en_tm/translate/figs-ellipsis/01.md

Description

Ellipsis is what happens when a speaker or writer leaves one or more words out of a sentence because he knows that the hearer or reader will understand the meaning of the sentence and fill in the words in his mind when he hears or reads the words that are there. The information that is omitted has usually already been stated in a preceding sentence or phrase.

So the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. (Psalm 1:5)

This is ellipsis because "sinners in the assembly of the righteous" is not a complete sentence. The speaker assumes that the hearer will understand what it is that sinners will not do in the assembly of the righteous by filling in the action from the previous clause.

Reason this is a translation issue

Readers who see incomplete sentences or phrases may not know what the missing information is if they do not use ellipsis in their language.

Examples from the Bible

For Adam was formed first, then Eve. (1 Timothy 2:13 ULB)

The underlined phrase above means, "then Eve was formed."

... his works were evil and his brother's righteous. (1 John 3:12 ULB)

The underlined phrase above means, "his brother's works were righteous."

He makes Lebanon skip like a calf and Sirion like a young ox. (Psalm 29:6 ULB)

The underlined phrase above means, "he makes Sirion skip like a young ox."

Then Saul said to his armor bearer, "Draw your sword and thrust me through with it. ..." But his armor bearer would not, for he was very afraid. (1 Samuel 31:4 ULB)

The underlined phrase above means, "But his armor bearer would not draw his sword and thrust Saul through with it."

Translation Strategies

If ellipsis would be natural and give the right meaning in your language, consider using it. If not, here is another option:

1. Add the missing words to the incomplete phrase or sentence.

Examples of Translation Strategies Applied

1. Add the missing words to the incomplete phrase or sentence.

• ... the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. (Psalm 1:5)

  • ... the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor will sinners stand in the assembly of the righteous.
  • ... the wicked will not stand in the judgment, and sinners will not stand in the assembly of the righteous.

• He makes Lebanon skip like a calf and Sirion like a young ox. (Psalm 29:6)

  • He makes Lebanon skip like a calf, and he makes Sirion skip like a young ox.