Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 62:3 (Sep 2019)
Article: Commemorating The 100th Anniversary Of The Chinese Union Version: History, Reception, And Future
Author: Joseph K. Ma

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Commemorating The 100^th Anniversary Of The Chinese Union Version:
History, Reception, And Future

Joseph K. Ma

Abstract: The Chinese Union Version (CUV) has been the most widely used Chinese translation of the Bible since its publication in 1919 and remains a de facto “Authorized Version” for millions of Chinese Protestants. The 100^th anniversary of the Union Version is a fitting occasion to reflect upon its history, reception, and future. These reflections will naturally involve consideration of Bible translation into Chinese and Bible translation more generally, including its limitations. The Union Version will be discussed in relation both to previous Chinese translations and to others published over the past 100 years. The ultimate purpose of this article is to enable clear thinking about the future of the Union Version and future Chinese Bible translations that will inevitably arise.

Key words: Chinese Union Version, 100^th anniversary, Bible translation, history, reception, future

I. Introduction

The year 2019 marks the centennial anniversary of the publication of the most important Chinese translation of the Bible in history. Since its publication in 1919, the Chinese Union Version (和合本) has been by far the dominant translation used by Chinese people. The explosive growth of Christianity in China during the past several decades has only increased the impact of the Union Version, which still functions as a sort of “Authorized Version” for Chinese readers just as the King James Version once did for English readers. Chinese Christians especially have reason to pause and give thanks to the Lord (and to the translators) for this translation which has played such an essential role in our salvation and in the growth of the Chinese church both in China and worldwide. In the recent past, these Bibles were often difficult to acquire in China and were smuggled in, sometimes at great risk.1 Relatedly, major online retailers in China stopped selling Bibles in April 2018.2 Today, every time the Union Version is read for personal devotion, preached from a pulpit, or discussed in a smaller group, its impact is extended yet

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further. The centennial anniversary of the Union Version is also a fitting occasion to recall key aspects of the history of this translation and to reflect on its reception and on the work of Bible translation generally in anticipation of the next 100 years, if the Lord tarries.

II. A Brief History Of The Chinese Union Version

The history of t...