witness

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “witness” in English is translated as “truly have seen” in Highland Popoluca, as “telling the truth regarding something” (Eastern Highland Otomi), as “know something” in Lalana Chinantec, as “verily know something to be the truth” in San Mateo del Mar Huave, as “we ourselves saw this,” in Desano, as “tell the truth about something” in Eastern Highland Otomi, as “know something is true because of seeing it” in Teutila Cuicatec. (Source: Viola Waterhouse in Notes on Translation August 1966, p. 86ff.)

Translation commentary on Proverbs 14:5

Verse 5 contrasts what can be expected from a faithful witness on the one hand, and from a false witness on the other hand.

“A faithful witness does not lie”: “Faithful” in relation to a “witness” means a truthful witness, someone who reports the facts honestly and accurately in court. See 12.17 for “witness”. “Does not lie” may also be expressed positively as “always tells the truth.” See Good News Translation.

“But a false witness breathes out lies”: This is almost identical to 6.19a.

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 .