History of Shan Churches in Burma 1861-2001 - Khamkoo

Shan Bible, Hymnbook, Radio, Literature 169
By resigning from UBS and from the Shan project it will remove any questions about a possible
conflict of interest and give you and David Clark a free hand to decide on the best course of action.
When I return to Canada in August 1988 I shall take up the translation of the Shan Bible full-time at my
own expense. However I would like to have access to UBS technical help and I would also appreciate it
if the current reviewers would continue to review my work. This way UBS can be assured of the quality
of my output and Saya Aung Htun Shwe in Burma could also continue his work on the UBS Shan
project without undue interference. At a later date portions of both versions can be tested and the Shan
Churches in Burma and Thailand can decide on what they prefer. I feel this is the best solution and trust
you will concur.
Serving Christ,
Signed/ Harn Yaunghwe.
U Kyaw Hla, a member of reviewing committee also resigned from Bible translation work in July 1989
citing health reason.
New Translation published in 1994
The new translation on New Testament including Psalms and Proverbs translated by Aung Htun
Shwe and team was published by Myanmar Bible Society in 1994. It was completely new and different
from Cushing’s translation.
What is new in New Translation?
For examples;
* Fisherman was translated as “Kunnalum” (ulef;vMjerfh) instead of original common Shan language
“Dumnga” (wrfbiMj). The word Kunnalum cannot be found in Cushing’s Shan dictionary or new Shan
dictionary. It is completely a new term. Most of the Shan never use it or never heard of this term or
understand it.
* “Jesus turns water to wine” in John 2:3-10, was translated as “Jesus turns water to alcohol” (v0fj) (it
bears the meaning of intoxicating liquor). (Cushing translated it as “grape juice”) (erfhqydwfh). Drinking
alcohol (v0fj) is considered culturally as bad character and condemned by Shan people. The Buddhism
teaches to avoid drinking alcohol. How come Jesus makes alcohol for the people to drink! Shan people
may question. This will bring a big question from non-Christians and Christians alike on Christianity
and conduct of Jesus Christ in turning water to alcohol and feeding the people.
* The whole scripture verse was missed out in John 6:61.
* John 7:28 says, “I have not come on my own authority.” But the new translation says “I have not
become on my own authority” The word “come” and “become” does not have the same meaning.
* Matthew 3:16 says, “He came out of the water.” But the new translation gives the meaning “Water
came out from Him.” How can water come out from Jesus?
* Matthew 6:11 says, “give us today.” But the new translation says “give us one day.” Is today and one
day the same?
* Matthew 18:29 says, “fell down and begged him.” The new translation says, “fell down and
worshiped him.” “Beg” and “worship” are different.
There are many more problems in the whole book of NT.
On January 18, 1997 I expressed my concern to Dr. Stephen Hre Kio who was the then a new
translation consultant for Shan Bible Translation. Stephen Hre Kio replied on September 25, 1997
saying, “Thank you for your letter dated January 18, 1997. I also want to thank you for sending me your
comments on the Shan NT books of Matthew and John. I discussed some of the comments you made
with the committee members when we met in Maesai for a week. Their reactions to your comments
could be classified in three categories: some of them we accept, others we are reconsidering and most
of them we disagree...”