brother (fellow believer)

The Greek that is translated in English as “brother” (in the sense of a fellow believer), is translated with a specifically coined word in Kachin: “There are two terms for brother in Kachin. One is used to refer to a Christian brother. This term combines ‘older and younger brother.’ The other term is used specifically for addressing siblings. When one uses this term, one must specify if the older or younger person is involved. A parallel system exists for ‘sister’ as well. In [these verses], the term for ‘a Christian brother’ is used.” (Source: Gam Seng Shae)

In Martu Wangka it is translated as “relative” (this is also the term that is used for “follower.”) (Source: Carl Gross)

See also brothers.

complete verse (Acts 22:13)

Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 22:13:

  • Uma: “This Ananias came, visiting me, he stood beside me and said to me: ‘My relative Saulus, see again!’ In the blinking of an eye I could really see again and I saw him.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “This Ananiyas came to me and stood beside me. He said to me, ‘Saul, you are my brother. You can now see again.’ Immediately I could see again,’ Paul said, ‘and I looked at him.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “He came near to me and he said, ‘My brother Saul, may it be that you can see again.’ And immediately my sight became bright and I stared at him.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “He came and stood where-I-was. Then he said, ‘My brother Saulo, you (sing.) are/will-be-able-to-see again.’ And simultaneously my-eyes cleared-up, and I saw him.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “Well, when I was there now in Damasco, that Ananias came to me. When he arrived, he said to me, ‘Saulo, my brother in believing, you are reverting indeed to being able to see.’ As those words of his were ending, I was now truly able to see him.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Acts 22:13

The verbs came and stood in the Greek sentence structure are actually participles dependent upon the main verb said. As has been pointed out on other occasions, it is quite often necessary to render participial expressions in the Greek sentences by finite verbs in English translation.

The verb rendered see again in the statement of Ananias is also translated later in the same verse as saw again and looked. The commentators point out that it has the basic meaning of “to regain one’s sight” in both of its occurrences. However, inasmuch as in the second instance it is used with the phrase at him, it is necessary to render the verb both by “see again” and “look.” Both Moffatt and An American Translation* have done something similar: “I regained my sight and looked at him”; many other translators simply render “looked at.” At that very moment or “instantly” (New English Bible) is certainly the meaning of the Greek idiom “in that very hour” (Revised Standard Version).

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on The Acts of the Apostles. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1972. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .