Mistranslations in the Ephesian Household Code in Asante Twi

Abstract

Inaccuracies are identified in the Asante Twi translation of the instructions to children and masters in the Ephesian household code (Eph 6.1, 9) and suggestions for revision are offered. First, the translation of τέκνα in Eph 6.1, which generally translates as “children” or “offspring,” is considered. The Asante Twi Bible uses a term (mma) that is not age-specific, which implies that the instruction in Eph 6.1 applies to both adults and non-adults. The context of Eph 6.1-4 clarifies that non-adults and minors are in view, and the translation of τέκνα in Eph 6.1 should therefore be revised from mma “offspring” to a word that is specific to minors, such as mmɔfra. Second, the translation of the participial phrase ἀνιέντες τὴν ἀπειλήν in v. 9 is examined, which the Asante Twi Bible incorrectly translates as “minimize verbal abuse” instead of “stop threatening.”