enchanter

The Hebrew and Aramaic in the book of Daniel that is translated as “enchanter” or similar in English is translated in Newari as “omen seeker” (source: Newari Back Translation).

complete verse (Daniel 5:15)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Daniel 5:15:

  • Kupsabiny: “Wise men and diviners were brought here to come and read these writings, (but) (they) were not able to tell me the meaning of those writings.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The wise men and enchanters were brought before me to read these letters which have been written and to tell [me their] meaning but they were not able to tell me their meaning.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “I already called-for the wise [men], along with the enchanters in-order to have- them -read and explain the meaning of that writing on the wall, but they could not.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “My wise men and men who work magic have tried to read the writing on this wall and tell me what it means, but they are not able to do it.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Daniel 5:15

Now: the probable meaning is “at the present moment,” indicating a very recent happening. This may be reflected in the verb phrase in some languages “… were just now brought in.” Compare Revised English Bible “have just been brought in,” but note that New Jerusalem Bible reads “have already been brought in.”

The wise men, the enchanters: note that only two terms (the more general terms for the royal advisors) are used in this verse. Compare 1.20; 2.2, 12.

Have been brought in: this passive may be better translated in some languages as “I have called in,” “I have caused to come in,” “my men have brought in,” or something of this nature. Or the indefinite third person plural pronoun may be used: “they have brought into my presence.”

The interpretation of the matter: literally “the interpretation of the word.” Instead of the more general term matter, it may be preferable to say what the matter is; for example, “the writing” or “the message written on the wall.” But if the previous reference in this verse to interpretation has already made clear what is being referred to, perhaps a pronoun can be used here at the end of the verse.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René & Ellington, John. A Handbook on Daniel. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .