The Hebrew, Greek, Ge’ez, and Latin that is translated as “soul” in English is translated in Chol with a term that refers to the invisible aspects of human beings (source: Robert Bascom), in Yagaria with oune or “shadow, reflection” (source: Renck, p. 81), and in Elhomwe as “heart” (source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext).
The Mandarin Chineselínghún (靈魂 / 灵魂), literally “spirit-soul,” is often used for “soul” (along with xīn [心] or “heart”). This is a term that was adopted from Buddhist sources into early Catholic writings and later also by Protestant translators. (Source: Zetzsche 1996, p. 32, see also Clara Ho-yan Chan in this article )
In Chichewa, moyo means both “soul” and “life.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
“Like cold water to a thirsty soul”: “Soul” (Hebrew nefesh) in the expression “thirsty soul” is probably to be understood as “throat.” Note Revised English Bible “Like cold water to the throat that is faint with thirst. . ..” In some languages it will be more natural to express this line as “. . . to a person who is thirsty.”
“So is good news from a far country”: For “good news” see 15.30. “A far country” need not refer to a territory or nation outside of Israel. Travel was often a dangerous undertaking, and so to learn that friends or family had arrived safely was refreshing to those who stayed at home. This sense of refreshing is the point of comparison in the simile.
Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 25:25:
Kupsabiny: “Words/news that come from a far place and have been waited for long blesses people like water which is cold which kills thirst.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Newari: “A good message coming from far away is like cold water for a thirsty person.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “A good news from a distant place is like a cold water that can-refresh a man who is thirsty.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
Kankanaey: “A good report from a far country, it-can-be-compared to cold water for the person who is-thirsty.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
English: “Receiving good news from a country far away refreshes our spirits like cold water refreshes us when we are very thirsty.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
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