arm (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-ude (御腕) or “arm (of God)” in the referenced verses.

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

Honorary "are" construct denoting God ("scatter")

Click or tap here to see the rest of this insight.

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 usage of an honorific construction where the morpheme are (され) is affixed on the verb as shown here in the widely-used Japanese Shinkaiyaku (新改訳) Bible of 2017. This is particularly done with verbs that have God as the agent to show a deep sense of reverence. Here, chiras-are-ru (散らされる) or “scatter” is used.

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

sea / lake

The various Greek, Aramaic, Ge’ez, and Latin and Hebrew terms that are translated as “sea,” “ocean,” or “lake” in English are all translated in Chichewa with one term: nyanja. Malawi, where Chichewa is spoken, has a lot of lakes but does not share a border with the ocean. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Psalm 89:8 - 89:10

Good News Translation restructures the three lines of Revised Standard Version verse 8 as two lines. The psalmist (or the congregation) praises God’s power as Creator (verses 8-14). For translation suggestions on the title “Yahweh God of armies” in verse 8a (LORD God of hosts), see 46.7. LORD in verse 8b translates Yah (see 68.4 and comments).

The word translated mighty occurs only here in the Old Testament. Some (Briggs, Weiser), instead of the Masoretic text mighty, read “your constant love,” which offers a more satisfactory text but is not necessarily the true text.

Good News Translation “in all things you are faithful” translates “your faithfulness (is) around you.” It is difficult to understand the precise notion of faithfulness here (in verse 2 it is joined to “steadfast love,” both of which are the main characteristics of God’s attitude toward his people). Here Yahweh’s role as Creator is in focus, and it is hard to understand why the psalmist singled out this particular characteristic. Cohen explains: “loyalty to his promises enwraps him like a garment.” The word is probably to be understood as speaking of Yahweh’s constancy, his consistency; all he does is in keeping with his character as sovereign Lord of the universe and of his people.

Verses 9-10 describe the creation in language similar to 74.13-14 (see comments there). The raging of the sea represents the primeval force of chaos, the watery abyss, which God subdued at creation. The expression rule the raging of the sea should not be translated by a term that refers to ruling as an administrator, but rather to controlling or subduing. In language areas in which the sea is unknown, a large body of water will have to be substituted, such as “the water of the lake” or “the water of the biggest river.”

The mythological sea monster Rahab is referred to also in Job 9.13; 26.12; Isaiah 51.9. Unlike its use in 87.4, Rahab here refers to the mythological sea serpent. Rahab will require a footnote as in Good News Translation, and cross references.

In verse 10b scatter thy enemies is the literal translation. Good News Translation renders the practical effect: “defeated your enemies.” Good News Translation “your mighty strength” translates thy mighty arm.

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 .