complete verse (Psalm 139:22)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 139:22:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “I hate them completely;
    they are my enemies.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “I hate them from the bottom of my heart.
    Your enemies are also my enemies.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “My hatred/[lit. heat] against them (is) very severe;
    I consider them my enemies.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “I hate them truly,
    they are also my enemies.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Maadui zako ni maadui zangu mimi,
    nawachukia kabisa.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “I hate them completely, and I consider that they are my enemies.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

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 ).

Translation commentary on Psalm 139:21 - 139:22

The psalmist vigorously expresses his hatred for Yahweh’s enemies. The rhetorical questions in verse 21 (see Revised Standard Version) are a way of making an emphatic statement. He feels for them a perfect hatred, that is, complete hatred, without a drop of compassion or good will; and he looks upon them as his own enemies. Perfect hatred or Good News Translation‘s “total hatred” in verse 22 must often be recast to say, for example, “I hate them with all my heart, soul, stomach, throat, liver,” whichever body part represents the center of the emotions.

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 .