serve (Igede)

The Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that is typically translated in English as “serve,” “minister,” “walk with,” or “service” is translated in Igede as myị ẹrụ or “agree with message (of the one you’re serving).” (source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

See also serve.

complete verse (Philippians 1:24)

Following are a number of back-translations of Philippians 1:24:

  • Uma: “But if I keep living in this world, it will be more useful to you, relatives, because you still need me.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “But because of you it is better that I am still alive a while so that I can help you.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “However, it’s necessary that I not yet die so I might help you.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “But because of you, it is more necessary that I still live on the earth.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “But also, you need me to be caused to live longer.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “But for you, it is good that I live.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Philippians 1:24

In this verse Paul states the other side of the dilemma. But here has the force of “on the other hand” (Phillips Bruce).

The Greek comparative translated it is much more important can also be rendered “it is more urgent” (New American Bible cf. Jerusalem Bible Knox), “it is probably more necessary” (Phillips), or “there is greater need” (New English Bible). I remain alive represents a Greek expression which is literally “to remain in the flesh.” Obviously “to remain in the flesh” in this context does not mean “to live in sin” (cf. Rom 7.5, 18).

For your sake may be expressed in some cases as “in order to help you.” This may be combined with the rest of the verse as “but in order to help you, it is much more important that I remain alive,” or “… continue to live.”

Quoted with permission from Luo, I-Jin. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Philippians. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1977. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .