The Bible Society in Cambodia is an organization affiliated to the United Bible Societies. The United Bible Societies is made up of Bible Societies operating in over 200 countries and territories. Together, we are the biggest translator, publisher and distributor of the Bible in the world. We are also active in areas such as literacy training, HIV and AIDS prevention and disaster relief. Bible Societies work with all Christian Churches and many international non-governmental organisations.
The Bible Society started its ministry in Cambodia as early as 1892 when a British & Foreign Bible Society’s missionary from Hong Kong visited the kingdom for the first time.
In 1955, a branch office of the Bible Society was setup at Preach Sihanouk Blvd. Phnom Penh
The ministry began with Bible translation. The first gospel of Luke was published for in Khmer in 1899.
The second edition, with minor corrections, was published in 1962 by the Bible Society.
When missionries from Christian and Missionary Alliance began its ministry in Cambodia in 1923, Rev. Arthur Hammond was assigned the task of translating the full Bible into Khmer language. Rev. Hammond worked with a team of missionaries and Cambodian pastors and completed the first Khmer Bible.
The national Bible Society was established in 1968, the first director was Rev. Son Sonne, from the Khmer Evanglical Church.
British & Foreign Bible Society was entrusted the task of publication and distribution of the Khmer Bible. The first Khmer Bible was printed in England in 1954.
From 1975 to 1992 the Bible Society office was closed. During that period, the Bible work among Cambodians was carried out by Thailand Bible Society, American Bible Society, French Bible Society, etc. and coordinated by United Bible Societies Asia Pacific in Hong Kong.
The Bible Society exists is to equip churches to share God’s Word.
We believe the Bible is for everyone so we are working towards the day when everyone can access the Bible in the language and medium of their choice. What motivates us is our belief that the Bible is for Everyone.
We value churches as the primary agents of God’s mission in the world
We value all the different media that enable us to distribute the Bible
We value resources that help people to engage with the Word of God
We value affordability of Scriptures for everyone
Our dedicate staff members also come from different Church backgrounds working together to serve the Kingdom of God through publishing, translation, distribution and different Scripture engagement programs.
The Bible Society is an expression of the fellowship of God's people from different Church traditions and background working together towards the same objective: bringing the Word of hope and salvation to the Cambodian people. In order to meet the needs of Christian communities in Cambodia, the BSC Board of Directors and the Advisory Committee are composed of Christian representatives from almost all Church traditions: Evangelical, Methodist, Presbyterian, Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Church of Christ, Seventh Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, as well as parachurch organizations.
