The Bible Translator: Volume 4, Issue 1

Discusses the problem of finding an adequate word for “God” in various culture. Where a large body of religious literature exits, the problem is less complicated. But among primitive peoples, such as those on the Island of Dobua in New Guinea, is extremely difficult. The goal is to convey the meaning of the Biblical term in a manner that is understandable to the receptor culture. View Less

The vocabulary of the NT is essentially the same as that scattered among the papyri. However, through the influence of the LXX and the development of Christian thought, pagan terms received a baptism and were invested with distinctive and even technical meanings. View Less

The phrase “within you” in Luke 17:21 can properly be translated “in your possession” or “in your control”. Entos never has the meaning of simply “among." View Less

Discusses the problem of how to orthographically indicate pitch variation in Trique. The diacritical marks are necessary in order to indicate the tone and distinguish the meaning between words such as “dove” and “skunk.” Suggests methods which facilitate the use of diacritical marks. View Less

Comments on Proverbs 25:19. Opts for an understanding of the tooth as decaying which is a metaphor for pain. View Less

Discusses some of the problems that arise in the translation of Scripture into a non-European language, and shows how certain of the difficulties have been treated in the translation in Zoque, an indigenous language of southern Mexico. Examples of grammatical rearrangement are given from Ephesians: (1) nouns translated as verbs; (2) passive translated as active; (3) translation of genitives; (4) relative pronouns translated as nouns or independent pronouns; and (5) dependent clauses translated as independent. Gives an example of a free translation from Ephesians in Zoque. View Less

Reports on the history of translations in Burma and the recent meeting of translators in that country to discuss translation methods and problems. View Less

Objects to the use of “Khodar Beta” (God’s Son) and “Hazrat ‘Isa” (Lord Jesus) in literature meant for Bengal Moslems. These terms create theological misinterpretations on the part of its readers. View Less

Reviews the history of Luther’s work of translating the Bible and assesses his qualifications for the task. His method is described and given a favorable accounting. View Less

Discusses the use of courtesy-idioms and the correct politeness of pronouns in both the target and receptor languages. More care is to be given to the receptor language rather than simply reproducing the word order and pronominal use of the original text. View Less

Discussing the problems of receiving adequate help in the translation process from native Navajos in Arizona and New Mexico. It is necessary to train the helpers and to seek the use of multiple helpers in the process. View Less

Discusses both the Hebrew and Greek usage of “Thought”, “Mind,” and “Heart” in Biblical literature. The terms refer to the center of religious and intellectual experience. View Less

Ou appeals to the fact and answers a question in the affirmative, e.g., “Yes, it is so.” Me expects a negative answer, e.g., “No, surely not.” Examples are given of these usages. View Less