listen / pay attention

The Hebrew, Ge’ez, and Greek that is translated as “listen” or “pay attention” or something similar in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) with the idiom tcherani khutu, literally “you set ear.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

Job

The name that is transliterated as “Job” in English means “the persecuted,” “hated,” “one ever returning to God,” “he that weeps,” “a desert.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign for “patience,” referring to James 5:11 and many other passages within the book of Job. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Job” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

In Swiss-German Sign Language it is translated with the sign for “suffering.”


“Job” in Swiss-German Sign Language, source: DSGS-Lexikon biblischer Begriffe , © CGG Schweiz

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with a sign that refers to the ulcers (sores) covering his body (see Job 2:7). (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)


“Job” in Hungarian Sign Language — note that only the first part refers to “Job,” the second part refers to “book” (source )

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Job .

complete verse (Job 33:31)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Job 33:31:

  • Kupsabiny: “So now, Job, listen to the words that I am saying
    and be silent for me to speak.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Please listen, Job, listen [and] pay attention to my words.
    Keep quiet [and] I will speak. ” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Job, listen to me carefully. You (sing.) just keep-silent, and just let me speak.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So Job, listen to me;
    do not say anything more; just allow me to speak.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Job 33:31

Give heed, O Job, listen to me: Elihu likes to demand Job’s attention, which is no doubt lagging considerably by now!

Be silent, and I will speak shows how self-important Elihu considers himself, since Job has not uttered a sound since Elihu began in chapter 32.

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 .