Some more translation headaches in Romans

Abstract

Following on a previous article, three more problematic lexical items which occur repeatedly in Romans are discussed: [foreign font omitted] and [foreign font omitted]. Typical of the old, etymological approach, translators are often inclined to attach too much weight to the preposition [foreign font omitted] in [foreign font omitted] In Romans 8:16, for instance, it would be more appropriate to translate [foreign font omitted] in the sense of �affirm�: �[t]he Spirit of God affirms to our spirit that we are God�s children�. Despite all objections, rendering [foreign font omitted] as �Gentiles/Gentile nations� still remains the best option. In certain contexts in Romans, it would be advisable to translate [foreign font omitted] as �I realise/am convinced�. Thereafter some ad hoc problems in Romans 12:6�8; 14:4 and 15:17 are discussed.

Keywords

• Bible translations
• charismata
• commentaries
• etymological fallacy
• gentiles
• translation equivalents
• witnessing