enemy / foe

The Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Latin that is translated as “enemy” or “foe” in English is translated in the Hausa Common Language Bible as “friends of front,” i.e., the person standing opposite you in a battle. (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

In North Alaskan Inupiatun it is translated with a term that implies that it’s not just someone who hates you, but one who wants to do you harm (Source: Robert Bascom), in Tarok as ukpa ìkum or “companion in war/fighting,” and in Ikwere as nye irno m or “person who hates me” (source for this and one above: Chuck and Karen Tessaro in this newsletter ).

Translation commentary on 1 Maccabees 7:29

So he came to Judas, and they greeted one another peaceably: In some languages came to Judas will be rendered “came to see Judas” or “came to meet with Judas.” For they greeted one another peaceably, Good News Bible has “they exchanged polite greetings,” which is excellent. It does not indicate any friendliness, but simply courtesy.

But the enemy were ready to seize Judas: Seize is translated “kidnap” by Good News Bible, An American Translation, and several other versions, but it is really not quite the right word. It implies that Judas might be returned, which was surely not Nicanor’s intention. The Greek verb for seize implies more than simply seizing; it also implies that he would be taken away by force, so this clause may be rendered “but Judas’ enemies intended to [seize him and] take him away by force.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.