Ancient manuscripts influence new translation

For over 90 years, the Chinese Union Version Bible has been read by many Chinese Christians around the world. First published in 1919, it was translated by missionaries who were supported by Bible Society.

The Revised Chinese Union Version Bible has been produced with three different covers.

But over time the language has become outdated. Biblical research and the discovery of ancient manuscripts has also shed new light on biblical texts. Therefore in 1983, Bible Society and Chinese biblical scholars began a revision of the text.

On 27 September 2010 the Revised Chinese Union Version Bible was launched at St John’s Cathedral in Hong Kong.

The ceremony was presided over by the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Donald Tsang; and Archbishop and Primate of the Province of Hong Kong Anglican Church, the Most Rev Dr Paul Kwong.

Representatives from the China Christian Council and from Bible Societies around the world were also in attendance.

Bible Society hopes that the new revision will encourage both believers and non-believers to engage with the Word of God, and that it will be a particular encouragement to young people and to future generations.

This article is from The Word at Work – Summer 2010.