The Bible Translator: Volume 37, Issue 4

Locative prepositions (literal usages) may be analyzed by asking (1) how many points of reference are involved, (2) what things (points, lines, areas, cubic objects, events, abstract qualities) are being talked about, and (3) which components of meaning (state, near, vertical, lateral, high, contact, total, containment, completeness, component) are in focus. A chart comparing these prepositional elements in the original and target languages allows translation without wrong meaning. View Less

Hebrew sade may refer to a specific section of agricultural land, soil in general, farm land in general, land beyond the limits of a town, land belonging to a town, countryside in general, land (vs. sea), a piece of land owned by someone, or part of the name of a place. Translators should not attempt to find a single word to translate the term but choose terms appropriate to each context. View Less

Languages which have few or no passive constructions must make agent and event explicit. The agent in Mark 4:24,25 is God. The event is the giving of greater knowledge or spiritual insight. The person who hears God’s message and recognizes it as God’s word will be given greater knowledge of the kingdom. Juxtaposition of the two verses shows clear editorial purpose on the part of Mark. View Less

Most children’s Bibles do not give a representative selection of Bible texts; they moralize and simplify opposites. A translation for 8–12 year olds should be extended (300+ pages), maintain biblical order, and highlight God’s continuous concern for Israel. Implicit information should be clearly expressed, footnotes avoided, technical terms explained in a special list. Negatives and passives, lengthy sentences, multiple modifiers and polysyllabic words should be limited; the style direct and lively, avoiding impersonal pronouns. Illustrations should be copious. View Less

Translation for youth is based on original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. (2) Language is at a level which children appreciate. (3) Sentences must have naturalness of order. (4) Page layout and format ought to resemble current publications for children. (5) Text is appropriate for reading aloud. View Less

In checking for spelling errors, translators may miss misspelled words on a computer word list if the words are misspelled only within their context. A “spelling program” allows the computer to compare its list with the dictionary. This can be done daily rather than just before the publication, reducing the volume of work (and by extension, human error) at that time. View Less

Figurative language in John 11:9–10 includes “twelve hours” (not just a working day but the period of time allotted Jesus to do the work of God), “day” (9a, opportunity), “walking” (living), “day” (9b, spiritual light), “light of this world” (Jesus), and “stumble” (to go wrong). As many figures should be retained as possible. View Less

In response to Fry’s suggestion in TBT, 1978, 29(2) that the amount of the money’s value is unimportant in the Parable of the Talents (rather, only the ratio of 5:2:1 need be retained), it is pointed out that Matthew 25:12–31 uses sums that are many times greater than those found in Luke 19:11–27. Fry offers a brief rejoinder. View Less

The Kwa languages of West Africa are known for the linguistic features of elision and assimilation. This creates orthographic problems which are discussed. View Less

The intent of the allegory in Gal. 4:21–31 is not to denigrate Hagar and Ishmael, or their descendants, the Arabs. Rather, Paul is referring to God’s provision of freedom from bondage to the law. View Less

Describes the beginnings of a project to produce a common language version for the Karens in Burma. View Less