idol / idols

The Hebrew, Greek and Latin that is translated as “idol(s)” in English is translated in Central Subanen as ledawan or “images.” (Source: Robert Brichoux in OPTAT 1988/2, p. 80ff. )

In German, typically the term Götze is used. Originally this was used as a term of endearment for Gott (“God” — see here ), later for “icon” and “image, likeness.” Luther started to use it in the 16th century in the meaning of “false god, idol.”

Other terms that are used in German include Götzenbild(er) (“image[s] of idols”) or Bildnis (“image” — Protestant) / Kultbild (“cultish image” — Catholic) (used for instance in Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 5:8). The latest revision of the Catholic Einheitsübersetzung (publ. 2016) also uses the neologism Nichtse (“nothings”) in 1 Chron. 16:26 and Psalm 96:5. (Source: Zetzsche)

See also worthless idols.

complete verse (Psalm 115:4)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 115:4:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “But their idols are silver and gold,
    made by hands of people.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “Their gods are made of gold and silver,
    made by human hands.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “But their little-gods/false-gods are- just -made by men/people from silver and gold.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “Their gods are made from silver and gold
    by the hands of people.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Miungu yao inatengenezwa na fedha na dhahabu,
    imetengenezwa na mikono ya watu.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “But their idols are only statues made of silver and gold,
    things that humans have made.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Psalm 115:3 - 115:7

The power of the invisible God of Israel is contrasted with the weakness of the gods of the Gentile nations, who are lifeless, powerless, ineffective.

In verse 3 the psalmist proclaims Yahweh as the all-powerful God in the heavens, who does whatever he pleases; his will is supreme, his power is limitless.

The “gods” of the heathen are only idols that people manufacture; they are objects made of silver and gold (verse 4). Their idols stands in sharp contrast to Our God in the previous verse, and in some languages it may be necessary to mark the contrast. They have no life in them, no power to act, no feeling (verses 5-7); see a similar passage in 135.15-17. Since verse 5a describes the idols’ inability to speak, it may be that in verse 7c they do not make a sound in their throat means that there is no breath going in and out of their windpipe; they do not breathe, they are dead (as the different language in 135.17b means). But no translation consulted gives this meaning. (As commentaries point out, this extra line in verse 7 departs from the pattern used and repeats, so it seems, the thought of verse 5a. It looks like a later addition to the text.)

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Reyburn, William D. A Handbook on the Book of Psalms. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1991. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .