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 10:4)

Following are a number of back-translations of John 10:4:

  • Uma: “When he has led them all outside, he walks ahead of his sheep, and his sheep follow him, because they know how to recognize his voice.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “When they are outside, he goes ahead and the sheep follow after him because they recognise his voice.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And when the one who cares causes his own sheep to go out, he goes ahead and they will follow him because they are used to his voice.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “When they all go-out then, he leads them, and he is the one they follow, because they know his voice.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “When he has brought out all which are his, he then is the one there in front and the sheep follow behind him, because they recognize his voice.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “When he has brought out all his sheep, he goes ahead of his sheep. The sheep follow him because they know his voice.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on John 10:4

This verse may imply that there are other sheep in the fold that do not recognize the shepherd’s voice and so will not follow him. If so, this parable has a cutting edge. Jesus is not only speaking of those who hear his voice and follow him; he is also directing a polemic against those who refuse to acknowledge him and obey his voice.

In the clause when he has brought them out, the pronoun them actually translates “all his own” (Revised Standard Version). Good News Translation uses a pronoun in this verse because the pronoun follows the noun phrase his own sheep of the preceding verse.

The verb brought … out translates the same verb used in 9.34, where it means “to put out (of the synagogue).” Obviously the meaning “to bring out” or “to lead out” is intended here.

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 .