discharge

The Hebrew that is translated as “discharge” or similar in English is translated in Kalanga with tjigwele, a term that refers to sexually transmitted diseases. (Source: project-specific notes in Paratext)

In Kwere, the term ufila is used which implies pus (source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext) and in Newari it is translated as “disease of the semen.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)

complete verse (Leviticus 15:2)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 15:2:

  • Kupsabiny: “Tell (plur.) the people of Israel that if the genitals of any person (man) drips, that person is unclean.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Tell the Israelites — ‘If a disease of the semen happens to any male, by reason of that disease of the semen, that man will be unclean. ” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “to say this to the Israelinhon:
    If there-is a coming-out from the genitals/sexual-organ of a male because of his disease, that coming-out from him is-considered dirty/unclean.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘Tell this to the Israelis: When an infected discharge comes out of a man’s sexual organs , that fluid should not be touched.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 15:1 - 15:2

Said to Moses and Aaron: see 4.1.

Say to the people of Israel …: compare 1.2.

Discharge: this refers to an abnormal fluid that comes out of the male sexual organ as a result of some kind of sickness. Some versions make more explicit the fact that the discharge is the result of some kind of infection. This distinguishes it clearly from the discharge of semen discussed in verses 16 and 17. A good model for some languages may be Bible en français courant, “When a man suffers from an infection of his sexual organs, the resulting discharge is unclean.” Other translations have been more specific, suggesting that the disease in question is probably “gonorrhea.”

From his body: literally “out of his flesh,” as in King James Version. The word “flesh” or body is nothing more than a polite way of referring to the male sexual organ in this context. Some English versions say “member” or “private parts.” Good News Translation puts it more bluntly. In other languages such frankness may be unacceptable. There will be a wide variety of ways of referring to the sexual organs without naming them directly. Whatever term is used, it should meet two requirements: (1) it should be clearly understood; and (2) it should be acceptable terminology in speaking to men and women together (or as nearly so as possible).

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .