The present study aims to explore ideological premise in the selection of equivalent word while translating biblical texts from Hebrew to Korean and to propose a consistent and inclusive translation that may not exclude minor views or judge them. It examines Hebrew words that depict sexual relationships, such as yadah, shakab, shagal, and to’ebah that are usually rendered to abomination and suggests the followings.
First, the same words and phrases in the same contexts should be translated in the same way to conform to the similarities in the sense. Most Korean translations render words of sexual intercourse by euphemism. For example, yadah is translated as “go to bed” or “sleep with”(Gen 4:1) instead of “have sex” in the context where it describes sexual intercourse between man and woman (Lev 18:22). But Korean translations translate the same Hebrew words differently according to the translators’ ethical view of the context. For example, the word is often translated as sexual union when used to depict sexual intercourse of animals. The difference in the selection of corresponding words in Korean reflects homophobia of the translator.
Second, different Hebrew words should be translated into different Korean words to preserve differences. For example, shakab (“sleep with”) is rendered as “being raped” or “put to shame” when it comes with other verbs of enforcement like chazaq (Deut 22:25). There is a Hebrew word for rape, that is shagal.(Isa 13:16) This study suggests to translate the former as “sexually violated” and the latter as “rape”.
Third, the Hebrew to’ebah is employed in two contexts. In religious settings, it refers to idol worship and its customs, improper cultic practice and offerings, and improper sexual relationship including homosexual relationship. Israelite worship is considered as to’ebah to Egyptians (Exod 8:26). The word is usually translated into “abominable” “disgusting”, or “detestable” (Lev 18:22). In ethical settings, it refers to lie, arrogance, violence, and ridicule. It is translated as “dislike” or “hatred” (Prov 16:5, 12). The word, to’ebah, describes something that is prohibited or a taboo, rather than expressing abomination or any such feelings. Therefore, the word should be consistently translated in the sense of prohibition or taboo.
The consistent rendering of Hebrew into Korean may prevent Korean churches from condemning certain groups as sinners by using the Bible as prooftext when its text is already biased with prejudice and exclusive translation. For example, churches use Leviticus 18:22 and 20:13 against homosexuality as these texts are believed to affirm homosexuality as “abominable”. Yet churches do not mention other religious and ethical misbehavior that are under the list of to’ebah.