Language-specific Insights

complete verse (Sirach 21:24)

Following is a back-translation of Sirach 21:24:

  • Low German: “Those who don’t know what’s right, don’t first knock, they immediately enter into the door (literally: fall into into the house with the door). But those who know what’s right, wait in front of the door as long as it takes to be asked in.” (translation by Johannes Jessen, publ. 1937, republ. 2006)

liar

The Greek that is translated as “liar” in English is translated in Low German idiomatically Windbütel or “cream puff” (originally to a bag filled with wind) (translation by Johannes Jessen, publ. 1933, republ. 2006).

be of good cheer

The now commonly-used English idiom “be of good cheer” (be happy) was first coined in 1526 in the English New Testament translation of William Tyndale. (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 275)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

In Low German it is translated as Kopp hoch, lit. “hold your head up high” (translation by Johannes Jessen, publ. 1933, republ. 2006).

See also be cheered.

lazy person

The Hebrew that is translated as “lazy person” or “sluggard” or similar in English is translated in Low German as Fuulpelz, an idiomatic term that literally means “someone who wants to rest on an animal hide” (translation by Johannes Jessen, publ. 1937, republ. 2006).

See also lazy.

with a loud voice

The Hebrew, Latin and Greek that is translated as “with a loud voice” in English is translated in Low German idiomatically as luuthals or “loud-throated” (translation by Johannes Jessen, publ. 1933, republ. 2006).

It is also used in Acts 19:28 for krazó (κράζω).

You will not die

The Hebrew in Genesis 3:4 that is translated as “You will not die” in English is translated in Low German as Ach, snack doch nich! Wat schull he dat wull segt hebben! Ji warrt nich starven! or “Don’t talk like that! Why would he have said that! You will not die!” (translation by Johannes Jessen, publ. 1937, republ. 2006).

pointing the fingers

The Hebrew in Proverbs 6:13 that is translated as “pointing the fingers” or similar in English is translated in Low German as maakt allerhand Fisematenten mit den Fingern or “mess around with the fingers” (translation by Johannes Jessen, publ. 1937, republ. 2006).