complete verse (Psalm 40:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 40:13:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “Save me Jehovah;
    Come quickly Jehovah to help me.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “O God! Rescue me.
    O LORD! Come quickly and help me.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “LORD, please save me!
    Help me right-away.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Eastern Bru:
    “God! Request you help me right now!” (Source: Bru Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “LORD, please help me,
    LORD, come and help me quickly!” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Ee Bwana, upendezwe kuniokoa.
    Ee Bwana, ufanye haraka kunisaidia.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “O Yahweh, please save me!
    Come quickly to help me!” (Source: Translation for Translators)

will (of God) (Japanese honorifics)

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Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between.

One way to do this is through the usage (or a lack) of an honorific prefix as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. When the referent is God, the “divine” honorific prefix mi- (御 or み) can be used, as in mi-kokoro (みこころ) or “will (of God)” in the referenced verses. Two verses (Ezra 10:11 and Ephesians 1:9) use mi-mune (みむね) with the same honorific prefix and meaning.

(Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )

See also will and doing the will of God.

Japanese benefactives (sukuidashite)

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Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between.

One way Japanese shows different degree of politeness is through the choice of a benefactive construction as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. Here, sukuidashite (救い出して) or “save/rescue” is used in combination with kudasaru (くださる), a respectful form of the benefactive kureru (くれる). A benefactive reflects the good will of the giver or the gratitude of a recipient of the favor. To convey this connotation, English translation needs to employ a phrase such as “for me (my sake)” or “for you (your sake).”

(Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )

Japanese benefactives (tasukete)

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Like a number of other East Asian languages, Japanese uses a complex system of honorifics, i.e. a system where a number of different levels of politeness are expressed in language via words, word forms or grammatical constructs. These can range from addressing someone or referring to someone with contempt (very informal) to expressing the highest level of reference (as used in addressing or referring to God) or any number of levels in-between. One way Japanese shows different degree of politeness is through the choice of a benefactive construction as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017.

Here, tasukete (助けて) or “help” is used in combination with kudasaru (くださる), a respectful form of the benefactive kureru (くれる). A benefactive reflects the good will of the giver or the gratitude of a recipient of the favor. To convey this connotation, English translation needs to employ a phrase such as “for me (my sake)” or “for you (your sake).” (Source: S. E. Doi, see also S. E. Doi in Journal of Translation, 18/2022, p. 37ff. )

Translation commentary on Psalm 40:13

The psalmist’s plea for help (verses 13-17) is almost completely identical with Psalm 70. The translation of the two passages should reflect this identity.

With words that express impatience, the psalmist prays to the LORD to save him from his enemies. Be pleased may be represented by a conventional expression such as “Please” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, Bible en français courant); New English Bible “Show me favour”; Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch “Be kind.” Good News Translation has not represented it formally, since the request itself incorporates the element of an urgent plea.

For the request that the LORD hurry to his aid, see 22.19; 38.22. For deliver see 7.1 and comments, and for help see 37.40 and comments.

Good News Translation has not shortened the two Hebrew lines when combining them into one, but has translated all the components. It may be best to keep two lines, since make haste increases the urgency of the second line.

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 .