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 15:7)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 15:7:

  • Kupsabiny: “Any person who has touched that person must wash his/her clothes and bathe. That person is also unclean until sunset.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Anyone who touches a man who has a disease of the semen must wash his clothes and he must also 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 touches such a man must wash his clothes and bathe, and no one should touch him until that evening.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 15:7

The body: is this to be taken literally, or is it once again a polite way of referring to the sexual organ itself, as it is in verses 2 and 3 and later in verse 19? Some commentators consider it euphemistic, but most English versions take it more literally here. The context of verses 4-12 seems to suggest more general contact. Instead of body, some versions simply say “the man” (New International Version as well as Good News Translation).

Again, the same ritual is required as in verses 5 and 6, if such contact is made.

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 .