en_tw/bible/kt/iyahweh.md

1.6 KiB

I, Yahweh; me, Yahweh

Definition:

In the Old Testament, when God spoke about himself, he would often use his name instead of a pronoun.

  • For example, instead of saying, "Honor me," he would say, "Honor Yahweh."
  • To make it clear that God is the one talking about himself, the ULB often translates this by adding a pronoun such as in, "Honor me, Yahweh" or "I, Yahweh say."
  • By adding the pronoun "I" or "me," the ULB indicates to the reader that God is the speaker.

Translation Suggestions:

  • Some translators may decide it is natural and clear in their language to simply follow the literal text and use "Yahweh" with no pronoun added.
  • Some may decide to use a pronoun with Yahweh only a few times at the beginning of a portion of text, but then omit the pronoun in the rest of that section. An ULB example of this is Deuteronomy 5:9-16.
  • It is best if possible to keep the name Yahweh where it literally occurs in the text, but some translations may decide to use only a pronoun in some places, to make the text more natural and clear.
  • This is a summary of possible ways to translate "Yahweh" when God is talking:
  • "Yahweh" (literal)
  • "I, Yahweh" (or "me, Yahweh")
  • "I" (or "me")
  • Introduce the quote with something like, "This is what Yahweh says."
  • Another option would be to only add the pronoun occasionally, but not at every occurrence.
  • The translation of this phrase should sound natural in the language and should make it clear that Yahweh is talking about himself.

(See also: Yahweh)

Bible References: