scattering

In Gbaya, the notion of scattering something or someone in all directions in the associated verses is emphasized with the ideophone sót-sót.

Ideophones are a class of sound symbolic words expressing human sensation that are used as literary devices in many African languages. (Source: Philip Noss)

complete verse (Psalm 129:5)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 129:5:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “All who hate Zion
    let them be sent back shamefully.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “May all the enemies of Zion be shamed
    and may they withdraw.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “May-it-be that all who hold-a-grudge against Zion flee in shame.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “May you let all people who hate the people of Zion,
    to go back in shame.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Wafedheheshwe na kurudishwa nyuma,
    wote ambao wanauchukia mji wa katika Sayuni.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “I wish/hope that all those who hate Jerusalem/ Israel will be ashamed because of being defeated.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Psalm 129:5

The people pray for the destruction of their enemies (probably foreigners), those who hate Zion, here either Jerusalem or the whole land of Israel (see 2.6 and comments). Here it is probable that the city of Jerusalem is meant, or more specifically, the Temple. Again, as often, the verb translated be put to shame (line b) is used in the sense of “be defeated” (see 6.10).

The literal rendition of Revised Standard Version is unnatural: be put to shame and turned backward; see New English Bible “be thrown back in shame”; New Jerusalem Bible “fall back in disgrace”; and New Jerusalem Bible “be thrown back in confusion.”

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 .