RECOVERED METAPHORS: Explaining Biblical Metaphors Obscured in Translation

by KENNETH MCELHANON

Overview

Biblical passages take on new life and meaning as Ken McElhanon reveals the concrete metaphors underlying some otherwise bland translations. Who knew there was a biblical metaphor for 'walking in a container'—a strange expression in English, yet one that opens up whole areas of biblical truth? You will be fascinated and delighted by the riches of this book.
Donald R. Sunukjian, Professor of Preaching
Talbot School of Theology

We cannot talk without using language metaphorically. Ken McElhanon drives this point home with a brilliant "walk" through the Scriptures. He demonstrates that metaphorical conceptions are relevant to theological and exegetical studies. His knowledge of linguistics, Greek and anthropology provide metaphorical nuances that are often overlooked in traditional Bible studies and commentaries. His book should be required reading at seminaries and Bible schools and especially for Bible translators.
Karl J Franklin, PhD
Dallas International University

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780578261959
Publisher:	McElhanon Publishing
Publication date:	12/13/2022
Pages:	234
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.53(d)

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth McElhanon is a linguist and translator with over sixty years’ experience. He was the lead translator of the New Testament into the Selepet language of Papua New Guinea published in 1986. Thereafter he taught translation courses at seminaries and universities for 25 years. He has edited four books, and has published in professional journals covering translation, linguistics, and cultural anthropology. Most notably,
“From Word to Scenario: The Influence of Linguistic Theories upon Models of Translation.” Journal of Translation, 1(3):29-67.
siljot2005_3_02.pdf
“From Simple Metaphors to Conceptual Blending: The Mapping of Analogical Concepts and the Praxis of Translation.” Journal of Translation 2(1):31-81.
siljot2006_1_03.pdf
“When Quality Is in the Eye of the Beholder: Paradigm communities and the certification of standards for judging quality.” Journal of Translation, 3(1): 1-16.
siljot2007_1_03.pdf
On November 22, 1963, the day President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, Ken and his wife Noreen sailed from Vancouver, Canada, her native land, to begin a new life in Papua New Guinea. Over the next twenty-two years Ken and Noreen became fluent in the Selepet language. He analyzed the grammar, devised an alphabet, and in 1970 received a PhD in linguistics from the Australian National University. She helped compile the Selepet-English Dictionary (1970) and supervised a literacy program for Selepet speakers to acquire English as a second language.
They have three adult children, Cheryl born in Seattle, WA, Cynthia born in Lae, Papua New Guinea, and Geoffrey born in Canberra, Australia.