en_tm/jit/figs-declarative/01.md

Description

Normally statements are used to give information. But sometimes they are used in the Bible for other functions.

Reasons this is a translation issue

Some languages would not use a statement for some of the functions that statements are used for in the Bible.

Examples from the Bible

Statements are normally used to give information.

There was a man who was sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify about the light, that all might believe through him. John was not the light, but came that he might testify about the light. (John 1:6-8 ULB)

• All of the sentences in John 1:6-8 above are statements, and their function is to give information.

Statements can also be used as commands to tell people what to do.

He commanded them, saying, "This is what you must do. A third of you who come on the Sabbath will keep watch over the king's house, and a third will be at the Sur Gate, and a third at the gate behind the guardhouse." (2 Kings 11:5-6 ULB)

• The high priest used a statement with the verb "must" and then statements with the verb "will" to tell people what to do.

Statements can also be used to give instructions.

She will give birth to a son, and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21 ULB)

• The angel was not simply telling Joseph about something Joseph would do in the future; he was telling Joseph what he needed to do.

Statement can also be used to make requests.

Behold, a leper came to him and bowed before him, saying, "Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean." (Matthew 8:2 ULB)

• The man with leprosy was not just saying what Jesus was able to do. He was also asking Jesus to heal him.

Statements can also be used to perform something.

Cursed is the ground because of you. (Genesis 3:17 ULB)

• By telling Adam that the ground was cursed because of him, God actually cursed it.

Seeing their faith, Jesus said to the paralyzed man, "Son, your sins are forgiven." (Mark 2:5 ULB)

• By telling a man that his sins were forgiven, Jesus forgave the man's sins.

Translation Strategies

1. If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, change it to a sentence type that would express that function.
2. If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, add a sentence type that would express that function.

Examples of Translation Strategies Applied

1. If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, change it to a sentence type that would express that function.

   • She will give birth to a son, and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21 ULB)
     • She will give birth to a son. Name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.

2. If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, add a sentence type that would express that function.

   • Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. (Matthew 8:2 ULB)
     • Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean. Please do so.
     • Lord, if you are willing, please make me clean. I know you can do so.