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.

enemy / foe

The Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Ge’ez, and Latin that is translated as “enemy” or “foe” in English is translated in the Hausa Common Language Bible as “friends of front,” i.e., the person standing opposite you in a battle. (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

In North Alaskan Inupiatun it is translated with a term that implies that it’s not just someone who hates you, but one who wants to do you harm (Source: Robert Bascom), in Tarok as ukpa ìkum or “companion in war/fighting,” and in Ikwere as nye irno m or “person who hates me” (source for this and one above: Chuck and Karen Tessaro in this newsletter ).

complete verse (Proverbs 26:25)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 26:25:

  • Kupsabiny: “Although a black stomached person may try to hide it inside,
    it will be revealed where there are many people (in public).
    His word may seem to be good,
    but do not believe (him), because (he) is envious to finish (it) (full of envy).” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Do not believe the tasty words of such people.
    for their hearts are full of seven evil thoughts.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Even-though when he speaks is- convincing, [you (sing.)] do- not -believe him, for what he thinks/thoughts are purely detestable.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “It’s as-if it’s nice to listen-to, but do not (sing.) be-trusting, because his bad motives are not countable.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • English: “When they say nice things, do not believe them,
    because in their inner beings are many things that Yahweh hates.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Proverbs 26:25

“When he speaks graciously, believe him not”: “He”, as in most Revised Standard Version renderings, is not to be taken as exclusively male. New Revised Standard Version revises this line to say “When an enemy speaks. . ..” The subject of this clause is the same as in verse 24. This line is literally “When his voice is gracious. . ..” “Graciously” means “tenderly,” “kindly,” or “in a friendly manner.” In some languages this is expressed as “sweet in your ear.” For “believe” see 14.15.

“For there are seven abominations in his heart”: For “seven abominations” see 6.16. “Seven”, as in verse 16, refers to an indefinite number; see Good News Translation “filled to the brim with hate.” We may translate this verse, for example, “When that person [referring to the one in verse 24] speaks in a kind way, don’t believe what he says, because he is filled with all kinds of wicked thoughts.”

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 .