medium

The Hebrew that is translated as “medium” in English is translated in Basa as “the people of the grave” (source: Rob Koops) and in Newari as “a person who knowingly becomes possessed” (source: Newari Back-Translation).

spiritualist

The Hebrew that is translated as “spiritualist” (or: spiritist”) or similar in English is translated in Newari as “one who does the work of a Jhākri ” (source: Newari Back-Translation).

complete verse (Leviticus 20:27)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 20:27:

  • Kupsabiny: “A sorcerer or witch whether it be a man or a woman deserve to be killed. They are to be stoned because they have brought it on themselves.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “’If any man or woman does incantation and chanting, he/she must be killed. He/she must be killed by stoning. such a person is guilty of a great crime.’” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “If there is among you (plur.) a spiritist/medium who talks-together with the soul of a dead-(person), he/she must be- stoned until dead. He/She (is) responsible for his/her (own) death.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘You must execute any man or woman among you who consults/talks with the spirits of dead people or who is a fortune-teller. Kill them by throwing stones at them; but they will be responsible for their own deaths.’’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 20:27

Is a medium or a wizard: in 19.31 the prohibition is against seeking the advice of such a person, but this verse condemns the person who actually commits such practices.

They shall be stoned with stones: see verse 2. This passive construction may be rendered “you [plural] (or, someone) must kill them with stones,” or something similar.

Their blood shall be upon them: see verses 9, 11, and others.

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 .