Die vertaling van ἐξουσία [eksousia] in Johannes 1:12

Abstract

The translation of ἐξουσία [eksousia] in John 1:12. A survey of Bible translations in Afrikaans, Dutch, English, German and French indicates that the term ἐξουσία [eksousia] in John 1:12 is translated in different ways by translators. In Afrikaans the options available to translators are ‘gesag’ (‘authority’), ‘mag’ (‘might’), ‘krag’ (‘power’), ‘reg’ (‘right’) and ‘voorreg’ (‘privilege’). In this article, the translation into Afrikaans of the term in John 1:12 is considered. The article begins with an overview of choices made by previous translators in this regard, as well as an overview of how the term is interpreted in dictionaries and by commentators. This is followed by an investigation of the other occurrences of the term in the Fourth Gospel, and suggestions as to the way it should be interpreted in each case. The use of the term in John 1:12 is then considered. It is proposed that the best translation of the term in Afrikaans is ‘mag’ (‘might’).