SHANGHAI, China – On April 26th 2023, the China Christian Council and the National Committee of the Three-Self Patriotic Movement (CCC/TSPM) and East China Theological Seminary jointly celebrated World Book Day with a special event entitled “Grace Through Reading: Becoming a Better Version of Yourself.” The highlight of the event was the unveiling and launch of the CUV-Greek-ESV* Triglot New Testament, which drew great enthusiasm from pastors, seminary faculty and students, and believers in China.
This Triglot New Testament, published by CCC/TSPM with the support of the United Bible Societies (UBS), in collaboration with German Bible Society, Crossway and Amity Printing Company is set to play a crucial role in promoting and advancing biblical studies in the Church and academia in China.
The CUV/Greek/ESV Triglot New Testament allows readers to read and study the New Testament in three languages: the widely popular Chinese Union Version (CUV), Crossway’s English Standard Version (ESV), and the Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament from the German Bible Society. By studying the New Testament in its original language, Chinese biblical scholars and the earnest students can enrich their understanding of what the text says. This will in turn help them to “rightly divide the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15) to develop sound biblical theology.
“God’s Word is like a lamp, lighting our path. God’s Word is like bread, nourishing our soul. May God use this ‘Book of books’, so that those who reverently read it will gain greater understanding of His Word.”
– Rev Shan Weixiang, Vice President and General Secretary of the CCC
On the publication of the Triglot New Testament, Reverend Shan Weixiang, Vice President and General Secretary of the CCC, shared, “God’s Word is like a lamp, lighting our path. God’s Word is like bread, nourishing our soul. May God use this ‘Book of books’, so that those who reverently read it will gain greater understanding of His Word… May the Scriptures they read into their lives bring forth new life.”
Mr Qiu Zhonghui, Board Chair of the Amity Printing Company (APC), said, “I believe this publication will help Chinese biblical scholars to improve their proficiency in reading the original text and support Chinese biblical research to better serve the true understanding of the Bible and integrate theological thinking with the Chinese cultural context. It will undoubtedly be a blessing to the Chinese Church, encouraging more people to study the original text of the Bible and accurately interpret God’s Word.”
“[The publication of the Triglot New Testament] will undoubtedly be a blessing to the Chinese Church, encouraging more people to study the original text of the Bible and accurately interpret God’s Word.”
– Mr Qiu Zhonghui, Board Chair of the Amity Printing Company (APC)
APC, a joint venture between UBS and Amity Foundation, played a pivotal role in the design, typesetting and printing of the CUV/Greek/ESV Triglot New Testament. APC’s designers skillfully crafted a dignified and vibrant design by incorporating black PU material for the bookbinding, delicate textures, and the rule of thirds, symbolizing three languages. In addition, the use of hot stamping and gilded edges adds a touch of elegance. To overcome technical challenges in the production of this Triglot New Testament, APC utilized advanced Paratext typesetting and sought expert assistance from UBS to ensure the accurate representation of the three languages.
The collaboration between UBS and CCC/TSPM in this publication demonstrates their joint-commitment to promoting biblical scholarship to advance and nurture the growth of the Chinese Church. Mr Chris Quek, Program Manager in charge of publishing at UBS China Partnership, said: “We are thankful to God for our partnership with German Bible Society, Crossway, CCC/TSPM and APC in making this publication a reality. We hope that through the Triglot, more people will discover the rich spiritual insights in the Bible and gain a deeper understanding of God’s Word.”
*CUV – Chinese Union Version; Greek – Nestle-Aland Greek New Testament; ESV – English Standard Version
Photos: CCC/TSPM, East China Theological Seminary, and APC
2023@UBS China Partnership