Japanese benefactives (isoide)

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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, isoide (急いで) or “hurry” 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 70:4 - 70:5

In verse 4 Revised Standard Version evermore translates the same Hebrew word translated “continually” in 40.16; in both places Good News Translation has “always.” In many languages the request form with May must be rendered as an explicit plea; for example, “I ask that…” or “I beg that….” In languages where this is not satisfactory, it will sometimes be necessary to use the direct command. In some languages, if one follows Good News Translation “thankful for your salvation,” it will be necessary to recast this phrase; for example, “May all who thank you that you have saved them….” In languages where there is no term for thanks, it is often possible to say “May all the people who gladly accept your salvation….”

In verse 4c God is used, whereas “the LORD” is used in 40.16.

Verse 5 differs a little from 40.17. Hasten to me, O God in line b is parallel to line d; and LORD is used in line d, whereas in 40.17 it is “my God.” In some languages it will be necessary to replace the nominal forms by verb phrases in lines c and d; for example, “You are the one who saves me, and you are the LORD whom I worship; do not delay to come and help me.”

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 .