The Ewe Bible Rendering of Shalom in Some Selected Texts (Judges 4:17 1 Samuel 1:17 and 2kings 9: 19) of the Hebrew Bible: Implications for Anlo Cultural Perspective

Abstract

This study investigates the translation of shalom into `utifafa in the Ewe Bible to ascertain the contextual implication it brought to the fore. It carefully focuses on Judges 4:17, I Samuel 1:17, and 2Kings 9:19 to assess the current meaning of `utifafa and see how it could be applied in the Anlo context. The study explores the meaning of `utifafa in the Anlo context, finds out how the Ewe Bible was translated and analyzes the translation of shalom into `utifafa in the Ewe Bible. It also assesses the meaning of shalom in the book of Judges to establish the relevance of the Ewe Language in Anlo. The study employed a qualitative research approach by using the mother tongue hermeneutics approach which is a multidisciplinary method including literary readings. The research design for the study is a case study. Data was collected from the field and library sources and the skopos theory is used especially in chapter two through to the end. The results of the study call for relooking at the texts because as it stands the issue of pretense is clearly appearing due to the use of `utifafa (peace) in the Anlo context. The study also revealed that `utifafa (peace) in Anlo context naturally exists in the form of love, unity and safety of life and it encourages intermarriages among communities because of common understanding. The other finding suggests that `utifafa (peace) in 1 Samuel 1:17 lacks clarity of Eli’s attitude towards Hannah after referring to her as a ‘drunkard’. The study has implications for theory and Christians