The year 2024 marked a significant turning point for the Vietnam Study Bible Project, the first annotated Bible ever in Vietnam. After years of dedicated work, the translation team is now approaching the final stages of completion, having finished the comprehensive review of the Old Testament. This monumental effort has been a beacon of hope and inspiration for the Vietnamese Christian community, and it is a testament to the unwavering support from Bible Society Australia donors.
From November 25–28, at the Bible Society Vietnam office, the team held a special meeting attended by Dr. Daud, the project’s Translation Consultant. Despite his advanced age and health challenges, Dr. Daud was determined to travel to Vietnam to oversee the final stages of the project. This meeting was significant as it marked Dr. Daud’s last engagement with the Vietnam Study Bible Project. After four days of intensive work, the team completed the review of all content, including annotations, articles, tables, and maps. The first annotated Bible is expected to be printed in 2025.
“This is precisely what the Church in Vietnam needs.”
The impact of this project is best understood through the voices of those who have been deeply involved. Callie, a translation team member, shared her vision in 2023: “I firmly believe this is precisely what the Church in Vietnam needs. This could be the first comprehensive Vietnamese Study Bible, offering benefits to our churches. It will provide pastors with invaluable resources for sermon preparation and deeper scriptural insight.” As Callie foresaw, the Study Bible has had a profound impact on the Vietnamese Christian community. It has become a key that helps believers unlock a deeper understanding of the Scriptures.
Pre-release of the Book of Romans Study Bible
The year 2024 also saw the publication and distribution of 1,000 copies of the Study Bible on the Book of Romans across churches in the Central and Central Highlands regions. This milestone brought renewed hope to theological understanding. With the invaluable support of The Vietnam Christian Mission Church, the Study Bible Book of Romans reached key readers: theology students, pastors, evangelists, and dedicated church members.
Pastor Daniel expressed his gratitude in a letter: “There are words and phrases Paul uses to convey God’s message, but they are very difficult to understand. However, reading this study book on Romans has helped me better understand God’s message through Paul’s writings.” Similarly, Pastor Than wrote in his thank-you letter: “The explanations are detailed and clear. Words that we previously did not understand have become clear to us thanks to this resource. Many of our brothers and sisters who have read and studied the book feel encouraged, and everyone is praising God.”
Helen, a church member and leader says, “We now have the Study Bible on Romans, created by the Bible Society Vietnam, and it’s truly valuable. Let us study it together and use it to teach and share God’s Word with our congregations, bringing blessings to His flock.”
Looking Forward: A Vision for the Future
The Vietnamese Study Bible has emerged as more than a publication — it is a transformative key, unlocking deeper scriptural understanding and inviting believers into a more profound relationship with God’s word.
As Bible Society and the Vietnamese Church look forward to the printing of the first annotated Bible in 2025, they are filled with hope and anticipation. The support from Bible Society Australia donors has been instrumental in making this vision a reality, supporting the translation and production of the first Vietnamese Study Bible and also bringing renewed hope and understanding to countless believers in Vietnam.
As Pastor Than wrote, “We thank God and express our gratitude to … the generous donors who have provided us with these invaluable materials. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you.”
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