soul

The Hebrew, Greek, Ge’ez, and Latin that is translated as “soul” in English is translated in Chol with a term that refers to the invisible aspects of human beings (source: Robert Bascom), in Yagaria with oune or “shadow, reflection” (source: Renck, p. 81), and in Elhomwe as “heart” (source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext).

The Mandarin Chinese línghún (靈魂 / 灵魂), literally “spirit-soul,” is often used for “soul” (along with xīn [心] or “heart”). This is a term that was adopted from Buddhist sources into early Catholic writings and later also by Protestant translators. (Source: Zetzsche 1996, p. 32, see also Clara Ho-yan Chan in this article )

In Chichewa, moyo means both “soul” and “life.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

See also heart, soul, mind.

complete verse (Job 30:25)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Job 30:25:

  • Kupsabiny: “Did I not show mercy on a person who was in trouble?
    Did the life of the poor/orphans not cause me pain?” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “What! Haven’t I wept for those who have fallen into trouble?
    What! Hasn’t my heart mourned for the poor?” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “I even cried for the people who were in trouble/difficulty. I surely pity the poor-ones.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Job 30:25

Did not I weep for him whose day was hard?: this verse is clearly linked with verse 24 and continues the theme of Job’s defense of his past conduct. Not only did Job not harm the unfortunate person, but he was compassionate toward him. The question in this verse expects a “Yes” reply. The negative here continues into line b, as in 28.17. Weep means to cry with grief at the sight of the sufferer, showing that Job is affected emotionally. Whose day was hard translates the Hebrew “harsh of day,” referring to a person whose daily life is spent under difficult, harsh circumstances. The expression calls attention to their poverty and is parallel with the poor in the following line. This line may also be translated “I have often cried for the one who suffered” or “Didn’t I cry for those who were unfortunate? Of course I did!”

Was not my soul grieved for the poor?: Job’s soul (nefesh) is saddened by the poor. Grieved translates a word found only here. A similar verb meaning “to be sad” is found in Isaiah 19.10, and so Good News Translation “and feel sorry for those in need?” Another rendering: “Wasn’t I sad because of the people who had nothing? I certainly was sad!”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .