Some may assume that Chinese Bible translation resources are limited, but that’s not entirely accurate. The United Bible Societies have been carrying out an extensive Bible digitization project, preserving texts and creating digital archives in many languages. This project revealed that while English has the highest number of translations, Chinese ranks third after Spanish, with over 80 complete or partial translations.
As the old Chinese saying goes: "The final mile counts for half the journey. Without it, the previous ninety-nine are wasted" (行百里路者半九十). Fully engaging with the Bible, transforming life, resembles a long and arduous road.
I have learned through shared faith and life experiences with my Chinese sisters and brothers to view the Chinese Union Version of the Bible as a faithful, elegant, and eminently readable translation (信、雅、达)—one that consistently draws me closer to my Lord.
We can thank God for giving Chinese the Bible in their own language, to strengthen and grow what is now one of the largest Christian churches in the world, and one with the potential to take the gospel to the ends of the earth.
Chinese Bible translations were often the result of years of diligence, at times division, and significant group work. While Westerners often numerically dominated the projects mentioned above, Chinese Christians also played a role.
Drawing on his background as a distinguished New Testament scholar and his years of service in China, Menzies addresses important issues that impact the translation of New Testament terms, particularly those related to the work of the Spirit or other Pentecostal themes.
Reading Peng’s book, alongside the research of many other scholars of the Chinese Bible, reminds China workers today of the very real merits of the Union translation as well as its prominence within the Chinese church.
According to Jost Oliver Zetzsche, "the first edition of the completed Mandarin Union Version was received from the printer on April 22, 1919." That is 100 years ago today!
A reader with years of experience in rural Bible distribution responds to "The Chinese Bible"
A reader shares his thoughts on the Chinese Union Version of the Bible.
A helpful overview of the various versions of the Chinese Bible and the terms and abbreviations that are commonly used to describe them.
Like the Chinese church itself, the Chinese Bible has not merely survived; it has flourished.