ChatGPT Query>
I need to know which bible translation to use at
for scripture I’m sharing with a man from Taiwan> Chinese I’m assuming, but there are more than one dialects. Also, I would like to know if there is an equivalent to the English NIV
Reply>
Here’s a clear way to choose a Bible translation on BibleGateway.com for sharing Scripture with a man from Taiwan—and how to match it with an English equivalent like the NIV:
📖 1. Chinese Bible Translations You’ll Find on BibleGateway
BibleGateway lists a handful of Chinese Bible versions you can read or share. Some of the key options include:
📌 Main Chinese Translations
- Chinese Union Version (CUV / 和合本) – the most widely used Protestant Chinese Bible, available in both Traditional and Simplified Chinese scripts.
- Older language style, similar in feel to the English King James Bible in tone—not always the easiest for new readers.
- Revised Chinese Union Version (RCUV) – a modern language update of the CUV that keeps the traditional style but makes the language more accessible.
- Chinese New Version (CNV / 新译本) – a newer translation (1992) that tends to be more readable for modern Chinese speakers.
- Chinese Standard Bible (CSB) – another modern translation with good balance between accuracy and readability (may not be complete in all formats).
- Chinese Contemporary Bible (CCB) – easier language, helpful for evangelism or new readers.
- Chinese New Living Translation (新普及译本) – a more dynamic equivalent style (similar in approach to the English NLT) rather than a strict word-for-word translation.
📌 Scripts (writing styles)
- Traditional Chinese is what most Taiwanese Christians are familiar with in print.
- Simplified Chinese is more common in mainland China. Both are available on BibleGateway for many versions.
📌 2. Which Chinese Version to Use for a Taiwanese Reader
If your friend is in Taiwan and reads written Chinese:
Best all-around choice:
✅ Revised Chinese Union Version (RCUV) in Traditional Chinese
- Familiar to many Taiwanese believers, but with updated language that’s easier to read than the older CUV.
Easier for modern readers:
✅ Chinese New Version (CNV) — Traditional Chinese
- Generally easier to understand than the older Union Version style.
For very clear, conversational Chinese:
📌 Chinese Contemporary Bible (CCB)
- Uses modern phrasing that can be helpful if the person isn’t familiar with church-style language.
📌 3. Matching an English “NIV Equivalent”
The English NIV (New International Version) doesn’t have a one-to-one official Chinese NIV on BibleGateway—but there are commonly used pairings people work with:
Typical pairing for bilingual sharing
- English: New International Version (NIV)
- Chinese: Chinese New Version (CNV) or Revised Chinese Union Version (RCUV)
Many bilingual Bibles actually pair CUV + English NIV side-by-side, and some CNV + NIV bilingual print editions exist as well.
The idea is similar to using the NIV in English: CNV or RCUV offer clear, modern Chinese text that aligns well with the NIV’s readability and accuracy goals.
Summary>
Summary Recommendation
| Goal | Suggested Chinese Version | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Best overall for Taiwanese readers | RCUV (Revised Chinese Union Version) | Traditional |
| Clear & modern language | CNV (Chinese New Version) | Traditional |
| Very easy for new readers | CCB (Chinese Contemporary Bible) | Traditional |
You can then choose English NIV on BibleGateway for the English text and share the equivalent Chinese version alongside it.
If it helps, I can guide you step-by-step on how to set those versions side-by-side on BibleGateway or show you example verses in both languages so you can compare!
Running Down Vimy 