--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: As the Italian proverb says, 'Translators…" description: "\"“As the Italian proverb says, 'Translators are traitors.' At some level we all are traitors to the text, saying a little less than the Greek says (thus..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de3/william-d-mounce-286892_italian-proverb_as-the-italian-proverb-says-translators_2622620.jpg" --- # As the Italian proverb says, 'Translators are traitors.'… ![“As the Italian proverb says, 'Translators are traitors.' At some level we all are traitors to the text, saying a little less than the Greek says (thus leaving some meaning behind) or a little more (when trying to clarify). Under- and over-translation. A good reason to learn Greek and Hebrew, and…” quote by William D. Mounce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de3/william-d-mounce-286892_italian-proverb_as-the-italian-proverb-says-translators_2622620.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de3/william-d-mounce-286892_italian-proverb_as-the-italian-proverb-says-translators_2622620.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/de3/william-d-mounce-286892_italian-proverb_as-the-italian-proverb-says-translators_2622620.jpg) > ““As the Italian proverb says, 'Translators are traitors.' At some level we all are traitors to the text, saying a little less than the Greek says (thus leaving some meaning behind) or a little more (when trying to clarify). Under- and over-translation. A good reason to learn Greek and Hebrew, and an even better reason to read more than one translation.”” [William D. Mounce](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/william-d-mounce/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Translators inevitably alter texts, making learning original languages valuable for deeper understanding. **In simple terms:** Translations change meaning; learn originals. Key Takeaway Study original languages for accurate translation. Themes translation linguistics interpretation faith education Mood statement advice Type Italian proverb:1 Judaism:0 Translation:1 Translators Traitors:1 Says Translators:0 Read Translation:0 Traitors Text:0 When to use this quote - Over‑reliance on translations can miss nuance. Key Concepts biblical studies language learning Questions to Reflect On - analytical - educational A Different Perspective How does language shape meaning?;What are the risks of translation? ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Italian proverb](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/italian-proverb/) [Judaism](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/judaism/) [Read Translation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/read-translation-2122521/) [Says Translators](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/says-translators-2122520/) [Traitors Text](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/traitors-text-2122522/) [Translation](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/translation/) [Translators Traitors](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/translators-traitors-1701727/) ## Related quotes > [There is an old Italian proverb about the nature of translation: "Traddutore, traditore!" This means simply, "Translators-traitors!" 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