TheMostReadBook.org

An English translation of the Quran that is as close as possible to the Arabic sacred text
View active topics
  Verse(s):    
View unanswered posts





Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 5 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Verses 56:68-70
PostPosted: 04 Jun 2009, 08:26 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: 08 May 2009, 14:16
Posts: 1994
Go to previous segment   Go to next segment


Suggested translation1,2:


-------
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.

Go to previous segment   Go to next segment


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Verses 56:68-70
PostPosted: 22 Feb 2010, 02:37 
Offline
Site Admin
User avatar

Joined: 04 May 2009, 16:10
Posts: 4558
Location: USA
Quote:
{56:69} Is it you who brought it down from the clouds, or is it We who bring it down?

I suggest,
{56:69} Is it you [who] discharged it from the clouds, or Are We the [only] Dischargers?

Quote:
{56:70} If We willed, We could make it bitter, so why are you not grateful?

I suggest,
{56:70} If We will, We would make it bitter; if only you thank!

_________________
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Verses 56:68-70
PostPosted: 22 Feb 2010, 04:38 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: 05 May 2009, 00:16
Posts: 1839
Location: USA
I am not comfortable with "discharge" since it is not an accurate translation.

Also "if only you thank" may be understood as a condition for God making the water bitter. I suggest "So won't you thank [Me]?"

_________________
To translate is the best way to understand


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Verses 56:68-70
PostPosted: 22 Feb 2010, 15:39 
Offline
Site Admin
User avatar

Joined: 04 May 2009, 16:10
Posts: 4558
Location: USA
Pragmatic wrote:
I am not comfortable with "discharge" since it is not an accurate translation.

I agree, but couldn't think of another word from which I can also use the active participle. I welcome any suggestions.

Quote:
Also "if only you thank" may be understood as a condition for God making the water bitter. I suggest "So won't you thank [Me]?"

But that would be a translation of فهلا تشكرون؟ The semicolon serves the purpose of starting a new sentence that is closely related to the preceding one, so the meaning is:
"If We will, we would make it bitter. If only you thank, We wouldn't keep reminding you."

_________________
A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Verses 56:68-70
PostPosted: 22 Feb 2010, 18:46 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: 05 May 2009, 00:16
Posts: 1839
Location: USA
Linguistic wrote:
Quote:
Also "if only you thank" may be understood as a condition for God making the water bitter. I suggest "So won't you thank [Me]?"

But that would be a translation of فهلا تشكرون؟ The semicolon serves the purpose of starting a new sentence that is closely related to the preceding one, so the meaning is:
"If We will, we would make it bitter. If only you thank, We wouldn't keep reminding you."

I think the straight translation would be "So you don't thank [Me]?" Others are attempts to find something close that is easier to understand in English.

_________________
To translate is the best way to understand


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 5 posts ] 


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 1 guest


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
It is currently 28 Mar 2024, 08:36

All times are UTC

Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group