See in Reader
4.2 KiB
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.
####A statement can also be used as a command to tell someone 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)
In the examples above, the high priest used a statement with the verb "must" and then statements with the verb "will" to tell people what to do.
####A statement 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.
####A statement can also be used to make a request.
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.
####A statement 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
- If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, use a sentence type that would express that function.
- If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, add a sentence type that would express that function.
- If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, use a verb form that would express that function.
Examples of Translation Strategies Applied
- If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, use 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) The phrase "you will call his name Jesus" is an instruction. It can be translated using the sentence type of a normal instruction.
- She will give birth to a son. Name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
- 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) The function of "you can make me clean" is to make a request. In addition to the statement, a request can be added.
- 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.
- If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, use a verb form 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, and you must call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
- Son, your sins are forgiven. (Mark 2:5 ULB)
- Son, I forgive your sins.
- Son, God has forgiven your sins.