theolingua.id – The story in Genesis 8 is not only about the receding of the flood, but also implies new hope, life renewal, and divine communication wrapped in powerful symbols. When we look at this story from the perspective of Indonesian culture, especially societies that are thick with symbolism such as Java, Batak, Toraja, and Papua, we see that many things in this narrative are actually also very relevant to our local values.
Symbols in Genesis 8 and Their Meanings in Local Culture
Genesis 8 opens the narrative with a meaningful phrase: ‘Then God remembered Noah…’. In the cultural understanding of the archipelago, remembering is not just a cognitive process, but an active act that brings back meaning, compassion and promise.
In Javanese culture, for example, the concept of ‘eling’ (remembering) is related to spiritual awareness – where one realises that life is not solely about the world, but also about a vertical relationship with the divine.
The ark in this narrative can be interpreted as a practice of prihatin – that is, determination in living life despite trials. The ark symbolises inner resilience, a refuge from the chaos of the world. And when the ark finally ran aground in the mountains of Ararat, it was a symbol of spiritual recovery.
In Balinese tradition, there is the term ‘nyegara gunung’-a journey from sea to mountain, from darkness to enlightenment. The ark stopping on the mountains of Ararat carries a similar meaning: purification towards the light.
The returning dove with an olive leaf in its beak symbolises peace and the end of nature’s wrath. In many local Indonesian cultures, birds are often seen as spiritual messengers-such as in the Dayak culture that believes in the hornbill as the guardian of nature. Thus, the pigeon here can be interpreted as a symbol of communication between heaven and earth.
Language as a Sacred and Cultural Medium
In Indonesia’s ancestral traditions, names and symbols are not just labels, but have deep meanings. Names of mountains, rivers, and even people, are given based on prayers, dreams, or important events. Therefore, translating a scriptural text like Genesis into local languages is not just a matter of finding word equivalents, but how the spiritual meaning is preserved and not misinterpreted.
For example, the word ‘burnt offering’ mentioned in verse 20 has deep spiritual connotations. In Batak culture, offerings are called tudu-tudu sipanganon, which means holy food delivered in a reverent procession. If the translators only see it as ‘burning something for God’, then the meaning could be lost or even misinterpreted.
Then the word ‘berkeriapan’ in verse 17, could literally mean to spread out or disperse. But in the context of the archipelago’s agrarian and communal culture, ‘berkeriapan’ can also be interpreted as ‘filling the earth with life’ that is interconnected in harmony.
Challenges in Translating Scripture into Local Languages
Indonesia has more than 700 regional languages. Each of these languages has different structures, semantics and philosophies. The Indonesian Bible Institute (LAI) and local translation agencies face a formidable challenge in maintaining the original meaning of the scriptures without losing the cultural nuances of the receiving community.
Some common challenges include:
- Non-existent Word Equivalents
For example, the word ‘mercy’ in Hebrew may be translated as grace in Indonesian, but in Toraja or Sasak there may be no direct equivalent. So it is necessary to find another word that describes the act of unconditional giving in the local context. - Figurative or Symbolic Language
Texts like Genesis use many symbols-water, mountains, birds, fire. If these symbols are translated literally, the risk is that the spiritual meaning will be lost or even create confusion. Translators must understand both the source (Hebrew) and target (local) cultural contexts to produce a grounded yet faithful translation. - Theological and Emotional Nuances
The words ‘God remembers Noah’ not only mean ‘God remembers Noah’ but also point to a personal and loving relationship. In some Indonesian cultures, the concept of a personal God needs adjustment, as some understand God as an invisible force or a collective ancestral spirit. - Dialect Diversity
Even within one tribe, there can be many dialects. For example, in the Batak language there are Toba, Karo, Simalungun, Mandailing. Each dialect has a unique vocabulary. The translator has to decide which dialect to use for wide acceptance.
Preserving Meaning, Caring for Culture
Genesis 8 is a story of new hope after disaster. In the context of today’s Indonesia-which often faces natural disasters, social crises, and even pandemics-this story is a reminder of the power of faith, perseverance, and renewal. However, for this spiritual message to truly touch the hearts of people in various regions, it requires a symbolic and cultural approach in its delivery and translation.
Translation is not just a matter of words, but of feelings. And in Indonesian culture, feelings are closely connected to symbols, language and ancestral values. Therefore, the work of translating sacred texts must be carried out with respect, awareness and intercultural dialogue.
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