Different translations of Xenophanes


The sometimes startling differences which can exist between translations of the same ancient passage are well illustrated in the case of Xenophanes, frs. 6, 7, 8 (Miller's nos., p. 110). In contrast to Miller's translation, consider the version by Willis Barnstone, available on the web (without specific indication of translator) near the end of this link.

In Greek, the first couple of lines surely say that men regard gods as begotten - a point which is repeatedly developed in Hesiod, Theogony. This is the way in which Miller translates the passage, but the Barnstone translation apparently takes the lines as meaning that man made the gods in his own image. This is actually quite a difference in effect. More obvious, perhaps - but also less important - is the fact that in the second passage, Barnstone refers to one horse, lion, or ox, whereas the Greek original (and Miller) refers to horses, lions, or oxen.