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 (Ezekiel 20:4)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Ezekiel 20:4:

  • Kupsabiny: “Ezekiel, are you prepared to judge them? Then please do like that, reminding these people of the dreadful things that their grandfathers/ancestor did.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “‘Man, alright/come-on now, sentence them. Have- them -realize the detestable things which their ancestors did.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “If you are willing to warn them, remind them of the detestable things that their ancestors did.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Ezekiel 20:4

At the end of the previous verse God was addressing the Israelite leaders through Ezekiel. Here he addresses Ezekiel.

Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge them?: Although the form of the Hebrew is a repeated question here, it is best to translate this question as a very strong command, for example, translators may say “You judge them, Ezekiel! You judge them!” Moffatt has “Arraign them, son of man, arraign them” (similarly New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), Revised English Bible says “Bring a charge against them, O man!” New Living Translation uses “Son of man, bring charges against them and condemn them,” and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch translates “Man, you should call them to account instead.”

Then let them know the abominations of their fathers: Let them know may be rendered “Tell them” (Revised English Bible), “Remind them” (Good News Translation), or “bring to their attention.” For abominations, which refers primarily to the worship of false gods, see 5.9. Their fathers refers to their ancestors, both men and women. It is better not to use a term that refers only to males. The abominations of their fathers may be translated “the disgusting things their ancestors did” (Good News Translation).

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .