give (Japanese honorifics)

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Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between. One way to do this is through the usage (or a lack) of an honorific prefix as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017.

In these verses, the verb that is translated as “give” in English is translated in the Shinkaiyaku Bible as o-atae (お与え), combining “to give” (atae) with the respectful prefix o-. (Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )

See also respectful form of “give” (kudasaru), respectful form of “give” (tamawaru).

Translation commentary on 1 Kings 8:48

With all their mind and with all their heart is literally “with all their heart and with all their soul” (similarly New Jerusalem Bible, New Revised Standard Version). See the comments on 1 Kgs 2.4. Good News Translation expresses the meaning as “truly and sincerely.”

In the land of their enemies: This element, referring to the place of exile, is left implicit in Contemporary English Version, but it should be included in translation unless it is unnatural to do so. It stands in contrast with their land toward which the people of Israel are to turn as they pray for forgiveness.

Their land, which thou gavest to their fathers: The Hebrew says their land and their fathers. Since Solomon is also an Israelite, Good News Translation changes this to read “this land” and “our ancestors.” If use of the pronoun their in other languages would mean that Solomon was not included also, then Good News Translation may provide a useful model. Good News Translation does say “their prayers” in verse 49, because there Solomon is referring to future generations of Israelite people.

I have built translates the corrected reading in the margin of the Masoretic Text. The text itself says “you built.” In light of verses 43 and 44, which say “I have built,” translators should follow the corrected reading as in Revised Standard Version.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Kings 8:48

8:48a and when they return to You with all their heart and soul

They may return to you with all their hearts,
-or-
They may turn back to you fully,

8:48b in the land of the enemies who took them captive,

in the land where their enemies have taken them as slaves.
-or-
while they are slaves in the land where their enemies took them.

8:48c and when they pray to You in the direction of the land that You gave to their fathers,

Then they will pray to you, as they face toward the land you gave their fathers.
-or-
They may look toward the land you gave their ancestors and pray to you.

8:48d the city You have chosen, and the house I have built for Your Name,

They will pray to you facing toward your temple in your chosen city. This temple I built for you.
-or-
As they pray, they will look toward this city that you chose, and this temple that I built for you.

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