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Why are Biblical names not translated?

6 votes
2 answers
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Why is it not common practice for Biblical translators to also translate characters' names? I found that translating Biblical names into English has added layers of depth to the narratives. Update: I found [this site](https://readagape.com) , which allows you to toggle name definitions on and off. Here are a few examples of my above claim: **Genesis 3:20 - KJV** >"And Human [(Adam)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam) called his wife's name Life [(Eve)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eve) ; because she was the mother of all living." **Genesis 17:5 - KJV** >"Neither shall thy name anymore be called Exalted Father [(Abram)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham) , but thy name shall be Father of Nations [(Abraham)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abraham) ; for a father of many nations have I made thee." **Genesis 32:28 - KJV** >"And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Heel-grabber [(Jacob)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob) , but He Who Contends With God [(Israel)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob) : for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed." **Matthew 16:18 - KJV** >"And I say also unto thee, That thou art Rock [(Peter)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Peter) , and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." Which reads even better when paired with **Matthew 7:24-25** >"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."
Asked by Display name (855 rep)
Jun 20, 2020, 10:43 PM
Last activity: Mar 16, 2024, 04:06 PM