Translating Εὐαγγελιον, ἀποστόλος and ἱερεύς in the Oshindonga Dialect of Namibia: A Proposal

Throughout the world, Bible translators face several challenges as they attempt to transfer God’s word from the source languages into their native languages. This paper looked at the rendering of three biblical terms—namely, εὐαγγέλιον, ἀπόστολος and ἱερεύς—in the old Oshindonga Bible (published in 1954) and the theological and socio-religious impact these renderings have on the Oshindonga community. The data for the research was collected using personal interview based on structured and non-structured questions. The researchers used a sample size of thirty (30) people—including pastors from different denominations, theologians, “ordinary” congregants and translators of both old translation and the ongoing translation of the Oshindonga Bible and church elders—selected from Ondangwa and Omuthiya towns and some selected villages. These interviews were done face-to-face and via telephone with the chosen participants. The non-structured questions consisted of open-ended questions designed to meet the objectives of this research which were met. Field notes were taken during the contact sessions, whether during phone call interviews or face-to-face sessions. The analysis of the results resulted in the proposal of an alternative and a more meaningful translation of the Greek words under study. Keywords: Apostle, Gospel, Oshindonga, Priest