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)

spit

The Hebrew in Leviticus 15:8 that is translated as “spit” in English is translated in Kwere with a term that implies “spitting with disgust,” the same term that is used in Matthew 26:67, when Jesus is spat on. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

complete verse (Leviticus 15:8)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 15:8:

  • Kupsabiny: “If that person has spat on a clean person it is necessary for the person who was spat on to wash his/her clothes and bathe. That person who was spat on is unclean until sunset.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “If a man with disease of the semen spits on a clean person, he/she must wash his/her clothes and he/she must also bathe. He/she will be unclean until evening time.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Anyone who is-spits-upon by this person, 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: “‘If such a man spits on someone else, that person who is spit upon should not be touched. He must wash his clothes, and no one should touch him until that evening.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 15:8

Spits on: this gesture is usually a sign of intense dislike or rejection (see Num 12.14; Deut 25.9; Matt 26.67; 27.30). In the first two passages mentioned, it involves “spitting in the face of someone,” but here the action may be accidental or to show contempt. In either case, the person on whom the infected man spits is required to wash his clothing and his entire body.

He shall wash …: the pronoun refers to the man who has been spat on and not the man with the discharge. This should be made clear in the receptor language.

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 .