The Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Latin that is transliterated “Levites” in English (only the Contemporary English Version translates it as “temple helpers”) is translated in Ojitlán Chinantec as “temple caretakers,” Yatzachi Zapotec as “people born in the family line of Levi, people whose responsibility it was to do the work in the important church of the Israelites,” in Alekano as “servants in the sacrifice house from Jerusalem place,” and in Tenango Otomi as “helpers of priests.” (Source: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125.)
In American Sign Language with a sign that combines “temple” + “servant.” (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Levite” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
The name that is transliterated as “Judah” or “Judea” in English (referring to the son of Jacob, the tribe, and the territory) is translated in Spanish Sign Language as “lion” (referring to Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5). This sign for lion is reserved for regions and kingdoms. (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. and Steve Parkhurst)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Nehemiah 12:8:
Kupsabiny: “The Levites who returned were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah. Him and his relatives were the leaders of the songs used to give thanks to God.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “The Levites were Jeshua, Binui, Kadmiel, Sherebia, Juda and Matania. Matania and his companions were the ones entrusted to sing songs of thanksgiving.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “Some of the other descendants of Levi who returned were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah. They were in charge of singing songs to thank God.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
After the leaders of the priests, the leaders of the Levites are listed. There are two groups of Levites, those in charge of the songs of thanksgiving and those who “stood opposite them in the service” (next verse). These were two Levitical choirs that sang antiphonally in the Temple liturgy (see Neh 11.17).
Who with his brethren was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving: The relative pronoun who refers specifically to Mattaniah who is associated with the other Levites by the phrase with his brethren. The Hebrew says they were “over” the songs in the sense of “above, in charge of.” Contemporary English Version says they “were responsible for,” and Darby translates “had the management of.” Good News Translation restructures the verse to make it clear that Mattaniah and his colleagues were in charge of the music.
The Hebrew word rendered songs of thanksgiving is related to the same verb as in Neh 11.17 with the meaning “to give thanks” or “to praise.” English translations generally refer to “thanksgiving” in this context. Contemporary English Version is an exception with “songs of praise.” In French translations they are mostly referred to as “songs of praise.” In many cultures there is a tradition of praise songs and this should be considered as a possible rendering here, remembering that these are praises that are part of a worship service to God. Jerusalem Bible therefore refers to them as “hymns of thanksgiving.” For a discussion of hymns or songs of praise and songs of thanksgiving, see the Introduction to A Handbook on Psalms, page 2.
Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Nehemiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
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