A translator often has a range of choices of English words to use for translating a foreign term. While there may be several English words that can be used to translate a foreign word, each of these words may have a different connotation to the future reader and that may title the meaning and the mood of the translation in one direction or another.
Ancient words used in a culture that no longer exists also bring a whole new set of issues. Does the translator truly understand what the text says? Can this meaning be transmitted to the modern reader.
A translator also usually wishes to make the text pleasant to modern ears. Finding a balance between being literal on the one hand and understandable and enjoyable on the other is never easy.
To illustrate this four translations of verse 935 of the Book of Eights are shared:
Gil Fronsdal, 2016
Violence gives birth to fear;
[Just] look at people and [their] quarrels.
I will speak of my dismay
And the way that I was shaken.
K. R. Norman, 2001
Fear comes from the [one who has] embraced
violence. Look at
people quarreling. I shall describe my agitation, how
it was experienced by me.
Hammalawa Saddhatissa, 1985
Fear results from resorting to violence—just look at
how
People quarrel and fight! But let me tell you now of
the kind of dismay and terror that I have felt.
Andrew Olendzki, replicating the ancient eight-beat meter, 2005
Fear is born from arming oneself.
Just see how many people fight!
I'll tell you about the dreadful fear
that caused me to shake all over.
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