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 Leviticus 22:19

To be accepted: this passive expression will have to be rendered in some languages as active. Some suggestions are “If God is to accept the animal…,” “If you want God to accept your sacrifice…,” or, reordering the whole verse, “Unless the animal is a male without defects, the LORD will not accept it.”

Without blemish: see 1.3. The following verses provide a list of the various “blemishes” or physical defects which exclude an animal from being offered as a sacrifice.

Of the bulls or the sheep or the goats: literally “among the herd (see 1.2), among the sheep or among the goats.” On the latter two types of animals, see 1.10. In the present context this whole expression has been left implicit in Good News Translation. However, it will probably be better in most languages to make it explicit. This information is expressed in Good News Translation in the following verse as “any animal.”

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .