image

The Greek that is rendered as “image” in English translations is translated in Pökoot with körkeyïn, a word that is also used to translate words like parable and example.

See also parable.

complete verse (Mark 12:16)

Following are a number of back-translations of Mark 12:16:

  • Uma: “From there, they handed to him a silver coin [lit., money]. He said: ‘Whose image and whose name are on this money?’ They said: ‘The image and name of Kaisar.'” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “So-then they brought it to Isa. He said to them, ‘Whose picture and whose writing is it on this money?’ They said, ‘The picture of the Leader King and his writing.'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “And they showed Jesus a piece of money and Jesus said, ‘Whose picture and whose name is written on this?’ And they answered, ‘The name and the picture of the king in Rome.'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “When they brought it to him, he said to them, ‘Whose face and whose name is this?’ ‘The Emperador,’ they answered.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “Well, he was handed some Romano money, for that’s what was being used by the Judio. Having taken it, he said, ‘Well, whose picture and name are here on this money?’ ‘Well, the Impiradur’s,’ was their reply.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Mark 12:16

Exegesis:

eikōn (only here in Mark) ‘image,’ ‘likeness.’

epigraphē (15.26) ‘inscription,’ ‘legend (on a coin).’

The silver denarius bore, on the obverse, the likeness of the emperor’s head, in high relief, with the following inscription surrounding: TI CAESAR DIVI AVG F AVGVSTVS (‘Tiberius Caesar Augustus, son of the divine Augustus’).

Translation:

Likeness is translated as ‘picture’ (Southern Subanen, Amganad Ifugao), or ‘written mark’ (Tzeltal). In some languages engraving is referred to as ‘cutting.’ Caesar’s may require expansion to ‘these belong to Caesar.’

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on the Gospel of Mark. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1961. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .