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 15:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 15:6:

  • Kupsabiny: “If a person has sat on something that that person who is dripping has sat on, (s)he must wash his/her clothes and bathe. That person is also unclean until sunset.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The person who sits in the place where the person sat who had the disease of the semen must wash his clothes, and bathe. He/she will be unclean until evening time.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “And anyone who touches him or the-place-where- he -lies or the-place-where- (he) -sits, he must launder his clothes and bathe, but he is- still -to-be-considered dirty/unclean until (it) becomes-twilight/dusk.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Anyone who sits on something that man has sat on must wash his clothes and bathe, and no one should touch him until that evening.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 15:5 - 15:6

In view of the almost exact repetition of the last part of verses 5 and 6, Good News Translation has wisely translated only once. The receptor language may or may not accept the kind of repetition found in Revised Standard Version. But in English it is certainly more natural to list such requirements only once. These requirements are similar to those in other cases of uncleanness (see chapter 11).

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 .