happiness / joy

The Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that is typically translated in English as “joy” or “happiness” is translated in the Hausa Common Language Bible idiomatically as farin ciki or “white stomach.” In some cases, such as in Genesis 29:11, it is also added for emphatic purposes.

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 / Seat of Emotions, rejoiced greatly / celebrated, the Mossi translation of “righteous”, and joy.

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.).

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

complete verse (Esther 8:16)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Esther 8:16:

  • Kupsabiny: “That was a miracle/an amazing thing to the Jews. That made them to be happy and joyful because they had come out from fire/danger.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “That day was a day of joy, rejoicing and honor for the Jews.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “It gave/brought great joy and respect to the Jews.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Eastern Bru: “The Jews, they were very happy. Their sadness and fear had passed away. They cheered with gratitude over this happening.” (Source: Bru Back Translation)
  • English: “The Jews in Susa were very happy, and other people honored them.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Esther 8:16   

The author describes the result of the proclamation with four words, all of which have very positive connotations. Revised Standard Version follows a literal approach to their translation, while Good News Translation is more interpretive. The translator will need to determine the meaning of each word and how the receptor will understand them.

Light is symbolic of prosperity and life (see Job 22.28; 30.26; Psa 27.1; 36.9). In many receptor language contexts, light will be understood in opposition to darkness. The fear of impending doom is gone, and the Jews find themselves in “lightness.” The words gladness and joy, which often occur together in the Old Testament, describe the emotions of the Jews (see verse 17). For gladness and joy many languages have words or idioms to express happiness that is revealed outwardly, and inner joy that is a deeper emotion. Though honor may also be an emotion experienced by the Jews as in Good News Translation, it possibly refers to the attitude of the non-Jewish population toward the Jews. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch reads “and they [the Jews in the city] enjoyed respect that people showed to them.” Good News Translation and Bible en français courant translate the Hebrew term rather freely as “a sense of victory” and “triumph,” assuming that the honor is the respect earned through victory. For honor the translator may have to choose between “praise” or “respect.” The latter is preferable.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Noss, Philip A. A Handbook on Esther (The Hebrew Text). (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:16

8:16

the Jews: This probably refers to the Jews in Susa. Verse 17 refers to the rest of the Jews.

light and gladness, of joy and honor: You should choose words that express the joy and relief that the Jews felt when they heard that they were allowed to defend themselves if people attacked them. The words light, gladness, and joy all have similar meanings.

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