April 9, 2025
April 8 marked the formal finish line for a 13-year-long Bible translation journey that culminated in the dedication of the New Korean Translation. The Korean Bible Society (KBS) celebrated this significant milestone in its ministry with a dedication service and academic symposium at Youngnak Church in Seoul, celebrating the completion and publication of the New Korean Translation in late 2024.
First published on December 10, 2024, this new Bible translation is an authorized version designed to meet the needs of the next generation of Korean readers. While remaining faithful to the meaning and structure of the original biblical texts, the New Korean Translation brings the Scriptures to life through contemporary language that resonates with modern Korean speakers—particularly in today’s multimedia and digital era.
This translation project began in 2011 and brought together 36 biblical scholars from a variety of Christian denominations and three Korean linguists. Their careful collaboration ensured both linguistic accuracy and theological integrity.
A Moment of Dedication
The dedication service was attended in person by over 3,000 people and led by Rev. Kyung-Won Kim, KBS Chairperson. The message was delivered by Rev. Woon-Sung Kim, Senior Pastor of Youngnak Church, based on Revelation 1:3, which is rendered in the New Korean Translation as:
“Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and those who hear and keep what is written in it.”
Rev. Kim emphasized that living out the Word is itself a form of translation—and in today’s world, such faithful living brings new relevance and depth to the Scriptures. Following the sermon, Dr. Doo-Hee Lee, Dean of the Institute for Bible Translation Research and KBS General Secretary for Translation, gave a report on the translation’s main features and process.
A Translation for Modern Times
The New Korean Translation seeks to connect people with God’s Word in ways that reflect both the linguistic beauty of the original text and the clarity needed for modern readers. It includes many features that make it particularly suitable for a digital generation, including:
- Shorter, readable sentences for digital formats
- Natural, respectful dialogue with context-appropriate honorifics
- Modern vocabulary and grammar to replace outdated or unfamiliar terms
- Clear translation of figurative language with footnotes for original expressions
- Avoidance of discriminatory language, ensuring accessibility to all readers
- Updated units of measurement and currency
- Consistent transliteration of proper nouns
- Modern punctuation and digital formatting
- Use of Arabic numerals for ease of reading
- Concise footnotes in print, expanded notes in digital editions
Exploring the Impact
The academic symposium that followed delved deeper into the role of this translation in shaping the future of the Korean Church. Under the theme “The Influence and Challenges of the New Korean Translation for the Next Generation of the Korean Church in the Multimedia Era,” six presentations were given by leading biblical scholars and educators.
The presentations were delivered by:
- Dong-Hyuk Kim (United Graduate School of Theology of Yonsei University)
- Hyung Dae Park (Chongshin Theological Seminary)
- Sun Myung Lyu (Baekseok University, Department of Christian Studies)
- Seung Moon Lee (Myongji College, Director of Chaplaincy)
- Soo In Lee (ACTS University, Department of Christian Education and Media)
- Soon Hee Kwon (Ewha Women’s University, Department of Korean Language Education)
Topics ranged from translation methods in the Old and New Testaments to the Bible’s role in digital reading, education, and multicultural contexts. The symposium drew around 1,000 online participants in addition to the in-person audience.
Future Plans
The Korean Bible Society plans to continue developing digital tools and multimedia resources to accompany the New Korean Translation. These may include illustrations, commentary, maps, and videos to help readers engage with Scripture in more profound and more frequent ways. It is hoped that this Bible will become a vital resource across generations—used in family devotions, children’s education, pastoral study, and everyday reading.
As expressed in the preface of the translation:
“We sincerely hope that it will be widely read—so that all readers may draw closer to God’s Word and experience the life-transforming grace it brings.”
The dedication of this translation represents not just the culmination of years of scholarship, but a new beginning for Korean-speaking believers to encounter the Bible in a language that speaks clearly, powerfully, and faithfully to today’s world.
