idol / idols

The Hebrew, Greek, Ge’ez, and Latin that is translated as “idol(s)” in English is translated in Central Subanen as ledawan or “images” (source: Robert Brichoux in OPTAT 1988/2, p. 80ff. ) and in Cherokee “imaginary gods” (source: Bender / Belt 2025, p. 16).

In German, typically the term Götze is used. Originally this was used as a term of endearment for Gott (“God” — see here ), later for “icon” and “image, likeness.” Luther started to use it in the 16th century in the meaning of “false god, idol.” Other terms that are used in German include Götzenbild(er) (“image[s] of idols”) or Bildnis (“image” — Protestant) / Kultbild (“cultish image” — Catholic) (used for instance in Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 5:8). The latest revision of the Catholic Einheitsübersetzung (publ. 2016) also uses the neologism Nichtse (“nothings”) in 1 Chron. 16:26 and Psalm 96:5. (Source: Zetzsche)

See also worthless idols.

joy

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The Greek, Latin, Ge’ez, and Hebrew that is translated with “joy” or “gladness” in English is translated with various strategies:

  • Baoulé: “a song in the stomach” (see also peace (inner peace))
  • Bambara: “the spirit is made sweet”
  • Kpelle: “sweet heart”
  • Tzeltal: “the good taste of one’s heart”
  • Uduk: “good to the stomach”
  • Mískito: “the liver is wide open” (“happily letting the pleasures flooding in upon it”) (source for this and above: Nida 1952)
  • Mairasi: “good liver” (source: Enggavoter 2004)
  • Noongar: koort-kwabba-djil or “heart very good” (source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang)
  • Chicahuaxtla Triqui: “refreshed heart” (source: Waterhouse / Parrott in Notes on Translation October 1967, p. 1ff.).
  • Hausa Common Language Bible: farin ciki or “white stomach.” Other languages that use the same expression include Southern Birifor (pʋpɛl), Dera (popolok awo), Reshe (ɾipo ɾipuhã). (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

See also Seat of the Mind for traditional views of “ways of knowing, thinking, and feeling,” happiness / joy, and exceeding joy.

Translation commentary on 3 Maccabees 4:16

A paragraph break is needed here. This verse describes what the king was doing during the forty days that the registration of the Jews was taking place.

The king was greatly and continually filled with joy: Philopator was happy, looking forward to the bloody scene when he would kill the Jews. He was far removed from religious reality. Contemporary English Version‘s translation is not accurate here. A possible model is “Meanwhile [or, While the registration was going on], the king was as happy as he could be.”

Organizing feasts in honor of all his idols may be expressed as “He held feasts for all his idols [or, to honor all his idols].”

With a mind alienated from truth and with a profane mouth: When he spoke, it was to offer praise to idols, which is in itself profane speech. We may render this phrase as “Every word he spoke to those idols was false and unholy [or, profane/taboo].”

Praising speechless things that are not able even to communicate or to come to one’s help: Speechless things refers to the idols. Communicate implies both speaking and hearing. See below for a possible model of this clause.

And uttering improper words against the supreme God: Not only did he praise his idols, but he spoke improper words against the real God. Improper words refers to blasphemies, and may be rendered “terrible insults.” For the supreme God, see the comments on 3 Macc 1.9.

Here is an alternative model for this verse:

• While the registration was going on [or, Meanwhile], the king was as happy as he could be. He held feasts for all his idols. Every word he spoke to those idols was false and unholy [or, profane/taboo], since idols cannot speak, cannot hear, and cannot help anybody. He also said terrible things [or, insults] about God Most High.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 3-4 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2018. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.