mercy

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The Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, and Latin terms that are typically translated as “mercy” (or “compassion” or “kindness”) in English are translated in various ways. Bratcher / Nida classify them in (1) those based on the quality of heart, or other psychological center, (2) those which introduce the concept of weeping or extreme sorrow, (3) those which involve willingness to look upon and recognize the condition of others, or (4) those which involve a variety of intense feelings.

While the English mercy originates from the Latin merces, originally “price paid,” Romance languages (Italian, Spanish, Corsican, Catalan) and other Germanic languages (German, Swedish, Danish — Barmherzigkeit, barmhärtighet and barmhjertighed, respectively) tend to follow the Latin misericordia, lit. “misery-heart.”

Here are some other (back-) translations:

See also steadfast love.

Translation commentary on Proverbs 11:17

“A man who is kind benefits himself”: “Man” in both lines of the verse is not intended to be exclusively an adult male and so an inclusive form such as “people,” “you who,” or “anyone” is better. “Kind” translates the Hebrew adjective meaning “merciful,” “good,” or “loyal.” “Benefits” refers here to profits or rewards.

“But a cruel man hurts himself”: “Cruel” contrasts with “kind” in the first line and means one who is fierce, angry, or violent. “Hurts” contrasts with “benefits” and means to do harm, injure, or cause trouble. “Himself” renders a different word than used in the first line and means “flesh.” In this context it has the sense of “himself”.

The point of this saying is that a person’s behavior toward others has unexpected consequences for himself or herself. Good News Translation may serve as a model translation. Bible en français courant is another model: “Goodness benefits the one who practices it, but cruelty turns itself against the one who is guilty of it.2

We may also say, for example, “Be kind to others and you will be rewarded; be cruel and you will suffer the results.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .