anoint

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated in English as “anoint” is translated in Lakota with azilyA: “to smudge.”

Steve Berneking (in Beerle-Moor / Voinov, p. 121) tells the story of that translation:

“During one visit with the Lakota team, we were reading texts and discussing key biblical terms and how they are best rendered into Lakota. Reference was made to the ritual we label ‘anointing.’ When the Lakota word that had been glossed as ‘anoint’ was read aloud, I heard giggling among the reviewers. Knowing that this reaction called for some explanation, I asked.

“The people there told me that the Lakota verb that was used to translate ‘anoint’ was funny in that context. It is not that the verb is an uncommon one; quite the contrary. Lakota uses that verb frequently, but almost exclusively as a verb of food preparation; the verb belongs to the culinary domain. In other words, the Lakota verb used for ‘anoint’ actually referred to rubbing oil on something that was to be cooked or grilled, in this case, the apostles. The Lakota verb ipáṫaŋṫtaŋ ‘to apply oil on something’ was used quite innocently by the missionaries. The linguistic transfer was understandable: the missionaries needed a verb to translate ‘putting oil on something’; Lakota has a verb; they used that verb. The result was comical. So, during that conversation with the Lakota community, I encouraged the translators to come up with a Lakota verb that is used not simply in ‘the application of oil,’ but more pointedly in the consecration of something or somebody for a special task, or in the appointment of someone for a special purpose. Their response was almost immediate: azilyA or wazílyA ‘to smudge.’ That is how, they told me, warriors and messengers and tribal leaders have always been consecrated (or blessed) before being sent out on a special mission. Sage grass was burned, and the smoke was waved over the person or object. The trans-cultural process of using the traditional Lakota verb azilyA for the biblical notion of ‘anoint’ became, at that moment, part of the Lakota Bible.”

In Bashkir, it is translated as masekhlay (мәсехләү), when used in a ritual context. Masekhlay has the same root than masikh (мәсих), which is used both for “anointed one” in the Old Testament and in its capitalized form (Мәсих) for Μεσσίας (engl. “Messiah”) and Χριστός (engl. “Christ”) in the New Testament. For more information about this, see anointed one.

In Vidunda it is translated as “smear oil.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

Click or tap here to see a short video clip showing how anointing was done in biblical times (source: Bible Lands 2012)

See also anoint (chrió) and anointing of David (image).

fat, oil

The different Hebrew and Greek terms that are translated as “(olive) oil” and “(animal) fat” in English are translated in Kwere with only one term: mavuta. (Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

complete verse (Exodus 29:7)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 29:7:

  • Kupsabiny: “and anoint his head with anointing oil.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “And then anoint him by pouring oil on his head taking anointing oil.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then take the oil and pour/drip-(it) on the head of Aaron.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “And when it’s done, then take the oil which is a sign of the things belonging to me, and then pour it onto his head to appoint him to be my man of offerings.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “Take oil, put it him on head.” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “Then take the oil and pour some on his head to dedicate him/set him apart.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 29:7

And you shall take is identical with verse 5. (See the comment there.) It is probably intended as part of the act of pouring, although Good News Translation here translates it as a separate act. It is possible simply to say “Then pour the anointing oil on his head….” The anointing oil, literally “the oil of the anointing,” refers to the special recipe or mixture described in 30.23-25. Contemporary English Version‘s “olive oil” is incorrect. Another way to express anointing oil is “special oil for ordaining [or, installing] priests.” (See the comment on “anoint” at 28.41.) And pour it is clear; a different word is used for “sprinkle” in verse 21. On his head means Aaron’s head. This was evidently to be poured over the turban as well.

And anoint him translates the third verb in this verse, and it is not clear whether this refers to a separate action, such as spreading the oil after pouring it. Probably the pouring is the only action intended in this verse. New International Version has “anoint him by pouring it on his head,” and New Jerusalem Bible has “pour it on his head and so anoint him.” Contemporary English Version has “and then ordain him by pouring….” One may also say “set him apart for God by pouring it [the oil] on his head.”

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .