scorpion

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “scorpion” in English is translated in North Tanna as “centipedes” (Luke 10:19) or “millipede” (Luke 11:12) (source: Ross McKerras).

The literal translation in Noongar is nirnt-daalang or “tail-tongue” (source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang) and in Uma it is translated as “stinging-caterpillar” (Source: Uma Back Translation).

wild animal

The Hebrew, Latin and Greek that is translated in English as “wild animal” or similar is translated in Newari as “animal that lives in the jungle.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Sirach 39:29 - 39:30

These verses contain a list of eight items that, in addition to fierce winds (verse 28), are also used by God as instruments of punishment. The second line of verse 29 states this purpose; the other three lines are the list. Good News Translation, which combines verses 29-30, begins with the list, and translates verse 29b at the end as “these have all been created as punishments.” It would also be possible to translate verse 29b at the beginning of the list, saying “These things too have all been created as punishments: …” or “The Lord has also created certain other things as punishments [or, to punish people]:….” A signal such as “too” or “also” ties this list of punishments to verse 28. Good News Translation has placed verse 29a at the beginning of the list since it sounds better there in English. However, it is most important to place verse 29b in the correct position for clarity.

Fire and hail and famine and pestilence: Pestilence is literally “death,” and it is better to translate it that way (so New Jerusalem Bible). Once again Good News Translation leaves out the unnecessary uses of and, although translators may keep the first and as follows: “fire and hail, famine and death” or “fire and hail, along with famine and death.”

All these have been created for vengeance: This is the line moved by Good News Translation to the end of the list. Compare verse 28a. See the models above.

The teeth of wild beasts, and scorpions and vipers: Good News Translation does not mention the teeth of the wild animals since wild animals usually kill with their teeth. In cultures where scorpions are unknown, some other kind of poisonous insect may be used. Vipers are not just “snakes” (Good News Translation), but poisonous snakes.

And the sword that punishes the ungodly with destruction: The sword, alone on this list of punishments, is a man-made object rather than a force of nature. But it matters little. To ben Sira, human weapons are simply another force God can call on to deal out punishment to the wicked. “War” is a possible translation. Compare Lev 26.25; Isa 34.5.

An alternative model combining verses 29-30 is:

• The Lord has also created the following things as punishments [or, to punish people]:
fire and hail, along with famine and death;
wild animals, scorpions, and poisonous snakes,
and also war.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Sirach. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.