Hebrew Poetry in the Bible: A Guide for Understanding and for Translating (Helps for Translators)
Overview
Translating poetry is the ultimate challenge for Bible translators—and a common one: nearly one-third of the Old Testament is in poetic form. Written for translators with little or no background in Hebrew, this practical guide suggests ways translators can compare the stylistic techniques of the Hebrew text with those in their own language. In this way, they can create the same poetic effect in their own translations. It points out typical problems that Old Testament translators face and suggests ways to set out the text that will help the reader.
Top Highlights
“In this manual we assume that biblical poetry is often best rendered in translation by its own equivalent, poetry itself.” (Page 7)
“poetry is most often organized in lines or measured utterances” (Page 3)
“These poems deserve careful treatment so that the real beauty and power of the original can be felt and the complete message can be experienced, rather than simply understood. If we reduce poetry to prose, the biblical message may lose its effect and, in a very real way, be robbed of some of its truth. Consistently translating poetic lines into flat prose is not being faithful to the text. It is not dynamically or functionally equivalent translation.” (Page 7)
“In poetry, on the other hand, the form of the message is prominent. The words and the way they are used are highlighted. Poetry is ‘language chosen and arranged to create a specific emotional response through meaning, sound, and rhythm’” (Page 2)
“The poem, on the other hand, seems to be a jumble of rhythm, repetition, imagery, and emotion.” (Page 6)
- Title: Hebrew Poetry in the Bible: A Guide for Understanding and for Translating
- Authors: Ernst R. Wendland, Lynell Zogbo
- Series: Helps for Translators
- Publisher: United Bible Societies
- Print Publication Date: 2000
- Logos Release Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
- Subjects: Hebrew poetry, Biblical › History and criticism; Hebrew poetry, Biblical › Translating
- Resource ID: LLS:HFTHBPOET
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2022-01-18T21:54:37Z