Suggestions on grammar for Joel 2:6

[yaaqubyl]

Shlama,

As I often do, I'm running into a bit of a problem with the English language in translating from Aramaic. At the moment I am finishing up the translation of Joel from the Aramaic and a part of chapter 2 verse 6 seems to be somewhat problematic for me to present in the English language. I'm trying to keep this as literal as possible.

I currently have the phrase "faces are distressed with dilemma," but I'm not sure if that makes sense in English or if the grammar is proper. When comparing other English translations (from Hebrew) I find a variety of renderings from one extreme to another.

Any suggestions on the best phrase for this would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

[Stephen Silver]

Shlama,

As I often do, I'm running into a bit of a problem with the English language in translating from Aramaic. At the moment I am finishing up the translation of Joel from the Aramaic and a part of chapter 2 verse 6 seems to be somewhat problematic for me to present in the English language. I'm trying to keep this as literal as possible.

I currently have the phrase "faces are distressed with dilemma," but I'm not sure if that makes sense in English or if the grammar is proper. When comparing other English translations (from Hebrew) I find a variety of renderings from one extreme to another.

Any suggestions on the best phrase for this would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Shlama Akhi Yaakub:
It seems that the Aramaic follows the Hebrew quite closely. I'll take a stab at it. <!-- s --><img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/smile.gif" alt="" title="Smile" /><!-- s -->

the people are grievously distressed before them.

Massoretic Text
[font=Levistam (V1.1)]Mym9 wlyxy wynpm[/font]

Ambrosiano Codex
[font=Estrangelo (V1.1)]0mm9 Jw9wx yhwmdq Nm[/font]

The (Hebrew) Levistam font can be downloaded from <!-- w --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.dukhrana.com">www.dukhrana.com</a><!-- w -->

Shlama,
Stephen

[yaaqubyl]

Shlama Akhi,

Thank you.

Do you think the phrase "distressed with dilemma" makes sense in the English language?

Ya'aqub Younan-Levine

[Stephen Silver]

Shlama Akhi,

Thank you.

Do you think the phrase "distressed with dilemma" makes sense in the English language?

Ya'aqub Younan-Levine

Shlama Akhi Yaaqub:
Not really. How about, " the people were distressed and in a dilemma", or "the people were in a distressing dilemma". However, one can shorten the phrase and still extract a close literal meaning. Perhaps, "grieviously distressed" will work. The Semitic root "kheel" means "birth pangs".

Shlama,
Stephen
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.dukhrana.com">http://www.dukhrana.com</a><!-- m -->

[yaaqubyl]

Shlama Akhi,

Thank you for your suggestions. I believe using your translation of "grievously distressed" works quite well.

Shlama,
Ya'aqub Younan-Levine