complete verse (Acts 26:31)

Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 26:31:

  • Uma: “When they got outside, they talked to one another, saying: ‘That man has done nothing wrong worthy to kill him for or imprison him for.'” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “When they left from there, they were talking together, they said, ‘That man has done nothing worthy for him to be killed or for him to be imprisoned.'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And while they were leaving, they spoke to each other saying, ‘There is nothing he’s done worthy of death or even of being in prison.'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “and they went-out. After that they talked-together saying, ‘That person, he has no crime that would suffice for his death or imprisonment.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “When those three important ones had gone out, they conversed saying, ‘As for that person, it’s clear that he really hasn’t done anything for which he ought to be imprisoned or his life/breath severed.'” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Acts 26:31

The Greek of this verse reflects a Semitic formula (though not expressed in translation) which may be rendered literally “they said to each other saying.” In such a context, “saying” is redundant and is merely an indication of direct discourse (see Matthew 5.2, literally “he taught them saying”).

In some languages it may be necessary to change the order of should die or be put in prison since death would automatically rule out being put in prison. Therefore, the lesser penalty would normally occur first. On the other hand, it may be useful to preserve the present order but to translate it as “for which he should be put to death, or if not put to death, then at least be kept in prison.”

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 .