serve

The Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that is typically translated in English as “serve,” “minister,” “walk with,” or “service” is translated in Igede as myị ẹrụ or “agree with message (of the one you’re serving).” (source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

In Quetzaltepec Mixe, “serve” is translated as “obey.” (Source: Robert Bascom)

complete verse (Philippians 1:24)

Following are a number of back-translations of Philippians 1:24:

  • Uma: “But if I keep living in this world, it will be more useful to you, relatives, because you still need me.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “But because of you it is better that I am still alive a while so that I can help you.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “However, it’s necessary that I not yet die so I might help you.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “But because of you, it is more necessary that I still live on the earth.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “But also, you need me to be caused to live longer.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “But for you, it is good that I live.” (Source: Tenango Otomi 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 Philippians 1:24

In this verse Paul states the other side of the dilemma. But here has the force of “on the other hand” (Phillips Bruce).

The Greek comparative translated it is much more important can also be rendered “it is more urgent” (New American Bible cf. Jerusalem Bible Knox), “it is probably more necessary” (Phillips), or “there is greater need” (New English Bible). I remain alive represents a Greek expression which is literally “to remain in the flesh.” Obviously “to remain in the flesh” in this context does not mean “to live in sin” (cf. Rom 7.5, 18).

For your sake may be expressed in some cases as “in order to help you.” This may be combined with the rest of the verse as “but in order to help you, it is much more important that I remain alive,” or “… continue to live.”

Quoted with permission from Luo, I-Jin. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1977. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Philippians 1:24

1:24

more necessary: Although Paul considered it better to die and be with Christ, he also recognized that at that time it was more important or urgent for Paul to continue living. The Philippian believers had a need for Paul’s advice and encouragement.

for you: That is, “for your sake” or “so I can help you.”

remain in the body: That is, “continue to live.” See 1:22a for the same phrase.

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