bear child / give birth

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “bear (a child)” or “give birth to” is translated in Mairasi as “go to the forest,” reflecting the traditional place of childbirth for Mairasi women. (Source: Enggavoter 2004)

In Spanish it is translated as dar a luz, literally “to give to light.” Likewise, in Portuguese (dar à luz) and Italian (dare alla luce). (Source: Mark Terwilliger)

See also in childbirth / travail and birth.

complete verse (Job 39:2)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Job 39:2:

  • Kupsabiny: “Do you know for how many months (it/they) are pregnant,
    or do you know the day it gives birth?” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Do you know for how many months she carries the kid?
    Do you know the time that they give the kid birth?” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Do- you (sing.) -count the months of their pregnancy until they can-give-birth? And do you (sing.) know when they really will-give-birth?” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘Do you still want to argue with me, the Almighty One?
    Since you criticize me, you should be able to answer my questions!/why are you not able to answer my questions? ’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Job 39:2

Can you number the months that they fulfil…? asks if Job can tell how many months these animals carry their young; that is, how long they are pregnant before giving birth. The question in verse 2b repeats the question of verse 1a and most probably refers to goats and deer. Verse 2 may also be expressed, for example, “Do you know how many months they carry their offspring?” or “… they are pregnant?” Line b may be joined to line a; for example, “Do you know how many months these animals carry their young (inside them) and the time when they give birth?”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .