The Greek that is translated in English as “brother” or “brother and sister” (in the sense of fellow believers), is translated with a specifically coined word in Kachin: “There are two terms for brother in Kachin. One is used to refer to a Christian brother. This term combines ‘older and younger brother.’ The other term is used specifically for addressing siblings. When one uses this term, one must specify if the older or younger person is involved. A parallel system exists for ‘sister’ as well. In [these verses], the term for ‘a Christian brother’ is used.” (Source: Gam Seng Shae)
In Matumbi is is translated as alongo aumini or “relative-believer.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific notes in Paratext)
In Martu Wangka it is translated as “relative” (this is also the term that is used for “follower.”) (Source: Carl Gross)
In the German New Testament translation by Berger / Nord (publ. 1999) it is often translated as Mitchristen or “fellow Christians.”
Following are a number of back-translations of 1 Corinthians 11:33:
Uma: “So then, my relatives, when you gather to eat bread and drink wine to remember the Lord’s death, you should wait for each other and then eat together.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
Yakan: “Therefore, my brothers, when you gather to eat for-remembering the death of Isa Almasi wait for your companions.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
Western Bukidnon Manobo: “So, my brothers, when you gather together to eat the supper of our Lord, you wait for your companions.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
Kankanaey: “Therefore my brothers, when you gather to eat to fulfill what the Lord Jesus commanded, wait-for-one-another.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
Tagbanwa: “Therefore, my siblings in believing, when you gather together to do the remembrance of the Lord’s death, it’s necessary that you show good ways/nature to your companions.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
Tenango Otomi: “Therefore now, my brothers, when you gather together to eat, wait for each other so that you can eat together.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)
This verse and verse 34 partly repeat verses 21-22 and also form a conclusion to the entire argument begun in verse 17.
So then introduces the conclusion, like “therefore” (Good News Bible‘s “it follows”) in verse 27.
My brethren: again this phrase may be translated as “my fellow Christians” or “elders and youngers.” It is referring to fellow believers, not true family members.
When you come together returns to the language and theme of verse 17. There is nothing in the Greek corresponding to the Lord’s Supper. Good News Bible assumes that when the whole Christian community gathered for a meal, this meal would include a celebration of the Lord’s Supper. This is certainly correct and reminds the modern reader that the Lord’s Supper at this time was associated with a real meal.
Wait for one another was made clear in verse 21.
Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
11:33a So, my brothers, when you come together to eat,
So then, my brothers and sisters, when you (plur.) come together to eat,
-or-
So, my fellow believers, when you get together to eat ⌊the Lord’s Supper⌋,
Living Water is produced for the Bible translation movement in association with Lutheran Bible Translators. Lyrics derived from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®).
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