Translation commentary on Bel and the Dragon 1:35

If integrated into the book of Daniel: 14.35.

Sir renders the Greek word that is often translated “Lord.” It is a title of respect. What would you say to an angel?

I have never seen Babylon: Good News Translation has “I have never been to Babylon” (similarly Contemporary English Version).

I know nothing about the den is literally “I do not know the pit.” This means either “I’ve never heard of, don’t know anything about a pit of lions” (apparently how Revised Standard Version takes it) or “I don’t know where the pit of lions is” (so Good News Translation; similarly Contemporary English Version). It’s the translator’s choice.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Shorter Books of the Deuterocanon. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2006. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments