complete verse (Revelation 13:5)

Following are a number of back-translations of Revelation 13:5:

  • Uma: “God allowed that evil animal to utter arrogant words [lit., words that put ahead], that are fitting/appropriate only to God. He was also allowed to rule and do his will for forty-two months.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “This creature was allowed to rule on earth for forty two months. He was also allowed to boast and even to speak-evil about/of God, he was simply allowed.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “God paid no attention to the beast when he spoke wicked proud words which were transgressions against God. He also permitted him to rule for forty-two months.” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “God permitted that fearsome animal to rule for forty two months and to speak arrogant-things that usurped-his (God’s) -authority/position.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “Suddenly/unexpectedly that monster was able to speak, to boast and to insult/belittle God. And he was permitted to reign over those he held subject for the space of forty two months.” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “The terrible animal was given power to open his mouth and talk. He spoke words of boasting and words which were against God. And forty-two months it was determined that he would have this power.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Revelation 13:5

The beast was given a mouth: here mouth represents the power of speech; “was allowed to speak,” “received the ability (or, power) to speak.” The passive verb points to God as the one who allows the beast to speak. So in those languages that do not use the passive, one may say “God allowed the beast to….”

Uttering haughty and blasphemous words: the Greek text says “great (utterances) and blasphemies,” which may be understood to mean “outrageous blasphemies.” For “blasphemy” see Rev. 13.1. For the whole statement see Dan 7.8, 20, 25. As translated by Good News Translation, the “proud claims” were themselves insults to God. The idea is that the beast was claiming rights and authority that belong only to God. One may also render this as “boast about his authority and thus insult God.”

It was allowed to exercise authority: again, God is in control; “God allowed the beast to have authority.”

Forty-two months: see 11.2-3.

Alternative translation models for languages that do not use the passive are:

• The beast received the right to boast about himself and thus insult God. He received authority to act for forty-two months.

Or:

• God allowed the beast to boast about his authority and thus insult him (God). God permitted him to have this authority for forty-two months.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on The Revelation to John. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1993. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .