greetings (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. 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. )

See also Long live / live forever / Hail.

Felix

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 )


“Felix” in Libras (source )

More information about Felix .

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

complete verse (Acts 23:26)

Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 23:26:

  • Uma: “‘To the respected Governor Feliks. Many greetings from me, Klaudius Lisias!” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “‘This letter is from me, Kalaudi Lisiyas, sent to Governor Pilik, the most prominent/important one.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “‘This is the letter of Claudius Lysias to Governor Felix. How are you?” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “‘Sir Governor Felix, I am Claudius Lisias who wrote this. How are you (sing.).” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “‘Respected Governor Felix, I Claudio Lysias greet you.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

respectful form of "say/speak" (mōshiageru)

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.

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

Translation commentary on Acts 23:26

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 .