prophesy

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The Hebrew and the Greek that are translated in English versions as “prophesy” are translated into Anuak as “sing a song” (source: Loren Bliese), into Balanta-Kentohe as “passing on message of God” (source: Rob Koops), and into Ixcatlán Mazatec with a term that does not only refer to the future, but is “speak on behalf of God” (source: Robert Bascom).

Other translations include: “God making someone to show something in advance” (Ojitlán Chinantec), “God causing someone to think and then say it” (Aguaruna), “speaking God’s thoughts” (Shipibo-Conibo), “God made someone say something” “Xicotepec De Juárez Totonac) (source for this and above: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125), “proclaim God’s message” (Teutila Cuicatec), “speak for God” (Chichimeca-Jonaz), “preach the Word of God” (Lalana Chinantec), “speak God’s words” (Tepeuxila Cuicatec), “that which God’s Spirit will cause one to say one will say” (Mayo) (source for this and four above: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.), “say what God wants people to hear” (tell people God wod dat e gii oona fa say) (Gullah) (source: Robert Bascom), and “bring God’s mouth” (Bariai) (source: Bariai Back Translation).

In Luang it is translated with different shades of meaning:

  • For Acts 3:18, 3:21, 3:25: nurwowohora — “mouth says words that don’t come from one’s own mind.” (“This term refers to an individual’s speaking words that are not his because either a good or bad spirit is at work through him. The speaker is not in control of himself.”)
  • For Acts 19:6, Acts 21:9: nakotnohora — “talk about.” (“The focus of this term is on telling God’s message for the present as opposed to the future.”)
  • For Acts 21:11: rora — “foretell” (“The focus of this term is giving God’s message concerning the future. The person who speaks is aware of what he is doing and he is using his own mind, yet it is with God’s power that he foretells the future.”)

Source: Kathy Taber in Notes on Translation 1/1999, p. 9-16.

See also prophet and prophesy / prophetic frenzy.

complete verse (1 Corinthians 14:31)

Following are a number of back-translations of 1 Corinthians 14:31:

  • Uma: “If you do like that, you can all take-turns speaking God’s words, so that all of you get teaching and the hearts of all of you are strengthened.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “If you do like this it is possible that you all take turns speaking the word of God in order that you all can be taught and your liver encouraged.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “You may all speak; however, don’t speak at the same time, and then everybody can be taught and can de advised.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Because if you do that, you will all have opportunity to take-turns in telling what God has made-known to you so that you will all be taught and your faith will be strengthened.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “For if it’s like this all of those who are being inspired by the Espiritu Santo can speak, but they need to take turns, so that everyone gathered will be taught to the encouraging (lit.strengthening of the mind/inner-being) of all.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “Concerning all those whom God puts in their minds the word they must speak, they should speak in turn in order that the people who listen to their words will understand about the words and thus be strengthened.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on 1 Corinthians 14:31

Can: it is not certain whether this Greek word should be translated can, “may” (Good News Bible), or “have the power to.” The context suggests that Paul is now thinking that a meeting must be carried on in an orderly fashion because there is a limited time (see verse 40). Most translations leave the question open by translating can.

All is repeated three times, showing emphasis. Translators should maintain this emphasis if possible. Good News Bible adds “of you” after the first all, a necessary addition to make the meaning clear.

Learn: see 4.6 and 14.35.

Be encouraged: in this passage be encouraged has much the same meaning as “edification” in verse 26.

Quoted with permission from Ellingworth, Paul and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Paul’s First Letter to the Corinthians, 2nd edition. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1985/1994. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .