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Description
Normally statements are used to give information. Sometimes they are used in the Bible for other functions.
Reason This Is a Translation Issue
Some languages would not use a statement for some of the functions that statements are used for in the Bible.
Examples From the Bible
Statements are normally used to give information. All of the sentences in John 1:6-8 below are statements, and their function is to give information.
There was a man who was sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness in order to testify about the light, that all might believe through him. John was not the light, but came that he might testify about the light. (John 1:6-8 ULT)
A statement can also be used as a command to tell someone what to do. In the examples below, the high priest used statements with the verb “will” to tell people what to do.
He commanded them, saying, “This is what you must do. A third of you who come on the Sabbath will keep watch over the king’s house, and a third will be at the Sur Gate, and a third at the gate behind the guardhouse.” (2 Kings 11:5 ULT)
A statement can also be used to give instructions. The speaker below was not just telling Joseph about something Joseph would do in the future; he was telling Joseph what he needed to do.
She will give birth to a son, and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21 ULT)
A statement can also be used to make a request. The man with leprosy was not just saying what Jesus was able to do. He was also asking Jesus to heal him.
Behold, a leper came to him and bowed before him, saying, “Lord, if you are willing, you are able to make me clean.” (Matthew 8:2 ULT)
A statement can also be used to perform something. By telling Adam that the ground was cursed because of him, God actually cursed it.
… cursed is the ground because of you; (Genesis 3:17b ULT)
By telling a man that his sins were forgiven, Jesus forgave the man’s sins.
When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:5 ULT)
Translation Strategies
(1) If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, use a sentence type that would express that function.
(2) If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, add a sentence type that would express that function.
(3) If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, use a verb form that would express that function.
Examples of Translation Strategies Applied
(1) If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, use a sentence type that would express that function.
She will give birth to a son, and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21 ULT)
The phrase “you will call his name Jesus” is an instruction. It can be translated using the sentence type of a normal instruction.
She will give birth to a son. Name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
(2) If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, add a sentence type that would express that function.
Lord, if you are willing, you are able to make me clean. (Matthew 8:2 ULT)
The function of “you are able” is to make a request. In addition to the statement, a request can be added.
Lord, you are able to make me clean. If you are willing, please do so.
OR:
Lord, if you are willing, please heal me. I know that you are able to do so.
(3) If the function of a statement would not be understood correctly in your language, use a verb form that would express that function.
She will give birth to a son, and you will call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1:21 ULT)
She will give birth to a son, and you must call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.
Son, your sins are forgiven. (Mark 2:5 ULT)
Son, I forgive your sins.
OR:
Son, God hereby forgives your sins.