[Tlhingan-hol] Ten Commandments in Klingon

[Steven Boozer]

AFAIK *joH'a' was never used by Okrand, but only on this list and in fandom before we learned of Qun:

(st.k 7/19/99):  There is a Klingon word that could be translated god or supernatural being: Qun. In talking of times long ago (pre-Kahless?), Klingons mention these beings, and there seem to have been a good number of them (the plural of Qun is Qunpu' since they are or were presumably capable of using language, which is what the plural suffix -pu' implies). Though too little is known of ancient Klingon theology, there doesn't seem to have been a single Qun that stood out from the rest. Indeed, the Qunpu' appear to have acted collectively. Qunpu' are distinct from qa'pu' spirits (such as the spirits of the dishonored dead which reside at Gre'thor). Qun'a' great god (Qun plus -'a', the augmentative suffix) may or may not be an appropriate translation for a single supernatural being in a monotheistic system, since the Qun'a' would still be one among many."

In light of Okrand's comments *joH'a' should probably be translated as overlord, lord of lords, etc. - one among many joHpu'.  From a monotheistic point of view, Qun joH is just fine for "the Lord God".  A lot is packed (or implied) in two very simple words.

--
Voragh
tlhIngan ghantoH pIn'a'
Ca'Non Master of the Klingons



From: SuStel [mailto:sustel at trimboli.name]
On 4/17/2016 3:47 PM, Dillon, Kyle wrote:
So let me try tackling the prologue of the Ten Commandments again:

I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.
joH'a' QunlI' mISr puHvo' qalelta'bogh jIH.
{Main clause predicate}{Ablative adverbial}{Relative clause}{Subject}

I don't think we've had joH'a' attested in canon. I understand the desire to distinguish the God from a god, but I don't know that joH'a' does that. Does it equal capitalizing in English? Maybe. I think I accept it as meaning lord above all other lords.


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