Interpretative Analysis of the Translation of Matthew 6:12 in the Farefare Bible

Abstract

The study sought to analyze the translation of the Greek word “ἄφες” (forgive) as “patience” in the Farefare language of the Upper East Region of the Republic of Ghana. Using the views of respondents in the field study conducted as well the mother-tongue biblical hermeneutics methodology by Kuwornu-Adjaottor, the findings of the study maintained that the Farefare term suguru which is often used to translate “ἄφες,” is inappropriate because suguru is a noun, while “ἄφες” is a verb. The study also established that the word bahɛ in Farefare means “forgive,” and frequently accompanies the noun be’em (sin/wrongdoing). The cultural understanding of the Farefare is that patience is necessary before granting forgiveness. As a result, this research recommends that the Farefare translation incorporates both “patience” and “forgive” in the appropriate order (that is patience first and then forgive) to reflect the intended meaning of the text and the indigenous cultural understanding. This work contributes to interpreting Biblical texts in the field of theology. Keywords: Sin, Forgiveness, Lord’s Prayer, Matthew, Luke, Farefare Translation, Patience, Suguru, ἄφες