The Bible Translator: Volume 38, Issue 2

Peace is used in the NT as (1) the absence of hostility, (2) a right relationship with God, (3) a good relationship among people, (4) an individual virtue or state, (5) a greeting formula. Examples from Luke. Translations should reflect context appropriately. View Less

In translating synonymous parallelism, the translator must make clear that both lines refer to the same thing. If non synonym is available, both lines may be reduced to a single statement. Antithetic and synthetic parallelism present no problems. Acrostic poems often do not follow a logical line of thought and in translation may give an impression of monotony. Figurative language may require substitution of different images or a non-figurative statement. View Less

The size, layout and functions of the temple courts. Since “temple” can refer to any of these courts, the temple alone or the entire site, translators must study context for clues and find an equivalent which can encompass these components of meaning. “Temple” must be distinguished from “synagogue.” Translators may use an equivalent which emphasizes a place rather than a building, use modifiers, name a particular part where necessary for understanding, and provide a plan of the temple site in a section of reader’s helps. View Less

Greek adverbs of place may be seen from the perspective of the writer, participants or reader. Examples are given. View Less

Contrasts implicit in Greek are made explicit in translation by adding the word “only.” It should be added only when context requires it. View Less

Discusses the meaning of the phrase mi ‘at bitti (Who are you, daughter?) in Ruth 3:16. Concludes that the translation “Is that you, daughter” is the most appropriate. View Less

Responds to some criticisms of the GNB translation, and explores the meaning of the text. Two interpretations are possible: (1) “sin” is equivalent to “sin-offering,” and (2) “sin” is to be understood in its more usual sense. Opts for the second interpretation and understands the phrase to mean that God treated Christ as a sinner. View Less

Discusses the translation of the phrase kai anoixas to stoma autou edidasken autous legon (AV, “and he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying”) in Matt. 5:2. Given the Aramaic background of Matthew, it is best to understand the first part of the phrase to refer to the beginning of a public address rather than taking the later part of the phrase as pleonastic. View Less