mule

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated with “mule” in English is translated in Swahili with nyumbu which also is a homonym for “wildebeest,” potentially causing confusion.

In Kutu it is translated with “big donkey” because there is no other adequate term in Kutu. (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

In the Hausa Common Language Ajami Bible it is translated jakin-doki or “donkey-horse,” since mules are also not known in Nigeria. (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

sheep

“Sheep are known throughout most of the world, even though, as in Central Africa, they are a far cry from the fleecy wool-producing animals of colder climates. Where such animals are known, even by seemingly strange names, e.g. ‘cotton deer’ (Yucateco) or ‘woolly goat’ (Inupiaq), such names should be used. In some instances, one may wish to borrow a name and use a classifier, e.g. ‘an animal called sheep’. In still other instances translators have used ‘animal which produces wool’, for though people are not acquainted with the animals they are familiar with wool.” (Source: Bratcher / Nida)

In Dëne Súline, it is usually translated as “an evil little caribou.” To avoid the negative connotation, a loan word from the neighboring South Slavey was used. (Source: NCAM, p. 70)

Note that the often-alleged Inuktitut translation of “sheep” with “seal” is an urban myth (source Nida 1947, p. 136).

See also lamb.

Translation commentary on Judith 2:17

He collected a vast number of camels and asses and mules for transport: For a comment on camels, see Tob 9.1. For asses refer to “donkeys” in Tob 10.10. Mules are the offspring of a female horse and a male donkey. They were valued for their strength and endurance in carrying loads. The army was well supplied, so many of these animals were needed for transport, that is, to carry the baggage and equipment.

And innumerable sheep and oxen and goats for provision: For oxen and sheep see Tob 8.19. For goats refer to Tob 2.12. These animals were taken for provision, that is, for the soldiers’ food. Note that they were innumerable (similarly Jdg 6.5; 7.12). Only a finite number of beasts of burden was needed for their purpose, but there was no telling how long the campaign might be and how much food might be needed, so the number of animals taken along for slaughter was virtually infinite.

In cultures where the animals in this verse are unknown, one may say “a large number of pack animals [or, animals for carrying loads] and a huge number of other animals for meat.”

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Judith. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.