Questions tagged [translation]
Questions about translation in general, or about translation of specific words in Jewish texts.
311
questions
0
votes
0answers
100 views
English translation of Iggeres Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai
Is there an English translation available of Iggeres Rabban Yochanan ben Zakkai?
0
votes
0answers
45 views
Why does the shva in Bereishit 1:2 express “vav” as an adverb (Now) in JPS 1917 translation?
Why does the shva cause the "vav" to be expressed in English as an adverb Now : "Ve" (וְ) instead of the conjunction And : "Va" (וַ), "Ve" (וְ), "U" (...
2
votes
1answer
30 views
What is the translation of הרכבה מזגית / הרכבה שכונית?
In the introduction to Shev Shmattsa letter 'מ' he talks about various cases of two things that combine to become one (the guf and the neshama, a mule, someone who is half eved half ben chorin, etc). ...
0
votes
0answers
21 views
English translation of Kuzari Sheini
Does anyone know of an online English translation of the Kuzari Sheini by R' David Nieto?
2
votes
0answers
36 views
Hebrew verbs in the Creation [duplicate]
Genesis 1 uses three distinct verbs when describing the Creation:
Strong's #
Hebrew
Transliteration
English
Verses
H1254
בָּרָא
bara'
to create
1, 21, 27
H1961
הָיְתָ֥ה
hayah
to be
2, 3, 14
H6213
...
-1
votes
1answer
42 views
Leviticus 4:20 in most English bible translations use “atonement” which is poor translation of Hebrew's kaphar (cover)
This is a follow-up question to the previous:
Similarity between atonement in Leviticus 4:20 & cover in Genesis 6:14 in terms of semantics, wording/phrasing, lettering/grammer, pronunciation?
...
3
votes
1answer
39 views
Rashi quoting Targum more in Mikeitz
Although Rashi ordinarily quotes old French every now and then throughout his commentary on the Torah, it seems like the beginning of Mikeitz is particularly filled with those translations. For ...
1
vote
0answers
48 views
Tikkune Zohar English Translation Online
Is there an online English translation to Tikkune Zohar? If so where do I find it .
1
vote
0answers
34 views
What is the root/deeper meaning of ממילא? [closed]
I am trying to understand what the word means and what its root is. How it comes to translate into "automatically" or "by itself", etc. What words is it related to? What is the ...
2
votes
1answer
107 views
Clarifications on Mishneh Torah (Ishut 10:16)
הַמְאָרֵס אֶת בִּתּוֹ קְטַנָּה וּתְבָעָהּ הַבַּעַל לְנִשּׂוּאִין. בֵּין הִיא בֵּין אָבִיהָ יְכוֹלִין לְעַכֵּב שֶׁלֹּא תִּנָּשֵׂא עַד שֶׁתַּגְדִּיל וְתֵעָשֶׂה נַעֲרָה וְאִם רָצָה לְכָנְסָהּ כּוֹנֵס. ...
6
votes
1answer
407 views
Any known translations of the Talmudim et al into classical languages, prior to the 19th century?
Through the 19th and 20th centuries, the Bavli and Yerushalmi were fully or partially translated into English, French, German, Arabic and Italian.
Are there any extant translations of the Talmudim and/...
1
vote
1answer
60 views
What is the origin of the word פְּלַסְתֵּר?
The Gemara Berachos (31b) writes
אֵלֵךְ וְאֶסְתַּתֵּר בִּפְנֵי אֶלְקָנָה בַּעֲלִי, וְכֵיוָן דְּמִסְתַּתַּרְנָא מַשְׁקוּ לִי מֵי סוֹטָה, וְאִי אַתָּה עוֹשֶׂה תּוֹרָתְךָ פְּלַסְתֵּר, שֶׁנֶּאֱמַר ״...
0
votes
1answer
59 views
Translating Maggid Mishneh (Issurei Biah 12:10)
My previous three questions on this topic dealt with the Rambam's original text, touching upon matters of both translation and interpretation, the two being inexorably linked; in this follow-up, ...
-1
votes
1answer
69 views
Why is חֲבַצֶּ֣לֶת traditionally translated as a “Rose” (וֶרֶד), instead of an “Onion” (בָּצָל)?
In reference to the megillah שִׁ֥יר הַשִּׁירִ֖ים Chapter 2 : verse 1, the Ivri (עִבְרִי) word "חֲבַצֶּ֣לֶת" is translated as Rose "וֶרֶד". - When using Google translate, Rose and ...
1
vote
1answer
168 views
Are there any cases in the Tanakh where the form of the word could ambiguously have either the root יָרֵא (fear) or רָאָה (see)?
Abijah originally asked this question in Biblical Hermeneutics (https://hermeneutics.stackexchange.com/questions/52502/translating-forms-of-yirah-as-fear-or-seeing). Abijah stated how the question ...
1
vote
0answers
26 views
What’s the difference between בכי and דמעה? Also, are there additional terms for tears in לשון הקודש [closed]
Is there a difference between בכי and דמעה and if yes, what is it?
0
votes
1answer
66 views
Ambiguity in the Rambam: Does בְּזָדוֹן Imply Mutual Consent?
This is a follow-up to my previous question:
In the following excerpt, does the term בְּזָדוֹן imply mutual consent, or simply a unilateral decision on the part of one of the two people involved, ...
2
votes
1answer
160 views
What is the original meaning of the Hebrew word שְׁכִינָה?
While שְׁכִינָה doesn't occur in the תנ״ך, the verb of its root שָׁכַן does, as well as שֵׁ֫כֶן … n.m. dwelling [physical structure]; שָׁכֵן … adj. inhabitant, neighbor; מִשְׁכָּן … dwelling-place, ‘...
0
votes
1answer
94 views
inscription on Chagall's “White Crucifixion”? [closed]
What does the inscription on Chagall's painting White Crucifixion say?
Isn't John 19:19 ("Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews") written ישוע הנצרי ומלך היהודים in Hebrew?
0
votes
2answers
136 views
Ambiguity in the Rambam: Who Is Pursuing Whom?
The following has already been translated, but upon closer examination, something seems amiss:
אֲבָל יִשְׂרָאֵל הַבָּא עַל הַכּוּתִית ... כֵּיוָן שֶׁבָּא עַל הַכּוּתִית בְּזָדוֹן הֲרֵי זוֹ נֶהֱרֶגֶת ...
1
vote
1answer
84 views
Where can I find an English translation of the Hebrew “Sefer ben ha-melekh we-ha-nazir” or “Book of the Prince and the Ascetic” story?
Here is an article about the story: https://journals.openedition.org/crm/13772#text
It was written by Abraham Ibn Hisday in the 13th century, roughly based on the Christian legend of Barlaam and ...
1
vote
0answers
26 views
What does Nichar mean as a way killing animals? [duplicate]
Yoreh Deah 16:9
אין איסור" אותו ואת בנו" אלא בשחיטה בלבד, שנאמר "לא תשחטו". אבל אם ניחר (פי' ענין הנחירה הוא שתוחב הסכין בנחיריו וחותך) את הראשון, או נתנבל בידו – מותר לשחוט השני. ...
5
votes
2answers
982 views
Other gods or gods of others?
I have recently noted that the phrase אֱלֹהִים אֲחֵרִים is consistently translated by Artscroll as gods of others, suggesting a construct state or semikhut. However, as Joel K pointed out, the ...
-1
votes
1answer
109 views
Masoretic v Septuagint
Having come across some claims, and some websites, there seems to be a disagreement between the Masoretic and Septuagint scrolls/texts and that one is more or less reliable than the other.
Are there ...
-1
votes
1answer
91 views
Is there precedence in Jewish history for translating Psalm XXII 17 “they pierced my hands and my feet”? [closed]
According to Alexander Harkavy's Jewish translation of the Tanakh called "The Holy Scriptures" (first published 1916, reprinted 1936 & 1951) the ending of Psalm XXII 17 reads "they ...
2
votes
1answer
54 views
Translating Ramban on Dovid Hamelech's birth/ancestry
I am trying to learn this with a friend but I am having trouble translating - any help would be great! Does anyone know according to Ramban what is the miracle involved in the birth of Dovid Hamelech/...
1
vote
1answer
106 views
Barternura in English Online
We have a few English translations of Barternura at sefaria. Is there any site that offers a full English translation of Barternura's commentary of Mishnayot online?
1
vote
1answer
88 views
English translation of Tur Yoreh Deah
I am looking for a translation of the Tur's Yoreh Deah, specifically siman 335. I have not been able to find a translation online anywhere. Sefaria has some of it, but not that siman. Thank you for ...
1
vote
1answer
219 views
Transliteration and text help for the nisim b'chol yom
My son is becoming a bar mitzvah, and he specified that he wanted to use a translation of the nisim b'chol yom (for daily miracles) prayer not from the siddur, but from a hand out in Hebrew school. I ...
3
votes
1answer
164 views
What is the difference between Vayomer and Vayomar?
In Chumash, sometimes it says vayomer, but other times it says vayomar. What is the difference? Don't they both just mean "he said"?
0
votes
2answers
219 views
Are angels supernatural beings?
Today's popular view of angels is that they are supernatural beings with various powers.
But the Biblical word מַלְאָךְ, mal'ak, can simply mean "messenger" or "agent", and it is translated as such ...
3
votes
1answer
56 views
Correct translation of Micah 5:1
1 Samuel 23:23 speaks of 'thousands of Yehudah', Micah 5:1 also speaks of 'thousands of Yehudah', but then I noticed Zechariah 12:5-6 which speaks of 'princes/leaders of Yehudah'. I know there are two ...
2
votes
2answers
185 views
Full translation of Chofetz Chaim into English?
Can anyone recommend (or does this even exist?) a full translation of the Chofetz Chaim into English? I'm aware of some of the 'lesson-a-day' things but am not sure whether these are full translations ...
2
votes
2answers
315 views
Why do English translations use the name “Eve” rather than “Chava”?
When the Bible is translated into English, most Hebrew names are simply transliterated into Roman characters.
In a few cases though, a completely different name is used.
In the case of Hadassah/...
2
votes
1answer
48 views
Tur CM 123:16: “שאין לך מציל ממון חבירו”
I'm struggling with one particular phrase in the Tur (CM 123:16). Most of it is clear until we get to:
אבל אם התובע במדינה זו והנתבע במדינה אחרת הרי זה עושה מצוה שאין לך
מציל ממון חבירו גדול מזה ...
1
vote
1answer
52 views
Jeremiah 23:33 - “burden”?
I have difficulties to understand the German term "Last" or "Lastwort" in the common Christian German translations of Jeremiah chap 23, verse 33 (corresponding to "burden" in English versions). Thanks ...
-1
votes
1answer
60 views
Is “covet” in the tenth Commandment more than a mental attitude? [duplicate]
In halacha - Stoning of homosexuals - Mi Yodeya, mbloch recently said:
In a nutshell, the Torah is not so concerned and doesn't judge how people feel or what their desires are. It prohibits actions ...
5
votes
1answer
86 views
What does מצלאים mean? What was said?
In O"C 288:10 the Shulchan Aruch states:
נרדף מפני רוח רעה שאמרו לאו דוקא דה"ה לכל חולי שיש בו סכנת היום זועקים ומתחננין וכן נהגו לומר מצלאים בשבת על חולים המסוכנים סכנות היום: הגה וכן מותר ...
-2
votes
2answers
76 views
Old French in commentaries
Why are there references to "Old French" in some commentaries? I don't have any examples to show but if that is required I could research.
7
votes
2answers
79 views
Why translate a vav, “but”?
I know that this is quibbling over a translation, but I don't have access to the translators themselves, so I'm wonering if anyone knows of a justification.
In Bereishit 14:18, the text reads
...
1
vote
1answer
99 views
Is the English “YHWH” a valid equivalent to the Tetragrammaton?
What is the halachic stance on the Tetragrammaton transliterated into English as YHWH or Yawheh or Jehovah? Is it accurate to use the English letters YHWH as the Hebrew equivalent? We see this ...
4
votes
2answers
112 views
Dikduk question on psalm 93
This question bothers me every Friday night; I have looked at various Bible translations and traditional commentators but have not found an answer.
In Psalm 93 we have the phrase:
נָֽשְׂא֤וּ ...
2
votes
1answer
135 views
How does one write a Kosher Sefer Torah in Greek? [duplicate]
Following question of "why-is-a-greek-torah-scroll-kosher", the Mishna in Meggila 1.8 reads:
אֵין בֵּין סְפָרִים לִתְפִלִּין וּמְזוּזוֹת אֶלָּא שֶׁהַסְּפָרִים נִכְתָּבִין בְּכָל לָשׁוֹן... ...
7
votes
1answer
201 views
Is Melech ever a verb?
In the Artscroll machzor (ashkenaz), in the Chazarat Hashatz for shacharit of Rosh Hashana, the piyut with the refrain "Hashem Melech, Hashem malach, Hashem yimloch le'olam va'ed" has a strange ...
6
votes
1answer
170 views
What does מעלה עליו הכתוב mean?
There are two consecutive Mishnayos in Pirkei Avos that use the phrase "מעלה עליו הכתוב", which loosely translates to 'scripture treats him as...'
The first is:
רַבִּי שִׁמְעוֹן אוֹמֵר, ...
1
vote
1answer
82 views
Question about Megillas Sefer [closed]
In the English translation of “Megilas Sefer,” on page 169 line 4, there is a fragment of a sentence in which the first part of the sentence is missing. This fragment has nothing to do with the ...
3
votes
0answers
107 views
Tikkunei Zohar in English or Hebrew
Has the Tikunei Zohar ever been translated into English? Perhaps Hebrew? Online or dead tree works.
2
votes
0answers
42 views
What does Rashi mean by the words “לחבר ולפטרון”?
In Parshas Vayigash (פרק מה פסוק ח), Yosef tells his brothers to tell Yaakov Avinu that
וישימני לאב לפרעה
"[G-d] made me a father to Pharaoh". Rashi comments and says that this means
לחבר ...
-1
votes
1answer
56 views
Hebrew text of Ramban on Leviticus 19,19
The reason for forbidden mixtures is that God created species in the world - in all of those with spirits, in plants and in animate beings - and gave them the ability to reproduce, such that the ...
3
votes
1answer
151 views
What does מיללעליכט mean in this Responsa?
In Shu"t HaElef Lecha Shlomo 1:116 it mentions a type of light called מיללעליכט and I am having a hard time deciphering what type of light it is. Only thing that came up was a light bulb called the ...
