theolingua.id – The story of the flood in Genesis 7 is an important part of the Bible that depicts judgement and salvation. However, when this text is translated into different languages and cultures, such as in the context of Javanese and Indonesian society in general, challenges arise in translating symbols and meanings to remain relevant.
Language is not just a means of communication, but also a means of understanding reality and cultural values that are passed down from generation to generation.
In Javanese culture, symbolism plays a very important role in understanding the deeper meaning of a text. A word or phrase often has a broader meaning than just its literal meaning.
Therefore, understanding Genesis 7 through the Indonesian cultural perspective can provide new insights into how language and symbols work in cross-cultural communication. By considering cultural elements, we can understand that the spiritual message in sacred texts is not only conveyed through words, but also through symbols that have deep meaning for the local community.
Symbolism in Genesis 7 and the Javanese Context
In Genesis 7, several important elements can be linked to symbolism known in Javanese culture:
Noah’s Ark as a Symbol of Safety and Patience
In Javanese tradition, the concept of ‘laku prihatin’ or perseverance in the face of trials is highly valued. The ark that Noah built symbolises long preparation and patience in facing disaster. This is in line with Javanese philosophy which emphasises the importance of preparation and resilience in facing life’s challenges.
The Flood as a Symbol of Purification
Water in many cultures is often associated with purification. In Javanese culture, there is the term ‘tirta amerta,’ which means the water of life. Genesis 7 describes how the flood destroyed everything on earth, but also provided a new beginning for the remaining humans and living things. This is similar to the concept in Javanese culture that water can cleanse both physically and spiritually.
The Number Seven as a Symbol of Perfection
In Genesis 7, the number seven appears frequently, such as in the mention of seven pairs of clean animals and the seven-day period before the flood. In Javanese culture, the number seven also has a deep spiritual meaning, often associated with the cycle of life and the achievement of harmony.
Challenges in Translating the Bible into Local Languages
Translating the Bible into local languages in Indonesia presents a major challenge because many words and concepts do not have direct equivalents in the local language. Some of the main challenges include:
Different Contextual Meanings
The words in the Bible often have broader or different meanings in the original language compared to the local language. For example, in Javanese, the concept of ‘salvation’ can be translated as ‘slamet,’ which also means to be safe from physical danger, not just in a theological sense.
Non-Universal Symbolism
In Javanese culture, rice is a symbol of life and prosperity. However, in the biblical context, rice is not always used as the main symbol. Therefore, translators must find a way to convey a similar meaning with local symbols that the community already understands.
Differences in Grammar and Sentence Structure
The structure of local languages is often different from the original language of the Bible. For example, in Hebrew, the sentence structure in Genesis 7 follows a narrative pattern typical of the Middle East. However, when translated into Javanese or other local languages, this structure may need to be adjusted to remain easy to understand.
Conclusion
The story of Genesis 7 not only depicts a story of condemnation and salvation, but also provides deep insight into how sacred texts can be interpreted through the lens of different cultures. In the Indonesian context, especially in Java, symbolism plays an important role in the communication and understanding of the text.
A word or concept often has more meaning than just its literal meaning, because language in Javanese culture is closely related to philosophy and life values that are passed down from generation to generation.
Therefore, translating the Bible into local languages must be done with great care to maintain the original meaning while remaining relevant to the local culture. Each term in the Bible can have different equivalents in local languages, depending on the symbolic understanding of the local community. By understanding this challenge, we can better appreciate the richness of language and culture in conveying spiritual messages to various communities in Indonesia.
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