alarmed / shaken / panic / confounded / confused

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “alarmed,” “shaken,” “panicked,” “confounded,” “confused” or similar in English is translated in the Catholic Mandarin Chinese Sigao version with historical Chinese idioms: jīnghuāng shīcuò (驚慌失措 / 惊慌失措) and jīnghuáng shīcuò (驚惶失措 / 惊惶失措): “panicked and at a loss.” (Source: Toshikazu S. Foley in Hong Kong Journal of Catholic Studies, 2011, p. 45ff.)

army

The Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek and Latin that is translated as “army” in English is translated in Chichewa as “group of warriors.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Judith 14:3

Then they will seize their arms: They is literally “these.” It refers to the Assyrians just mentioned. It is necessary to be clear here about who is grabbing their weapons, and most translations are sensitive enough to realize this. Enslin makes an interesting point here that is worth considering. He suggests that the pronoun “these” “may well have a pejorative overtone of contempt,” and goes so far as to translate “these fellows.” “These guys” would fit the context also. It is not necessary, however; Good News Translation‘s “Assyrian guards” is quite adequate.

Go into the camp may be rendered “go into the area where all the other Assyrian soldiers have their tents [or, are staying].”

Rouse the officers of the Assyrian army may be translated “wake up their officers” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version).

They will rush into the tent of Holofernes: The sentence in Good News Translation beginning “The officers will run…” is really too long. Short and choppy sentences work better here. The atmosphere is charged with excitement. Contemporary English Version maintains this excitement with “who will rush to the tent of General Holofernes.”

Then fear will come over them means “the whole army will be terrified” or “fear/horror will fill the hearts of all the Assyrian soldiers.”

They will flee before you is literally “they will flee from your face.” Good News Translation has “retreat as you advance against them.” The Greek text does not actually say that the Israelites are advancing. The plan is for the Israelites not to press their attack until the Assyrians have panicked and begun to run. At this point the Israelites are not advancing. The Assyrians will run from them since they think the Israelites are attacking. Even the word “retreat” (Good News Translation) suggests too orderly a withdrawal; the Greek says “will flee.” The Assyrians will not be staging a tactical maneuver; they will be running for their lives. One could capture this by saying “they will run to escape you” or “they will run for their lives.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Judith. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.