(Pioneer Bible Translators and The Word for the World use the following introduction in many of their translation projects around the world.)
The book of 2 Timothy is the second letter from the Apostle Paul to his disciple Timothy. 2 Timothy was written near the end of Paul’s life. He was imprisoned in Rome during this time (1:16). Paul had a close relationship with Timothy and often referred to him as a son (Phil. 2:22, 1 Tim 1:2, 1:18).
This is one of four letters from Paul that are addressed to a person instead of a church. The other three such letters are 1 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon. During the time that 2 Timothy was written, Christians in the Roman Empire were being persecuted. This was probably the reason that Paul was in jail and was instructing Timothy to endure hardship. As in 1 Timothy, Paul gives Timothy many warnings about false teachers (2 Tim 2:16–18). He also tells Timothy that there will be difficult times ahead (3:1).
Outline:
1. Paul starts by greeting Timothy (1:1-2) and then encouraging him (1:3-18).
2. Then he challenges Timothy to endure (2:1-13).
3. Next he gives him some general instructions (2:14-26).
4. Then he warns him about future events and the right way to respond (3:1-4:8).
5. Paul finishes with some personal remarks for Timothy (4:9-22).
Le livre de 2 Timothée est la seconde lettre de l’apôtre Paul à son disciple Timothée. 2 Timothée a été écrit vers la fin de la vie de Paul. Il était emprisonné à Rome durant cette période (1 :16). Paul avait un lien étroit avec Timothée et il l’appelait plusieurs fois son fils (Phil. 2 :22, 1 Tim 1 :2, 1 :18).
C’est l’une des quatre lettres que Paul a adressées à une personne au lieu d’une église. Les trois autres lettres sont 1 Timothée, Tite et Philémon. Durant la période dans laquelle 2 Timothée a été écrit, les chrétiens dans l’Empire romain étaient persécutés. C’est probablement pour cette raison que Paul était en prison et qu’il encourageait Timothée à endurer les souffrances. Il dit aussi à Timothée qu’il y aura des temps difficiles à l’avenir. (3 :1).
Résumé
1. Paul commence par saluer Timothée (1 :1-2) et ensuite par l’encourager (1 :3-18).
2. Il défie ensuite Timothée d’endurer la souffrance (2 :1-13).
3. Puis il lui donne certaines instructions d’ordre général (2 :14-26).
4. Il l’avertit ensuite sur les circonstances de l’avenir et comment y faire face de la bonne manière (3 :1-4 :8).
5. Paul termine par quelques remarques personnelles à Timothée (4 :9-22).
Translation: Swahili
Utangulizi wa kitabu cha 2 Timotheo
Kitabu cha 2 Timotheo ni barua ya pili iliyoandikwa na Mtume Paulo kwenda kwa mwanafunzi wake Timotheo. Barua ya 2 Timotheo iliandikwa karibu na mwisho wa maisha ya Paulo. Katika wakati huu, Paulo alikuwa kifungoni katika mji wa Roma (1:16). Paulo alikuwa na uhusiano wa karibu sana na Timotheo, na mara nyingi alimwita mwanae (Filemoni 2:22, 1 Timotheo 1:2, 18).
Hii ni moja ya barua nne kutoka kwa Paulo ambazo ziliandikwa kwa watu binafsi badala ya kanisa. Barua nyingine tatu ni 1 Timotheo, Tito, na Filemoni. Wakati barua ya 2 Timotheo ilipoandikwa, Wakristo katika Dola ya Kirumi walikuwa wakiteswa. Yawezekana ni kwa sababu hii Paulo alikuwa gerezani, na akamsisitiza Timotheo avumilie anapopita katika magumu. Kama ilivyokuwa katika 1 Timotheo, Paulo anampa Timotheo maonyo mengi kuhusiana na waalimu wa uwongo (2 Timotheo 2:16-18). Anamwambia pia Timotheo kwamba mbele ya safari zitakuwepo nyakati ngumu na za hatari (3:1).
Muhtasari
1. Paulo anaanza kwa kumsalimu Timotheo (1:1-2) na kisha anamtia moyo (1:3-18).
2. Halafu anamhimizaTimotheo kuwa mvumilivu na mstahimilivu (2:1-13).
3. Baada ya hapo anampa maelekezo ya jumla (2:14-26).
4. Kisha anamuonya juu ya matukio ya mambo yajayo, na kumwonyesha njia bora ya kukabiliana nayo (3:1-4:8).
5. Paulo anamalizia kwa kutoa maneno binafsi kwa Timotheo (4:9-22).
The Hebrew in 2 Samuel 5:24 that is translated as “the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees” or similar in English is translated in Vidunda as the “sound of soldiers who are traveling by feet,” in Kwere as “wind blowing to the middle of trees,” and in Kutu as “marching sound of feet in the top of tree” because a translation involving “feet” did not communicate the correct meaning. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
The Hebrew in 1 Chronicles 29:17 that is translated as “search the heart” or similar in English is translated in Kutu as “test the heart.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
(Pioneer Bible Translators and The Word for the World use the following introduction in many of their translation projects around the world.)
This book contains the prophecy of Habakkuk. The book of Habakkuk is different from many prophetic books because it does not contain a message directed to Israel or Judah. Instead, it contains two complaints and a prayer of Habakkuk. God also answers his complaints. Scholars think that Habakkuk lived during the same time as Jeremiah and during the reigns of King Josiah and King Jehoiakim. Neither the book of Habakkuk nor any other biblical book states when Habakkuk lived.
Habakkuk first complained to God that he saw violence and injustice and that God did not answer Habakkuk’s prayers for help. Habakkuk probably saw these things happening in the nation of Judah. God answered by saying that He was raising the Babylonians to destroy Judah. Then Habakkuk complained that God was using evil people to punish those who were less evil. God responded by saying that even the Babylonians would be judged and punished later. Finally, Habakkuk prays to God to act and show mercy. He praises God for the great things He has done in the past.
Outline:
1. Chapter 1:1-4 contains Habakkuk’s first complaint.
2. In chapter 1:5-11, we read God’s first response.
3. Chapter 1:12-2:1 tells about Habakkuk’s second complaint.
4. Chapter 2:2-20 contains God’s second response.
5. Chapter 3 reports Habakkuk’s prayer to God.
Ce livre contient les prophéties d’Habakuk. Le livre d’Habakuk est différent de plusieurs autres livres prophétiques parce qu’il ne contient pas de message destiné à Israël ou à Juda. Plutôt, il contient deux plaintes et une prière d’Habakuk. Aussi, Dieu répond à ses plaintes. Les experts croient qu’Habakuk vivait à la même époque que Jérémie et pendant les règnes du roi Josias et du roi Joachim de Juda. Ni le livre d’Habakuk ni aucun autre livre biblique n’indique quand Habakuk a vécu.
Habakuk s’est plaint à Dieu d’abord que celui-ci voyait la violence et l’injustice mais n’exauçait pas les prières d’Habakuk pour l’aide. Il est probable qu’Habakuk voyait ces choses qui se passaient au royaume de Juda. Dieu a répondu qu’il était en train de soulever les Babyloniens pour détruire Juda. Ensuite, Habakuk s’est plaint que Dieu se servait de gens méchants pour punir des gens moins méchants. Dieu a répondu que même les Babyloniens seraient jugés et punis ultérieurement. Finalement, Habakuk prie que Dieu agisse et fasse preuve de miséricorde. Il loue Dieu pour les bonnes choses qu’il a faites au passé.
Résumé d’Habakuk
1. Le chapitre 1.1-4 contient la première plainte d’Habakuk.
2. Dans le chapitre 1.5-11, nous lisons la première réponse de Dieu.
3. Le chapitre 1.12 à 2.1 parle de la deuxième plainte d’Habakuk.
4. Le chapitre 2.2-20 contient la deuxième réponse de Dieu.
5. Le chapitre 3 rend compte de la prière d’Habakuk à Dieu.
Translation: Swahili
Utangulizi kwa Habakuki
Kitabu hiki kina unabii wa Habakuki. Kitabu cha Habakuki ni tofauti na vitabu vingi vya unabii kwa sababu hakina ujumbe ulioelekezwa kwa Israeli au Yuda. Badala yake, ina malalamiko mawili na sala ya Habakuki. Mungu pia hujibu malalamiko yake. Wasomi wanafikiri kwamba Habakuki aliishi wakati mmoja na Yeremia na wakati wa utawala wa Mfalme Yosia na Mfalme Yehoyakimu. Si kitabu cha Habakuki au kitabu kingine chochote cha kibiblia ambacho kimesema wakati ambao Habakuki aliishi.
Kwanza Habakuki alimlalamikia Mungu kwamba aliona vurugu na udhalimu lakini hakujibu maombi ya Habakuki ya kuomba msaada. Labda Habakuki aliona mambo haya yakitendeka katika taifa la Yuda. Mungu alijibu kwa kusema kwamba alikuwa akiwainua Wababeli wawaangamize Yuda. Kisha Habakuki alilalamika kwamba Mungu alikuwa akitumia watu waovu kuwaadhibu wale ambao walikuwa si waovu sana. Mungu alijibu kwa kusema kwamba hata Wababeli watahukumiwa na kuadhibiwa baadaye. Mwishowe, Habakuki anamwomba Mungu atende na aonyeshe rehema. Anamsifu Mungu kwa mambo makubwa aliyoyafanya huko nyuma.
Muhtasari:
1. Sura ya 1: 1-4 ina malalamiko ya kwanza ya Habakuki.
2. Katika sura ya 1: 5-11, tunasoma majibu ya kwanza ya Mungu.
3. Sura ya 1: 12-2: 1 inaelezea juu ya malalamiko ya pili ya Habakuki.
4. Sura ya 2: 2-20 ina majibu ya pili ya Mungu.
5. Sura ya 3 inaripoti maombi ya Habakuki kwa Mungu.
(Pioneer Bible Translators and The Word for the World use the following introduction in many of their translation projects around the world.)
The book of Revelation is the last book in the New Testament. It was also written last around 95 years after the birth of Christ, by the Apostle John (1:1). He also wrote The Gospel according to John and the three letters 1 John, 2 John, and 3 John. John was also known as the one “whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23). He wrote the book of Revelation while on the Island of Patmos because has was exiled there for preaching the good news of Jesus Christ (1:9).
John’s goal in writing the book of Revelation is to encourage the readers to remain faithful to Jesus Christ and to give them hope because the time of Jesus’ returning is near (1:3, 22:7). He wrote to all Christians generally and seven specific churches in chapters 2-3. John labels his own writing as prophecy (1:3) and uses many images throughout the book to describe the things he saw. The book is similar to some sections of the Old Testament, specifically Zechariah 6:1–8. The seven trumpets and seven bowls are also very similar to the plagues which God sent to punish Egypt (Exodus 7-9). Revelation talks about the end of time, that Jesus will be victorious, and all who put their trust in him will live forever with him. Let this book warn you and give you hope that Jesus is returning soon.
Outline:
1. John starts by saying who he is and how he received this prophetic vision (1:1-1:20).
2. He gives a message directly from Jesus to seven churches (1:1-3:22).
3. Then he describes the seven seals (4:1-8:5) and the seven trumpets (8:6-11:19).
4. After this John describes the male child’s battle against the dragon with seven heads (12:1-14:20).
5. Then he writes about the seven bowls of wrath (15:1-16:18).
6. Next John describes how God wins against his enemies in heaven (17:1-20:15).
7. Finally he describes the new heaven and new earth which will come in the end (21:1-22:21).
Le livre de l’Apocalypse est le dernier livre dans le Nouveau Testament. Il a aussi été écrit en dernier par l’apôtre Jean (1 :1) environ 95 ans après la naissance de Christ. Il a aussi écrit l’Evangile selon Jean et les trois lettres 1 Jean, 2 Jean et 3 Jean. Jean était connu aussi comme le disciple « que Jésus aimait » (Jean 13 :23). Il a écrit le livre de l’Apocalypse depuis l’île de Patmos parce qu’il avait été exilé là-bas pour avoir prêché la bonne nouvelle de Jésus-Christ (Apocalypse 1 :9).
Le but de Jean en écrivant le livre de l’Apocalypse est d’encourager les lecteurs à rester fidèles à Jésus-Christ et de leur donner de l’espoir parce que le moment du retour de Jésus est proche (1 :3) ; 22 :7). Il écrivait à tous les chrétiens en général et aux sept églises en particulier dans les chapitres 2—3. Jean qualifie son propre récit de prophétie (1 :3) et il utilise de nombreuses images tout au long du livre pour décrire les choses qu’il avait vues. Le livre est semblable à certaines parties de l’Ancien Testament, spécifiquement à Zacharie 6 :1-8. Les sept trompettes et les sept coupes sont aussi très similaires aux fléaux que Dieu avait envoyés pour punir l’Egypte (Exode 7-9). L’Apocalypse parle de la fin du temps, que Jésus sera victorieux et que tous ceux qui mettent leur confiance en lui vivront avec lui pour l’éternité. Que ce livre vous mette en garde et vous donne l’espérance que Jésus revient bientôt.
Résumé
1. Jean commence par dire qui il est et comment il a reçu la vision prophétique (1 :1-1 :20).
2. Il donne un message reçu directement de Jésus aux sept églises (1 :1-3 :22).
3. Il décrit ensuite les sept sceaux (4 :1-8 :5) et les sept trompettes (8 :6-11 :19).
4. Après ceci Jean parle de la femme poursuit par le dragon, de deux bêtes, et de l'agneau (12 :1-14 :20).
5. Puis il parle des sept coupes de la colère (15 :1-16 :21).
6. Après, Jean décrit comment Dieu gagne contre ses ennemis dans le ciel (17 :1-20 :15).
Translation: Swahili
Utangulizi wa kitabu cha Ufunuo
Kitabu cha Ufunuo ndicho kitabu cha mwisho ndani ya Agano Jipya. Kilikuwa pia kitabu cha mwisho kuandikwa na Mtume Yohana katika mwaka wa 95 baada ya kuzaliwa Yesu Kristo (1:1). Yeye aliandika pia Injili kama ilivyoandikwa na Yohana, na barua tatu, yaani 1 Yohana, 2 Yohana, na 3 Yohana. Yohana pia alijulikana kama mtu “ambaye Yesu alimpenda” (Yohana 13:23). Yeye allikiandika kitabu cha Ufunuo akiwa katika Kisiwa cha Patmo kwa kuwa alikuwa amewekwa kizuizini huko kutokana na lililoonekana kuwa kosa lake la kuhubiri habari njema za Yesu (1:9).
Lengo la Yohana katika kukiandika kitabu cha Ufunuo ni kuwatia moyo wasomaji waendelee kuwa waaminifu kwa Yesu Kristo na kuwapa tumaini kwa sababu kurudi kwa Yesu Kristo kunakaribia (1:3, 22:7). Kwa jumla aliiandika barua hii kwa Wakristo wote, na maalumu kwa makanisa saba yanayotajwa katika sura 2 hadi 3. Yohana anaweka kitambulishi juu ya maandiko yake mwenyewe kwa kuyaita ufunuo (1:3) na anatumia mifano ya vitu vingi vinavyoonekana karibu kila mahali ndani ya kitabu chake ili kuelezea mambo aliyoyaona. Kitabu hiki kinafanana na baadhi ya sehemu katika Agano la Kale, hasa kitabu cha Zakaria 6:1-8. Tarumbeta saba na vitasa saba pia vinafanana na yale mapigo yaliyoletwa na Mungu kwa lengo la kuiadhibu Misri (Kutoka 7-9). Kitabu cha Ufunuo kinaeleza habari za mwisho wa ulimwengu, na kuonyesha kwamba Yesu atakuwa ndiye mshindi, na kwamba wale wote wanaoweka tumaini lao kwake wataishi milele pamoja naye. Ruhusu kitabu hiki kikuonye na kukupa tumaini la uhakika kwani kurudi kwa Yesu kunakaribia.
Muhtasari:
1. Yohana anaanza kwa kujieleza yeye ni nani na jinsi alivyopokea maono haya ya kinabii (1:1-1:20).
2. Anatoa ujumbe unaotoka moja kwa moja kwa Yesu kwenda kwa makanisa saba (1:1-3:22).
3. Kisha anaeleza habari za mihuri saba (4:1-8:5) na tarumbeta saba (8:6-11:19).
4. Baada ya tukio hili Yohana anaeleza habari ya vita kati ya mtoto mdogo wa kiume na joka lenye vichwa saba (12:1-14:20).
5. Kisha anaandika habari za vitasa saba vya ghadhabu ya Mungu (15:1-16:18).
6. Baadaye Yohana anaelezea jinsi Mungu anavyoshinda vita juu ya adui zake mbinguni (17:1-20:15).
7. Hatimaye Yohana anaeleza habari za mbingu mpya na nchi mpya zitakazokuja mwishoni (21:1-22:21).
The Hebrew, Ge’ez and Greek that is typically translated as “confess” in English in the context of these verses is translated in a variety of ways. Here are some (back-) translations:
Huastec: “to take aim at one’s sin” (“an idiom which is derived from the action of a hunter taking aim at a bird or animal”) (source for this and all above: Bratcher / Nida)
Tabasco Chontal: “say, It is true, I’ve done evil” (source: Larson 1998, p. 204)
Central Pame: “pull out the heart” (“so that it may be clearly seen — not just by men, but by God”) (source: Nida 1952, p. 155)
Shipibo-Conibo: “say, It is true I have sinned” (source: Nida 1964, p. 228)
Obolo: itutumu ijo isibi: “speak out sin” (source: Enene Enene).
Tagbanwa: “testify that one would now drop/give-up sin” (source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
The Greek, Hebrew, and Ge’ez that is typically translated as “stocks” in English is translated in Isthmus Mixe as “notched boards” (source: Ronald D. Olson in Notes on Translation January, 1968, p. 15ff.).
In Lalana Chinantec it is translated as “where planks have holes in them and where peoples’ feet are tight,” in Chichimeca-Jonaz as “bit their feet with wood,” and in Morelos Nahuatl as “stuck between two boards.” (Source: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)
“Stocks” is illustrated for use in Bible translations in East Africa by Pioneer Bible Translators like this:
Image owned by PBT and Jonathan McDaniel and licensed with the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported License.
The Hebrew in Habakkuk 2:1 that is translated as “I will keep watch” or similar in English is translated in Vidunda as “I won’t sleep.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)
