happiness / joy

The Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that is typically translated in English as “joy” or “happiness” is translated in the Hausa Common Language Ajami Bible idiomatically as farin ciki or “white stomach.” In some cases, such as in Genesis 29:11, it is also added for emphatic purposes.

Other languages that use the same expression include Southern Birifor (pʋpɛl), Dera (popolok awo), Reshe (ɾipo ɾipuhã). (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

See also Seat of the Mind / Seat of Emotions, rejoiced greatly / celebrated, the Mossi translation of “righteous”, and joy.

complete verse (2 Corinthians 7:16)

Following are a number of back-translations of 2 Corinthians 7:16:

  • Uma: “So, relatives, one more time I say: we are so happy now, for our (incl.) connection is good again, I can trust you in everything.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “Therefore I am happy, because I know that you are really trustworthy.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And because of this, I am now very happy because I know that I can completely trust you.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “And extreme also is my happiness, for I know that I can trust you properly.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “Therefore I am now really happy for I am now really certain that what is now dominant in your minds/inner-being is wanting to do what is correct to do.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “As for me, very much do I rejoice, now I do not doubt about what you are doing, all is proper, nothing is lacking.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on 2 Corinthians 7:16

Paul’s expression of joy and confidence is implicitly in contrast with the concern and anxiety he had concerning the Corinthian church prior to Titus’ coming. Revised English Bible makes this contrast explicit by inserting the word “now”: “How happy I am now.”

Confidence translates the same Greek word translated in Revised Standard Version as “having courage” in 5.6, 8. The context here favors the meaning “confidence.” The adjective perfect is literally “all.” For this reason Good News Translation uses the adverb “completely.” Other versions read “I can repose such full confidence in you” (Knox); “I can trust you fully” (New Century Version); “I trust you utterly” (New American Bible). Some languages may have to say “I put my heart in you in all things.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellingworth, Paul. A Handbook on Paul’s Second Letter to the Corinthians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .