metal

In Babatana there is no generic equivalent for “metal,” so silver and gold, the only metals known, were made explicit.

idol / idols

The Hebrew, Greek and Latin that is translated as “idol(s)” in English is translated in Central Subanen as ledawan or “images.” (Source: Robert Brichoux in OPTAT 1988/2, p. 80ff. )

In German, typically the term Götze is used. Originally this was used as a term of endearment for Gott (“God” — see here ), later for “icon” and “image, likeness.” Luther started to use it in the 16th century in the meaning of “false god, idol.”

Other terms that are used in German include Götzenbild(er) (“image[s] of idols”) or Bildnis (“image” — Protestant) / Kultbild (“cultish image” — Catholic) (used for instance in Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 5:8). The latest revision of the Catholic Einheitsübersetzung (publ. 2016) also uses the neologism Nichtse (“nothings”) in 1 Chron. 16:26 and Psalm 96:5. (Source: Zetzsche)

See also worthless idols.

complete verse (Exodus 34:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 34:17:

  • Kupsabiny: “Do not construct an idol which you will be kneeling for/worshipping.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Do not make casting idols for you.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “‘You (plur.) should- not -make gods.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “‘You (pl.) can’t/mustn’t make the carving of any god from something such as gol and silva and aen.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “Therefore, you not (imp.) metal pound for god.” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “Do not pour melted metal into molds to make statues for you to worship.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 34:17

Literally the Hebrew says “Gods [ʾelohim] of molten metal you [singular] shall not make for yourself.” The same word for molten is used in 32.4 in describing the gold bull-calf. (See the comment there.) This verse is similar to the commandment in 20.4, but different words are used.

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 .