complete verse (2 Chronicles 15:7)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Chronicles 15:7:

  • Kupsabiny: “But you (plur.) be strong so that you do not lose hope, because you will be blessed through what you are doing.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “But you ought to be strong, it is not good for you to be dismayed. For you will have a reward for your work."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But you (plur.) on-the-other-hand, [you (plur.)] be strong/brave and not be-discouraged for your work will-be-rewarded.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But you people, you must be strong and do not become discouraged, because God will reward you for what you do to please him.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

formal 2nd person plural pronoun (Japanese)

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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 Japanese shows different degree of politeness is through the choice of a formal plural suffix to the second person pronoun (“you” and its various forms) as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. In these verses, anata-gata (あなたがた) is used, combining the second person pronoun anata and the plural suffix -gata to create a formal plural pronoun (“you” [plural] in English).

(Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )

Translation commentary on 2 Chronicles 15:7

In this verse Azariah speaks to God’s people regarding their future, after having talked about their past in verses 3-6.

But you, take courage!: The common Hebrew conjunction rendered But introduces a command in response to the difficult circumstances. This conjunction may also be translated “So” (Contemporary English Version). The pronoun for you is plural in Hebrew and refers to “Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin” (verse 2). New Living Translation attempts to make the plural pronoun more explicit by translating “you men of Judah.” The exhortation to take courage is common in the Bible (see the comments on 1 Chr 22.13, where is it rendered “Be strong”). It may be translated negatively in some languages as “don’t be discouraged.”

Do not let your hands be weak is literally “do not let your [plural] hands drop” (compare Zeph 3.16, where the same idiom occurs). The meaning of this figurative expression is “do not give up” (New International Version) or “do not be disheartened” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh).

For your work shall be rewarded: The Hebrew conjunction rendered for introduces why Asa and his people should be strong and not be discouraged. New Century Version uses the connector “because.” Your work shall be rewarded is literally “there [is] payment for your [plural] work” (see Jer 31.16, where almost the same clause occurs). This passive expression will have to be made active in some languages. The implied agent is probably God, so this may be made explicit by saying “the LORD will reward you for your work.” But the passive may also be avoided by saying “you will receive a reward for your work” or “you will get a reward for your good work” (New Century Version). In this context your work refers to the religious reforms mentioned in verses 8-18.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 2 Chronicles 15:7

15:7a But as for you, be strong; do not be discouraged,

But as for you,(plur) be strong and keep working,
-or-
But all of you, King Asa and you people of Judah and Benjamin, be strong. Do not be discouraged.

15:7b for your work will be rewarded.”

for God will reward you for the ⌊good⌋ things you do.”
-or-
If you do this, God will do good things for you.”

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