Revealed in Translation.

As my knowledge of the French language has been growing over the past year, I've become increasingly interested in the LDS hymns in French. I have looked at and sung French hymns several times, and I already knew the melodies and the English words really well. What I am grateful for is the additional insight afforded by singing a beloved song in another language. New insights into the principles in the hymn are revealed in translation.

I'll give one example. One of my favorite hymns is 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief," which was a hymn that Joseph Smith Jr. himself loved. It tells the story of a man who loses himself in service. In the seventh and final verse, our Savior Jesus Christ appears to the man and says,

"Of me, thou hast not been ashamed. These deeds shall thy memorial be; Fear not, thou didst them unto me."

This is what the French translation says:
"Mon fils, au pauvre tu fus bon! Et tes actions parlent pour toi;  Un jour tu seras avec moi!"

Now the French translated directly back into English:
"My son, to the poor you did good! And your actions speak for you; One day you will be with me!"

All of these statements communicate the same principles, but emphasizing slightly different things. Fascinating, isn't it?