high priest

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “high priest” in English is translated as “the ruler of the priests of our nation” in Yatzachi Zapotec, as “very great priest” in Chol (source: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125.), as “first over the priests” in Ayutla Mixtec, and “chief of the priests” in Desano (source for this and one above: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.).

In Uma it is translated as “Big Priest,” in Western Bukidnon Manobo as “high sacrificer,” and in Tagbanwa as “Most-important Priest of God.” (See here.)

See also priest and chief priest.

complete verse (Acts 7:1)

Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 7:1:

  • Uma: “The High Priest asked Stefanus, he said: ‘Is it really true, like those enemies of yours(s) have said?'” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “Then the leading priest asked Estepan, he said, ‘Is it true what they said?'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And then the chief priest asked Stephen, he said, ‘Is this true all these things that they are accusing you of?'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Then the highest priest inquired of Esteban, ‘Is what they accuse you (sing.) of true?'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “And then Esteban was asked by the Most-important Priest, ‘Well, is this which they are saying true?'” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Acts 7:1

Although Stephen is not explicitly mentioned either in verse 1 or verse 2 of the Greek text, the Good News Translation has included his name in the translation in order to make it immediately evident to the reader whom the High Priest addressed and whose speech is given in the following verses.

The question Is this really so? may require some expansion so that the reference of the pronoun this may be clear, for example, “Is what these men have accused you of true?” or “Are these accusations against you true?” or “Did you say what these men claim you said?” What is, of course, important in the High Priest’s question is not the validity or truth of what Stephen had said, but whether Stephen himself was guilty of having made the statements.

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 .