First Nations Version Psalms and Proverbs: An Indigenous Bible Translation

by Terry M. Wildman, First Nations Version Translation Council (consultant_editor)

Discover the rich tapestry of human emotion and divine wisdom with the First Nations Version Psalms and Proverbs. The latest volume from the critically acclaimed First Nations Version translation brings the ancient Sacred Songs and Wise Sayings of the Hebrew Scriptures to life through the vibrant, poetic imagery of Native American oral storytelling.

Discover Psalms and Proverbs Reimagined Through the Poetic Language of Native

Father Sky is telling us the story of the shining-greatness of the One Above Us All. The starry tent above us shows the beauty that Creator’s hands have made. Day after day, the story is told, and night after night, their wisdom fills the sky. Even though the skies above have no spoken words, all creation has heard their message.Psalm 19:1-3

From the strength of your heart, put all your trust in Grandfather, and do not hold yourself up with weak human thinking. As you walk the road of life, make every step a prayer. Grandfather will then make your eyes straight and your paths safe.Proverbs 3:5-6

Whether you're seeking solace, strength, or spiritual insight, the First Nations Version Psalms and Proverbs will guide you with its profound expressions of praise and trust in the Creator. Step into the harmonious blend of ancient wisdom and indigenous tradition to discover a spiritual experience that speaks directly to your heart.

Genres: Theology

192 pages, Paperback

Published August 5, 2025

About the author

Terry Wildman was born and raised in lower Michigan. He is of Ojibwe (Chippewa) and Yaqui ancestry. Terry is a published author, recording artist, songwriter, storyteller, and public speaker.

He is the "Chief" of Rain Ministries, a nonprofit organization based in Arizona. Since the year 2000 as "RainSong", he and his wife Darlene have invested their lives in sharing the message of Jesus with Native Americans.

Terry is the author and project manager of the First Nations Version: New Testament published by InterVarsity Press.

He is also the Director of Spiritual Growth and Leadership Development for Native InterVarsity.

RainSong has produced four music CD's: Sacred Warrior, Rising Sun, Rise Up and Dance and Hoop of Life. Their music style is a folk-rock blend with Native American instruments and melodies.

In 2004 RainSong was nominated for a Grammy award and two Nammy awards. In 2005 they won the "American Christian Music Award" for the category of "Favorite Band/Duo-Breakout." In 2008 they were nominated for two Nammy Awards, one for "Best Song of the Year," All Colors Together, and for "Best Gospel Recording" for their CD Rise Up and Dance. Terry and Darlene were presenters that year at the awards ceremony held in Niagara Falls, New York.

As RainSong Terry and Darlene have also produced a storytelling CD with a musical background called The Great Story from the Sacred Book. This CD won the Nammy (Native American Music Award) for "Best Spoken Word" in 2009. Soon after they released a booklet to complement the CD through Indian Life Ministries based in Manitoba, Canada, (indianlife.org).

Reviews

[Catherine McNiel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The introduction and glossary alone are worth the price of the book.

[Mckinley Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, imaginative translation of Psalms and Proverbs that reminds readers that Scripture is a living, breathing thing worthy of constant rediscovery.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before I begin, I want to thank the NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC copy!

I fell in love with the New Testament First Nations Version after reading last year at the recommendation of several friends at my church. This translation brings such an important perspective that often gets missed in American culture. The scholarship involved in bringing this translation to life really shows. I cannot wait for a full bible translation!

[aundrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

i absolutely love this translation. reading it side by side my usual one gives me a deeper understanding of the verses, and a greater mental picture. it feels so simple and straightforward, yet deep and heartfelt. i’d definitely recommend!

[Lauren Herman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This translation needs to be a staple in every Christian’s collection of Bibles, or at least in our rotations of various translations. A decade ago, I would only read NIV; I didn’t understand that different translations are attempting to do different things with the text. Some translations aim to be as faithful to the original text as possible and will sacrifice grammar and/or readability to do so, while others will translate to make the text as accessible as possible. Another of my held beliefs is that different cultures and ethnicities highlight different parts of God’s character. With that said, here are just a few of the reasons I love this translation:

1. The First Nations Version highlights the creation part of the Creator and of Scripture. The language is rich and unique. Many of the words we take for granted while reading the Bible get prescribed deeper meaning. For example, what is typically translated “wicked,” is translated to “bad-hearted.” Or, the Tribe or Israel being named, “the tribes of Wrestles with Creator.”

2. Reading Scripture is always a cross-cultural experience and this translation brings this to the surface. Each word is a reminder that we are reading an ancient text, but this translation does so in a way that is still easy to engage with. Every word is chosen thoughtfully and intentionally to honor the original authors, Indigenous people, and readers everywhere.

3. This translation is fresh! It takes familiar Scriptures and helps them to feel new. I’ll admit, on occasion, I zone out while reading my Bible because my brain goes, “oh, we know this one.” Reading the First Nations Version allows me to engage with renewed energy and perspectives.

I hope that this translation makes it onto as many shelves as possible so that more people can be blessed.

Thank you NetGalley, author Terry M. Wildman, and the First Nations Version Translation Council for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not indigenous. I grew up in a mainline Protestant denomination as a Pastor's Kid with little exposure to different religious traditions. While I lived near an indigenous community for a few years as a child, I did not know it well or have an understanding of the values and faith of the indigenous. The First Nations Version has been helpful in enabling me to hear Scripture in a new way and providing a more in depth picture of how we relate to God through creation and tradition.

In the past twenty years, many Bible translations have been developed. Most translations might change a word or phrase, but still sound similar. The First Nations Version is similar to the Message translation in that it describes Scripture in a more modern way that is closer to how we would converse and pass down stories. However, it's important to note that the First Nations Version is still verse by verse, as opposed to a paraphrase. I find that to be more helpful for referencing and comparing with other translations.

I hope that as more and more parts of the First Nations Version become available, it will become even more widely read, referenced, and utilized in devotional time and worship. I believe that it is beneficial for all people to be illumined by the wisdom of indigenous traditions. This translation remains faithful to the original meaning and intent of Scripture while also bringing a new perspective that has been missing within English translations.

Thank you InterVarsity Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was thrilled to see that there was a FNV of Psalms and Proverbs! I’ve really enjoyed the NT that I have, though I haven’t fully read the NT yet.

The Introduction give useful explanations for reasoning of terms used, why the names are the way they are, and then the back holds a glossary that explains the words used and why. For example, “bad hearts and wicked ways” replaces “sin”; “harmony” replaces “peace”; “sacred treaty” replaces “covenant.”

There’s so much to love about this translation but my top two reasons are:

1. How it brings a new perspective to Scripture by bringing it closer to “home” in North America. I still have so much to learn about various indigenous cultures in Canada and the US, but there are shared experiences by being on the same land that are pointed out in this translation. Metaphors like “their coyote ways” connect with me immediately, or “cleanse me with sage” is easier for me to understand than “hyssop.” There are metaphors used that connect more quickly to my life experience like “be my lodge pole, one I can always depend to hold me up” vs “be my rock and refuge” (Ps 71:3).

2. How it brings me closer in understanding to a First Nations worldview and culture, and giving me some common language that could be shared with my indigenous brothers and sisters in Christ.

Thank you so much to the translators and everyone who has worked on this for giving us this treasure.

[Chris Perrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the Bible is a cross-cultural exercise, but this fact is easily forgotten when I read translations done by committees of people who predominately look and think like me. The First Nations Version of the Psalms and Proverbs (like the New Testament before it) is a beautiful reminder of the distance between the reader and the text, since it translates Scripture in a way that has a unique perspective. Since ancient Israel was a tribal culture, this translation seems to bring a closer connection to the world of the text. I am not an indigenous person so I am not the best to speak to its value. But I have already used this translation in worship and it has been deeply appreciated by our First Nations members.

A couple small translation elements to highlight: I loved the translation of the obscure term 'selah' with 'honor beat the drum.' This interpretation gave new weight and meaning to a term I've often just ignored. On the other hand, I didn't love the use of 'Grandfather' for the name of God (YHWH). The divine name is notoriously difficult to translate, and while they make a good case for the value of the term in many indigenous cultures, I would have preferred a term that was non-gendered and was a name rather than a title.

I highly recommend this translation for anyone who loves the Psalms and would appreciate the fresh perspective this provides.

[Mhughessc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Terry Wildman is the Chief of Rain Ministries as well as a musical artist who has been nominated for several Grammy Awards. As the project manager of the First Nations Version Translation Council, he (and his team) have brought the Native American's love of storytelling to the Scriptures. This particular portion of Scripture, "First Nations Version Psalms and Proverbs: An Indigenous Bible Translation", brings to life some of the most well-known Bible passages. Take Proverbs 3:5-6 for example: "From the strength of your heart, put all your trust in Grandfather, and do not hold yourself up with weak human thinking. As you walk the road of life, make every step a prayer. Grandfather will then make your eyes straight and your paths safe."

I found it very interesting to read another translation of some of my favorite Bible verses, and think it's wonderful that there is now a Native American version of Scripture! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

[Rebecca Augustine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique and Enjoyable Perspective

It is always a great idea to find new facets of our Creator. Terry Wildman (in collaboration with others) helps the reader find a different yet valid and beautiful viewpoint.

[Luminous Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a beautiful translation!