Translation Versions of the Word "κατέλαβεν" of the Easter Gospel Readings in German, English, Church Slavonic and Russian – Vers John 1:5

In the Orthodox Church at Easter, the Prologue of the Gospel of John is read in different languages. In the Russian Orthodox Church ten languages are used, including Old Greek, German, English, Church Slavonic and Russian. The observed variations in readings are thematically associated with the grammatical principles of language structure. The present work analyzes the difference in the use of personal and possessive pronouns, substitutes for personal and possessive pronouns. As well as masculine and neuter adjective and verb endings in the Russian translation. The results contribute to a better understanding of the theological meaning of the texts. The studies of Bible translations are important because the language of the Holy Scriptures is something special, often it sounds like a hymn. The Prologue of John's Gospel is regarded as a hymn of the apostolic church characterized by inner harmony on multiple levels. There are three types of translations: those based on the original language, those where the target language is in the foreground, or those for specific readers and target groups. There are particular difficulties in translating the Greek word "κατέλαβεν", which has multiple meanings - “to understand” and “to master”. The translation of the Easter Gospel into German and English reflects the complex semantics of this word, while the translation of this word into Russian and Church Slavonic cannot give the full meaning of the original text. Various translation possibilities are being discussed in order to better match the sound and meaning of the original text. The article further proposes that these issues be presented before the Synodal Biblical and Theological Commission for further consideration.

to comprehend, Easter Gospel, translations of the New Testament, Bible translations, biblical studies, the Gospel of John, Old Greek, German, English, Church Slavonic