mercy

Click here to view graphically

The Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and Latin terms that are typically translated as “mercy” (or “compassion” or “kindness”) in English are translated in various ways. Bratcher / Nida classify them in (1) those based on the quality of heart, or other psychological center, (2) those which introduce the concept of weeping or extreme sorrow, (3) those which involve willingness to look upon and recognize the condition of others, or (4) those which involve a variety of intense feelings.

While the English mercy originates from the Latin merces, originally “price paid,” Romance languages (Italian, Spanish, Corsican, Catalan) and other Germanic languages (German, Swedish, Danish — Barmherzigkeit, barmhärtighet and barmhjertighed, respectively) tend to follow the Latin misericordia, lit. “misery-heart.”

Here are some other (back-) translations:

See also steadfast love.

Translation commentary on 2 Esdras 12:48

As for me, I have neither forsaken you nor withdrawn from you: These two clauses have exactly the same meaning. Ezra assures the people that he, like God, has not deserted them. Contemporary English Version combines these clauses, saying simply “I haven’t left you.” However, if possible, translators should keep both clauses for emphasis (so Good News Bible).

But I have come to this place to pray on account of the desolation of Zion: This place refers to the field where Ezra was sitting (see 2 Esd 9.26). Good News Bible renders to pray on account of the desolation of Zion as “to pray for Jerusalem in her time of trouble,” but this is not the meaning of the Latin clause here. It is better rendered “to pray on account of the lonely city of Jerusalem” or even better “to pray for Jerusalem now that all its people are gone.”

And to seek mercy on account of the humiliation of our sanctuary: Instead of our sanctuary, the Latin text has “your sanctuary” (Revised Standard Version footnote). We may take Revised Standard Version‘s textual footnote as a translational matter, so it is not needed. However, we prefer the Latin text here (so also Good News Bible with “your Temple”). For the Latin word rendered sanctuary, which refers to the Temple, see the comments on 2 Esd 10.21. This clause may be rendered “and to ask God to have mercy because your Temple has been disgraced” or “… now that our enemies have disgraced our Temple.”

Here is a possible model for this verse:

• As for me, I have not abandoned you either, and I have not forgotten about you. I came to this place to pray for Jerusalem now that its people are gone, and to ask God to have mercy now that your Temple has been disgraced [or, that our enemies have disgraced our Temple].

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Esdras. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.