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A double negative occurs when a clause has two words that each express the meaning of "not." Double negatives mean very different things in different languages. To translate sentences that have double negatives accurately and clearly, you need to know what a double negative means in the Bible and how to express this idea in your language.

Description

Negative words are words that have in them the meaning "not." Examples are "no," "not," "none," "no one," "nothing," "nowhere," "never," "nor," "neither," "unless," "except," and "without." Also, some words have prefixes or suffixes that mean "not" such as the underlined parts of these words: "unhappy," "impossible," and "useless."

A double negative occurs when a sentence has two words that each express the meaning of "not."

We did this not because we have no authority.... (2 Thessalonians 3:9 ULB)

And it was not without an oath! (Hebrews 7:20 ULB)

Be sure of this—the wicked person will not go unpunished.... (Proverbs 11:21 ULB)

Reason this is a translation issue

Double negatives mean very different things in different languages.

  • In some languages, such as Spanish, a double negative emphasizes the negative. The following Spanish sentence No ví a nadie is literally, "I did not see no one." It has both the word 'no' next to the verb and 'nadie,' which means "no one." The two negatives are seen as in agreement with each other, and the sentence means, "I did not see anyone."
  • In some languages, a second negative cancels the first one, creating a positive sentence. So, "He is not unintelligent" means "He is intelligent."
  • In some languages the double negative creates a positive sentence, but it is a weak statement. So, "He is not unintelligent" means, "He is somewhat intelligent."
  • In some languages, such as the languages of the Bible, the double negative can create a positive sentence, and often strengthens the statement. So, "He is not unintelligent" can mean "He is intelligent" or "He is very intelligent."

To translate sentences with double negatives accurately and clearly in your language, you need to know both what a double negative means in the Bible and how to express the same idea in your language.

Examples from the Bible

Unless these men stay in the ship, you cannot be saved. (Acts 27:31 ULB)

Paul was telling them that they could be saved only if the men who were trying to leave the ship stayed in the ship.

This kind cannot be cast out except by prayer. (Mark 9:29 ULB)

Jesus was saying that the only way that kind of demon could be cast out was by prayer.

All things were made through him, and without him there was not one thing made that has been made. (John 1:3 ULB)

By using a double negative, John emphasized that the Son of God created absolutely everything.

Translation Strategies

If double negatives are natural and are used to express the positive in your language, consider using them. Otherwise, you could consider these strategies:

  1. If the purpose of a double negative in the Bible is simply to make a positive statement, and if it would not do that in your language, remove the two negatives so that it is positive.
  2. If the purpose of a double negative in the Bible is to make a strong positive statement, and if it would not do that in your language, remove the two negatives and put in a strengthening word or phrase such as "very" or "surely."

Examples of Translation Strategies Applied

  1. If the purpose of a double negative in the Bible is simply to make a positive statement, and if it would not do that in your language, remove the two negatives so that it is positive.

  • For we do not have a high priest who cannot feel sympathy for our weaknesses. (Hebrews 4:15 ULB)

    • "For we have a high priest who can feel sympathy for our weaknesses."

  • ... I do not want you to be uninformed. (1 Corinthians 12:1 ULB)

    • "... I want you to be informed."
  1. If the purpose of a double negative in the Bible is to make a strong positive statement, and if it would not do that in your language, remove the two negatives and put in a strengthening word or phrase such as "very" or "surely."

  • Be sure of this—wicked people will not go unpunished.... (Proverbs 11:21 ULB)

    • "Be sure of this—wicked people will certainly be punished...."

  • All things were made through him, and without him there was not one thing made that has been made. (John 1:3 ULB)

    • "All things were made through him. He made absolutely everything that has been made."