complete verse (Acts 1:20)

Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 1:20:

  • Uma: “Petrus also said: ‘In the Book of the Songs of Daud, there are words that foretell Yudas. They sound like this: ‘Just leave his dwelling place empty for him. Don’t let there be even one person live in it.’ And there is also written like this: ‘It is better for his position [sitting-place] to be taken by another.’ ‘” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “Petros said further, ‘There is a verse written in the holy-book Jabur saying, ‘His dwelling-place must be rejected/the back-turned-on. And nobody must/shall live there.’ And there is also another writing which says, ‘There must be another to take over his former work.'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And Peter said, ‘That which was prophesied was written long ago in the book of the Songs, and it says, ‘Go away and leave the place where he lives. It is necessary that no one lives there anymore.’ There is also a written word which says, ‘That which was given to him to do, have someone else do it.'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Pedro continued saying, ‘What David wrote in the book Salmo was this: ‘May his house be left-untended and no one live there again.’ There is also something written that says, ‘May another person take-over his position.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “‘Well, this word of David is what I mean, which is contained in that writing called Mga Awit, ‘It’s necessary that his household be emptied of people and no longer lived in by anyone at all.’ And this also which is written, ‘It’s necessary that he be replaced in his position/responsibility.'” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

For the Old Testament quotes, see Psalm 109:8 and Psalm 69:25.

complete verse (Psalm 69:25)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Psalm 69:25:

  • Chichewa Contempary Chichewa translation, 2002/2016:
    “May their places be without people
    let there be not even one staying in their tents.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)
  • Newari:
    “May their cantonment be destroyed,
    May there not be anyone in their tents.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon:
    “May-it-be that they will-leave the tents where- they -are-dwelling,
    and no-one now will-dwell/live in their tents.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Laarim:
    “Would you give their homes to stay empty,
    may you let people not to live in their tents.” (Source: Laarim Back Translation)
  • Nyakyusa-Ngonde (back-translation into Swahili):
    “Mji wao uwe mahaame,
    asiishi mtu hata mmoja.” (Source: Nyakyusa Back Translation)
  • English:
    “Cause their towns to become abandoned/ deserted
    and that there will be no one left to live in their tents/houses.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Psalm 69:24 - 69:25

In verse 24a God’s indignation is parallel with burning anger in verse 24b; the word translated indignation can be thought of as a curse (so also in 38.3a).

In many languages the expression Pour out thy indignation must be recast in terms of punishment; for example, “Punish them in your anger” or “Be angry and punish them.” Let thy burning anger overtake them can sometimes be rendered “in your hot anger chase them until you catch them.”

The language of verse 25, camp and tents, recalls the time when the Israelites lived in tents, as they journeyed toward the Promised Land; it is probable that here the two words are simply synonyms for “towns” and “homes.” The psalmist wants his enemies and their families to be completely exterminated, so that their cities and homes will be left completely empty of inhabitants. In languages which will not express the passive verb constructions in lines a and b, it may be necessary to say “make them abandon their camps; cause everyone in their tents to die.”

This verse, changed and adapted to apply to one man (Judas), is quoted in Acts 1.20.

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 .