Definitions: 

Evangelical

One of Carey's concerns in compiling the Mahratta dictionary was to include words of significance for Bible translation and evangelism.  His greatest challenge was to promote understanding of Christian beliefs within an appropriate cultural context.  As with all languages, many Mahratta words carried more than one meaning.  

One Mahratta word employed for "The Lord" or "God," also meant "the staff or beam of a plough."  But "giving whatever anyone thinks on" was also an "epithet applied to" God.   

Words for "grace" and "repentance" assumed multiple meanings that might or might not be worthy of Christian acceptation.  "Amen," however, seems to have been relatively straightforward.  Notions of "heaven" and "providence," meanwhile, likely required explanation.

Despite the challenges involved, Carey's Mahratta dictionary included an essential vocabulary of the Christian faith.  Hearers of a "preacher" at a mission station might ponder the path from "wickedness" to "holiness" through "repentance."  Words of vital importance to Carey's evangelical aims, finally, included "saviour" and "resurrection."  

Created: January 11, 2002  Updated: February 5, 2002