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 15:4)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 15:4:

  • Kupsabiny: “Any thing that the person has slept on is unclean and anything he has sat on is unclean.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The bed in which a man with disease of the semen sleeps and places [where] he sits will be unclean.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Whatever he lies-on or sits-on will-become dirty/unclean.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘And any bed that such a man lies on should not be touched, and anything that he sits on should not be touched.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 15:4

The Good News Translation rendering of this verse seems to indicate that a chair or any other object on which such a person sat might be not considered unclean, since only beds are mentioned. However, in view of the context and especially the phrase everything on which he sits, it is certain that any such object would be regarded as unclean. Compare the renderings of New American Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, New Jerusalem Bible, An American Translation, and other versions. Translators should be careful not to follow Good News Translation too closely at this point, since the statement involves any object on which the infected man may sit or lie.

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 .