A Critical Study of the Translation of Evgkra,teia (Egkrateia) in Galatians 5:23 in the Asante-Twi Bible (2017)

Abstract

Bible translation is a complex exercise that attempts to communicate what was first expressed in one language by expressing it in another so that readers may, as much as possible, discern what was said and infer what was meant in the original. Using the mother-tongue biblical hermeneutics approach, this study sought to critically examine the translation of egkrateia in Galatians 5:23 in the Asante-Twi Bible. Its objective was to find out whether egkrateia has been translated in the Asante-Twi bible in way that brings out what was meant by the author in the original text. The study found that evgkra,teia which is preferably rendered as “self-control” in English is translated as “anidahɔ” (vigilance, temperance) in the Asante-Twi Bible instead of “ahohyεsoɔ” (self-control). Ahohyεsoɔ (self-control) seems to express more vividly that “fruit of the Spirit” Paul talks about which has to do with one’s ability to control the natural appetites and desires. This research adds to the knowledge of the field of mother-tongue biblical hermeneutics. It is recommended that subsequent revision of the Asante-Twi Bible will consider translating egkrateia as “ahohyεsoɔ” (self-control).

Keywords

• temperance
• self-control
• bible translation
• asante people
• asante-twi bible
• egkrateia