neighbor - relative

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “neighbor” or “relative” in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) and the Buku Lopatulika translation (1922/2018) with just one word: nansi. This word can also be translated as neighbors whom you share a blood relation with because in Chewa context a community is mostly comprised of people of blood relations. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

complete verse (Micah 7:5)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Micah 7:5:

  • Kupsabiny: “Do not pull a neighbor to your side
    or rely on a friend.
    Guard your mouth
    of/about what you are saying to your loved one.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Do not trust your neighbor.
    Do not believe a friend.
    Be even careful what you say to your own wife
    who lives with you.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “‘Because wickedness is now spreading-out, you (plur.) no-longer trust your friends, even still your (plur.) close friends. And you (plur.) be-careful in what you (plur.) are telling even to your (plur.) beloved wife.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)

formal 2nd person plural pronoun (Japanese)

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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 choice of a formal plural suffix to the second person pronoun (“you” and its various forms) as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. In these verses, anata-gata (あなたがた) is used, combining the second person pronoun anata and the plural suffix -gata to create a formal plural pronoun (“you” [plural] in English).

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

Translation commentary on Micah 7:5

The result of the social evil described in verses 2-3 is that nobody can be trusted. The wisest advice the prophet can give is Don’t believe your neighbor or trust your friend. If it is difficult to find different words for neighbor and friend, it is possible to translate these two Hebrew expressions as “friend” and “special friend” or “close friend.” Believe and trust mean almost the same thing here, and if necessary the same word can be used, or this can be translated as “Do not trust your neighbor or even your friend.”

The relationships mentioned become increasingly close, and from neighbor and friend we even move on to wife. The Hebrew employs two figurative expressions in this sentence. “Guard the doors of your mouth” (Revised Standard Version) sounds very strange in many languages if translated literally, and most translators will prefer to use plain language such as Good News Translation‘s Be careful what you say. The second figurative expression is “her who lies in your bosom” (Revised Standard Version). This reference suggests the intimacy of a sexual embrace and shows that there can no longer be full trust between people even in this, the most intimate of human relationships. Good News Translation‘s even to your wife conveys the basic meaning but loses the emotional effect of the Hebrew. Translators may be able to regain some of this effect by saying “your wife whom you love.”

Quoted with permission from Clark, David J. et al. A Handbook on Micah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1978, 1982, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Micah 7:5

7:5a–c

Notice the parallel parts that are similar in meaning (these lines are from the Revised Standard Version):

5a
Put no trust in a neighbor,

5b
have no confidence in a friend;

5c
guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your bosom;

In these lines, Micah warns the people to trust no one. He gives this warning in three parallel clauses. The degree of closeness to the other person increases in each clause.

The Revised Standard Version has been used as the source line for 7:5a–c, because it better follows the word choices in most versions.

7:5a

(Revised Standard Version) Put no trust in a neighbor: In Hebrew, the word trust can also mean “believe,” “have confidence,” or “rely” on another person. In Hebrew, the word neighbor can also mean “associate,” “companion,” or “friend.” It indicates a low level relationship with another person. They know each other to some extent, but they are not close friends.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

Don’t trust anyone (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Don’t believe your neighbor (Good News Translation)

7:5b

(Revised Standard Version) have no confidence in a friend: In Hebrew, the word confidence can also mean “trust,” “have confidence,” or “rely” on another person. This word is very similar in meaning to the Hebrew word for “trust” in 5a. In Hebrew, the word friend means “close friend,” “partner,” “ally,” or “companion.” It indicates a stronger relationship with another person than the word “neighbor.” They know each other fairly well and are close friends.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

not even your best friend (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
or trust your friend (Good News Translation)

7:5c

(Revised Standard Version) guard the doors of your
mouth from her who lies in your bosom: In Hebrew, the phrase guard the doors of your mouth is a figure of speech that means to be careful not to say something that will put you in danger.

In Hebrew, the word bosom refers to the part of the body between the arms. The phrase her who lies in your bosom is a way to say “your wife.” This warning indicates the most intimate kind of relationship.

Here are some other ways to translate this line:

Don’t even share secrets with the one who lies in your arms! (NET Bible)
-or-
Be careful what you say even to your husband or wife. (Good News Translation)

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