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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. When the referent is God or a person or persons to be honored, the honorific prefix go- (御 or ご) can be used, as in go-aisatsu (ごあいさつ), a combination of “greetings” (aisatsu) and the honorific prefix go- in the referenced verses. (Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )
The name that is transliterated as “Felix” in English means “delusive,” “happy,” “prosperous.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )
In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that signifies the fact that he was a governor (of Judea) and corrupt (see Acts 24:26), and also to the clothes worn by politicians at the time. (Source: Missão Kophós )
Click or tap here to see the rest of this insight.
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 of lexical honorific forms, i.e., completely different words, as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. In these verses, mōshiageru (申し上げる), the respectful form of iu (言う) or “say / speak” is used.
The form of the letter in verses 26-30 reflects the letter form as used in the first century A.D.
In a number of receptor languages it is necessary to speak of one’s self in the first person singular. Therefore, the introduction to this letter would need to be modified as follows: “I, who am Claudius Lysias, write to you, Most Excellent Governor Felix.”
Excellency is a title of honor used to address important persons; it is used of Roman officials in 24.2 and 26.25. The closest equivalent in a number of languages to the term Excellency is an expression of honor due to one’s importance. For example, in some languages one may use “to the very important Governor Felix,” “to Governor Felix who deserves great honor,” or, in some instances, “to the big chief, Governor Felix.”
Terms of greetings differ vastly from one language to another. In some instances one greets another simply by saying “I am talking to you.” In another language one may say “may you live well” or “may all kinds of happiness be yours.” What is important is that a natural and normal form of greeting be employed at this point, something which would be fully in keeping with this type of context.
Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
Verses 26–30 are the commander’s letter to the governor. It may be helpful to your readers to use indents or another format that will show that what follows is the letter. The Berean Standard Bible is one example.
The Good News Translation puts the whole letter in quotes. For example:
26“Claudius Lysias to His Excellency, Governor Felix…30cI have told his accusers to make their charges against him before you.”
23:26a
Claudius Lysias:Claudius Lysias is the name of the commander who wrote this letter.
Here the writer identified himself. In some languages, it is more natural to use a complete sentence here. For example:
⌊I am⌋ Claudius Lysias. -or-
⌊I,⌋ Claudius Lysias, ⌊write⌋
23:26b
His Excellency: This phrase was an address of honor to people of high social status, like a governor. Felix was more important in status than the commander. Use a word or phrase from your language with that meaning.
See how you translated this Greek word in Luke 1:3 (“most excellent”).
23:26c
Greetings: The Greek word here is literally “to rejoice.” People at that time used this word as a greeting to begin a letter. Other ways to translate this word are:
I greet you! -or-
I give you goodness
Use the usual word or phrase of greeting in your language that would be fitting for someone of high position.
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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