soul

The Hebrew, Greek, and Latin that is translated as “soul” in English is translated in Chol with a term that refers to the invisible aspects of human beings (source: Robert Bascom), in Yagaria with oune or “shadow, reflection” (source: Renck, p. 81), and in Elhomwe as “heart” (source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext).

The Mandarin Chinese línghún (靈魂 / 灵魂), literally “spirit-soul,” is often used for “soul” (along with xīn [心] or “heart”). This is a term that was adopted from Buddhist sources into early Catholic writings and later also by Protestant translators. (Source: Zetzsche 1996, p. 32, see also Clara Ho-yan Chan in this article )

In Chichewa, moyo means both “soul” and “life.” (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

See also heart, soul, mind.

Translation commentary on Proverbs 16:24

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb”: This saying is related to the thoughts expressed in verses 21 and 23. The Hebrew expression translated “Pleasant words” is also used in 15.26, where Revised Standard Version says “words . . . are pleasing.” Both Contemporary English Version and Good News Translation say “kind words.” Revised Standard Version supplies “like” to make this line a simile. The Hebrew has “Pleasant words [are] flowing honey,” in which the element of comparison is expressed in the next line. For “honeycomb” see 5.3, where “honey” is used.

“Sweetness to the soul and health to the body”: The element of comparison between “Pleasant words” and “honey” is that they both bring refreshment or healing. “The soul” translates the Hebrew nefesh and refers here to the throat or to the palate or taste in particular (so Good News Translation). “Health” renders the same word used in 14.30. “Body” is the same Hebrew word rendered more literally by Revised Standard Version as “bones” in 3.8 and 12.4. Bible en français courant renders this saying “Kind words are like honey which is pleasant to the taste and good for the health.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

complete verse (Proverbs 16:24)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 16:24:

  • Kupsabiny: “Pleasant/Gentle words are sweet like honey
    and can (they) heal/save people.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Kindly words are like honey.
    By them [kindly words] the heart is pleased
    and strength is given to the body.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Sweet words are like honey; it can-give joy and can-strengthen the life of a man.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Good/nice words are like honey that is delicious and makes-healthy.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • English: “Kind words are like honey :
    We enjoy them both, and both cause our bodies to be healthy/strong.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 16:24

16:24

The first line of this proverb is a metaphor. The second line explains the similarity between pleasant words and a honeycomb.

24a Pleasant words are a honeycomb,

24b sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.

16:24a

Pleasant words are a honeycomb: This metaphor compares kind, gracious, or helpful words to a honeycomb. For the phrase Pleasant words, see the note on 15:26b.

honeycomb: The Hebrew expression that is used here is not the usual word for honeycomb. It refers to a honeycomb that is full or overflowing with honey. This idea is expressed by the Revised English Bible, although it does not make explicit the word honeycomb. It has:

Kind words are like dripping honey

In some languages, it may be awkward to express the full meaning of the Hebrew expression. Another way to translate it is to use a more general term. For example:

Gracious words are like a honeycomb (English Standard Version)
-or-
Pleasant words are like honey from a honeycomb (God’s Word)
-or-
Kind words are like honey (Good News Translation)

The point of the metaphor is the helpful qualities of the honey, not the amount of honey in the comb.

16:24b

sweet to the soul: Honey has a sweet taste. Similarly, pleasant words are sweet to the soul. This phrase indicates that they encourage people and make them happy.

and healing to the bones: Honey also restores physical strength and health. Similarly, pleasant words have a healing and strengthening effect on a person’s whole being. See 15:30b, which expresses a similar idea.

Some other ways to express the meaning of this line are:

making people happy and healthy (New Century Version)
-or-
they cheer you up and make you feel strong (Contemporary English Version)

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