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.

complete verse (John 10:27)

Following are a number of back-translations of John 10:27:

  • Uma: “My sheep recognize my voice. I know them, and they follow me.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “The people who belong to me, the ones figuratively like my sheep, they listen-to/obey my voice. I know them and they follow me.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “Because my own people, they will listen to my words. I know who they are, and they will follow me.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Because my sheep, they recognize my voice and I also know them. Therefore I am the one they follow,” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “My sheep listen to my voice. I recognize/know them, and they also follow after me.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “My sheep know my voice. And I know which are mine. And they follow me.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on John 10:27

This verse reiterates themes found in verses 4 (the sheep follow him, because they know his voice) and verse 14 (I know my sheep).

There may be some confusion in rendering My sheep listen to my voice, since if one were speaking literally of sheep, the translation would probably be “listen to the sound of my voice,” while if one were speaking about people, it would probably be “listen to what I say.” Note, however, that beginning with verse 28, there is a definite shift back to speaking about people rather than sheep. Therefore it may be preferable to use a form which means essentially “listen to what I say.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1980. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .