idol / idols

The Hebrew, Greek and Latin that is translated as “idol(s)” in English is translated in Central Subanen as ledawan or “images.” (Source: Robert Brichoux in OPTAT 1988/2, p. 80ff. )

In German, typically the term Götze is used. Originally this was used as a term of endearment for Gott (“God” — see here ), later for “icon” and “image, likeness.” Luther started to use it in the 16th century in the meaning of “false god, idol.”

Other terms that are used in German include Götzenbild(er) (“image[s] of idols”) or Bildnis (“image” — Protestant) / Kultbild (“cultish image” — Catholic) (used for instance in Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 5:8). The latest revision of the Catholic Einheitsübersetzung (publ. 2016) also uses the neologism Nichtse (“nothings”) in 1 Chron. 16:26 and Psalm 96:5. (Source: Zetzsche)

See also worthless idols.

Translation commentary on Isaiah 45:16

In this verse the prophet focuses on idol makers, saying they suffer total disgrace.

All of them are put to shame and confounded: All of them refers to the makers of idols mentioned in the next line. Good News Translation reverses these two phrases for clarity. For the same reason Revised English Bible combines them at the beginning of the verse, saying “All the makers of idols.” These models may be helpful for other languages. For are put to shame and confounded, see the comments on 41.11.

The makers of idols go in confusion together is parallel to the previous line. Go in confusion is literally “walk in humiliation,” which means the idol makers walk around in shame. The Hebrew noun rendered confusion comes from the same root as the verb translated confounded, both referring to humiliation. The adverb together is parallel to the initial phrase All of them.

There is a sound rhythm in this verse with the Hebrew letters k, l, and m as follows: niklemu (confounded), kullam (All of them), haleku (go), kelimmah (confusion).

For the translation of this verse consider the following examples:

• All who make idols are humiliated and disgraced,
they wander together in disgrace.

• All idol makers are completely humiliated,
they go around together in humiliation.

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .