woe (to you)

The Hebrew, Greek, Latin, and Ge’ez that is translated as “woe to you” or similar in English is translated in Martu Wangka as “you sit as sorry ones” (source: Carl Gross). Toraja-Sa’dan has two expressions that can be used: upu’ allomu or “to-their-end are your days” and sumpu sumandakmu or “finished is what-is-measured-out to you.” In the case of Luke 10:13, where “woe” is doubled, both are used for stylistic, non-repetitive purposes (see Reiling / Swellengrebel).

In Matumbi it is translated as Wakibona or “You will see” (source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific notes in Paratext) and in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) with a phrase containing tsoka, a word to describe something bad that happens (or may happen) to a person because of doing something against established traditions in a community (source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation).

In Hebrew it is translated as oy (אוֹי) and in Yiddish as oy (אוי) or vey (וֵויי). Note that oy vey in combination is also commonly used in Yiddish as an interjection of dismay and vey is derived from the German Wehe (which in turn has the same root than the English woe). (Source: Jost Zetzsche)

Translation commentary on 2 Esdras 15:46 - 15:47

And you, Asia, who share in the glamour of Babylon and the glory of her person: For the region of Asia, see the introductory comments on this section. Throughout this section Asia is personified as a woman. However, many translators will need to address it as a place rather than a person (see our model below). For Babylon, which represents Rome, see the comments on verses 43-44 and 2 Esd 3.1. This clause may be rendered “Asia, you enjoyed [or, shared in] the beauty and glory of Babylon.”

Woe to you, miserable wretch!: For woe to you, see the comments on 2 Esd 2.8. This expression may be translated “You are doomed!” (Good News Bible, Contemporary English Version) or even “God will certainly punish you.” Good News Bible renders miserable wretch as “You … are to be pitied.” But pity is not appropriate here. The author is gloating over the downfall of Asia. Asia is doomed, without hope, but not to be pitied. We suggest “you wretched place.”

For you have made yourself like her: The conjunction For introduces why Asia is doomed. You have made yourself like her may be expressed as “You have imitated her” (Good News Bible).

You have decked out your daughters in harlotry …: Compare Rev 14.8; 17.4-5; 18.3-7. Decked out may be rendered “dressed” or “put clothes on.” Your daughters refers to the young women of Asia. Harlotry refers to prostitution, which is an image for political alliances in this context. This clause may be translated “You have dressed your young women as prostitutes” or “You have put clothes on your young women that make them look like prostitutes.”

To please and glory in your lovers may be expressed as “to please and gratify your lovers” (Good News Bible) or “to make your lovers happy.”

Who have always lusted after you may be rendered “who have always wanted to possess you.”

Good News Bible and Contemporary English Version combine verses 46 and 47, which we find helpful. Another model that does this is:

• And oh, Asia, you wretched place—you are doomed. You have tried to be as splendid and glorious as Babylon. You have imitated her. You have dressed your young women as prostitutes to please your lovers, who have always wanted to possess you.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.