The Bible Translator: Volume 13, Issue 4

Surveys the needs, opportunities and types of service available to the Bible translator worldwide. Personal and educational prerequisites for translation work are given. View Less

In many areas of the world the predominant language is written in a non-Roman orthography. The question arises, in writing a previously unwritten language, which system should be used? Discusses the attitudes of missionaries whose native language almost invariably uses Roman orthography, Local government policies can also influence one’s decision. Reports on one experiment in Thailand. Generally, people introduced in some way to the Roman system prefer to remain with the more familiar orthography, but this is not necessarily the best choice. View Less

Extract from a letter from Mr. G Mrs. Mackay, Agatu translators in Idah, N. Nigeria View Less

Reviews the recent history of the printed text of the NT. Enumerates the Greek text underlying various Spanish translations. Discusses some of the more significant textual variants and how they have been translated in the several Spanish versions. View Less

Discusses (1) the meaning of mekerote(y)hem in Gen. 49:5. He accepts the suggestion of M. Dahood (in CBQ, 1961, 23:54–56) in translating as “circumcision knives.” (2) The significance of wayyuku in Ex. 5:14; here “were smitten” of the KJV and RSV should imply a verbal smiting, hence better “were berated.” (3) The meaning of nassot in Ex. 20:20, as a pi’el infinitive could be translated “give an experience of,” rather than merely “to prove.” (4) the precise meaning of the divine epithet sadday (shaddai) may be “heart knower,” following N. Walker’s suggested etymological development (JBL, 1960, 79:273–276) from the Akkadian deity name meaning “one who knows the inward parts (or, heart) of man.” View Less

In the issue of The Bible Translator for January 1962 (pp. 39-43) an article was published entitled “‘If‘ in the New Testament”, by Dr. J. Harold Greenlee. Since then, as a result of correspondence, it has appeared desirable to restate the basic distinction discussed there, in order to avoid misunderstanding of this rather confusing point of New Testament grammar. We are grateful to both Dr. Greenlee and his colleague Dr. Robert G. Bratcher for further contributions which we hade utilized in order to provide a clearer formulation of the distinction. The editor alone is responsible for the final form of this article and any errors it may contain. Ed. View Less

The following extracts from the Report of the All Africa Conference on Christian Literature and Audio-visual Comrnunication held at Kitwe, N. Rhodesia, in 1961, are reprinted by kind permission from Books for Africa, January 1962. In many respects they are relevant to Bible translators, both in Africa and elsewhere. Ed. View Less

The following is a brief extract concerning the writing of theological books in simple English, taken from an article entitled “Theological Books for Africa” by Miss F. M. Dearing, which appeared in Books for Africa, January 1962, pp. 5-7. We are grateful to the editor of this publication and the author of the article for permission to reprint this extract. Ed. View Less