Translation of Aramaic Words in the New Testament Bible into Chinese

Authors

  • Natthasake Naksit Chinese Studies Center, Institute of Asian Studies, Chulalongkorn University

Keywords:

New Testament Aramaic, Chinese, transliteration, Chinese translation, religious text translation

Abstract

This article aims to study the translation of Aramaic words appearing in the New Testament of the Bible into Chinese. Using a case study from the New Testament of Chinese translation of the Bible (Chinese Union Bible), the research found that the Chinese translation of the Bible has four main forms of translation for Aramaic words among the Greek text of the New Testament; Transliteration with an explanation of meanings according to the original text, Transliteration without any meaning explained, Transliteration with an explanation of meanings which do not appear in the original text, and Translate only the meaning of the words. Comparing with the principles of translating scriptures that indicate that they adhere to the original’s accuracy, it has been found that the translation of Aramaic words in the New Testament has a variety of translation standards. Not only one principle, but adjust translation format to suit the content and context.

References

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วารสารอักษรศาสตร์ ปีที่ 54 ฉบับที่ 1 (2568): มกราคม - มิถุนายน 2568

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Published

2025-06-26

How to Cite

Naksit, N. (2025). Translation of Aramaic Words in the New Testament Bible into Chinese . Journal of Letters, 54(1), 1–22. retrieved from https://so03.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/jletters/article/view/278326

Issue

Vol. 54 No. 1 (2568): January - June 2025

Section

Research Articles / Academic Articles

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