19C 초 예수회 선교사 賀清泰(Louis Antoine de Poirot)의 『古新聖經』 번역 연구 — 신앙적 의의와 문화적 영향을 중심으로

Abstract

This paper examines the significance and importance of Bible translation through the Chinese Bible prefaces “Guxin Shengjing Xu” (古新聖經⋅序) and “Guxin Shengjing Zai Xu” (古新聖經⋅再序), translated by Jesuit missionary Louis Antoine de Poirot (賀清泰) in the early 19th century. These two prefaces are the first Bible translation prefaces written in Chinese Bible translation history, exploring how accurate translations according to God’s will can impact religious life, and highlighting Poirot’s translation activities and his role in Sino-Western cultural exchange. “Guxin Shengjing” represents the first Chinese Bible translation based on the Northern Mandarin dialect, significantly contributing to the standardization and popularization of the Chinese language at the time. This translation is a valuable resource for the study of the history of the Chinese language, playing a crucial role in establishing the foundation for modern Chinese. The religious importance of Bible translation is profound. Translators must convey the original meaning of the Bible with reverence and precision, avoiding any distortion. This fundamental principle of translation is emphasized through the story of Jerome’s dream, which underscores the necessity for translators to faithfully reflect God’s will. In “Guxin Shengjing Zai Xu” Poirot recounts Jerome’s (St. Hieronymus) attempt to improve the grammar of the Bible translation, only to be warned and rebuked by God in a dream, highlighting the importance of caution and accuracy in Bible translation. Poirot’s translation work also had a significant impact on Chinese culture and religious life at the time. For instance, translating “bread” as “饅頭” (mantou) in the passage “While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body’” made the concept more accessible to Chinese readers. This approach illustrates that translation is not merely about linguistic conversion but also about enhancing cultural integration and communication. The importance of annotations in Poirot’s translation work is evident in overcoming cultural differences and clearly conveying the message of the Bible. For example, in the annotation of “kiss” in Genesis 29:10, Poirot explains the Western custom in a way that Chinese readers could understand. This method made the Bible’s meaning more comprehensible and effectively conveyed the original intent of the scripture. The lesson for 21st-century Christians is clear. Understanding the importance of Bible translation and its impact on religious life encourages modern Christians to accurately convey God’s word and follow the correct path of faith. This principle is equally applicable to Chinese culture and religious life. Louis Antoine de Poirot’s “Guxin Shengjing Xu” (古新聖經⋅序) and “Guxin Shengjing Zai Xu” (古新聖經⋅再序) are not just Bible translations but also significant historical documents that profoundly influenced contemporary Chinese language, culture, and religious life. This research serves as an essential foundation for future studies in faith and Chinese language history. Therefore, Bible translation is a crucial task that extends beyond simple linguistic conversion, emphasizing the accurate conveyance of faith’s essence and the importance of translation as a bridge between cultures.