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 (Leviticus 18:29)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 18:29:

  • Kupsabiny: “Any person who does any of these bad/smelling things shall be chased away from the people of God.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “’If anyone does repulsive work like that, they must be driven out from their own people. ” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Anyone who does these detestable/abominable things you (plur.) are- no-longer -to-consider a member of-you (plur.)” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘You must not allow people who do any of those detestable things to associate with you who are my people.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 18:29

For: the word thus translated may also be rendered “Indeed” or “Because.” New Jerusalem Bible translates it “Yes,….” And Good News Translation has “You know that….” This introduces a kind of summary statement regarding the basic principles of sexual conduct.

Whoever … the persons …: these two expressions are identical in meaning and may therefore be translated once, as in Good News Translation and some other modern versions. It may be rendered “anyone,” “any person,” or “everyone.”

Any of these abominations: see verses 26-27.

Cut off from among their people: see 7.20; 17.4, 9, 10, 14.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .