Roles and Functions of the Korean Bible Society’s Journal of Biblical Text Research in Bible Translation Projects

Abstract

This article reviews various works in progress relating to the Journal of Biblical Text Research (JBTR), which is published biannually by the Institute for Biblical Text Research (IBTR) of the Korean Bible Society (KBS), and proposes possible future roles and functions of JBTR in Bible translation projects. Since 1997, fifty volumes including three supplementary volumes have been published by JBTR, comprising a total of 611 articles. In reviewing these publications, this article specifically focuses on: (1) the initial roles and functions of JBTR; (2) the Korean Translation Workshops (KTW) 2003–2009 and the publications of JBTR; (3) JBTR for Korean Bible translation projects; (4) the influence of The Bible Translator (TBT) on JBTR; and (5) the future roles and functions of JBTR in Bible translation projects. The article demonstrates how journals have contributed and can continue to contribute to Bible translation projects in Bible societies in cooperation with the United Bible Societies fellowship. In addition, further possible projects that the journal can meaningfully undertake in order to broaden its ministry and contribution will be discussed.