Honorary "are" construct denoting God ("say")

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Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between.

One way Japanese shows different degree of politeness is through the usage of an honorific construction where the morpheme are (され) is affixed on the verb as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. This is particularly done with verbs that have God as the agent to show a deep sense of reverence. Here, iw-are-ru (言われる) or “say” is used.

(Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )

Translation commentary on Jeremiah 44:26

Therefore here marks a transition. As a consequence of all that has been said, the LORD will now make his pronouncement: “But now listen to what the LORD says.”

Hear the word of the LORD: See 2.4.

Behold: See 1.6.

I have sworn by my great name: Most translations are literal, whereas Good News Translation and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch understand great with the meaning of “mighty” or “powerful,” which accords very well with the context. The name of God, which represents God himself, is a powerful force, which may at will either destroy or strengthen a nation. For a discussion of “swear” and “oath,” see 4.2 and 22.5. In this verse, I have sworn by my great name can be translated “I swear to you by my own powerful name” or “I myself in all my power declare [or, swear].”

My name shall no more be invoked …: The Jews of Egypt will be completely wiped out, so that none of them will ever again be able to make a vow in the LORD’s name (As the Lord GOD lives). See 4.2 and 5.2. Here Good News Translation is an excellent model: “Never again will I let any of you use my name to make a vow by saying, ‘I swear by the living Sovereign LORD!’ ”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Jeremiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2003. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .