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An English translation of the Quran that is as close as possible to the Arabic sacred text
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 Post subject: Verses 2:87-89
PostPosted: 07 Jun 2009, 08:29 
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Suggested translation1,2:


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1This translation may have been updated from the original suggested translation as a result of the discussions that follow.
2Click on the {verse number} of a translation to see other good translations of the verse.

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 Post subject: Re: Verses 2:87-89
PostPosted: 16 Aug 2009, 18:56 
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Quote:
{2:87} And We did certainly give Moses the Torah and followed up after him with messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the Pure Spirit. But is it [not] that every time a messenger came to you, [O Children of Israel], with what your souls did not desire, you were arrogant? And a party [of messengers] you denied and another party you killed.

The Arabic does not name the Torah. I like to stick to what the Arabic says. الكتاب means the Book or the scripture.

روح القدس does not mean "the Pure Spirit." It simply means "the spirit of holiness." Exegesists are unanimous that this refers to the archangel Gabriel, peace be upon him.

Finally, there is a subtle element of style here that would normally be lost in a translation. When God admonishes the Jews for their reception of His messengers, he reminds them they belied some (in the past tense) and kill some (in the present tense!) I want to preserve this style. I suggest,

{2:87} And We certainly did give Moses the Book and followed up after him with messengers. And We gave Jesus, the son of Mary, clear proofs and supported him with the spirit of holiness. Is it then that whenever a messenger came to you (children of Israel) with what your souls do not desire, you deemed yourselves big then a segment (of the messengers) you belied and a segment you kill?

Quote:
{2:88} And they said, "Our hearts are wrapped." But, [in fact], God has cursed them for their disbelief, so little is it that they believe.

This is a perfect instance to show why كفر does not necessarily mean disbelief. A better translation would be "for their ingratitude.." I suggest,

{2:88} And they said, "Our hearts are wrapped." Rather, God has cursed them for their ingratitude, for little do they believe.

Quote:
{2:89} And when there came to them a Book from God confirming that which was with them - although before they used to pray for victory against those who disbelieved - but [then] when there came to them that which they recognized, they disbelieved in it; so the curse of God will be upon the disbelievers.

"Although" is not at all in the Arabic and is clearly erroneous. I suggest,

{2:89} And when there came to them a Book from God confirming of what is with them - and prior to it they used to seek a break against those who have disbelieved - when there came to them what they recognized, they rejected it; so the curse of God is upon the disbelievers.

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