Sacred Text Constraints: Metaphor Translation in the Qur’an Beyond Newmark’s Framework

Abstract

This study examines the translation of Qur’anic metaphors by analyzing fifty verses across ten widely recognized English translations, using Newmark’s (1988) framework of metaphor translation strategies. The aim is to identify the most common method, assess the use of other strategies, and highlight the constraints faced by translators of sacred texts.

The results show that the dominant method is Strategy 1—reproducing the same image in the target language—which was applied in 68% of cases. This reflects a strong concern for theological authenticity and corresponds to Venuti’s (1995) concept of foreignization, as seen in examples such as “He who was dead, and we gave him life” and “the white thread of dawn.” Other strategies appeared less frequently: Strategy 5 (conversion to plain sense) in 20% of cases and Strategy 6 (retaining the image with added explanation) in 12%. Strategies 2–4 and 7 (substitution, deletion, domestication, etc.) were absent due to restrictions against altering sacred wording.

Muslim translators generally preferred Strategy 1, while non-Muslim translators occasionally employed Strategy 5. The study concludes that while Newmark’s model is useful, it has limitations for religious texts and recommends context-sensitive training to balance fidelity with accessibility for diverse readers.