joy

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The Greek, Latin and Hebrew that is translated with “joy” or “gladness” in English is translated with various associations of “sweetness” or taste: Bambara has “the spirit is made sweet,” Kpelle translates as “sweet heart,” and Tzeltal as “the good taste of one’s heart,” Uduk uses the phrase “good to the stomach,” Baoulé “a song in the stomach,” Mískito “the liver is wide open” (“happily letting the pleasures flooding in upon it”) (source: Nida 1952), Mairasi says “good liver” (source: Enggavoter 2004), Noongar has koort-kwabba-djil or “heart very good” (source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang), and Chicahuaxtla Triqui “refreshed heart” (source: Waterhouse / Parrott in Notes on Translation October 1967, p. 1ff.).

See also Seat of the Mind for traditional views of “ways of knowing, thinking, and feeling,” happiness / joy, and exceeding joy.

Translation commentary on Sirach 6:28

For at last you will find the rest she gives: Up to now the quest for Wisdom has been described as a struggle, but at last, finally, one day, “you will discover the peace of mind she offers” (Good News Translation). “Peace of mind” is a reasonable equivalent for rest here; but we may also say “Finally, she will cause your heart [or, mind] to have peace [or, be at rest].”

And she will be changed into joy for you: Wisdom has been a hard teacher (verses 20-21), but one day you will discover that the hard teacher suddenly has become a source of satisfaction. This line may be rendered “and she will become your joy” (Good News Translation), “and you will find that Wisdom brings you joy,” or even “and the Lord’s commandments will cause you to be joyful.”

Here is a model of this verse for those languages that cannot personify Wisdom:

• When you finally become wise, you will have peace. You will also be filled with joy.

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.