den of thieves

The now commonly-used English idiom “den of thieves” (meaning a group of people engaged in or suspected of illegal, immoral, or underhanded activities or a place in which such activities take place) was first coined in 1382 in the English translation by John Wycliffe (in the spelling denne of theues). (Source: Crystal 2010, p. 290)

For other idioms in English that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

den of robbers

The now commonly-used German idiom Mördergrube (literally “murderers’ pit”), which today is primarily used in the expression “aus seinem Herzen keine Mördergrube machen” or “to speak freely” (literally: “don’t turn your heart into a murderers pit”), was made popular in 1522 in the German New Testament translation by Martin Luther. Note that from the 1956 the Luther Bible edition on forward, this was replaced with the more correct Räuberhöhle. (Source: Günther 2017, p. 90)

For other idioms or terms in German that were coined by Bible translation, see here.

In righteous anger he attacked hypocrisy (image)

“Jesus is doing something extremely dangerous here. The Thai temple is a place in which it is considered by religious people inappropriate to show any anger or strong emotions. It has to be an extremely urgent reason for someone to do something as violent as this in such a sacred space.”

Drawing by Sawai Chinnawong who employs northern and central Thailand’s popular distinctive artistic style originally used to depict Buddhist moral principles and other religious themes; explanation by Paul DeNeui. From That Man Who Came to Save Us by Sawai Chinnawong and Paul H. DeNeui, William Carey Library, 2010.

For more images by Sawai Chinnatong in TIPs see here.

complete verse (Luke 19:46)

Following are a number of back-translations of Luke 19:46:

  • Noongar: “and saying to them, ‘The Scriptures say this: God says, ‘My house will be called a house of praying’. But you have made it a cave where thieves hide!”” (Source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang)
  • Uma: “He said to them: ‘In the Holy Book, God says like this: ‘My house is a prayer house.’ But you(emphatic), you consider it a house of robbers!'” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “and he said to them, ‘It is written in the holy book, God says, ‘My house is called a house for prayer’. But you,’ said Isa, ‘you make God’s house like a house for thieves to hide in.'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And he said to them, ‘Get out of here, because there is a written word of God which says, ‘My house shall be called a house where people pray.’ However, as for you,’ said Jesus, ‘you’ve made it a place where cheaters stay.'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “saying, ‘It is written in God’s word, ‘My house, it is a praying-place of people.’ But as for you, you have turned it into a place-for-cheating your companions!'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “He said to them, ‘It is contained in the written word of God, ‘As for my house where I am worshipped, it will be called a house which is a prayer-place.’ But you have made it a nest of thieves!'” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Luke 19:46

Exegesis:

legōn autois ‘saying to them,’ cf. on v. 42.

gegraptai ‘it is written,’ introducing an Old Testament quotation.

kai estai ho oikos mou oikos proseuchēs ‘my house will be a house of prayer.’ kai may be left untranslated.

humeis de auton epoiēsate spēlaion lēstōn ‘but you (emphatic) have made it a robbers’ den.’

spēlaion ‘cave,’ ‘den.’

Translation:

It is written, see on 4.4. It may be necessary to indicate the speaker of the quoted words, e.g. ‘it is written that the Lord (or, God) has said.’

My house, cf. on “house of God” in 6.4, but the fact that God is referring here to what is his own may make necessary some adjustments, especially in honorific languages.

House of prayer, or ‘place (for) praying’ (Balinese), ‘house/place where people pray (to me).’

Den of robbers, or, ‘a cave hideout-of robbers’ (Javanese), ‘a thieves’ camp’ (Sranan Tongo), ‘a cave/place where robbers hide/meet.’ For robbers see on 10.30.

Quoted with permission from Reiling, J. and Swellengrebel, J.L. A Handbook on the Gospel of Luke. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1971. For this and other handbooks for translators see here . Make sure to also consult the Handbook on the Gospel of Mark for parallel or similar verses.