2:88-Arabic: bal

2:88-Arabic: bal
Arabic: bal. This particle defies uniform rendering into English by virtue of the range of functions it performs. Lane (p. 3039) has an excellent entry where he describes bal as primarily a particle of digression[...] it denotes emendation wherever it occurs in the case of negation or of affirmation. His comments go into some depth and explore the functions this particle performs in various contexts, and I refer the interested reader to those. I have been guided by Lane in terms of his analysis but not his usage in all cases. He was writing for a different time, and English has evolved since. However, by following Lane’s explanation of the particle’s function we can present a vehicle in the modern language for it. The primary function of bal is to interrupt narrative by means of negation or confirmation and then to digress (i.e. clarify along a new tack). The problem many translators have is that they use nay — which performs only some portion of the total requirement. By clinging to it they put themselves in a position where they are trying, as it were, to play tennis with no forehand and from the baseline only. What is required is a set phrase which does what Lane states, namely: denotes emendation wherever it occurs in the case of negation or of affirmation. The use of nay manages only the case of negation, and not always very well. What is needed is something equal to: be that as it may, the fact of the matter is[...]. Such a phrase performs the offices which Lane describes and can function equally in cases of negation or affirmation. The shortest route I know of in modern English to achieve this value is: the truth is,[...] which means 1. without doubt; certainly and 2. in reality. This, then, is the default and commonest rendering of bal here. However, there exist also, as Lane explains, several discrete applications of this particle. I evaluate and render these on a case-by-case basis in the light of Lane’s broader comments as: nay, yet, but, or rather depending on the case. All instances appear in the notes and reference this verse.(sam).