complete verse (Zechariah 4:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Zechariah 4:13:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then he said to me, ‘So, do you not know?’ I also replied, ‘I do not know, sir.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “He answered me, "Don’t you know what these are?"
    I answered, "I don’t know, my Lord.’
    14 Then he said to me, "These two have been anointed to serve the Lord of all the earth."” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “He answered, Do you (sing.) not know what the meaning of that (is)?’ I answered, ‘No, sir.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “He replied, ‘Surely you know what they are?’
    I replied, ‘No, sir, I do not know.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Zechariah 4:13

See the comments on verse 5, which is almost identical in sense, although the wording has minor differences. Translators should note that Good News Translation puts the introductory words “He asked me” before the question itself, rather than afterwards as in verse 5. Good News Translation also uses the word “answered” here, as against “replied” in verse 5. Translators should consider whether identical wording in the two verses or minor variations like those of Good News Translation will lead to better style in their own languages.

Quoted with permission from Clark, David J. & Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Zechariah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2002. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .