The Chinese Union Version (CUV) Bible was first published in 1919, and since then it has been the Bible for the Chinese-literate. In 2006 however the Hong Kong Bible Society saw the need to revise the CUV, in order to better serve diverse Chinese communities worldwide. Besides varied cultural practice, many of the Chinese characters used in the CUV are no longer commonly used.
Out of this, the Revised Chinese Union Version was produced, with careful attention to precision and detail. Bible scholars from China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore and the Americas – together with translation specialists from the United Bible Societies – were involved in the update. While approximately 15% of the text was revised, the dignified literary style of the CUV was retained, as it is cherished by Chinese churches worldwide.
Representatives from the Hong Kong Bible Society (HKBS) have been visiting different countries in order to launch the RCUV (new complete version with Old and New Testaments), and this week will mark Australia's turn. HKBS's General Secretary, Dr Mary Leung and her colleague Dr Joseph Hong will launch the new version at the "RCUV Bible Conference" to be held in Sydney on November 22.
More fascinating details about the new version will be presented during the bi-lingual event. Bible Society NSW's Cross-Cultural Donor Relationship Officer, Bernard Lee, says that the RCUV celebrates Chinese diversity, while playing a unifying role for Chinese-literate Christians from all backgrounds. "We are pleased to present the RCUV for the use of Chinese communities here in Australia," he says. The RCUV will be available at the Bible Society Bookshop (213 Clarence St, Sydney CBD) as well as online at www.bibleshop.com.au
Passion for Evangelism award
Prize-giving for the "Passion for Evangelism" Award will also take place at the event, in appreciation of those who have been fervent about sharing the Word of God. The award recipients will each receive one of the first few RCUV Bibles available in Australia.