The Mistranslation of 1 Corinthians 11.26 in Vietnamese

Abstract

This paper is concerned with the mistranslation of the Greek word καταγγέλλετε katangellete “you proclaim” in 1 Cor 11.26 in the first major Protestant translation of the Bible into Vietnamese, a problem that has continued to be reproduced in subsequent translations. The paper identifies the problem and discusses the importance of context in distinguishing the Greek second-person plural present active indicative and imperative forms. A solution to this historical translation problem is also suggested, involving the use of a particle indicating progressive aspect.