soul

The Hebrew, Greek, Ge’ez, and Latin that is translated as “soul” in English is translated in Chol with a term that refers to the invisible aspects of human beings (source: Robert Bascom), in Yagaria with oune or “shadow, reflection” (source: Renck, p. 81), and in Elhomwe as “heart” (source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext).

The Mandarin Chinese línghún (靈魂 / 灵魂), literally “spirit-soul,” is often used for “soul” (along with xīn [心] or “heart”). This is a term that was adopted from Buddhist sources into early Catholic writings and later also by Protestant translators. (Source: Zetzsche 1996, p. 32, see also Clara Ho-yan Chan in this article )

In Chichewa, moyo means both “soul” and “life.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

See also heart, soul, mind.

complete verse (Psalm 57:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 57:6:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “They set a net for my feet
    and I bent down with afflictions.
    They dug a pit in my path
    but they have fallen in it themselves.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “My enemies have set a trap for me.
    I am already exhausted by sorrow.
    They have dug a pit in my path,
    but they have themselves
    fallen into that very pit.
    Sela” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “I was-troubled for my enemies put a trap/snare on my paths.
    They also dug a pit in my path,
    but they themselves have-fallen into that hole/pit.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “My enemies set a trap for me so that they catch my legs,
    the suffering swallows me.
    They dug a hole on my way,
    but they fell inside by themselves.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Maadui wametega wavu ili wanishike (waninase),
    nimehuzunika sana.
    Wamechimba shimo katika njia yangu,
    lakini wametumbukia wao wenyewe.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “It is as if my enemies spread a net to seize me,
    and I became very distressed.
    It is as if they dug a deep pit along the path where I walk, but they themselves fell into it!
    (Think about that!)” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Psalm 57:6

The psalmist continues by describing how his enemies, like hunters, are trying to capture him with a net and a pit; but he knows that they will only harm themselves. For similar language see 7.15; 9.15; 31.4; 35.7-8.

Good News Translation “I am overcome with distress” in line b translates “my nefesh is bowed down” (see Revised Standard Version). New Jerusalem Bible, however, on the basis of later Hebrew usage, translates “to ensnare me,” while Dahood, from the Akkadian, gets the meaning “a noose for my neck” (also Bible en français courant). New English Bible has “but I bow my head to escape from it” (that is, “the net” of the preceding line); similarly Traduction œcuménique de la Bible. It seems best to follow the sense expressed by Revised Standard Version and say something like Good News Translation: “I have lost all hope” or “I am helpless.”

In some languages where the use of nets for catching animals is unknown, the expression set a net for my steps can be rendered, for example, “my enemies have set a trap to catch me.” In case the idea of catching a person by a trap will be unclear, the translator can add a simile; for example, “my enemies have set a trap to catch me like a hunter sets a trap to catch an animal.”

In some languages it may be necessary to make the purpose of the pit explicit; for example, “they dug a pit to make me fall into it.”

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 .