judge vs. condemn

The Greek terms krino and katakrino/katadikazo that are translated as “judge” and “condemn” respectively in English are translated with only one term in Kutu (tagusa). (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

complete verse (Acts 25:15)

Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 25:15:

  • Uma: “When I was in Yerusalem, the leading priests and the other Yahudi elders said their accusations that they accused him of, and asked me to punish him.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “When I went to Awrusalam, I was told by the leading priests and the elders of the Yahudi their accusations against him. They requested me to sentence/condemn (ilabo’) him.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And when I went to Jerusalem there were some accusations made against him by the chief sacrificers and elders of the Jews. They begged that I should sentence him to death.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “When I was in Jerusalem, the leaders of the priests and elders of the Jews pressed-charges (against him) to me, and they asked that I condemn him.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “When I went to Jerusalem, the chiefs of the priests and important tribal-leaders of the Jews brought out again this case against him. They were asking that I now pass sentence on him.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Jerusalem

The name that is transliterated as “Jerusalem” in English is signed in French Sign Language with a sign that depicts worshiping at the Western Wall in Jerusalem:


“Jerusalem” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

While a similar sign is also used in British Sign Language, another, more neutral sign that combines the sign “J” and the signs for “place” is used as well. (Source: Anna Smith)


“Jerusalem” in British Sign Language (source: Christian BSL, used with permission)

Translation commentary on Acts 25:15

Brought charges against is the same verb which appears in 23.15. Asked me to condemn him is literally “asking against him a condemnation.” In this construction, however, it is understood that Festus is the person whom they are asking to pass this decree of condemnation on Paul. Asked me to condemn him may be rendered as “asked me, Condemn this man” or “begged me, Declare this man guilty.”

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 .