Robert Morrison (missionary)

Robert Morrison by John Richard Wildman

Robert Morrison (5 January 1782 – 1 August 1834) was a Scottish Protestant missionary and sinologist. He is best known for his work in China where he was the first Christian missionary to have a significant impact. Morrison is also recognized for his translation of the Bible into Chinese and for compiling a comprehensive Chinese-English dictionary.

Early Life

Robert Morrison was born in Bullers Green, Morpeth, Northumberland, England. He was the youngest of eight children in a devout Presbyterian family. Morrison showed an early interest in languages and theology, which led him to pursue studies in these fields.

Missionary Work

In 1807, Morrison was sent to China by the London Missionary Society. He arrived in Canton (now Guangzhou) and later moved to Macau. Despite the Qing dynasty's restrictions on foreign missionaries, Morrison managed to stay and work in China.

Translation of the Bible

One of Morrison's most significant achievements was the translation of the Bible into Chinese. He completed the New Testament in 1813 and the Old Testament in 1819. This translation was the first complete version of the Bible in Chinese and had a profound impact on the spread of Christianity in China.

Chinese-English Dictionary

Morrison also compiled a comprehensive Chinese-English dictionary, which was published in six volumes between 1815 and 1823. This dictionary was a monumental work that provided a valuable resource for future sinologists and missionaries.

Legacy

Robert Morrison's work laid the foundation for future missionary efforts in China. His translations and dictionary were instrumental in bridging the cultural and linguistic gap between the West and China. Morrison's dedication and perseverance in the face of numerous challenges have made him a significant figure in the history of Christian missions.

Personal Life

Morrison married Mary Morton in 1809, and they had three children. After Mary's death in 1821, Morrison married Eliza Armstrong in 1824. He continued his work in China until his death in 1834.

See Also

• Christianity in China
• London Missionary Society
• Sinology
• Translation of the Bible into Chinese