Translation philosophy

[Eyedoc84]

I just came across this quote from a 2nd century Rabbi regarding the translation of the Hebrew scriptures into Aramaic:

”He who translates a verse literally is a liar, while he who adds anything is a blasphemer.”

Thoughts?

 

[JH]

Rather short quote, you got more context?

 

[Eyedoc84]

Rather short quote, you got more context?

I don’t, sorry.

 

[Polanus1561]

I just came across this quote from a 2nd century Rabbi regarding the translation of the Hebrew scriptures into Aramaic:

”He who translates a verse literally is a liar, while he who adds anything is a blasphemer.”

Thoughts?

was the quote in English or translated literally?

 

[iainduguid]

I think it refers to the difficulty of translation, especially of a sacred text. Sometimes a "literal" translation doesn't accurately capture the sense of the original, while a more dynamic translation, which adds words in an attempt to make something clearer, may be guilty of changing the sacred text. Pray for those who have the weighty responsibility of Bible translation: it is a serious task.