The Bible Translator: Volume 37, Issue 3

The meaning of the term “Satan” develops in the OT. In pre-exilic times, “Satan” is not necessarily an evil, spiritual being in company of “sons of God.” The term emphasizes his function. In post-exilic times, “Satan” becomes an evil force opposed to God, a fallen angel. The term is now a proper name. In the NT, he rules the world in opposition to God and tempts the righteous. Translators must determine when “Satan” is being used in terms of function (and thus translate) or as a proper name (and therefore transliterate). View Less

Digital language is objective, cerebral, logical. Analogical language uses condensations, figurative speech, pars pro toto, aphorisms and ambiguities. Jesus used analogical language to block the digital function of his hearers’ minds so that they could hear God’s healing message. He then uses rhetorical devices to reframe their world image, present behavioral prescriptions, and offer therapeutic rituals. Cites Matthew 5 as an example. Translators must be careful to preserve analogical language in transmitting the message. View Less

Two problems with OT texts: (1) 200 year period between original writing and Masoretic Text, (2) language change means that the meaning of many uncommon words remains obscure. The MT can be supplemented by referring to the consonantal text and earlier texts and translations. View Less

Mark’s teaching on prayer (11:22–35) comes in the middle of a thematic unit on the temple. The teaching is intercalated between the temple cleansing and the reaction to the cleansing. The stories stand in a relationship of mutual interpretation. Since the temple was the place for effective prayer, its destruction created the theological problem of prayer. Via intercalation, Mark is saying that effective prayer does not depend on the temple but on faith in God. View Less

John’s use of apo prosopou in Revelation appears to reflect the Hebrew mippen and might be better translated “because of.” Epi in martureo epi reflects the Hebrew `al, “for the sake of,” but propheteuo epi is closer to nibba `al, “prophesy against.” Also suggested derivations and translations for porneuo meta, moicheuo meta, enopion with histemi, thaumazo opiso. View Less

The Septuagint and Masoretic texts differ in rendering Exod 21:22f. The Hebrew verb ys’ almost always refers to live birth. The term ‘swn refers to undefined bodily harm. A translator using the RSV or GNB as a base model should be aware that they follow the MT miscarriage interpretation. The alternative interpretation of premature birth should be acknowledged at least in a footnote. View Less

Generally Hebraisti is understood to refer to Aramaic. NT writers were concerned with the contrast between Greek and the Semitic language, and used the name of the better known language, Hebrew. Translators should use “in Hebrew” everywhere in the text, add a footnote noting the Aramaic, and provide a glossary note explaining the difference. View Less