abomination

The Hebrew that is translated as “abomination” or similar in English is translated in Vidunda as “hated thing” and in Kwere as zitibusa which means “evil” but also something that causes horror or disgust and revolts people. (Source for both: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

in Ngambay it is nékɔb or “taboo.” (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

See also detestable in the sight of God and holy.

complete verse (Deuteronomy 17:4)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 17:4:

  • Kupsabiny: “If you have been told these matters, you must investigate it well. If it is true and it is clear that a detestable thing has been done in Israel,” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “and if you are told of this matter, or if you hear about it, at that time you are to make careful inquiry. And if it is actually true that such a repulsive deed has taken place in Israel,” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “If you (plur.) will-hear it, you (plur.) must investigate it thoroughly/diligently. If (it is) true that this detestable thing is-being-done in Israel,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “If you hear that some person has been doing that, you must investigate it thoroughly. If you find out that it is true that this detestable thing has happened in Israel,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 17:4

It is told you and you hear of it: this may be a typical double way of saying one thing (so New International Version “this has been brought to your attention”; New Jerusalem Bible “and this person is denounced to you”; also Bible en français courant; and see Good News Translation). Some take it as an either-or proposition (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible), but this does not seem very likely.

You shall inquire diligently: or “make a thorough investigation.” New International Version has “you must investigate it thoroughly”; and see Good News Translation. Contemporary English Version has “You must carefully find out if….” See the same kind of language in 13.14.

An abominable thing: see verse 1; 13.14.

Has been done in Israel: it may be that Israel here is not the country as such but a way of speaking of the people. But most take it as the country itself.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .