Teaching Team
Yeshua's Voice of Sarcasm
Our new Hebrew/English version of the four Gospels is moving along nicely. Every day our translators and reviewers are making more progress.
Our goal for the Delitzsch translation of the Gospels is different than most other Bible translations. Ordinarily, a "good" translation is one that renders the text into the target language so smoothly and naturally that it completely obscures the idiosyncrasies of the source language. A good translation presents the reader with the meaning of the source language without trying to be too literal. In our case, however, we want to preserve the nuances and flavor of the underlying Hebrew as much as possible.
One example of many is the use of sarcasm in the Gospels. Yeshua often employ's sarcasm to make a point or to criticize flawed thinking or poor behavior. Most English translations gloss or smooth over this Jewish form of communication. Here are two examples:
And he said to them, "You have a fine way of rejecting the commandment of God in order to establish your tradition!" (Mark 7:9 ESV)
"How nice that you have nullified the mitzvah of God in order to observe your tradition." (Mark 7:9 DHE)
Another example:
Then He came to His disciples and said to them, "Are [you] still sleeping and resting? Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners. Rise, let us be going. See, My betrayer is at hand." (Matthew 26: 45-46 ESV)
"Keep sleeping and rest! Look: the hour is near, and the son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. Arise, and let us go!" (Mattai 26:45-46 DHE)
These are small details, but they help present the Jewish Jesus. It's a Jewish way of communication--concise, straight forward, and pointed. It invokes the language of the prophets. We often see/hear the prophets employ sarcasm to rebuke, call back the rebellious, or to simply emphasize a point. Returning Yeshua's use of sarcasm returns his voice a little closer to that of his people and to the prophetic voice in Israel.
Learn more about this important translation project here: Delitzsch Hebrew Gospels
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Visitor Feedback:
I can think of one example where there's some controversy over whether or not Yeshua is using sarcasm.
I'm thinking of the beginning of Matthew 23, where Yeshua tells his disciples to pay attention to the teaching of the scribes and Pharisees. Some commentators--e.g. D.A. Carson in the EBC--think Yeshua is being sarcastic there. We disagree with Carson. But this example reminds me of the challenges you are facing in carrying out your translation.
Doug Ward | July 14, 2010 12:58 PM
I am pleased to have received the Mattai 5-7 sample of the DHE, and I am glad to read about your trying to put "realistic"-cultural comments by the Master. I have often felt that He used what we call sarcasm, not to cut but to bring home a point, it seems to be even a part of today's Jewish-culture as well. We have had a Gentile-one dimentional Yeshua too long!!! Kudos.
Chuck Houston | July 19, 2010 2:01 PM
"It's a Jewish way of communication--concise, straight forward, and pointed."
You've no idea how refreshing the above comment is to me! :-) It is good to know it.
Rossi P. | September 25, 2010 9:45 AM