Translations and interpretations of baptizontes (Mt 28:19–20) in some Ghanaian mother tongue translations of the Bible

Jonathan E.T Kuwornu-Adjaottor

doi:10.4102/hts.v77i1.6859

Abstract

Scholars have written on Jesus’ command to make disciples, but little work has been done on the translation of baptizontes. Using the mother-tongue biblical hermeneutics approach, this article analyses the translation of baptizontes in 12 Ghanaian mother tongue Bibles. The findings are that the various Ghanaian mother tongue translations of Matthew 28:19 render baptizontes variedly, to suit the indigenous Bible readers. Translators sometimes use religiocultural words and phrases that express a similar idea in their contexts to translate the word. Thus, Bible translation always involves interpretation. Translators sometimes coin their own words or consult mother tongue speakers for information in order to render words and phrases that are difficult to translate. This article has added an African (Ghanaian) interpretation of baptizontes in Matthew 28:19. This fits into the overall aim of the journal to promote African theology.Contribution: This article makes a contribution to the Special Collection ‘Africa Platform for NT Scholars’ on the Ghanaian (African) interpretations of baptizontes in Matthew 28:19–20.

Highlights

Baptism is not a distinctive or uniquely Christian idea
Ekem builds on the ideas of Sanneh and Bediako and posits that Bible translations involve exegesis, which should be taken seriously by translators because even though the compiler and addressees of the Judeo-Christian scriptures operated in a pluralistic religious environment like ours, which serves as a hermeneutical point of departure for African biblical exegetes and translators, they may run into difficulties because the contexts are different (Ekem 2003:31–34)
Translation of baptizontes into some Ghanaian mother tongue versions of the Bible In Ghana, out of the 67 mother tongues,6 the complete Bible has been translated into 14 and the New Testament (NT) into 27. These translations were done by the Bible Society of Ghana (BSG),7 the Ghana Institute of Linguistics, Literacy and Bible Translation (GILLBT)8 and the International Bible Society, known as Biblia

Summary

Introduction

Baptism is not a distinctive or uniquely Christian idea. Examples include the Hindu rituals in the Babylonian cult Enki, and the Egyptian practices of purifying newborn children and the symbolic revivification rites performed on the dead. Common elements are associated with these widespread baptismal practices. Baptism is performed in connection with the removal of guilt, cleansing and the granting of a new start. Christian baptism shares these common traits and contexts; it has specific historical contexts and theological significance that give it a distinctive Christian meaning

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Results

Conclusion