Chinese Bible Translations: A Guide for Informed Selection

Analysis of Various Chinese Bible Translations

For students and scholars seeking clarity when navigating the world of Chinese Bibles, this guide offers insights to help you make informed choices. The Union Version, a classic staple used globally among Christian believers due to its widespread presence in Chinese churches worldwide, remns highly utilized despite its age.

Non-Christian Chinese students studying abroad or younger believers from mnland China often find the Union version with traditional script too archc for modern comprehension and everyday use. These groups t to prefer more recent translations that cater to simplified script requirements and offer a bl of updated language that is more accessible.

A former house church pastor, now residing in North America and fluent in Greek, Hebrew, and English, offers unique insights on the Chinese Bible landscape:

Union Translation He2 He2 Ben3:

• Published in 1909.

• Offers a solid translation with traditional language that in the Christian community.

• Recommed for those who wish to mntn continuity with established practices.

New Chinese Version Xin1 Yi4 Ben3 CNV or NCV:

• In his professional opinion, this version surpasses the Union in terms of and employs updated vocabulary while still being easily accessible alongside the Union.

• A bl between a traditional translation approach and more contemporary .

Recovery Version Hui1 Fu4 Ben3 by the Local Church cult:

• Features an excellent translation according to this pastor's assessment, but it is accompanied by questionable commentary notes due to its affiliation with the cult.

• Published in Twan, known for its conservative stance on religious content.

Chinese-English New Testament Han4 Ying1 Dui4 Zhao4 Xin1 Yue1:

• A recent, groundbreaking translation published by the Three Self Government Church in China, fully avlable in the U.S. market.

• Highly recommed for those seeking a fresh perspective on the text; however, not to be confused with the Butterfly New Testament, which combines traditional and simplified scripts.

Three Major Translations Beyond the Union:

1. Chinese Living Bible

   • Offers the most free translation of all the versions mentioned.

   • Known for its avlability in Twan but less accessible worldwide; it's also quite expensive compared to other options.

2. Today’s Chinese Version Xian4 D4 Xin4 Yi Ben3

   • Traditionally published by the Hong Kong Bible Society, this version can be found in traditional script through HK Bible Society.

   • Simplified script editions are avlable from SingaporeMalaysian Bible Societies; Ambassadors?for Christ AFC?Mnland Chinese Lit. Ministry?has access to the simplified script version.

3. New Chinese Version Xin1 Yi Ben3

   • Published by the Worldwide Bible Society, this translation is characterized as conservative and ms for literal fidelity to the original languages rather than dynamic equivalence.

   • Offers $5 for a complete Bible purchase $6 with discounts for Mnland Chinese scholars and students.

To facilitate access to Bibles in simplified script for those from mnland China studying abroad, we recomm contacting the Mnland Chinese Literature Ministry. Dial toll-free within the USA at: 888-462-5481.

AFC believes that the New Chinese Version is the best choice for contemporary readership and sees its growing acceptance among Chinese believers. Efforts are underway to improve this translation with input from credentialed conservative scholars, ensuring a refined and accurate text for future generations.

Download the explanation of different Chinese Bibles in PDF format here.
This article is reproduced from: https://ism.intervarsity.org/resource/analysis-various-translations-chinese-bible

Please indicate when reprinting from: https://www.vo00.com/The_Christian_Bible/Chinese_Bible_Translations-Guide.html