of AI in Bible Translation

You may long to see Scripture reach every language community, while wondering whether faster translation can still preserve accuracy, clarity, and meaningful local ownership.

How can new technology, collaboration, and indigenous leadership accelerate Bible translation without losing the careful human work that makes Scripture understandable and trustworthy?


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Meet your guide

Davis Powell is the CEO of Seed Company, a Bible translation organization focused on accelerating Scripture translation through collaboration, local leadership, and emerging technology. Raised in a Christian home in North Carolina, Davis once planned to become a medical missionary, but during medical school he sensed God redirecting his path. A series of providential opportunities introduced him to Bible translation and eventually led him into the work he now leads.

In this conversation, Davis explores how Bible translation has shifted toward greater partnership with indigenous language communities and other Great Commission organizations. He explains the community-centered translation process, the importance of producing Scripture that is clear, accurate, natural, and acceptable, and the growing potential for artificial intelligence to accelerate portions of the work. He also reflects on the remarkable progress being made toward reaching remaining language communities with Scripture.

By the end, you may better understand how technology, collaboration, and faithful stewardship can work together to help more people encounter God’s Word in the language they understand best.

What you’ll gain

  • How indigenous leadership is reshaping modern Bible translation
  • Why collaboration can accelerate Scripture access across language communities
  • How AI may dramatically accelerate the Bible translation process
  • What protects accuracy while translation methods become faster
  • Why community involvement matters beyond simply translating the words
  • What remaining Bible translation work could look like this generation

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Quotes to Remember

  • “Missionaries have to deal with borders, the Word of God doesn’t. Missionaries have to figure out how to start the church; the Word of God gives the perfect blueprint for starting the church.”
  • “When the Word of God is planted, it transforms everything.”
  • “We can, in our generation, see the Word of God get to every language community. But may it not be said that we didn’t let the Word of God be in our heart language.”
  • “Scripture must be clear, accurate, natural, and acceptable.”

Links from the Show

Bible References from the Show

Proverbs 3:5-6 | Trust In the Lord

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Psalm 19:1 | Creation Declares His Glory

The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

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