The Bible Translator: Volume 65, Issue 3

In order to render a verb consistently within the syntactic pattern in which it occurs, it is necessary to take into account the presence of a direct object (one, multiple, or none), the possibility of an idiomatic expression involving the direct object, the lexical characteristics of the elements in the construction, and the presence and particular function of prepositions in relation to the verb. Lexicons often provide a broad range of meanings for a single verb, but because a pattern might be affected by the combination with other elements, it is not always clear under which conditions a specific significance is applicable. Exegetes and translators sometimes take the liberty of choosing rather freely from the offered dictionary glosses, apparently not being sufficiently aware that elements present in the context could pose restrictions on the choice of rendering. Using examples containing the Hebrew verbs עשׂה ,נשׂא , and שׂים , the significance of the specific patterns in which these verbs occur is explored. Variety in the translations of these verbs is presented and analyzed. The insights inform a procedure for identifying the signification of Hebrew verbs in which a series of questions guides one to a consistent rendering of the pattern in which the verb occurs. View Less

In English versions of 1 Samuel 1.6 the nearly universal translation of the word צרתה is “her rival wife.” The case presented here is that the rendering based on the noun צר “adversary” is incorrect when compared to the possible alternative noun צרה “affliction.” Five major arguments are presented: the identification of and initial problems with the traditional understanding of צר as the base, analysis of the use of the term in both the Hebrew Bible and a single identical form in Ben Sira, viability of the use of צרה in the context of 1 Sam 1.6 when all other uses in the Hebrew Bible are considered, comparison with the Septuagint translation, and assessment of the narrative which addresses the goals and roles of the characters as they function with each possible translation. View Less

As translated texts, the ancient versions of the Hebrew Bible represent a particular challenge in textual criticism. The translator stands as a mediator between the Hebrew source text which is our primary interest and the extant translated text which we have before us. Therefore, before we can use an ancient translation as a witness to the Hebrew text, we must first discern whether a given reading represents its Hebrew source or whether it was created in the translation process. When two translators independently create the same translation shift in the same text segment, this is called “polygenesis.” In this article I argue that the search in Translation Studies for so-called “universals” can inform our understanding and expectation of polygenesis in ancient versions of the Bible. View Less

Skopostheorie’s focus on function provides a framework for evaluating translation which is potentially realistic, measurable, and operationally transparent. To realize that potential the translation brief can be critiqued for its principles and methodology, but also the host translation can be measured for its adequacy by comparing the translation decisions in the host text with the instructions in the translation brief. I explore ways to measure translation adequacy within a Skopostheorie framework, using Nord’s definition of translation error and her description of the hierarchy of translation problems (1997). I describe the results of applying measurement tools to the Likɔɔnl translation of the book of Philemon. The tools were designed to identify potential translation errors and grade them based on the hierarchy of importance. The analysis is followed by a preliminary critique of Skopostheorie in relation to translation transparency, translation error, industrial consistency, language status influence on translation methodology, the ethical decision to translate, and postcolonial critiques of Bible translation. View Less

This article examines the idols Micah had and how many there were. It looks at how various versions have handled the exegetical and textual problems concerning these idols. View Less

This brief note investigates different interpretations of the Greek word anepsios in Col 4.10. View Less

Bantu languages of Angola share many phonological, morpho-syntactical, and semantic features that differ from Portuguese. Angolan Bible translators use Portuguese Bible translations as their base texts. This paper explores some common examples of interference between the source and target languages in the translation of the Gospels and discusses how to help translators recognize interference in order to improve the fluency and naturalness of their translations. By training translators to recognize differences between their languages and the source language, a betterquality translation can be achieved at earlier stages in the process. View Less

St. Paul’s use of the term σκύβαλα in Philippians 3.8 seems to contradict his prohibition elsewhere of “unwholesome speech.” This article compares debated etymologies of the term, considers evidence of the term’s use in antiquity, and evaluates the warrant for its usage in contrast with other available terms. Lastly, it offers a conclusion about the appropriateness and inappropriateness of similar uses of coarse language by those who follow Paul in the Christian church. View Less