Translating Nephesh in the Psalms into Chinese

The principles and procedures that undergird the new field of intergenerational ministry are fresh and appealing. This work will be of benefit, especially to those who are interested in interdisciplinary study, as it yields proper biblical insights into anthropology and places considerable worth on the task of accurate Bible translation and rigorous textual analysis. For that we can be grateful to its author.

Dennis Ngien, PhD
Professor of Systematic Theology,
Tyndale University College and Seminary
Research Professor,
Wycliffe College, University of Toronto

The most remarkable aspect of Dr Yu’s research is that she pioneered the inclusion of children and youth in an intergenerational Bible translation team. This not only challenges the traditional understanding of the role of children in Christian ministry but practically shows how to optimize and integrate their contribution in the very sophisticated enterprise of Bible translation.

Johannes Malherbe, PhD
Head of Academics, Postgraduate School,
South African Theological Seminary

Describing the history of the approach to Bible translation in general and specifically the history of Chinese Bible translation, Hui Er Yu applies insights from the various disciplines to reach conclusions that highlight important ways in which the insights can be applied to provide accurate and effective translations of the Bible. She is to be particularly commended for bringing children into the conversation about Bible translation.

Véroni Krüger, PhD
Founder-President, The Word for the World Bible Translators

It is a great pleasure to endorse the work of a person who is very gifted with biblical languages and research. Dr Yu’s work opens a new door for Chinese Bible translation by clarifying the various concepts of the word “nephesh.”

Kyungrae Kim, PhD
Vice President and Academic Dean,
Faith Bible Seminary, New York

1. Foreword
2. Preface
3. Acknowledgements
4. Abstract
5. List of Abbreviations
6. Chapter 1
1. Introduction
1. 1.1 The Gap
2. 1.2 Bridging the Gap
3. 1.3 Objectives of the Study
4. 1.4 Outline
5. 1.5 Hypothesis
6. 1.6 Key Terms
7. 1. 1.6.1 First Language and Mother Tongue
   2. 1.6.2 Common Language
8. 1.7 Delimitations
1. 1.7.1 The Selected Passages for Translating
2. 1.7.2 The History of Bible Translation
3. 1.7.3 The Theory of Translation
4. 1.7.4 The Enterprise of Bible Translation
5. 1.7.5 Bible Versions
9. 1.8 Presuppositions
1. 1.8.1 The Nature of the Scriptures
2. 1.8.2 The Issue of Formal and Dynamic/Functional Translation
3. 1.8.3 Gospel, Language and Culture
10. 1.9 Potential Value
7. Chapter 2
1. A Literary Approach to Bible Translation
1. 2.1. Introduction
2. 2.2. The History and Major Issues of Bible Translation
3. 1. 2.2.1. Introduction
   2. 2.2.2. Early Bible Translation and Related Issues
   3. 2.2.3 A Brief History and Major Issues of Chinese Bible Translation
   4. 2.2.4 Conclusion
4. 2.3 The Development of Translation Studies
5. 1. 2.3.1. Introduction
   2. 2.3.2 The Development of the Field of Translation
   3. 2.3.3 LiFE: A Literary Functional-Equivalence Model
6. 2.4 Conclusion
8. Chapter 3
1. Children as Crucial Members of an Intergenerational Bible Translation Team
1. 3.1 Introduction
2. 3.2 An Overview of Childhood Studies
3. 1. 3.2.1 Introduction
   2. 3.2.2 Key Concepts in Childhood Studies
   3. 3.2.3 The Birth of Childhood Studies
   4. 3.2.4 The Development of Childhood Studies in Christianity
4. 3.3 Insights from Childhood Studies for the Present Research
5. 1. 3.3.1 Introduction
   2. 3.3.2 Children Are Integral to the Church
   3. 3.3.3 Children Need the Whole Bible
   4. 3.3.4 Children Can Contribute to the Enterprise of Bible Translation
   5. 3.3.5 Conclusion
6. 3.4 Intentional Intergenerational Ministry
7. 1. 3.4.1 Introduction
   2. 3.4.2 The Term IIM
   3. 3.4.3 The Foundations of IIM
   4. 3.4.4 The Practices of IIM
   5. 3.4.5 The Outcomes of IIM
8. 3.5 Conclusion
9. Chapter 4
1. The Possible Meanings of the Hebrew Word נפֶֶשׁ in the OT and Its Translation in Chinese
1. 4.1 Introduction
2. 4.2 A Brief Literature Review of the Hebrew Word נפֶֶשׁ
3. 1. 4.2.1 Introduction
   2. 4.2.2 Etymological Issues
   3. 4.2.3 A Brief Survey of the Etymological Study onנפֶֶשׁ
   4. 4.2.4 The Term נֶפ֥שׁ in the Hebrew OT
   5. 4.2.5 The Term נֶפ֥שׁ and its Greek Equivalent ψυχή in the LXX and the NT
   6. 4.2.6 Conclusion
4. 4.3 The Interpretations of נפֶֶשׁ in Chinese Bible Versions
5. 1. 4.3.1 Introduction
   2. 4.3.2 The Interpretations of נפֶֶשׁ in RCUV
   3. 4.3.3 Conclusion
6. 4.4 The Divergence in the Interpretations of נפֶֶשׁ
7. 1. 4.4.1 Introduction
   2. 4.4.2 The Divergence in the Interpretations of נפֶֶשׁ among Prominent Chinese and English Bible Versions
   3. 4.4.3 Conclusion
8. 4.5 The Controversy over Watchman Nee’s Trichotomy
9. 1. 4.5.1 Introduction
   2. 4.5.2 Nee’s Argument on the Translations of נפֶֶשׁ /ψυχή and רוּחַ /πνεῦμα
   3. 4.5.3 An Overview of Nee’s Teaching on Man as Tripartite Being
   4. 4.5.4 The Controversy Caused by Nee’s Tripartite Theological Anthropology
   5. 4.5.5 A Way to Reduce the Controversy
   6. 4.5.6 Conclusion
10. 4.6 A Call for Reconsidering the Translation of נפֶֶשׁ
10. Chapter 5
1. Translating נפֶֶשׁ in the Psalms into Chinese: An Exercise in Intergenerational, Literary Bible Translation
1. 5.1 Introduction
2. 5.2 The Training Course for the Intergenerational Bible Translation Team
3. 5.3 The Exercise in Intergenerational, Literary Bible Translation
4. 1. 5.3.1 Psalm 35
   2. 5.3.2 Psalm 63
   3. 5.3.3 Psalm 107
5. 5.4 Further Discussions/Observations
6. 1. 5.4.1 The Appropriate Translation of נפֶֶשׁ in the Three Selected Psalms
   2. 5.4.2 The Critical Issue Regarding the Chinese Translations of 308
   3. 5.4.3 The Version Readable for All Generations by the IBTT through LiFE
7. 5.5 Conclusion
11. Chapter 6
1. Conclusion – Findings and Implications
1. 6.1 Introduction
2. 6.2 Summary of Research Findings Regarding נפֶֶשׁ
3. 6.3 Summary of the Foundations for Intergenerational
4. Participation in Bible Translation
5. 6.4 Feedback, Comments, and Reflections Regarding
6. 1. Intergenerational, Literary Bible Translation
   2. 6.4.1 The Feedback from the Participants
   3. 6.4.2 The Comments of OT Scholars
   4. 6.4.3 The Reflection on Wendland’s LiFE
   5. 6.4.4 Some General Observations Regarding Bible Translation
7. 6.5 Future Perspectives
8. 1. 6.5.1 Expanding the Horizon
   2. 6.5.2 Training Church Leaders
   3. 6.5.3 Training Congregations
   4. 6.5.4 Launching the Intergenerational Bible Translation
9. 6.6 Final Comments
12. Appendix A
1. The IBTT’s Suggestions on the Translation of נפֶֶשׁ
13. Appendix B
1. The Feedback from the Participants of the IBTT
14. Bibliography
15. List of Chinese Dictionaries Used
16. Subject Index
17. Author Index
18. Scripture Index