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Reference ID Tags SupportReference Quote Occurrence Note front:intro d9wn 0 # Introduction to Genesis\n\n## Part 1: General Introduction\n\nIn the book of Genesis, God communicates to all people the early history of the universe. He begins with how he created everything from nothing, including the earth and all the heavenly bodies (sun, moon, stars), all the plants and animals, and especially how he created human beings in his image to be in a relationship with him. This book also explains how sin and death came into the world and what God’s plan is to save people from that. In fact, all the important teachings in the Bible begin in Genesis. That makes this book **foundational** and important for everyone so that they can know and understand the truth about God and his plan for their lives.\n\nBeginning with verse 1, the book of Genesis is a **narrative** that tells the history of events that actually happened. This is confirmed by the fact that the conjunctions and the forms of the verbs that are used in the Hebrew text reflect the Hebrew narrative style, which is used to narrate historical accounts. In the same way, those who translate the book of Genesis should also use grammatical structures in their languages that are used for true, historical narratives. God uses narrative, which is one of the most interesting styles of communication, to not only tell people about the events in the early history of the world, but also to teach them about himself and about the way he interacts with people as their loving Creator.\n\nGenesis provides the **vital context** for the rest of God’s Word, especially the gospel message about Jesus, and so it helps people to understand their need for him to be their Savior. In fact, without Genesis, it would not be clear why everyone needs to trust in Jesus as the only one who can save them from sin and its consequences, so that they can associate with God and be part of his eternal family.\n\nIn light of all that, Genesis should be one of the first books of the Bible that is translated into every language that needs a translation. May God guide and bless you and your translation team as you undertake this important task together by his power.\n\n### Author and date of writing\n\nMoses was the human author of the first five books of the Bible, including the book of Genesis (Exodus 24:3-4; Deuteronomy 31:9, 24; John 1:45). The Holy Spirit is the one who inspired what Moses wrote in those books (2 Peter 1:21), so ultimately God is the author, and these books are part of his Message to mankind. Those five books are sometimes referred to as the Torah (a Hebrew word that means “teaching,” “instruction,” or “law”) or the Pentateuch (a Greek word that means “five books”). In the New Testament this set of books is also referred to as “the Law” (John 1:45) or “the Law of Moses” (Acts 28:23), and Jesus himself affirmed that Moses wrote them (John 5:46-47; 7:23).\n\nMoses was born in the country of Egypt around 1526 B.C. (Exodus 2:1-10). According to the genealogies in Genesis, his birth was about 1,000 years after the Flood (which was about 1,650 years after creation). Moses may have written much of the Pentateuch during the forty years that he led the people of Israel as they wandered in the wilderness (around 1446 B.C.—1406 B.C.).\n\nThe very first verse in Genesis assumes that God (the author guiding the human author) has always existed and that he has no beginning and no end (also see Genesis 21:33; Deuteronomy 33:27; Psalm 90:2). He uses his personal name “Yahweh” for the first time in Genesis 2:4. The name “Yahweh” means “he is” and indicates that God is eternal. His name also means that he is unchanging and that he is always present.\n\n### Book outline\n\nIn all, Genesis covers a span of about 2200 years of history. After the world’s early history, the rest of Genesis tells about the ancestors of God’s people, with special focus on Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (and their families). Genealogies are an important part of what ties the book together from beginning to end.\n\nThe following outline shows these two main divisions in the book of Genesis: (1) Early World History, and (2) The History about the Ancestors of God’s Chosen People. Those two divisions each have roughly four main subdivisions, which are based on four key events (in the first division) and four key ancestors (in the second division). Some scholars prefer to divide the book up into ten divisions that are introduced by the Hebrew phrase that means “these are the generations of...” In the outline below, **asterisks** mark the sections that contain that phrase. The phrase is found in Genesis 2:4 (heavens and earth), 5:1 (Adam), 6:9 (Noah), 10:1, 32 (sons of Noah), 11:10 (Shem), 11:27 (Terah), 25:12 (Ishmael), 25:19 (Isaac), 36:1, 9 (Esau), and 37:2 (Jacob).\n\n**Bolded words** in the outline show which sections contain promises and covenants from God and also mark who the main ancestors were in the various sub-divisions.\n\n#### Division 1: Early World History\n\nCreation\n- God creates the universe and everything in it (1:1-2:3)\n- Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden (2:4-25)\\*\n\nThe Fall\n- The first sin and God’s judgment; prophecy of Christ (3:1-24) - **promise**\n- Cain and Abel: the first murder; Cain’s descendants (4:1-26)\n- The descendants of Adam to Noah (5:1-32)\\*\n\nThe Flood\n- God destroys the world with a flood, puts rainbow in the sky - **covenant** (6:1-9:17)\\*\n- Noah curses his son Ham and his grandson Canaan, blesses other sons (9:18-27)\n- The descendants of Noah’s sons Shem, Ham, and Japheth (10:1-32)\\*\\*\n\nTower of Babel\n- Mankind rebels against God at Babel, so God creates many different languages and scatters the people over the earth (11:1-9)\n\n#### Division 2: The History about the Ancestors of God’s Chosen People\n\nThe history about **Abraham** [Genesis 11:10-25:11]\n- The descendants of Shem to Abram (11:10-26)\\*\n- Terah and his three sons’ families in Haran; Terah dies (11:27-32)\\*\n- Abram travels to Canaan with Sarai and his nephew Lot (12:1-9) - **promise**\n- Abram lies about Sarai to Pharaoh, king of Egypt (12:10-20)\n- Back in the Negev Desert, Abram and Lot part ways (13:1-18) - **promise**\n- War of the kings; Abram rescues Lot and the other citizens of Sodom (14:1-17)\n- Melchizedek blesses Abram; Abram refuses bounty from king of Sodom (14:18-24)\n- God’s **covenant** with Abram (15:1-21) - **promise**\n- Hagar and Ishmael (16:1-16)\n- New names: Abraham and Sarah; **covenant** of circumcision (17:1-27) - **promise**\n- Three men visit Abram, Yahweh renews promise, Sarah laughs (18:1-15) - **promise**\n- Abram pleads with Yahweh to spare Sodom (18:16-33)\n- Lot and two daughters escape destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (19:1-29)\n- Lot’s grandsons: the ancestors of the Moabites and Ammonites (19:30-38)\n- Abraham lies about Sarah to Abimelech, king of the Philistines (20:1-18)\n- Isaac is born to Sarah; Ishmael grows up in the desert (21:1-21)\n- Abraham makes a treaty with King Abimelech at Beersheba (21:22-34)\n- God tests Abraham by commanding him to sacrifice Isaac (22:1-19) - **promise**\n- Sarah dies and Abraham buys burial property in the land of Canaan (23:1-20)\n- God provides Rebekah as a wife for Isaac (24:1-67)\n- Abraham’s descendants by second wife Keturah (25:1-6)\n- Abraham dies and is buried by Isaac and Ishmael (25:7-11)\n\nThe history about **Ishmael** and **Isaac** [Genesis 25:12-35:29]\n- Ishmael’s descendants and his death (25:12-18)\\*\n- Isaac’s sons Esau and Jacob; Esau sells his birthright (25:19-34)\\*\n- Isaac lies about Rebekah to Abimelech, king of the Philistines (26:1-22) - **promise**\n- God’s **covenant** with Isaac in Beersheba; treaty with Abimelech (26:23-33)\n\nThe history about **Esau** and **Jacob** [Genesis 26:34-36:43]\n- Jacob steals Esau’s blessing; Esau plans revenge (26:34-27:46)\n- Jacob flees and heads to Haran; stairway to heaven at Bethel (28:1-22) - **promise**\n- Jacob works for Laban to marry his wives Leah and Rachel (29:1-30)\n- Jacob’s wives have his first eleven sons (29:31-30:24)\n- Jacob becomes wealthy while working for Laban (30:25-43)\n- Jacob and his family flee from Laban; Jacob’s treaty with Laban (31:1-55)\n- Jacob wrestles with God, who names him **Israel** (32:1-32)\n- Jacob and Esau reconcile, and Jacob settles in the city of Shechem (33:1-20)\n- Shechem rapes Dinah, and Jacob’s sons take revenge (34:1-31)\n- God blesses Jacob at Bethel (35:1-15) - **promise**\n- Rachel dies giving birth to Benjamin (35:16-20)\n- List of Jacob’s twelve sons; Isaac dies and is buried by Esau and Jacob (35:16-29)\n- Esau’s descendants, the Edomites (36:1-43)\\*\\*\n\nThe history about **Jacob** and **Joseph** [Genesis 37-50]\n- Jacob’s family; Joseph’s dreams anger his brothers (37:1-11)\\*\n- Joseph sold as a slave and taken to the country of Egypt (37:12-36)\n- **Judah** and his daughter-in-law Tamar have children (38:1-30)\n- Potiphar’s wife falsely accuses Joseph, and he is imprisoned (39:1-23)\n- In the prison, Joseph interprets dreams for Pharaoh’s officials (40:1-23)\n- Joseph interprets Pharaoh’s dreams about famine (41:1-40)\n- As governor over Egypt, Joseph stores up grain; he has two sons (41:41-57)\n- Joseph’s brothers come to Egypt to buy grain, then return to Jacob (42:1-38)\n- All Joseph’s brothers return to Egypt and have a meal with him (43:1-34)\n- Joseph tests his brothers with his silver cup (44:1-17)\n- Judah pleads with Joseph for Benjamin’s freedom (44:18-34)\n- Joseph reveals his identity to his brothers; they give the news to Jacob (45:1-28)\n- Jacob and his family move to Egypt; list of his descendants (46:1-27)\n- Joseph settles Jacob and his family in the land of Goshen (47:1-12)\n- Joseph sells grain to all the people of Egypt (37:13-31)\n- Jacob blesses Joseph’s sons Ephraim and Manasseh (48:1-22)\n- Jacob blesses each of his 12 sons (49:1-28)\n- Jacob’s death (49:29-33)\n- Joseph has his father Jacob embalmed and buries him in Canaan (50:1-14)\n- Joseph reassures his brothers that he has forgiven them (50:15-21)\n- Joseph’s death (Gen 50:22-26)\n\n### Special formatting\n\nThe book of Genesis sometimes uses poetic language to emphasize what is being said. Many translations use a special format to identify these passages as poetry by indenting each clause on a new line. Many other translations do not do this, but rather use regular paragraph formatting everywhere, including for poetry. It may be helpful to look at a translation in the national language of your country that uses poetry formatting, to help you decide whether or not you want to do something similar in your translation. Some translations put some of the following passages in poetry format since these verses have certain features of poetry such as parallelisms and metaphors: Genesis 1:27; 2:23; 3:14-16, 17b-19; 4:23-24; 8:22; 9:6, 25-27; 12:2-3; 14:19-20; 15:1; 16:11-12; 24:60; 25:23; 27:27-29, 39-40; 48:15-16, 20; 49:1-27. You may not want to put all these passages in poetry format since some of them have parallelisms that are not necessarily poetry but may just be emphasizing certain events in the narrative or certain points in a prophecy.\n\n 1:intro zb6f 0 ### Possible titles for this book:\n\n\n- “Genesis”\n- “The Book of Genesis”\n- “Genesis: The First Book By Moses”\n- “Genesis: The Book About Beginnings”\n- “The First Book That God's Prophet/Spokesman Moses Wrote: Genesis”\n\n\nThe English title “Genesis” is a transliteration of a Greek word that means “origin” or “beginning” or “birth”; the ancient Greek translation of the Hebrew scriptures (the Septuagint) uses this word for the first time in Genesis 2:4. The Hebrew title of this book בְּרֵאשִׁית (pronounced “bereshith”) is the first Hebrew word in verse 1 and literally means “In the beginning.” The Latin translation of the Bible (the Latin Vulgate) was the first translation to use the title “The Book of Genesis.” Since that time, many other translations include “Genesis” in the book title because people are familiar with that name. Sometimes as part of the title, translators also include the fact that Moses was the author and that he was inspired by God. Do what is best in your language. 1:1 uiu4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns בְּרֵאשִׁ֖ית 1 The first chapter of Genesis is a true historical narrative (which is indicated by the Hebrew language structures that are used throughout the chapter), and verse 1 records the first event in that history. This is confirmed by the wider context of the Scriptures, which teach us that God created everything out of nothing at the very beginning of the world (Psalm 33:6, 9; Hebrews 11:3). Some languages must use a verb (“began”) in verse 1 rather than an abstract noun (**beginning**). Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “At the beginning of time” 1:1 b730 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 Translate the title **God** in a way that refers to the Supreme Being who created everything, who has complete power, who knows everything and is present everywhere. He is the only true God and has always existed. 1:1 hmtj rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms בָּרָ֣א 1 In the Hebrew Bible, the verb “create” refers to an activity that only God does, and it often implies (as it does here) that he made something out of nothing. Also, the forms of the verbs in the Hebrew text (and the conjunctions) show that chapter 1 is a narrative that tells about true history and events in the order that things actually happened. Make sure that your translation does the same thing. Alternate translation: “made” 1:1 bcu7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms אֵ֥ת הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם 1 This phrase refers here to the region where all the stars and planets would later exist. Keep that in mind as you translate this term. Alternate translation: “the sky” 1:1 wgq2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וְאֵ֥ת הָאָֽרֶץ 1 This phrase refers to the planet earth. 1:2 qfra וְהָאָ֗רֶץ 1 The author pauses here to describe what the earth and the heavens were like after God first created them (verse 1). Some languages use a conjunction like **Now** to introduce that information; other languages do not use a conjunction here. Do what is natural in your language. Also, be consistent here with how you translated **the earth** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “Now at first after that, the earth” 1:2 btmf הָיְתָ֥ה תֹ֨הוּ֙ וָבֹ֔הוּ 1 It is not clear what the earth looked like at that time, but it did not have its present shape and order. Also, the Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “was formless/shapeless and empty/desolate,” or “did not have its present form, and there was nothing living on it yet,” or (2) “completely empty/desolate,” which treats the text as a hendiadys. However, it is best to keep both terms separate in your translation (as they are in the Hebrew text). 1:2 f7a1 וְחֹ֖שֶׁךְ עַל פְּנֵ֣י תְה֑וֹם 1 For some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “It was completely dark, there was deep water everywhere,” or “There was deep water everywhere that was surrounded by total darkness,” 1:2 rp8q וְר֣וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֔ים מְרַחֶ֖פֶת 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “and God’s Spirit was hovering/moving” or (2) “and a wind from God was blowing” or (3) “and a powerful wind was blowing”. The first interpretation is most likely, since the Hebrew verb **hovering** does not describe what wind does. 1:2 yq4r עַל פְּנֵ֥י הַמָּֽיִם 1 Throughout this chapter, the word **waters** is in the plural in the Hebrew text. For some languages it is more natural to use the singular “water”. Do what is best in your language in each context. Alternate translation: “over the surface of the water.” or “above the waters” 1:3 kxuq rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 What God says in verse 3 is a command. Consider whether or not it is best in your language to make that explicit in this quote margin. Alternate translation: “Then God commanded,” 1:3 o0zd יְהִ֣י א֑וֹר 1 This is a command, not a permission or a suggestion. It is a direct quote of what God actually said, and it is usually put between quotation marks in a translation. If you use an exclamation point with this command in your translation, make sure it does not mean or imply that God was angry. Also, the way you translate **light** should refer to what shines from a source of light; it does not refer here to the source itself. Alternate translation: “Let light exist.” or “I command there to be light.” 1:3 nj3u וַֽיְהִי אֽוֹר 1 Light began to shine immediately as a result of God’s command. Alternate translation: “So immediately there was light.” or “And so light started shining.” 1:4 ceam rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיַּ֧רְא אֱלֹהִ֛ים 1 Notice that Hebrew frequently uses a conjunction such as **And** or **Then** at the beginning of a sentence. Some languages do not use conjunctions as frequently as Hebrew uses conjunctions. Do what is accurate and natural in your language in each context. Alternate translation: “And he saw” or “He saw” 1:4 bnvs rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms אֶת הָא֖וֹר כִּי ט֑וֹב 1 In the Bible, **good** is an important theme. Throughout chapter 1, it especially means that what God created was high quality, complete, and had no defects; in other words, it had all the characteristics and functions that God intended it to have. It also includes the idea that what God created was untainted by sin and reflected his good character (Psalm 19:1; Romans 1:20). The focus here is not on how pleased or satisfied God was. Alternate translation: “that the light was good” 1:4 wtmd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּבְדֵּ֣ל אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 In order to produce an accurate and natural translation, it is important in each context to make sure that nouns (such as **God**) and pronouns (such as “he”) are used properly in your language. In the Hebrew text, **God** is repeated frequently in chapter 1 to emphasize him and show that he is in focus. For some languages it is more natural to say **God** only once at the beginning of each paragraph or section, and then use pronouns to refer to him the rest of the time (or most of the time). Throughout chapter 1, do what is best in your language each time that you refer to God. 1:4 q3jo וַיַּבְדֵּ֣ל אֱלֹהִ֔ים בֵּ֥ין הָא֖וֹר וּבֵ֥ין הַחֹֽשֶׁךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Then he separated the light from the darkness so that each had its own time.” or “Then he caused the light to have its own time and the darkness to have its own time.” or “Then he separated the light from the darkness so that it would be light for a number of hours, and then dark for a number of hours.” 1:5 c9yz rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיִּקְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים 1 Some languages omit the connecting word **And** or **Then** here. Consider what is the best way in your language to connect this sentence with the previous one. Alternate translation: “Then God called” or “God named” 1:5 cc8r לָאוֹר֙ י֔וֹם 1 Notice that in this context the word **Day** refers only to the time when the sun is shining, not to the 24-hour time period that makes up a complete day. Make sure that this is clear in your translation. Throughout chapter 1, some translations use quote marks around the names that God gives the different things he created. Do what is best in your language. 1:5 if7a וְלַחֹ֖שֶׁךְ קָ֣רָא לָ֑יְלָה 1 In the Hebrew text, **the darkness** is first in this clause to emphasize the contrast between the light and the darkness. Consider what is the best way to translate this clause in your language. Alternate translation: “and the darkness he called Nighttime.” or “and he named the darkness Nighttime.” 1:5 xxe6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר 1 The evening and the morning are the parts of a 24-hour day that separate the hours of daytime (light) from the hours of nighttime (darkness): Evening came at the end of each daytime after God finished his work of creating. Then after about 12 hours of nighttime, morning came, which began the next 12 hours of daytime when God did more work. Make sure your translation does not sound like morning came immediately after evening. Some languages have a one-word conjunction that means “and then” or “and later” and would fit well here. Alternate translation: “Then evening came, and then morning came,” 1:5 xmx5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal י֥וֹם אֶחָֽד 1 Here **day** refers to a full 24-hour day. Also, the Hebrew text uses a cardinal number (**one**) here, but then uses ordinal numbers (“second,” “third,” and so on) for the rest of the days of the creation week. Some languages need to use an ordinal number (“first”) here too. Other languages use cardinal numbers throughout (“day one,” “day two,” and so on). Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and that was day one.” 1:6 nesq rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 3. Alternate translation: “Then God commanded,” 1:6 gqae יְהִ֥י רָקִ֖יעַ 1 The Hebrew word for **expanse** here describes a large space that is “spread out.” It was not solid, but rather it was open and empty and could be seen through and flown through (verse 20). It was probably also curved, following the spherical shape of the earth. See how you translated **Let there be** in verse 3. Alternate translation: “Let there be a vast space” or “I command there to be a vast space” or “I command a vast space to form” 1:6 mscz בְּת֣וֹךְ הַמָּ֑יִם 1 See how you translated **waters** in verse 2. 1:6 c6kn וִיהִ֣י מַבְדִּ֔יל בֵּ֥ין מַ֖יִם לָמָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “and let it divide the water above it from the water below it.” or “so that it separates the waters into two different places.” 1:7 i8t2 וַיַּ֣עַשׂ אֱלֹהִים֮ 1 Verse 7 explains what God’s command in verse 6 caused to happen, and it repeats some of the same words and phrases. Make sure that your translation of these verses does not sound like God created the expanse twice. Alternate translation: “In that way God made” or “That is how he made” 1:7 dgya אֶת הָרָקִיעַ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “a vast space” 1:7 c752 וַיַּבְדֵּ֗ל 1 Alternate translation: “and divided” or “and used it to separate” 1:7 pidk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns בֵּ֤ין הַמַּ֨יִם֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ מִתַּ֣חַת לָרָקִ֔יעַ וּבֵ֣ין הַמַּ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֖ר מֵעַ֣ל לָרָקִ֑יעַ 1 For some languages it is more natural to use a pronoun (**it**) here to refer to the expanse, since it was just mentioned earlier in the verse. Each language has its own system of when to use nouns or pronouns to refer to people, places, and things. In each context, do what is clear and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the water that was below the expanse from the water that was above it.” or “the water that was under it from the water that was above it.” 1:7 xfx7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן 1 Alternate translation: “That is the way it happened.” or “Everything was exactly as he commanded it to be” 1:8 igd0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיִּקְרָ֧א אֱלֹהִ֛ים 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here (with or without a conjunction) or to continue the sentence that began at the end of verse 7. Also see how you translated this phrase in verse 5. Alternate translation: “He called” or “and he called” 1:8 hh8a לָֽרָקִ֖יעַ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 6 and 7. Alternate translation: “the vast space” 1:8 n336 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms שָׁמָ֑יִם 1 This word probably refers here to the atmosphere above the earth’s surface where clouds are and where birds fly, as well as the space where the sun, moon, and stars are now. Be consistent here with how you translated this term in verse 1. 1:8 su1z וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר 1 See how you translated this sentence in verse 5, and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “Then evening came, and then morning came,” 1:8 adzz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal י֥וֹם שֵׁנִֽי 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to use an ordinal number (**second**) here or a cardinal number (“two”). Alternate translation: “and the second day ended.” or “and that was the end of day two.” 1:9 yc3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 3 and 6. Alternate translation: “Then God commanded,” 1:9 yetc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive יִקָּו֨וּ הַמַּ֜יִם מִתַּ֤חַת הַשָּׁמַ֨יִם֙ 1 Consider whether it is better here in your language to use a passive form of the verb (**be gathered**) or an active form (“gather” or “come”). Alternate translation: “Let the water that is under the sky come together” or “I command the water that is below the heavens to come together” 1:9 as42 אֶל מָק֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד 1 Alternate translation: “in one area” or “into one area” 1:9 g8i2 וְתֵרָאֶ֖ה הַיַּבָּשָׁ֑ה 1 The water had been covering the land, so when the water receded from it, the land became exposed and dried off. Make sure that the way you translate **dry ground** does not sound like the land was dry while it was under the water. Alternate translation: “so that there is dry land.” or “so that dry land can be seen.” or “so that land is uncovered and dries off.” 1:9 gign וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן 1 See how you translated this sentence in verse 7. It may be necessary to translate it in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “And it was exactly as God commanded it to be” 1:10 eh2f וַיִּקְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים 1 Alternate translation: “Then he named” 1:10 khag לַיַּבָּשָׁה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “the dry land” or “the land that had dried off” 1:10 teai אֶ֔רֶץ 1 This is the same Hebrew word that is translated as “earth” in verse 1, but here it refers to the dry land or ground (in contrast to the water), and not to the entire planet. Alternate translation: “Ground,” 1:10 c5av rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וּלְמִקְוֵ֥ה הַמַּ֖יִם קָרָ֣א 1 See how you translated a sentence in verse 5 that is similar in structure to this sentence. Alternate translation: “and the waters that he had gathered together he named” or “and he called the gathered waters” or “and he called the waters that had come together” 1:10 sb47 יַמִּ֑ים 1 At that time there was probably just one very large body of water and one very large land mass on the earth (as verse 9 indicates). So a singular noun that refers to the largest body of water, such as “Ocean” or “Sea”, could be used here in your translation. Alternate translation: “Oceans.” 1:10 gnuy rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Decide whether it is more natural in your language to use a noun (**God**) or a pronoun (**he**) in this context. See how you translated this phrase in verse 4. Alternate translation: “And he saw” or “He saw” 1:10 hk8y כִּי טֽוֹב 1 Some languages cannot use a pronoun (**it**) here, but have to specify what was good. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated the word **good** in verse 4, and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “that what he had made was good” or “that the land and the seas were good” 1:11 jq0c rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים 1 Alternate translation: “Then God commanded,” 1:11 lnyu תַּֽדְשֵׁ֤א הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ דֶּ֔שֶׁא 1 The Hebrew word for **vegetation** refers generally here to any kind of green plant and includes the plants and trees that are mentioned next in this verse. Also, see how you translated “Land” in verse 10. Alternate translation: “I command the ground to grow green plants,” or “The ground must now be covered with green plants,” 1:11 sdob עֵ֚שֶׂב מַזְרִ֣יעַ זֶ֔רַע 1 This phrase refers to many different kinds of plants, not just one plant or one seed. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Also, these kinds of plants have soft stems and include vegetable plants, herbs and other plants that produce edible seeds, such as rice, corn, and wheat. Alternate translation: “including every kind of plant that has seeds” or “including all kinds of plants that have seeds” 1:11 cv1n עֵ֣ץ פְּרִ֞י עֹ֤שֶׂה פְּרִי֙ לְמִינ֔וֹ 1 The phrase **according to its kind** emphasizes that each different kind of tree produces its own kind of fruit and seeds, which grow and become only that kind of tree. For example, apple trees always produce apples with apple seeds, never peaches or cherries, or any other kind of fruit or seeds. Alternate translation: “and fruit trees that bear fruit, each according to its own kind” or “and every kind of fruit tree that bears its own kind of fruit” or “and all kinds of fruit trees that bear their own kind of fruit” 1:11 o8kh אֲשֶׁ֥ר זַרְעוֹ ב֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “that has seeds inside,” or “with its own kind of seeds inside it,” 1:11 k8cn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 For some languages it is clearer and more natural to put this phrase earlier in this verse and say, “Let the land sprout vegetation on/throughout the earth …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “throughout the earth.” 1:11 virt וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן 1 Either a period or a colon can be used here, but a colon more clearly shows that verse 12 gives the details of what happened. This is different from verse 7, where the details of what happened come before **And it was so**, and from verse 9, where no additional details are given. Alternate translation: “And it happened exactly as God commanded it to happen:” 1:12 jikr וַתּוֹצֵ֨א הָאָ֜רֶץ דֶּ֠שֶׁא 1 Verse 12 explains what God’s command in verse 11 caused to happen, and it repeats some of the same words and phrases. Make sure that your translation of these verses does not sound like God created the plants twice. Alternate translation: “The land sprouted plants,” or “The land started growing green plants,” 1:12 rh5y עֵ֣שֶׂב מַזְרִ֤יעַ זֶ֨רַע֙ לְמִינֵ֔הוּ 1 Alternate translation: “including plants that have seeds, each according to its own kind” or “including every kind of plant that has seeds that grow into the same type of plant,” or “including all kinds of plants that have their own type of seeds,” 1:12 cy8d וְעֵ֧ץ עֹֽשֶׂה פְּרִ֛י אֲשֶׁ֥ר זַרְעוֹ ב֖וֹ לְמִינֵ֑הוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and trees that bear fruit with seeds inside, each according to its own kind.” or “and every kind of tree that has fruit with seeds that grow into the same kind of tree.” or “and all kinds of trees that have their own kind of seed-bearing fruit.” 1:12 o8er rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to begin this sentence with a conjunction. Alternate translation: “And he saw” or “He saw” 1:12 k58u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כִּי טֽוֹב 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 10. Some languages have to specify what was good. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “that what he had made was good” or “that all the plants and trees were good” 1:13 b3dy וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר 1 See how you translated this sentence in verses 5 and 8. Alternate translation: “Then evening came, and then morning came,” 1:13 xcdg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal י֥וֹם שְׁלִישִֽׁי 1 Alternate translation: “and the third day ended.” or “and that was the end of day three.” 1:14 h9x6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים 1 Alternate translation: “Then God commanded,” 1:14 f6qj יְהִ֤י מְאֹרֹת֙ 1 These lights refer to the sun, moon and stars that give off light. But it is important to keep this general in your translation (like the Hebrew text does) and not specify the names of these lights. Alternate translation: “Let lamps exist” or “Let there be objects that give light” 1:14 snjr בִּרְקִ֣יעַ הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם 1 The expanse is the same thing as the heavens (verse 8), so some translations leave **the expanse of** implied here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “in the space of the sky” or “in the open space of the sky” or “in the heavens” 1:14 as7i לְהַבְדִּ֕יל 1 Alternate translation: “to divide” or “that separate” 1:14 ik3v בֵּ֥ין הַיּ֖וֹם וּבֵ֣ין הַלָּ֑יְלָה 1 See how you translated “Daytime” and “Nighttime” in verse 5. 1:14 iva1 וְהָי֤וּ לְאֹתֹת֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Let those lamps also be” or “They will also serve as” or “I also command those lamps to serve as” 1:14 kwpn וְהָי֤וּ לְאֹתֹת֙ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “signs/markers of special/important events, and they must/will mark” or “They must/will also mark/indicate when important things happen, and they must/will mark/show” or (2) “signs/markers that mark/indicate/show”. The word **signs** means that the lights are to mark certain times of the year. Following the first interpretation, the lights are to also mark special events (such as the star that signaled Jesus’ birth and the darkened sun at Jesus’ death). 1:14 zf63 וּלְמ֣וֹעֲדִ֔ים וּלְיָמִ֖ים וְשָׁנִֽים 1 The sun and moon show the passing of time. For example, the 30-day month is determined by the phases of the moon, and the 365-day year is determined by the time it takes for the earth to travel around the sun. Seasons are regular times of the year, such as seed-planting and harvesting times, and the seasons of spring, summer, fall and winter (Genesis 8:22), as well as the special festivals which God appointed for his people to meet with him. You could put some of that information in a footnote. 1:15 qfvm וְהָי֤וּ לִמְאוֹרֹת֙ 1 Alternate translation: “And they will be sources of light” or “They will serve as lights” or “Their purpose is to serve as sources of light” 1:15 szsy בִּרְקִ֣יעַ הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 14. Alternate translation: “in the space called the sky” or “in the open space of the sky” or “in the heavens” 1:15 jf98 לְהָאִ֖יר עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 See how you translated **the earth** in verses 1-2. Alternate translation: “to shine light on the earth.” or “so that they give light to the earth.” 1:15 c4rf וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן 1 Alternate translation: “And it was exactly as he commanded it to be” 1:16 slgo וַיַּ֣עַשׂ אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 Verses 16-18 explain what God’s commands in verses 14-15 caused to happen. Make sure your translation of these verses does not sound like he created the lights twice. See how you translated **So God made** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “In that way God made” or “That is how he made” 1:16 axyb אֶת שְׁנֵ֥י הַמְּאֹרֹ֖ת הַגְּדֹלִ֑ים 1 This phrase refers to the sun and the moon, which are the two brightest objects in the earth’s sky. However, the author intentionally does not use their names, so you should not include their names in your translation either. Alternate translation: “the two big lights,” 1:16 udou אֶת הַמָּא֤וֹר הַגָּדֹל֙ 1 The focus is on the relative brightness or strength of the lights, not on their size. Alternate translation: “the stronger light” 1:16 vq3u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶת הַיּ֔וֹם 1 The word **rule** is a figure of speech that means each light has the greatest effect during a particular time period because it is the brightest light that is shining then. For some languages, nonliving objects like the sun and the moon cannot **rule** because only people can do that. Do what is accurate and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to govern the day,” 1:16 slw4 וְאֶת הַמָּא֤וֹר הַקָּטֹן֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and the dimmer light” 1:16 kas2 לְמֶמְשֶׁ֣לֶת הַלַּ֔יְלָה 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **rule** previously in this verse. Alternate translation: “to govern the night,” 1:16 vlll rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וְאֵ֖ת הַכּוֹכָבִֽים 1 The verb **made** that is used earlier in the verse is implied here. Translate this in a way that is clear and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and he also made the stars.” or “That is also when he created the stars.” 1:17 wi1g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֛ם אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to God and the lights at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “God put them” or “God placed the lights” 1:17 zkp6 בִּרְקִ֣יעַ הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 14 and 15. Alternate translation: “in the space called the sky” or “in the open space of the sky” or “in the heavens” 1:17 e0pl לְהָאִ֖יר עַל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 15. Alternate translation: “to provide light to the earth,” 1:18 iq2u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification וְלִמְשֹׁל֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם וּבַלַּ֔יְלָה 1 Make sure that your translation of the word **day** refers here to the daytime hours, not an entire 24-hour day. Also see how you translated **rule** in 1:16. Alternate translation: “and to dominate the daytime or the nighttime,” or “and to shine during the daytime and during the nighttime,” 1:18 x9y4 וּֽלֲהַבְדִּ֔יל בֵּ֥ין הָא֖וֹר וּבֵ֣ין הַחֹ֑שֶׁךְ 1 Consider again how you translated **separate** in verses 4, 6-7, 14 and 18. Alternate translation: “and to distinguish the light from the darkness.” or “and to separate the time of light from the time of darkness.” 1:18 ji6r וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “And he saw” or “He saw” 1:18 h52g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כִּי טֽוֹב 1 Some languages need to specify what was good. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “that what he had made was good” or “that the lights in the sky were good” 1:19 c1co וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Then evening came, and then morning came,” 1:19 zl7w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal י֥וֹם רְבִיעִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “and the fourth day ended.” or “and that was the end of day four.” 1:20 qr92 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “Then God commanded,” 1:20 rlrq יִשְׁרְצ֣וּ הַמַּ֔יִם שֶׁ֖רֶץ נֶ֣פֶשׁ חַיָּ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “I command the water to be full of large groups of living creatures,” or “I command there to be large numbers of water animals that live everywhere in the water,” 1:20 szof וְעוֹף֙ יְעוֹפֵ֣ף 1 The Hebrew word for **birds** can also be more general and refer to “winged/flying creatures,” which includes birds, bats, flying insects and even flying reptiles that are now extinct. Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and let there be birds that fly” or “Also let there be winged creatures that fly” 1:20 obps עַל הָאָ֔רֶץ עַל פְּנֵ֖י רְקִ֥יעַ הַשָּׁמָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “above the earth, through the air.” or “across the sky above the earth.” 1:21 hu94 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּבְרָ֣א אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 See how you translated **created** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “That is how he made” or “In that way he made” 1:21 ywwv אֶת הַתַּנִּינִ֖ם הַגְּדֹלִ֑ים 1 These include whales, sharks, giant squid, crocodiles, and leviathans (Psalm 74:13-14, Isaiah 27:1), which were probably swimming reptiles that are now extinct. Alternate translation: “the huge ocean animals” 1:21 uwve וְאֵ֣ת כָּל נֶ֣פֶשׁ הַֽחַיָּ֣ה הָֽרֹמֶ֡שֶׂת 1 Alternate translation: “and every kind of fish and every other animal that lives” or “and all the fish and other kinds of animals that live” 1:21 cfhy אֲשֶׁר֩ שָׁרְצ֨וּ הַמַּ֜יִם 1 Alternate translation: “throughout the ocean in large groups,” or “in the water and fills it,” or “all over the place in the ocean,” 1:21 yks1 לְמִֽינֵהֶ֗ם 1 This phrase emphasizes that each different kind of creature has its own distinct kind of offspring/young. For example, whales always give birth to whales, and never give birth to cats or cows or any other kind of creature. Alternate translation: “each according to its own kind” or “each that has its own kind of young,” 1:21 w4mh וְאֵ֨ת 1 For some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here, so that the previous sentence is not too long. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and how he made” or “That is also how he created” 1:21 ug9b כָּל ע֤וֹף כָּנָף֙ 1 See how you translated “birds” in verse 20. Alternate translation: “every kind of bird” or “all the different kinds of birds” or “every kind of winged creature” 1:21 wumv לְמִינֵ֔הוּ 1 See how you translated this phrase earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “each according to its own kind” or “each that has its own kind of young.” 1:21 c8r3 וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “And He saw” or “He saw” 1:21 fhzc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כִּי טֽוֹב 1 Some languages need to specify what was good. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “that what he had made was good” or “that the water animals and the birds were good” 1:22 tv0s rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ אֹתָ֛ם אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 For some languages it is necessary to specify what **them** refers to. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then God caused them all to prosper” or “Then God blessed the water creatures and the birds” 1:22 yiar rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 God blesses the water animals first. If that is not clear, you could make that explicit here in the quote margin or at the beginning of what God says. Alternate translation: “and said first to the water animals,” 1:22 v2ge rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person פְּר֣וּ 1 God speaks directly to the water animals using the second person (“you”), then later in the verse speaks about the birds in the third person (**the birds**). For some languages it is necessary to use either second person for both or third person for both, to prevent confusion. Do what is natural and clear in your language. Alternate translation: “Reproduce” or “You water animals will produce many young” 1:22 ee4u rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal וּרְב֗וּ 1 Alternate translation: “so that you and your offspring will multiply greatly in number” or “so that you and your offspring will become very many” 1:22 s7t9 וּמִלְא֤וּ 1 Alternate translation: “and live throughout” 1:22 pfl8 אֶת הַמַּ֨יִם֙ בַּיַּמִּ֔ים 1 For some languages, “water in the seas” is too repetitive, so it is more natural here to just say “seas/sea” or “ocean” or “water”. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “the water of the sea” 1:22 wysn וְהָע֖וֹף יִ֥רֶב 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, see how you translated **multiply** earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “And the birds will also increase greatly in number” or “You birds will also become very many” 1:22 q4ey בָּאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “throughout the earth.” or “and live all over the earth.” 1:23 jdl5 וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Then evening came, and then morning came,” 1:23 jti5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal י֥וֹם חֲמִישִֽׁי 1 Alternate translation: “and the fifth day ended.” or “and that was the end of day five.” 1:24 k7ok וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים 1 Alternate translation: “Then God commanded,” 1:24 ymte תּוֹצֵ֨א הָאָ֜רֶץ 1 See how you translated a similar command to the land in verse 11. Alternate translation: “I command the land to yield” or “The land must now produce” 1:24 wf0h נֶ֤פֶשׁ חַיָּה֙ 1 This is a general term that refers to all the different kinds of creatures/animals that breathe, including the three large categories of animals mentioned below in this verse. Alternate translation: “every type of living animal” or “all kinds of animals,” 1:24 se25 לְמִינָ֔הּ 1 This phrase means that every kind of animal that God created always produces young that are the same kind of animal as their parents. See how you translated this phrase in verse 21, and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “each that has its own kind of young,” or “each having its own kind of young,” 1:24 lpze בְּהֵמָ֥ה 1 This term probably includes animals such as horses, camels, cattle, sheep, and goats that people raise for food or use for farming or other work. This is in contrast to animals that normally live in the wild. Alternate translation: “including farm animals,” 1:24 jqx2 וָרֶ֛מֶשׂ 1 Alternate translation: “every type of animal that crawls” or “all kinds of animals that crawl” 1:24 f3l5 וְחַֽיְתוֹ אֶ֖רֶץ 1 This phrase refers in general to animals that are normally not raised by people but live in the wild. Alternate translation: “and every other kind of wild animal that lives on the land,” or “and all the other kinds of wild animals that live on the land,” 1:24 w60r לְמִינָ֑הּ 1 See how you translated this phrase earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “each that has its own kind of offspring” or “each having its own kind of offspring” 1:24 voaz וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן 1 Alternate translation: “It happened exactly as he commanded it to happen.” 1:25 lj0c וַיַּ֣עַשׂ אֱלֹהִים֩ 1 Alternate translation: “That is how God created” or “In that way God made” 1:25 jdcq אֶת חַיַּ֨ת הָאָ֜רֶץ 1 See how you translated **every creature of the earth** in verse 24. Alternate translation: “every kind of wild animal,” or “all the different kinds of wild animals,” 1:25 zrau לְמִינָ֗הּ 1 Alternate translation: “each that bears its own kind of young,” or “each having its own kind of young,” 1:25 bffi וְאֶת הַבְּהֵמָה֙ 1 See how you translated **livestock** in verse 24. Alternate translation: “and every kind of farm animal,” or “and all the farm animals,” 1:25 h946 לְמִינָ֔הּ 1 Alternate translation: “each that bears its own kind of young,” or “each having its own kind of young,” 1:25 j9e3 וְאֵ֛ת כָּל רֶ֥מֶשׂ הָֽאֲדָמָ֖ה 1 See how you translated **crawling creature** in verse 24. Alternate translation: “and every kind of creature that crawls along the ground,” or “and all different kinds of animals that crawl along the ground,” 1:25 ifc3 לְמִינָ֗הּ 1 Consider again how you translated this phrase in verses 11, 12, 21, 24 and 25. It may be necessary to translate this phrase in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “each that bears its own kind of offspring” or “each having its own kind of young,” 1:25 ts6r וַיַּ֥רְא אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “And he saw” or “He saw” 1:25 epq1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כִּי טֽוֹב 1 Some languages need to specify what was good. Consider again how you translated “And God saw that … good” in verses 10, 12, 18, 21, 25. Alternate translation: “that what he had made was good” or “that all the animals that he had made were good” 1:26 bpc0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 Here God is not commanding anything to happen, but is getting ready to personally create mankind himself (the details are given in Gen 2:7, 21-22). Some languages have to specify who is being spoken to. Do what is best in your language. 1:26 blpi נַֽעֲשֶׂ֥ה 1 Most Bible scholars think that the plural pronouns (**us** and **our**) in this verse refer to God and reflect the fact that he is three Persons in one God. So it is best to keep these pronouns plural in your translation. Also, many translations capitalize the first letter of all pronouns that refer to God in order to show him honor and respect. Your translation team needs to decide whether or not you will do that too. Be consistent with your decision as you translate the Bible. Alternate translation: “Now we will make” 1:26 bahl אָדָ֛ם 1 The Hebrew word for **man** is used here (and in verse 27) as a collective noun that refers to human beings in general, including both male and female. Alternate translation: “mankind” 1:26 ulnl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet בְּצַלְמֵ֖נוּ כִּדְמוּתֵ֑נוּ 1 These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize that God made mankind to be like himself in many ways. Alternate translation: “to be like us, so that they are similar to us in many ways,” 1:26 mq1c וְיִרְדּוּ֩ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and let us put them in control of” or “We will give them authority to rule” 1:26 bgn6 בִדְגַ֨ת הַיָּ֜ם 1 Alternate translation: “the fish in the sea” 1:26 fiz0 וּבְע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם 1 Some translations leave out the phrase **of the sky** because it is strongly implied and may not sound natural in their languages. However, if it is natural in your language, it is best to include this phrase, because the author repeatedly contrasts three large categories of animals in this section: creatures that live on the ground, creatures that swim in the water, and creatures that fly in the sky. Alternate translation: “the birds that fly in the sky” 1:26 qqil וּבַבְּהֵמָה֙ 1 Consider again how you translated **livestock** in verses 24-26. Alternate translation: “the farm animals,” 1:26 vthy וּבְכָל הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 This refers to the planet earth and everything on it, including water, soil, metals, minerals, and other resources, as well as all the plants and animals. 1:26 x3kc וּבְכָל הָרֶ֖מֶשׂ הָֽרֹמֵ֥שׂ עַל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 For some languages it is not natural to repeat **and** or **over** with each item in this list. Consider what is the best way to translate a list like this in your language. Alternate translation: “including every creature that moves on the earth.” or “and all the animals that live on the earth.” 1:27 zl1a rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיִּבְרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים 1 In this verse God does what he said he was going to do (verse 26). Make sure your translation does not sound like God created mankind twice. Also see how you translated **created** in verses 1 and 21. Alternate translation: “So God made” 1:27 f5z8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms אֶת הָֽאָדָם֙ 1 Be consistent here with how you translated this term in verse 26. Alternate translation: “mankind” 1:27 yyg0 בְּצַלְמ֔וֹ 1 God made mankind to be like himself in some ways (not all ways) and to represent him in the world and show people what he is like. For example, God gave human beings an eternal spirit and the ability to have a relationship with him. He also gave us emotions, an understanding of right and wrong, and the ability to reason and make choices, to create new things and to have authority over the rest of creation. You could include some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “in his own image.” or “to be similar to himself in many ways.” 1:27 f9uj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism בְּצֶ֥לֶם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בָּרָ֣א אֹת֑וֹ 1 The pronoun **him** refers to the collective noun **man**, which in this case refers to human beings in general, not just one person. Also, this clause is the second half of a chiasm (an inverted parallelism) that repeats the first part of verse 27 in reverse order, to emphasize that it was in God’s image that human beings were created. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Yes he made them in his image” or “Indeed he created them to be like himself” or “Yes, God made them to be similar to himself in many ways” 1:27 n054 זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה בָּרָ֥א אֹתָֽם 1 The phrase **male and female** comes first in the Hebrew text in order to emphasize it. Do what is accurate and natural in your language. Also make sure your translation of this verse does not sound like God is both male and female. Alternate translation: “He also made them to be male or female.” 1:28 n52a וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֹתָם֮ אֱלֹהִים֒ 1 See how you translated **blessed** in verse 22. Alternate translation: “Then God showed his favor to them” or “Then God caused them to prosper” 1:28 mnzd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר לָהֶ֜ם אֱלֹהִ֗ים 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation of this quote margin that what God says next is the way that he blessed mankind, not something he said separately from that. Alternate translation: “and said,” or “He said,” 1:28 lyey פְּר֥וּ 1 See how you translated **Be fruitful and multiply** in verse 22. It may be necessary to translate the phrase in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “Bear many children” or “You will bear many children” 1:28 xie5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal וּרְב֛וּ 1 Alternate translation: “so that you and your descendants will multiply greatly in number” or “so that you and your descendants will become very many” 1:28 lpep וּמִלְא֥וּ אֶת הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 For some languages, it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and inhabit the whole earth” or “Fill the earth” 1:28 g9jo וְכִבְשֻׁ֑הָ 1 Alternate translation: “and take care of it.” or “and bring it under your control.” 1:28 c3f8 וּרְד֞וּ 1 See how you translated **rule** in verse 26. Alternate translation: “You must rule over” or “I am giving you authority to rule” 1:28 prup בִּדְגַ֤ת הַיָּם֙ וּבְע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם 1 See how you translated these phrases in verse 26. Alternate translation: “the fish in the ocean, the birds that fly in the sky” 1:28 ytrg וּבְכָל חַיָּ֖ה הָֽרֹמֶ֥שֶׂת עַל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 This phrase refers generally here to every kind of creature that lives on land. Alternate translation: “and every animal that moves on the land.” or “and all the animals that move on the land.” 1:29 sqcf rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים 1 God is still speaking to the human beings, so it may be necessary to add “also” to this quote margin. Some languages need to specify who is being spoken to. Other languages may leave this quote margin implied, since the same subject (God) is talking to the same people. However, the repeated quote margin in the Hebrew text could show that God paused before continuing or that he is changing the topic, or to emphasize what he says next. So if it is natural to keep the quote margin here in your language, that is best. Alternate translation: “Then God also said to them,” or “Then he added,” 1:29 a4r5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms הִנֵּה֩ 1 This word means that what God says next is important and should be given special attention. Consider what is the best way to translate this term in your language. Alternate translation: “Look,” or “Listen to this,” or “I want you to know that” 1:29 uvuf נָתַ֨תִּי לָכֶ֜ם 1 Alternate translation: “I am now giving to you as food” or “I have provided as food for you” or “I am now providing as food for you” 1:29 oakn אֶת כָּל עֵ֣שֶׂב זֹרֵ֣עַ זֶ֗רַע אֲשֶׁר֙ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verses 11 and 12. Alternate translation: “every kind of seed-bearing plant that grows” or “every kind of plant with seeds that grows” or “all the different kinds of plants that yield seeds and grow” 1:29 nq9g עַל פְּנֵ֣י כָל הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “anywhere throughout the earth,” 1:29 nn9g וְאֶת־כָּל־הָעֵ֛ץ אֲשֶׁר 1 Alternate translation: “as well as every kind of tree that bears” or “and all the different kinds of trees that bear” 1:29 zjwv בּ֥וֹ פְרִי עֵ֖ץ זֹרֵ֣עַ זָ֑רַע 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verses 11 and 12. Alternate translation: “seed-bearing fruit.” 1:29 ird8 לָכֶ֥ם יִֽהְיֶ֖ה לְאָכְלָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “You may eat from any of those plants.” 1:30 h154 וּֽלְכָל חַיַּ֣ת הָ֠אָרֶץ 1 See how you translated similar phrases in verses 24 and 25. Alternate translation: “In the same way, to every kind of wild creature that lives on the land,” or “Likewise, to all the wild creatures that live on the land,” or “In the same way, to all the wild animals,” 1:30 cxyb וּלְכָל ע֨וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֜יִם 1 Alternate translation: “and every kind of bird that flies in the sky,” 1:30 n7vq וּלְכֹ֣ל רוֹמֵ֣שׂ עַל הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁר בּוֹ֙ נֶ֣פֶשׁ חַיָּ֔ה 1 See how you translated “that moves on the earth” in verse 28. Alternate translation: “and every other kind of creature that moves on the land and has the breath of life,” or “and all the other creatures that move on the earth and breathe air to live,” 1:30 hifc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֶת כָּל יֶ֥רֶק עֵ֖שֶׂב לְאָכְלָ֑ה 1 For some languages it is clearer or more natural to put this phrase near the beginning of this verse and say, “In the same way, I give every type of green plant for food to all the wild animals that live on the earth, and all the birds that fly in the sky, and all the other animals that live on the land and breathe air.” Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **plant** in verses 11, 12, 29. Alternate translation: “I give every kind of green plant as food.” or “I have given all the green plants as food.” 1:30 ivkg וַֽיְהִי כֵֽן 1 Consider again how you translated this sentence in verses 7, 9, 11, 15, 24 and 30. It may be necessary to translate it in different ways, depending on the context. For example, here in verse 30 this phrase follows a statement God made, which is different from the other contexts where it follows a command. Alternate translation: “And it was exactly as God said it would be.” 1:31 hhg6 וַיַּ֤רְא אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 See how you translated “God saw …” in verse 4. Alternate translation: “Then God observed” 1:31 c85e אֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔ה 1 This phrase refers to everything that God made during the entire week of Creation, not just on the sixth day. Consider again how you translated **made** (or “make”) in verses 7, 16, 25, 26 and 31. Compare that to how you translated a word that has a similar meaning (“created”) in verses 1, 21 and 27. Alternate translation: “everything that he had created,” 1:31 w4pz וְהִנֵּה 1 This word calls attention to what God is looking at and helps emphasize that what he saw was very good. Alternate translation: “and indeed” or “and he saw that” 1:31 uixn ט֖וֹב מְאֹ֑ד 1 Consider again how you translated “good/excellent” in verses 4, 10, 12, 18, 21, 25, and 31. Alternate translation: “it was all very good” 1:31 pjit וַֽיְהִי עֶ֥רֶב וַֽיְהִי בֹ֖קֶר 1 Consider again how you translated these phrases in verses 5, 8, 13, 19, 23, and 31, and see the note about that at verse 5. Alternate translation: “Then evening came, and then morning came,” 1:31 vsiy rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal י֥וֹם הַשִּׁשִּֽׁי 1 Alternate translation: “and the sixth day ended.” or “and that was the end of day six.” 2:1 alnx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיְכֻלּ֛וּ הַשָּׁמַ֥יִם וְהָאָ֖רֶץ 1 Verse 1 is a summary statement that looks back at what God did in chapter 1. Make sure that is clear in your language. Also consider whether it is better in your language to use an active or passive clause here, and see how you translated “heavens and earth” in Gen 1:1. Alternate translation: “So it was that the heavens and the earth were finished by God,” or “That is how God finished making the heavens and the earth,” 2:1 eaz5 וְכָל צְבָאָֽם 1 This phrase refers to everything in the heavens and on the earth that God had created, as described in chapter 1. Alternate translation: “along with everything in them.” 2:2 lmmc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that God had completed his work by the seventh day and did not work on that day. Also consider again how you translated ordinal numbers in Gen 1:5, 8, 13, 19, 23, 31; 2:2. Alternate translation: “By day seven” 2:2 zkij rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיְכַ֤ל אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 Decide whether it is better in your language to refer to God with a title (**God**) or a pronoun (**he**) in this context. Alternate translation: “he had completed” or “God was finished with” 2:2 qp74 מְלַאכְתּ֖וֹ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “his work he had been doing,” 2:2 lqw7 וַיִּשְׁבֹּת֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י מִכָּל 1 God **rested** in the sense that he stopped his work and did not work on that day. It does not mean he was tired or had lost his strength. Rest is an important theme in the Bible, so you should try to be consistent in how you translate this term here and in other passages such as Exodus 23:12, 31:17 and Hebrews 4:4, 10. Part of this theme includes the Hebrew word for “Sabbath” which has the same root word as the verb for “rest” and is often translated “resting day.” Alternate translation: “so he ceased on that day from all” or “so on the seventh day he no longer did” 2:2 mtu9 מְלַאכְתּ֖וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָֽׂה 1 Alternate translation: “the work that he had been doing.” 2:3 aq2s rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיְבָ֤רֶךְ אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת י֣וֹם הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י 1 For some languages it is more natural to begin verse 3 without a conjunction. Other languages use a conjunction here like Hebrew does. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then he designated the seventh day as a day to bless people” or “He honored the seventh day” 2:3 frsr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַיְקַדֵּ֖שׁ אֹת֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and made it a holy day,” or “and set it apart as a day especially devoted to him,” or “by setting it apart as a special day for people to rest and worship him,” 2:3 zlsb כִּ֣י ב֤וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “because during that day” or “He did that because during that day” 2:3 kcwq שָׁבַת֙ מִכָּל מְלַאכְתּ֔וֹ 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 2. Alternate translation: “he ceased from all the work” or “he did not do any more work” 2:3 oxs3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns אֲשֶׁר בָּרָ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים לַעֲשֽׂוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “of creating that he had been doing.” 2:4 m6ic אֵ֣לֶּה 1 This phrase refers forward to Gen 2:5-24 and begins a new section. Chapter one of Genesis gives an overview of what God did each day of creation week, including that he created human beings on day six. Chapter two gives more details about how God created Adam and Eve, who were his most important creations. Each chapter emphasizes different parts of the same history; they are not two different histories. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “These are more details about” or “This is more about” or “What follows gives more details about” 2:4 ptfh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive תוֹלְד֧וֹת הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם וְהָאָ֖רֶץ בְּהִבָּֽרְאָ֑ם 1 The Hebrew text uses a passive construction here to emphasize the heavens and the earth. Decide the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “the history of the heavens and the earth when they were created by God,” or “what happened when God created the heavens and the earth.” 2:4 i0br בְּי֗וֹם 1 Consider whether or not it is clearer or more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here that continues into verse 5. Alternate translation: “during the days when” or “During the days when” 2:4 igt9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 This phrase is a combination of God’s personal name **Yahweh** with his title “God.” Both are used together when he is especially in focus. This pattern of using a personal name and a title together is also used for people in the Old Testament when they are being emphasized, for example, “Ahab king of Israel” and “Ruth the Moabitess.” Many translations have “LORD God” in place of **Yahweh God** throughout the Old Testament. This follows the Jewish custom of substituting the Hebrew title “Adonai” (which means “my Lord”) for **Yahweh** (which means “he is”) when they read the Scriptures aloud. More recently, translation teams are putting **Yahweh** back in the Bible text (especially in the Old Testament, but also in the New Testament), and they include a footnote to explain the term. (Some translation teams consider using “Jehovah” instead of “Yahweh.” However that is not a name from the Bible, but is formed by taking the consonants from **Yahweh** and combining them with the vowels from “Adonai.”) Alternate translation: “God whose name is Yahweh” 2:4 h1ao rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-chiasm עֲשׂ֛וֹת & אֶ֥רֶץ וְשָׁמָֽיִם 1 This clause forms a chiasm with “the heavens and the earth … created” in the first part of this verse. Try to keep the same phrase order in your translation. See how you translated **the heavens** and **the earth** in Gen 1:1 and 2:1. Alternate translation: “created the earth and the heavens” 2:5 yi7q rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְכֹ֣ל ׀ שִׂ֣יחַ הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה טֶ֚רֶם יִֽהְיֶ֣ה בָאָ֔רֶץ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your translation to begin a new sentence here. Verses 5-6 give background information about what things were like before God created mankind (verse 7). Some languages use a conjunction like “Now” to introduce background information, while other languages do not use a conjunction here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Now for a while, there were not yet any shrubs in the fields on the earth,” or “For a while, no wild shrubs had started growing on the earth yet,” 2:5 gyov וְכָל עֵ֥שֶׂב הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה טֶ֣רֶם יִצְמָ֑ח 1 See how you translated “plants” in Gen 1:11-12, 29-30. Alternate translation: “nor had any other plants started growing yet,” 2:5 iiqn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns כִּי֩ & יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 The Hebrew text repeats **Yahweh God** frequently in chapter 2 (starting in verse 4) to emphasize God. For some languages, it is not natural to repeat **Yahweh God** so often in the same paragraph, and it could even give the wrong meaning that there was more than one Yahweh God. For languages like that, it may be best to use **Yahweh God** only once at the beginning of a section or paragraph, then use **Yahweh**, **God**, or “he” in the rest of the section, depending on the context. Consider what is the most accurate and natural way to refer to Yahweh God at each point in your translation. Alternate translation: “because he” 2:5 dsr2 לֹ֨א הִמְטִ֜יר & עַל הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 See how you translated **earth** in Gen 1:1 and 2:1. Alternate translation: “had not yet caused it to rain on the earth,” or “had not yet caused rain to water the earth,” 2:5 jour וְאָדָ֣ם אַ֔יִן 1 Alternate translation: “and there were no human beings yet” or “and mankind did not exist yet” 2:5 mdd4 לַֽעֲבֹ֖ד אֶת הָֽאֲדָמָֽה 1 Working the ground includes tasks such as clearing the ground, preparing the soil, planting seeds, and watering the plants. See how you translated **ground** in Gen 1:25. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “to farm the land” 2:6 vsou rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וְאֵ֖ד 1 The Hebrew word for **mist** refers to water in some form, such as water vapor, springs, or streams of water. Also, some translations begin verse 6 without **But**. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “But at that time mist” or “At that time mist” 2:6 ytxq יַֽעֲלֶ֣ה 1 This verb describes a repeated or continuous action. Alternate translation: “seeped up” or “kept coming up” or “would seep up” 2:6 t93l מִן הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “from the ground” or “from underground” 2:6 srec וְהִשְׁקָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “and irrigated” or “and spread over” 2:6 qd1o אֶֽת כָּל פְּנֵֽי הָֽאֲדָמָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “the whole surface of the earth.” or “the ground everywhere.” 2:7 fjjv וַיִּיצֶר֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהִ֜ים 1 The word **formed** describes what an expert craftsmen would do, and implies artistic skills and design. See how you translated **Yahweh God** in Gen 2:4-5. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh who is God shaped” 2:7 dbat אֶת הָֽאָדָ֗ם 1 The definite article **the** is used here because this refers to a specific man, the first male human. For many languages it is more natural to use an indefinite article (**a**) to introduce him here, or to not use an article at all. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “the first man” 2:7 pmfi עָפָר֙ 1 The word used here in the Hebrew text is usually translated **dust** (as in Gen 13:16, 28:14), but it can also be translated “dirt” (as in Gen 26:15) or “mortar/mud/clay” (as in Leviticus 14:42). The dirt would have been damp enough to be formed or shaped. Alternate translation: “out of mud” 2:7 g3a2 מִן הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה 1 For some languages it may be better to change the order of the phrases in the first half of this verse and say, “Then Yahweh who is God took some dirt/clay from the ground/earth and formed/shaped a man out of it,” Do what is best in your language. Also, see how you translated **ground** in Gen 1:25 and 2:5-6. You may need to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “from the earth,” 2:7 xkca וַיִּפַּ֥ח 1 For some languages, it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and he blew” or “Then he exhaled” 2:7 qzjs rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns בְּאַפָּ֖יו נִשְׁמַ֣ת חַיִּ֑ים 1 This refers to God’s breath. As you translate the pronouns **he** and **his** in this verse, make sure it is clear in your language who is being referred to. 2:7 vf52 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיְהִ֥י הָֽאָדָ֖ם לְנֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּֽה 1 Consider what is the most natural way in your language to refer to the man throughout verse 7. Alternate translation: “so that he became a living person.” or “and then the man became alive” or “and he came to life.” or “so that he started to live.” 2:8 z5wl rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וַיִּטַּ֞ע יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהִ֛ים 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “Now Yahweh God had previously/already planted” or “Before that, Yahweh God had planted”. This interpretation fits the context of chapter one, which says that God had made all the trees and plants on day three (Gen 1:11-12), three days before he created man (Gen 1:26-27; 2:7). Following this view, verses 8-14 give background information for what happens in verses 15-24. (2) “Then Yahweh God planted”. According to this interpretation, God made the Garden of Eden on day six after he created man. 2:8 npa8 גַּן 1 The man lived in this garden, and there were animals and many trees and other plants in it too, so it was fairly large. Make sure your translation of this term does not refer to something that is too small. Alternate translation: “a large park” 2:8 msch בְעֵ֖דֶן מִקֶּ֑דֶם 1 In this context, the phrase **in the east** could refer to: (1) the eastern part of the region of Eden; or (2) a region east of where Moses lived when he wrote this. It is best, if possible, to keep your translation of this phrase general here (like the Hebrew text). Alternate translation: “in the region called Eden, which was to the east,” or “in the eastern part of the land of Eden,” 2:8 zpxl וַיָּ֣שֶׂם שָׁ֔ם אֶת הָֽאָדָ֖ם 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and in that garden he put the man” or “That is where he put the man” 2:8 uvlv אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָצָֽר 1 See how you translated **formed** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “whom he had shaped” or “whom he had created” 2:9 wihv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּצְמַ֞ח יְהוָ֤ה אֱלֹהִים֙ מִן־הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה כָּל־עֵ֛ץ נֶחְמָ֥ד 1 See how you translated **Yahweh God** in verse 5, and how you translated **every tree** in Gen 1:29. Alternate translation: “There he had caused to grow from the ground every type of tree that is beautiful” or “He had made all kinds of trees to grow from the ground that are pleasant” 2:9 zqug לְמַרְאֶ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “to the eyes” or “in appearance” 2:9 kslw וְט֣וֹב 1 Alternate translation: “and that have fruit that is good” or “and whose fruit is good” 2:9 rc1t לְמַאֲכָ֑ל 1 Alternate translation: “for eating,” 2:9 urhf וְעֵ֤ץ הַֽחַיִּים֙ בְּת֣וֹךְ הַגָּ֔ן 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “including the tree whose fruit gives people eternal life, which was in the middle of the garden,” 2:9 vdwn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וְעֵ֕ץ הַדַּ֖עַת ט֥וֹב וָרָֽע 1 The word **good** refers here to all that is morally right and pleasing to God, and **evil** refers to what is morally wrong and against his will. Keep that in mind as you translate these terms. Alternate translation: “as well as the tree whose fruit enables people to discern what is right and what is wrong.” 2:10 af8y rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וְנָהָרּ֙ יֹצֵ֣א 1 Verse 10 gives more background information that began in verse 8. Many translations omit the conjunction **And** or “Now” here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Now a river was flowing” or “A river was flowing” 2:10 pp02 מֵעֵ֔דֶן 1 The garden was inside the land of Eden, so as the river flowed through Eden, it watered the garden. Alternate translation: “from the land of Eden” 2:10 rcms לְהַשְׁק֖וֹת 1 See how you translated “watered” in verse 6. Alternate translation: “to irrigate” or “to provide water for” or “that watered” 2:10 wxka אֶת הַגָּ֑ן 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 8. Alternate translation: “the park,” 2:10 gpkv וּמִשָּׁם֙ 1 For some languages it is better to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and from the garden” or “From Eden” 2:10 h8ke יִפָּרֵ֔ד וְהָיָ֖ה לְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה רָאשִֽׁים 1 Verse 10 is ambiguous in the Hebrew text. It could mean: (1) “the/that river divided into four smaller waters/rivers.” This interpretation means that the river in Eden was the source river that watered the garden and then divided downstream into the four smaller rivers. (2) “there were four smaller source rivers that joined together and formed the larger river.” This interpretation means that the four rivers were source headwaters that flowed downstream and joined to form the larger river in Eden. If possible, leave your translation ambiguous here (like the Hebrew text does), so that either interpretation is possible. 2:11 ty1t שֵׁ֥ם הָֽאֶחָ֖ד 1 Most translations use past tense in verse 10, but then use present tense throughout verses 11-14. It may be best to use past tense throughout verses 10-14, especially since the rivers and places that are named in these verses no longer existed when Genesis was written, because the Flood completely changed the entire surface of the earth; after the Flood, the names of some of those rivers and places were given to new rivers and places. Alternate translation: “The name of the first river is” or “The first river is named” or “The first river is” 2:11 fhgs rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names פִּישׁ֑וֹן 1 Consider whether or not it is natural in your language to use the article (**the**) with the name of a river. 2:11 k73q ה֣וּא הַסֹּבֵ֗ב 1 The word **winds** or “meanders” means that the river changed direction from time to time. Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “It meanders through” or “which flows around through” 2:11 kdfc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֵ֚ת כָּל אֶ֣רֶץ הַֽחֲוִילָ֔ה 1 Be consistent in how you translate **land of** throughout this section. Alternate translation: “the whole region called Havilah,” 2:11 lg1b אֲשֶׁר שָׁ֖ם הַזָּהָֽב 1 Alternate translation: “a place where there is much gold.” or “which has a lot of gold.” 2:12 v48n וּֽזֲהַ֛ב הָאָ֥רֶץ הַהִ֖וא 1 This sentence emphasizes the previous statement about the gold and gives more information about it. Alternate translation: “In fact, the gold from that land” or “Indeed, the gold that is found in that land” 2:12 ks18 ט֑וֹב 1 Alternate translation: “is very pure.” or “is very high quality.” 2:12 qhx1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown הַבְּדֹ֖לַח 1 The meaning of this Hebrew word is not certain. In many translations it is transliterated, that is, spelled the way the Hebrew word is pronounced. It may refer to: (1) a fragrant/sweet-smelling tree resin that was used to make perfume; or (2) a type of stone or crystal, or possibly pearl. Alternate translation: “A kind of sweet-smelling resin called bdellium” or “A kind of fragrant perfume” 2:12 ul5j rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וְאֶ֥בֶן הַשֹּֽׁהַם 1 It is not certain what kind of stone this was, but most Bible scholars think it was onyx, which is a kind of quartz that is often black, but also occurs in many other colors, and can have stripes or bands of white (or other colors) running through it. Alternate translation: “and valuable stones called onyx” or “and valuable gemstones” 2:12 cp1z שָׁ֥ם 1 Make sure the verb tense you choose here fits with the way you translated verse 11. Alternate translation: “are also found there.” or “are also in that land” 2:13 fnx5 וְשֵֽׁם הַנָּהָ֥ר הַשֵּׁנִ֖י 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 11. Alternate translation: “The name of the second river is” or “The second river is named” or “The second river is” 2:13 spk8 ה֣וּא הַסּוֹבֵ֔ב 1 Consider whether it is better here in your language to begin a new sentence or to continue the previous sentence. See how you translated this phrase in verse 11. Alternate translation: “It meanders through” or “which flows around through” 2:13 fgb5 אֵ֖ת כָּל אֶ֥רֶץ כּֽוּשׁ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 11. Alternate translation: “the whole region of Cush.” 2:14 a2na וְשֵׁ֨ם הַנָּהָ֤ר הַשְּׁלִישִׁי֙ 1 Alternate translation: “The name of the third river is” or “The third river is named” or “The third river is” 2:14 go4b ה֥וּא הַֽהֹלֵ֖ךְ קִדְמַ֣ת 1 The word **east** refers to where the river was located, not the direction it was flowing. Alternate translation: “It flows in an area east of” or “which flows in an area east of” or “which was located east of” 2:14 h2lk rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אַשּׁ֑וּר 1 This Hebrew name is pronounced “ash-shur” and is spelled “Asshur,” “Ashur,” or “Assyria” in English, depending on the context. This was a region of land, because at that time there were no cities. Most translations have “Assyria” here. Consider again how you translated “the land of” in verses 11 and 13. Alternate translation: “the land of Asshur” 2:14 wu7c וְהַנָּהָ֥ר הָֽרְבִיעִ֖י 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verses 11, 13-14. Also consider again whether it is best in your language to use present tense or past tense in verses 10-14. Alternate translation: “The name of the fourth river is” or “The fourth river is called” or “and the fourth river is” 2:14 u87b פְרָֽת 1 Consider again how you translated the names of rivers in verses 11, 13-14. 2:15 qijo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וַיִּקַּ֛ח יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת הָֽאָדָ֑ם וַיַּנִּחֵ֣הוּ 1 In verse 8 it says that God had already put the man in the garden, so the way you translate verse 15 should not sound like he did it again. This information is repeated here to continue the story from verse 8. Alternate translation: “Now Yahweh God had already put the man” 2:15 rosi rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בְגַן עֵ֔דֶן 1 Notice that **Garden** is capitalized when it is part of a name. Alternate translation: “in the garden in the land called Eden” 2:15 iaic לְעָבְדָ֖הּ 1 See how you translated **work** in verse 5. Alternate translation: “to farm it” or “so that he would farm it” 2:15 hyvl וּלְשָׁמְרָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “and maintain it.” 2:16 qqer rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיְצַו֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֔ים עַל־הָֽאָדָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 The way you begin verse 16 depends on how you began verse 15. Consider what is the best way to refer to **Yahweh God** and **the man** here. Alternate translation: “Then he commanded the man,” 2:16 vzb0 מִכֹּ֥ל עֵֽץ הַגָּ֖ן אָכֹ֥ל תֹּאכֵֽל 1 Alternate translation: “You may eat as much fruit as you want to eat from every tree in the garden,” or “You are permitted to eat whatever fruit that you want to eat from every tree in the garden,” 2:17 vfsb rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions וּמֵעֵ֗ץ & לֹ֥א תֹאכַ֖ל 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that God is not contradicting himself here, but rather he is giving an exception to what he said in verse 16. To make that clear, you could say (starting with the beginning of God’s words in verse 16), “Out of all the trees in the garden, there is only one tree that you must/may not eat from: the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat fruit from that tree, on that same day you will certainly/definitely die.” Alternate translation: “except you may not eat any fruit from the tree” or “except for one: you may not eat the fruit that grows on the tree” 2:17 eja9 הַדַּ֨עַת֙ ט֣וֹב וָרָ֔ע 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 9. Alternate translation: “whose fruit enables people to discern what is good and what is wrong,” 2:17 w7aq כִּ֗י בְּי֛וֹם אֲכָלְךָ֥ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “because on the same day you eat fruit from that tree” or “If you eat any fruit from that tree, on that same day” or “because as soon as you eat fruit from that tree” 2:17 z028 מ֥וֹת תָּמֽוּת 1 Alternate translation: “you will certainly die.” 2:18 mxit וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֔ים לֹא ט֛וֹב 1 Alternate translation: “Next Yahweh who is God declared, It is not good” 2:18 c2tk הֱי֥וֹת הָֽאָדָ֖ם לְבַדּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “that the man is alone.” 2:18 bthk אֶֽעֱשֶׂהּ 1 Alternate translation: “So I will make” 2:18 ap1y לּ֥וֹ עֵ֖זֶר כְּנֶגְדּֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “a helper who is just right for him.” or “someone who is right for him and will help him.” 2:19 ukcz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וַיִּצֶר֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהִ֜ים מִן הָֽאֲדָמָ֗ה 1 The first sentence of verse 19 is a flashback of what happened before the events in verses 15-18 (which were first recorded in Gen 1:20-21, 24-25). Translate this phrase in a way that makes it clear that this is background information that has already happened. Also see how you translated **formed** in verses 7-8 and “dust from the ground” in verse 7. Alternate translation: “Now before that, Yahweh God had shaped from the dust on the ground” or “Now previously, he had used dust from the ground to form” 2:19 kk7t כָּל חַיַּ֤ת הַשָּׂדֶה֙ 1 Consider how you translated a similar phrase (“every living creature of the earth”) in Gen 1:24, 30. Alternate translation: “every type of creature that lives in the fields” or “all the different kinds of animals that live in the fields” or “all the different kinds of wild animals” 2:19 y8bl וְאֵת֙ כָּל ע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 1:30. Alternate translation: “and every kind of bird that flies in the sky.” or “and all the different kinds of birds that fly in the sky.” 2:19 qvln rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיָּבֵא֙ 1 This sentence continues the storyline. Consider how your language continues a story after giving background information. Also consider whether **brought** or “took” fits best here in your language. Alternate translation: “So he took them all” 2:19 p3x2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶל הָ֣אָדָ֔ם 1 Every translation team needs to decide when to use Adam’s name for the first time in the book of Genesis. The Hebrew word “adam” means **man** and is also Adam’s name; the choice that is not followed here in your translation could be put in a footnote. Some translations first use Adam’s name here in verse 19, when he is naming the animals. Many other translations start using his name at the end of verse 20. Still other translations wait until 3:20 when he names Eve, and a few other translations begin in 3:9, 17, or 21. Alternate translation: “to Adam” 2:19 apte לִרְא֖וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “to watch” or “to find out” 2:19 rgyf מַה יִּקְרָא ל֑וֹ 1 These names were labels for what kind of animals they were, such as “dog” or “horse”, not personal names like “David” or “Mary”. Alternate translation: “what he would name each one,” or “what names he would give to them,” 2:19 by9q וְכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִקְרָא ל֧וֹ הָֽאָדָ֛ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and whatever Adam called” or “Whatever name the man assigned to” 2:19 k24r נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “each kind of living creature,” or “each type of animal,” 2:19 waxk ה֥וּא שְׁמֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “that became its name.” or “that became the name of that type of animal.” 2:20 rs26 וַיִּקְרָ֨א הָֽאָדָ֜ם שֵׁמ֗וֹת לְכָל־הַבְּהֵמָה֙ 1 For a note about when to first use Adam’s name, see verse 19. Also, see how you translated **livestock** in Gen 1:24-26. Alternate translation: “The man assigned names to all the different types of livestock” or “Adam named all the different types of tame animals” 2:20 e137 וּלְע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם 1 Alternate translation: “and to all the different types of birds that fly in the sky” 2:20 e3uy וּלְכֹ֖ל חַיַּ֣ת הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 19. Alternate translation: “and to all the other different types of creatures that live in the wild,” or “and to all the wild animals,” 2:20 gmpu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וּלְאָדָ֕ם לֹֽא מָצָ֥א עֵ֖זֶר כְּנֶגְדּֽוֹ 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to use an active or passive construction here. Also see how you translated **a suitable helper** in verse 18. Alternate translation: “but he could not find a suitable helper for himself among them.” or “but none of them was a helper who was just right for him.” 2:21 stgv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיַּפֵּל֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהִ֧ים תַּרְדֵּמָ֛ה עַל הָאָדָ֖ם 1 Many languages have a similar idiom for **caused a deep sleep to fall on** that works well here. Consider what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh God caused the man to go into a deep sleep.” or “Then Yahweh God caused the man to sleep very deeply” 2:21 ti50 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּישָׁ֑ן 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to use a pronoun or a noun here to refer to the man. Alternate translation: “Then while the man was sleeping” 2:21 xamp rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּקַּ֗ח 1 Consider whether to use a pronoun or noun here to refer to God. Make sure it is clear in your translation who is being referred to at each point in this verse. Alternate translation: “he took out” 2:21 l63g אַחַת֙ מִצַּלְעֹתָ֔יו 1 This phrase is ambiguous in the Hebrew text. It could mean: (1) “one of the man’s ribs from his body/side” or “a rib from the man’s body/side” or (2) “part of the man’s side from his body” 2:21 k98y וַיִּסְגֹּ֥ר בָּשָׂ֖ר תַּחְתֶּֽנָּה 1 In this context, the term **flesh** probably includes muscles and skin. Alternate translation: “and filled in the hole where it had been with flesh and healed it.” or “and replaced it with flesh and healed him.” 2:22 wmbd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּבֶן֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהִ֧ים 1 For many languages it is more natural here to use a pronoun to refer to Yahweh God. Do what is best in your language. After you finish translating a chapter or section, it is a good practice to read that section aloud and listen for what is the best way to refer to God and others at each place in the text. Alternate translation: “Next he” or “After that, he” 2:22 m5wn וַיִּבֶן֩ & אֶֽת הַצֵּלָ֛ע אֲשֶׁר לָקַ֥ח מִן הָֽאָדָ֖ם לְאִשָּׁ֑ה 1 See how you translated **rib** in verse 21 and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “used the rib which he taken from the man to construct a woman from it,” 2:22 w6xw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיְבִאֶ֖הָ אֶל הָֽאָדָֽם 1 See how you translated **brought** in verse 19. Alternate translation: “Then he took her to the man.” 2:23 b3g6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֹּאמֶר֮ הָֽאָדָם֒ 1 Remember to only make implied information explicit in your translation if it helps people understand the text better or if it is necessary to prevent wrong meaning or bad grammar in your language. Alternate translation: “Then the man said” or “When the man saw her, he said” or “When the man woke up and saw the woman, he said” 2:23 cus9 זֹ֣את הַפַּ֗עַם 1 Alternate translation: “Now there is a person who” or “At last here is a person like me who” or “Ahh! Here is someone like me who” 2:23 dbqq עֶ֚צֶם מֵֽעֲצָמַ֔י וּבָשָׂ֖ר מִבְּשָׂרִ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “was made out of my own bones and flesh!” 2:23 pbw7 לְזֹאת֙ יִקָּרֵ֣א אִשָּׁ֔ה 1 There is a play-on-words here because the Hebrew word for woman (“ishsha”) is similar to the Hebrew word for man (“ish”). You could put that information in a footnote. 2:23 dsb8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive כִּ֥י מֵאִ֖ישׁ לֻֽקֳחָה זֹּֽאת 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “because she was taken by God from the body of a man.” 2:24 oti6 עַל כֵּן֙ 1 Alternate translation: “That is why” 2:24 u45s יַֽעֲזָב אִ֔ישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “a man who marries must leave” or “when a man gets married, he must move away from” 2:24 k1xp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְדָבַ֣ק בְּאִשְׁתּ֔וֹ 1 This idiom means that the man is committed to his wife and has a close physical relationship with her too. Consider what is the best way to translate this in your language. Alternate translation: “and he must join with his wife,” or “and he must live in close relationship with his wife,” 2:24 fqua rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual וְהָי֖וּ 1 Some languages have a special dual pronoun for **they** that fits well here. 2:24 lhdy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְבָשָׂ֥ר אֶחָֽד 1 The phrase **one flesh** is an idiom that emphasizes the close physical and spiritual unity between a husband and wife. Other languages may have a similar idiom. Consider how to best communicate this in your language. Alternate translation: “completely one” or “united in body and spirit.” or “united like one person.” 2:25 rovf וַיִּֽהְי֤וּ שְׁנֵיהֶם֙ עֲרוּמִּ֔ים הָֽאָדָ֖ם וְאִשְׁתּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Now at that time both the man and his wife were naked,” or “At that time the man and his wife did not wear any clothes,” 2:25 m37h וְלֹ֖א יִתְבֹּשָֽׁשׁוּ 1 Some languages have an idiom for this clause that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “but yet they were not embarrassed about it.” or “but yet they did not feel embarrassed about being naked.” 3:1 k1xo rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְהַנָּחָשׁ֙ 1 The conjunction **Now** introduces background information about the serpent. See how you translated this conjunction in Gen 2:5, 8, 19. 3:1 c6pe הָיָ֣ה עָר֔וּם מִכֹּל֙ חַיַּ֣ת הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה 1 Make sure that your translation of **crafty** means that the snake had evil intent and was clever in a way that was not good. See how you translated **living thing of the field** in Gen 2:19-20. Alternate translation: “was more deceptive and clever than any of the other creatures that live in the wild” 3:1 xal9 אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָׂ֖ה יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 Make sure your translation of this phrase refers to the animals that God had made, not the fields. Also see how you translated **Yahweh God** in chapter 2, beginning in verse 4. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh who is God had made” or “that God whose name is Yahweh had made” 3:1 jqok rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל־הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה 1 If you use a pronoun (**he**) here in your translation, make sure it refers to the serpent, not God. Also, since the snake asked a question, some languages have to be more specific and say “asked” in the quote margin. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “One day the snake went to the woman and asked her,” 3:1 za8o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אַ֚ף כִּֽי אָמַ֣ר אֱלֹהִ֔ים לֹ֣א תֹֽאכְל֔וּ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Did God actually command you to not eat” or “Is it true that God commanded you not to eat” 3:1 iqz3 מִכֹּ֖ל עֵ֥ץ הַגָּֽן 1 See how you translated **garden** in Genesis 2, beginning in verse 8. Alternate translation: “fruit from any of the trees that is in the garden?” or “any fruit from the trees in the garden?” 3:2 gevr rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֥אמֶר הָֽאִשָּׁ֖ה אֶל הַנָּחָ֑שׁ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language. Alternate translation: “The woman answered the snake,” or “The woman responded to him,” or “The woman replied,” 3:2 kllk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive נֹאכֵֽל 1 The woman is not including the snake when she says “we” here. Alternate translation: “No, we have permission from God to eat” or “No, God has given us permission to eat” 3:2 gy6f מִפְּרִ֥י 1 See how you translated **fruit** in Gen 1:11-12, 29. Alternate translation: “the fruit from” 3:2 fmke עֵֽץ הַגָּ֖ן 1 Alternate translation: “all of the trees that are in the garden,” or “any tree in the garden,” 3:3 t2wx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge וּמִפְּרִ֣י הָעֵץ֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּתוֹךְ הַגָּן֒ 1 For some languages it is necessary to put the exception clause first and say, “No, it is only the tree in the middle of the garden that God said we must/may not eat any fruit from, but the fruit of/from all the rest of the trees in the garden we may eat.” Notice that if you follow this example, you must combine verses 2 and 3 and put the verse numbers “2-3” in front of the combination. Alternate translation: “except fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden.” or “except there is one tree that we may not eat fruit from, which is in the center of the garden.” 3:3 nz0q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אָמַ֣ר אֱלֹהִ֗ים לֹ֤א תֹֽאכְלוּ֙ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “God told us to not eat any of that fruit,” 3:3 anrc וְלֹ֥א תִגְּע֖וּ בּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and do not even touch it,” 3:3 ztft rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes פֶּן תְּמֻתֽוּן 1 Make sure the way you translate this clause fits with whether you translated the first part of the sentence as a direct (**you**) or indirect (“we”) quote. Alternate translation: “because if you do eat it or touch it, you will die!” or “because if we do eat it or touch it, we will die!” 3:4 j40v rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הַנָּחָ֖שׁ אֶל־הָֽאִשָּׁ֑ה 1 See how you translated **serpent** in verses 1-2. Alternate translation: “But the snake replied to her,” or “But the snake replied,” 3:5 ngb0 כִּ֚י יֹדֵ֣עַ אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 The connecting word **For** introduces an explanation here. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “Actually, he knows” or “The reason God said that is because he knows” 3:5 tr2j כִּ֗י בְּיוֹם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “that if” 3:5 p329 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-dual אֲכָלְכֶ֣ם מִמֶּ֔נּוּ 1 The pronouns **you** and **your** are plural in this verse and refer to the man and the woman. Some languages have a special dual pronoun for this. Consider again how you translated **you** and **your** in verses 1-5. Alternate translation: “you eat any of that fruit,” 3:5 uld2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְנִפְקְח֖וּ עֵֽינֵיכֶ֑ם 1 Consider whether your language has an idiom like **your eyes will be opened** that would fit well here. Alternate translation: “your mind will be opened” or “you will gain new understanding,” or “you will know new things,” 3:5 npzf וִהְיִיתֶם֙ כֵּֽאלֹהִ֔ים יֹדְעֵ֖י ט֥וֹב וָרָֽע 1 The Hebrew word “Elohim” is ambiguous in this context. It could mean: (1) **God**, which is what it means everywhere else in the first 30 chapters of Genesis; or (2) “gods” or “divine beings” or (3) “angels”. See how you translated **good and evil** in Gen 2:9, 17. Alternate translation: “and as a result you will be like God because you will know what is good and what is evil” or “so that you will know what is good and what is evil just like God does.” 3:6 d6rz וַתֵּ֣רֶא הָֽאִשָּׁ֡ה כִּ֣י 1 Alternate translation: “The woman observed that” 3:6 gpz2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy הָעֵ֨ץ 1 The word **tree** refers here to the fruit that is produced by that tree. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “the tree produced fruit that” or “the fruit of that tree” 3:6 b6yp טוֹב֩ & לְמַאֲכָ֜ל 1 Alternate translation: “was good to eat” 3:6 aigt וְכִ֧י תַֽאֲוָה ה֣וּא לָעֵינַ֗יִם 1 Alternate translation: “and that the tree itself looked very beautiful,” 3:6 tkg3 וְנֶחְמָ֤ד הָעֵץ֙ לְהַשְׂכִּ֔יל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and she thought that the fruit from the tree would make her wise” or “She also desired to eat the fruit so that it would make her wise” 3:6 jrei וַתִּקַּ֥ח מִפִּרְי֖וֹ וַתֹּאכַ֑ל 1 Alternate translation: “So she took some of the fruit off the tree and ate it.” 3:6 vgh6 וַיֹּאכַֽל 1 Alternate translation: “and he ate some too.” or “and he also ate it” 3:7 on9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַתִּפָּקַ֨חְנָה֙ עֵינֵ֣י שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם 1 An immediate result of their sin was that they realized they were naked, which they had not been aware of before. See how you translated the idiom “eyes … opened” in verse 5. Alternate translation: “Immediately it was as if their minds were opened” or “Immediately they both had new understanding,” or “Immediately they both understood new things,” 3:7 d586 וַיֵּ֣דְע֔וּ 1 Alternate translation: “so that they realized” or “so that they became aware” 3:7 qm2z כִּ֥י עֵֽירֻמִּ֖ם הֵ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “that their bodies were bare and they felt ashamed” 3:7 pb3y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual וַֽיִּתְפְּרוּ֙ 1 The word for **sewed** implies here that some type of needle and thread were used. For example, they may have used a thin, sharpened stick for the needle, and plant fibers for the thread. If necessary, you could use a more general term such as “fastened/joined together” or “connected”. Also, some languages have dual pronouns that can be used in verses 7-8 for **they** and **themselves**. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So they joined together” 3:7 e5t5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown עֲלֵ֣ה תְאֵנָ֔ה 1 Historical facts should not be changed in a translation, including the historical fact that Adam and Eve used fig tree leaves to make aprons. If fig trees are not known in your language area, you could say “large leaves from a tree called a fig tree”. Alternate translation: “some large leaves from a fig tree” 3:7 h1a6 וַיַּעֲשׂ֥וּ לָהֶ֖ם חֲגֹרֹֽת 1 These aprons/skirts probably covered them from the waist down to somewhere around the knees. Alternate translation: “and used them as aprons to cover their bodies.” or “and wore them around their waists to cover their bodies.” or “and used them to make clothes for themselves.” 3:8 ibyk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֞וּ 1 For some languages it may be clearer and more natural to put the noun phrase **the man and his wife** here and then use a pronoun (**they**) later in this sentence. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then the man and his wife heard” 3:8 kd3q אֶת ק֨וֹל יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהִ֛ים מִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ 1 This phrase can refer to the sound of God’s footsteps or to the sound of his voice. Either meaning fits the context well and is followed by many translations. 3:8 g02y בַּגָּ֖ן 1 Alternate translation: “around in the garden” or “through the garden” 3:8 dipk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְר֣וּחַ הַיּ֑וֹם 1 This idiom refers to the late afternoon or early evening when there is a breeze blowing and it is cooler. For some languages it is more natural to put this time phrase at the beginning of the sentence. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “late in the afternoon in the breezy time of the day,” or “late that day when there was a cool breeze blowing,” 3:8 x1fb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּתְחַבֵּ֨א הָֽאָדָ֜ם וְאִשְׁתּ֗וֹ 1 If you use **the man and his wife** earlier in this verse in your translation, consider whether or not a pronoun should be used here. Alternate translation: “so they hid themselves” or “so they tried to hide themselves” 3:8 q6cw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns מִפְּנֵי֙ יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Yahweh at this point in the paragraph in your language. Alternate translation: “from Yahweh God” or “from his sight” 3:8 k6j3 בְּת֖וֹךְ עֵ֥ץ הַגָּֽן 1 Since the garden is already mentioned earlier in verse 8, for some languages it may be more natural to be general here and say “there”. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “in the midst of the trees in the garden.” or “behind some trees there.” 3:9 e4nw וַיִּקְרָ֛א יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 See how you translated this name for God in verses 1 and 8. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh God called out” 3:9 ek33 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations אֶל הָֽאָדָ֑ם וַיֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖וֹ 1 See the note at Gen 2:19 about when to start using Adam’s name. Also consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language. Alternate translation: “to the man and asked him,” or “to Adam,” 3:9 a04v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular אַיֶּֽכָּה 1 Notice that the word **you** is singular here because God is only addressing the man. 3:10 e1lo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “He answered him,” 3:10 mb7t אֶת קֹלְךָ֥ שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי 1 See how you translated **sound** in verse 8. Alternate translation: “I heard your voice” or “I heard the sound of your voice as you walked” 3:10 tr9j בַּגָּ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “through the garden,” 3:10 aoxc וָאִירָ֛א כִּֽי עֵירֹ֥ם אָנֹ֖כִי וָאֵחָבֵֽא 1 Alternate translation: “but I was naked, so I felt afraid and I hid from you.” or “but I was naked and afraid that you would see me, so I hid.” 3:11 hsb3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Make sure your translation of **he** refers to Yahweh here, not the man. Alternate translation: “So Yahweh God asked him,” 3:11 uf06 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular מִ֚י הִגִּ֣יד לְךָ֔ כִּ֥י עֵירֹ֖ם אָ֑תָּה 1 The pronoun **you** is still singular here. Alternate translation: “What made you realize that you were naked?” or “How did you find out that you were naked?” 3:11 gi9h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אֲשֶׁ֧ר צִוִּיתִ֛יךָ לְבִלְתִּ֥י אֲכָל מִמֶּ֖נּוּ 1 For some languages it is more natural to use a direct quote here for Yahweh’s words. Do what is best in your language. 3:12 hp6r וַיֹּ֖אמֶר הָֽאָדָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “But the man replied to him,” or “The man answered him,” 3:12 et6h הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נָתַ֣תָּה עִמָּדִ֔י הִ֛וא 1 The pronoun **she** is emphatic in the Hebrew text. That, along with the position of **The woman** at the beginning of the sentence, shows that the man is strongly emphasizing his blame of the woman. Consider what is the best way to communicate that emphasis in your language. Alternate translation: “The woman whom you put here to live with me, she is the one who” or “It was the woman you gave to me who” 3:12 au82 נָֽתְנָה לִּ֥י מִן הָעֵ֖ץ 1 See how you translated **fruit** in verses 1-6. Alternate translation: “gave me some fruit from that tree,” or “gave me some of the fruit,” 3:12 z2ws וָאֹכֵֽל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “That is why I ate it” 3:13 lvw3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֧ה אֱלֹהִ֛ים לָאִשָּׁ֖ה 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language. Alternate translation: “So Yahweh God asked the woman,” 3:13 vvhk מַה זֹּ֣את עָשִׂ֑ית 1 God already knew the answer to this question, but he is giving the woman a chance to confess and explain what she did. God’s question probably also implies that he is displeased with what has happened. Alternate translation: “What have you done?” or “Tell me what you have done.” 3:13 rhhc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “But the woman said to him,” or “The woman said” or “She replied,” 3:13 n1zl הַנָּחָ֥שׁ 1 This phrase is emphasized in the Hebrew text. Alternate translation: “It was the snake that” 3:13 w0b8 הִשִּׁיאַ֖נִי 1 Alternate translation: “lied to me,” 3:13 bews וָאֹכֵֽל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “so I ate some of that fruit.” or “That is why I ate it” 3:14 ie75 כִּ֣י עָשִׂ֣יתָ זֹּאת֒ 1 Alternate translation: “Since you did that,” or “Since you tricked the woman,” 3:14 dfy7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms אָר֤וּר אַתָּה֙ 1 In this context, **cursed** involves God punishing the serpent and its descendants, causing them to suffer by crawling along the ground on their bellies and having a hostile relationship with human beings. Make sure that the way you translate this term does not imply the use of magic. Alternate translation: “you are cursed by me” or “I will cause you to suffer” or “I will punish you” 3:14 qu53 מִכָּל־הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה 1 When Adam and Eve sinned and God judged them, the curse and punishment of death and decay also affected everything that was under their authority, including the animals. Here in Gen 3:14, God puts a more severe curse on the serpent (and his descendants) than he put on the rest of the animals. See how you translated **livestock** in Gen 1:24-26; 2:20. Alternate translation: “more harshly than all the tame animals” 3:14 d3v1 וּמִכֹּ֖ל חַיַּ֣ת הַשָּׂדֶ֑ה 1 See how you translated **every living thing of the field** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “and more harshly than all the creatures of the fields” or “and more harshly than all the wild animals.” 3:14 obw6 עַל גְּחֹנְךָ֣ תֵלֵ֔ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “As a result, you will move on the ground on your stomach,” 3:14 aocs וְעָפָ֥ר תֹּאכַ֖ל 1 Make sure your translation of this clause does not imply that dust or dirt is all the snake will eat. Rather it could mean that dirt will get into his mouth when he eats his food, or it could be an idiom that refers to the fact that as he slithers along, his mouth will always be close to the dirt on the ground (a position of humility). Also see how you translated **dust** in Gen 2:7. Alternate translation: “and you will eat dirt with your food” 3:14 g32q כָּל יְמֵ֥י חַיֶּֽיךָ 1 Alternate translation: “your entire life.” 3:15 ivt7 וְאֵיבָ֣ה אָשִׁ֗ית בֵּֽינְךָ֙ וּבֵ֣ין הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה וּבֵ֥ין זַרְעֲךָ֖ וּבֵ֣ין זַרְעָ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: “I will also cause you and the woman to be enemies with each other, and your offspring and her offspring to also be enemies.” 3:15 yfon ה֚וּא 1 The pronoun **He** is ambiguous here. It could refer to: (1) the woman’s descendant (Jesus) who would one day come to earth as the Messiah/Christ; or (2) the woman’s descendants who will constantly be enemies of the snake’s descendants. If you follow the first interpretation, this would be the first prophecy in the Bible about the Messiah/Christ (“the Anointed One” or “the Promised Savior King”) who would come to earth and destroy Satan’s power (Hebrews 2:14). You could include that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “In fact, her offspring” or “In fact, one of her descendants” 3:15 e3wq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure יְשׁוּפְךָ֣ רֹ֔אשׁ וְאַתָּ֖ה תְּשׁוּפֶ֥נּוּ עָקֵֽב 1 This is figurative language that Satan will harm the Messiah, but the Messiah will destroy him. For some languages it is better to switch the order of these clauses and say, “In fact, you will strike/bite/bruise the heel of one of her descendants, but he will strike/crush your head.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “will crush your head, and you will bruise his heel.” 3:16 chez rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns אֶֽל הָאִשָּׁ֣ה אָמַ֗ר 1 In the Hebrew text, “to the woman” comes first in this sentence, to emphasize her. Do what is natural in your language. Also consider what is the best way to refer to God here in your language. Alternate translation: “Then he said to the woman,” or “Then Yahweh God turned to the woman and said to her,” 3:16 vgi1 הַרְבָּ֤ה אַרְבֶּה֙ עִצְּבוֹנֵ֣ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “I will cause you to have much pain” or “I will cause it to be very painful” 3:16 icn7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism בְּעֶ֖צֶב תֵּֽלְדִ֣י בָנִ֑ים 1 This clause is the second part of a parallelism, which emphasizes the pain and suffering that women will experience when they bear children. If possible, it is best to keep both parts of the parallelism in your translation. Alternate translation: “yes you will suffer much pain when you give birth.” or “yes bearing children will be very painful for you.” 3:16 jbk6 וְאֶל אִישֵׁךְ֙ תְּשׁ֣וּקָתֵ֔ךְ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here, because the conjunctions and the idiom **your desire will be for your husband** are all ambiguous in this context. The text could mean: (1) “Yet/But you will still desire/long to be with your husband, and he …”, which is similar to what **desire** means in Song of Songs 7:10; or (2) “Besides that, you will desire/want to control your husband, but he …”, which is similar to what **desire** means in Gen 4:7. The interpretation that is not followed in your translation could be put in a footnote. 3:16 friw וְה֖וּא יִמְשָׁל בָּֽךְ 1 See how you translated **rule over** in Gen 1:18. It may be necessary to translate this term differently here because of the negative context of the curse and the consequences of sin. Alternate translation: “and he will control you.” or “and he will lord it over you.” 3:17 sq0d וּלְאָדָ֣ם אָמַ֗ר 1 In the Hebrew text, the phrase **to the man** is emphasized. See how you translated a similar case (“to the woman”) in verse 16. For a note about when to start using Adam’s name in your translation, see Gen 2:19. Alternate translation: “Next God said to the man,” or “Next Yahweh God turned to Adam and said to him,” 3:17 dyjb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כִּֽי־שָׁמַעְתָּ֮ לְק֣וֹל אִשְׁתֶּךָ֒ 1 This phrase means that Adam heard what his wife said to him and then did what she said. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Since you disobeyed me and did what your wife said” or “Since you did what your wife told you to do” 3:17 x2ur rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אֲשֶׁ֤ר צִוִּיתִ֨יךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר לֹ֥א תֹאכַ֖ל מִמֶּ֑נּוּ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Also see how you translated this command in verse 3. Alternate translation: “that I commanded you to not eat any fruit from.” 3:17 ggfr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲרוּרָ֤ה הָֽאֲדָמָה֙ בַּֽעֲבוּרֶ֔ךָ 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to break up this long sentence and say, “You did what your wife said and ate fruit from the tree that I commanded you not to eat any fruit from. Because of what you did, I have cursed the ground.” Also see how you translated **cursed** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “the ground is cursed by me because of what you did.” or “I have cursed the ground because you sinned.” 3:17 wdns rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result בְּעִצָּבוֹן֙ תֹּֽאכֲלֶ֔נָּה 1 Alternate translation: “As a result, only by painful toil will you eat any food from it” or “As a result, you will have to work very hard and suffer to get enough food to eat” 3:17 o4tu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כֹּ֖ל יְמֵ֥י חַיֶּֽיךָ 1 For some languages it is better to put this phrase before the previous clause and say, “As a result, for as long as you live, you will have to work very hard and suffer to grow/get enough food to eat.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “every day of your life.” or “for your entire life.” 3:18 gzbg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וְק֥וֹץ וְדַרְדַּ֖ר תַּצְמִ֣יחַֽ 1 The thorn and thistle plants represent all types of weeds, which are useless and possibly harmful plants. Alternate translation: “In fact, the ground will produce thorn plants and thistle plants and other weeds” or “In fact, thorn bushes and thistle plants and other weeds will grow from the ground” 3:18 z3ub לָ֑ךְ וְאָכַלְתָּ֖ אֶת עֵ֥שֶׂב הַשָּׂדֶֽה 1 The Hebrew text here could mean: (1) “and make it difficult for you to grow enough crops in the/your fields for food.” or “so that you will have to work very hard in your fields to grow/produce enough crops/food to eat.” or (2) “so that your crops will not grow well and you will have to eat wild plants that grow in the open fields to survive.” That difference of interpretation comes from the fact that the Hebrew word **fields** can refer to land that people cultivate or to uncultivated land where wild plants grow. 3:19 ewn7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּזֵעַ֤ת אַפֶּ֨יךָ֙ תֹּ֣אכַל לֶ֔חֶם 1 The phrase “by the sweat of your nose/brow” is an idiom that refers to hard physical labor. Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom. Also, bread was one of the main food staples for that time and culture, so the Hebrew word for **bread** is used here as an idiom that refers to all food, not just bread. Consider whether your language does something similar, using one type of food (such as bread, rice or potatoes) to refer to all food in general. Or you could use a general term like “food,” especially if bread is rare or expensive in your language area. Alternate translation: “Only by the sweat of your face will you be able to have enough food to eat,” or “You will have to work hard and sweat a lot in order to have enough food to eat,” 3:19 n8ba עַ֤ד שֽׁוּבְךָ֙ אֶל הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “until you die and again become dust” 3:19 ek0a כִּ֥י מִמֶּ֖נָּה לֻקָּ֑חְתָּ 1 Alternate translation: “which you were made from by me.” or “which I took you from.” or “which I made you out of.” 3:19 d4o3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases כִּֽי 1 This sentence rephrases and emphasizes what God just said. Alternate translation: “Indeed,” 3:19 nwc3 עָפָ֣ר אַ֔תָּה 1 Alternate translation: “your bodies were made by me from dust” or “I made you out of dust” 3:19 qlcr וְאֶל עָפָ֖ר תָּשֽׁוּב 1 Alternate translation: “so dust is what you will become again after you die.” 3:20 wmrp וַיִּקְרָ֧א הָֽאָדָ֛ם שֵׁ֥ם אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ 1 Some translations use Adam’s name here because he is naming Eve. See what you did in verse 17. Alternate translation: “Then Adam called his wife” or “Then the man gave his wife the name” 3:20 czch rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names חַוָּ֑ה 1 If you include the meaning of Eve’s name in your translation or in a footnote, make sure it is similar to the word in the following clause that has the same meaning (**living**), so that it is clear why Eve was given that name. The meaning of names is important in the Hebrew language, and this translation issue occurs frequently in the book of Genesis. 3:20 alel כִּ֛י 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He did that because” 3:20 q3ny הִ֥וא הָֽיְתָ֖ה אֵ֥ם 1 Alternate translation: “she would be the ancestor of” 3:20 kvu6 כָּל חָֽי 1 Alternate translation: “all the people who would ever live.” 3:21 idfq וַיַּעַשׂ֩ יְהוָ֨ה אֱלֹהִ֜ים & כָּתְנ֥וֹת ע֖וֹר 1 Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh God made some garments out of animal skins” or “Then Yahweh God used some animal hides to make some garments” 3:21 yd2w לְאָדָ֧ם וּלְאִשְׁתּ֛וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “for Adam and his wife Eve,” or “for the man and his wife,” 3:21 nedp וַיַּלְבִּשֵֽׁם 1 Alternate translation: “and he dressed them.” or “and he put the garments on them.” 3:22 zmrj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהִ֗ים 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Yahweh God in your language at this point in the paragraph. Also, see how you translated a similar quote margin in Gen 1:26, where **said** has the same meaning. Alternate translation: “Then he said” or “Then he said to himself,” 3:22 tgmz הֵ֤ן 1 This word expresses emotion and calls attention to what God says next. See how you translated this term in Gen 1:29. Alternate translation: “Listen,” 3:22 m45e הָֽאָדָם֙ 1 Throughout verses 22-24 **the man** represents mankind, which included both the man and the woman at this point. Make sure your translation communicates that clearly in those verses and does not just refer to Adam. Alternate translation: “the man and his wife” or “mankind” or “human beings” 3:22 jtzi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive הָיָה֙ כְּאַחַ֣ד מִמֶּ֔נּוּ 1 The pronoun **us** is inclusive because God is talking to himself. Alternate translation: “have become like us” 3:22 u2uz לָדַ֖עַת ט֣וֹב וָרָ֑ע 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 5 and a similar phrase in Gen 2:9. 3:22 z722 וְעַתָּ֣ה פֶּן יִשְׁלַ֣ח יָד֗וֹ וְלָקַח֙ גַּ֚ם 1 See how you translated “took/picked … fruit” in verse 6. Alternate translation: “So now, they must not be allowed by us to also pick” or “So we must not allow them to also pick” or “So now we must do something so that they can not also pick” 3:22 jc4x מֵעֵ֣ץ הַֽחַיִּ֔ים וְאָכַ֖ל 1 See how you translated **the tree of life** in Gen 2:9. Alternate translation: “fruit from the tree of eternal life and eat some of it,” 3:22 ekrd וָחַ֥י לְעֹלָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “and so live forever!” or “which would make them live forever!” 3:23 x97q וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֛הוּ יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Notice that in verses 22-24, “the man”, **him**, and **he** refer to mankind, that is, the man and the woman. Make sure it is clear in your translation here that both of them were sent out of the garden, not just the man. Consider again how you translated **Yahweh God** in Genesis 2 and 3, and see the note about this at Gen 2:4. Some languages have dual pronouns that are used for “they” and “them” in verses 22-24. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh God banished the man and his wife” or “So then Yahweh God forced them to leave” 3:23 kl96 מִגַּן עֵ֑דֶן 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 2:15. Alternate translation: “the garden in the land of Eden” 3:23 hhh0 לַֽעֲבֹד֙ אֶת הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה 1 See how you translated **work the ground** in Gen 2:5 and “work it” in 2:15. Alternate translation: “to farm the land” 3:23 d3re אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֻקַּ֖ח מִשָּֽׁם 1 It does not refer to the exact ground that he was made from. See how you translated **taken from** in verse 19. Alternate translation: “which they had been taken from by him” or “which he had taken them from.” 3:24 j8r9 וַיְגָ֖רֶשׁ אֶת הָֽאָדָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then after God drove the man and his wife out of the garden,” or “After God banished them from the garden,” 3:24 v4dm וַיַּשְׁכֵּן֩ 1 Alternate translation: “then he stationed” 3:24 zcdx מִקֶּ֨דֶם לְגַן עֵ֜דֶן 1 It is implied that the entrance to the garden is where the cherubim were placed to keep everyone from ever entering the garden again. Consider again how you translated “garden” in Gen 2:8-10, 15-16; 3:1-3, 8, 10, 23-24. Alternate translation: “on the east side of the garden at its entrance” or “at the entrance to the garden, which was on its east side” 3:24 n3sj rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown אֶת הַכְּרֻבִ֗ים 1 Most translations transliterate or borrow this term from Hebrew throughout the Bible. Cherubim are a special category of very powerful angels. Each one has four faces: a human face, a lion’s face, a bull’s face and an eagle’s face (Ezekiel 1:10; 10:14). Each of them also has multiple wings. You could include some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “some powerful beings called cherubim angels” 3:24 gndv וְאֵ֨ת לַ֤הַט הַחֶ֨רֶב֙ 1 A sword is a weapon that has a very long, sharp (often two-sided) blade that is longer than a knife, machete, or dagger and is attached to a hilt or handle. This sword may have had flames coming from it, or this may have been fire in the shape of a sword. Alternate translation: “and a fiery sword” or “and a sword made of flames” 3:24 i7zi הַמִּתְהַפֶּ֔כֶת 1 It seems that the sword was swinging by itself since there is no mention of anyone holding it. Alternate translation: “that was turning around in all directions” or “that was flashing back and forth” 3:24 orao לִשְׁמֹ֕ר אֶת דֶּ֖רֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “to keep everyone away from the way that leads to” or “so that no one could go near” 3:24 ar1o עֵ֥ץ הַֽחַיִּֽים 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 2:9 and 3:22. Alternate translation: “the tree of eternal life.” or “the tree whose fruit gives people eternal life.” 4:1 cibb וְהָ֣אָדָ֔ם 1 For a note about when to begin referring to the man as Adam, see Gen 2:19. Alternate translation: “Then the man Adam” 4:1 k9i4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism יָדַ֖ע אֶת חַוָּ֣ה אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ 1 This phrase is a Hebrew idiom that means Adam had marital/sexual relations with Eve. Many languages have a similar idiom. Make sure you translate this in a way that is polite and will not offend or embarrass people, especially when read aloud. Alternate translation: “slept with his wife Eve,” or “was intimate with his wife Eve,” 4:1 um2r וַתַּ֨הַר֙ וַתֵּ֣לֶד 1 Translate this clause in a way that will not embarrass people, especially when read aloud. Alternate translation: “so that she became pregnant and later gave birth to” 4:1 a1ox אֶת קַ֔יִן 1 You could include the meaning of Cain’s name in your translation or in a footnote. See what you did for a similar case in Gen 3:20. 4:1 y3qd וַתֹּ֕אמֶר 1 This sentence explains how Cain got his name. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “because she exclaimed,” or “They named him that because Eve had said” 4:1 ww1b קָנִ֥יתִי 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “I have obtained/acquired” or (2) “I have produced/created”. If you include the meaning of Cain’s name earlier in this verse in your translation or in a footnote, make sure it matches your choice here so that it is clear why he was given that name. 4:1 gohm אִ֖ישׁ 1 For some languages it is confusing to refer to a newborn baby as a man. Do what is clear and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a male child” or “a boy” or “a baby boy” 4:1 tfqh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֶת יְהוָֽה 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this phrase earlier in this sentence and say, “With Yahweh’s help I have obtained/acquired a son!” or “Yahweh has enabled/helped me to obtain/get a son!” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “with help from Yahweh!” 4:2 gqfn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַתֹּ֣סֶף לָלֶ֔דֶת 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. Cain and Abel may have been twins, or Abel may have been born sometime later after Eve became pregnant again. If possible, translate verse 2 in a way that allows for either interpretation. Also, consider whether it is better in your language to use a pronoun or a noun to refer to Eve here. Alternate translation: “Then she also gave birth to” or “After that, Eve gave birth to” 4:2 i71z rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship אֶת אָחִ֖יו 1 Some languages have a specific term for “younger brother” that can be used here. Do what is best in your language. 4:2 wid6 אֶת הָ֑בֶל 1 Alternate translation: “whose name was Abel.” 4:2 xfso rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וַֽיְהִי הֶ֨בֶל֙ 1 This sentence introduces background information for what happens next. Consider what is the best way to begin this sentence in your language. Also, It is implied here that the boys had grown up to be adults. If necessary, you could make that explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “Now when the boys had grown up, Abel” 4:2 aikd רֹ֣עֵה צֹ֔אן 1 A flock can be a large group of sheep or goats, or a mixture of both. Alternate translation: “was a keeper of sheep,” or “was a shepherd,” or “raised sheep and goats,” 4:2 vsb1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְקַ֕יִן 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to contrast Cain and his work with Abel and his work. Alternate translation: “but Cain” 4:2 dd6k הָיָ֖ה עֹבֵ֥ד אֲדָמָֽה 1 Cain raised crops, not animals. See how you translated a similar phrase (“work the ground”) in Gen 2:5. Alternate translation: “was a tiller of the soil.” or “was a crop farmer.” or “grew food crops.” 4:3 bwql rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַֽיְהִ֖י מִקֵּ֣ץ יָמִ֑ים 1 These phrases introduce an important new event. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “Then one day it happened that” or “As time went on one day” 4:3 mhjm וַיָּבֵ֨א קַ֜יִן 1 Alternate translation: “Cain offered” 4:3 zn5b מִפְּרִ֧י הָֽאֲדָמָ֛ה 1 The word **fruit** is general here and refers to any edible plant or crop that grows as the result of being cultivated. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “some of the crops that he had raised in his fields” or “some of the edible plants that he had harvested from his fields” 4:3 of0f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms מִנְחָ֖ה לַֽיהוָֽה 1 The term **offering** refers to something that is given. Alternate translation: “to Yahweh as an gift to worship him.” 4:4 mq9z וְהֶ֨בֶל הֵבִ֥יא גַם 1 There is a contrast between Abel and Cain and between their offerings. Alternate translation: “Abel also offered an offering to Yahweh, but what he gave was” or “But Abel gave to Yahweh” 4:4 r4og מִבְּכֹר֥וֹת צֹאנ֖וֹ 1 See how you translated **flocks** in verse 2. Alternate translation: “some of the firstborn animals from his sheep” 4:4 oxhr וּמֵֽחֶלְבֵהֶ֑ן 1 In that culture, fat was considered one of the best parts of an animal to eat. If that is different from how fat is viewed in your language area, that information could be put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “and some of the fat portions of the meat.” or “and some of their best parts.” or “and the best parts of the meat.” 4:4 v9sn וַיִּ֣שַׁע יְהוָ֔ה אֶל 1 Alternate translation: “Yahweh was happy with” or “Yahweh accepted” 4:4 jlf3 הֶ֖בֶל וְאֶל מִנְחָתֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Abel and his sacrifice.” or “Abel and what he gave to him.” 4:5 zedh וְאֶל קַ֥יִן & לֹ֣א שָׁעָ֑ה 1 See how you translated “looked favorably on” in verse 4. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh was not happy with Cain” or “However, he did not accept Cain” 4:5 hxcc וְאֶל מִנְחָת֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and his gift” or “and what he gave to him.” 4:5 ai77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּ֤חַר לְקַ֨יִן֙ מְאֹ֔ד 1 Many languages have a similar idiom that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So Cain was extremely angry,” 4:5 m590 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ פָּנָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “and his face showed that he was angry” or “and he scowled.” or “and his face showed it.” 4:6 eymy rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל קָ֑יִן 1 The way you translate this quote margin should fit with the way that you translated the following three rhetorical questions. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh asked Cain” 4:6 qa15 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֚מָּה חָ֣רָה לָ֔ךְ וְלָ֖מָּה נָפְל֥וּ פָנֶֽיךָ 1 God is using these rhetorical questions to correct Cain. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Also see how you translated the idioms “burned with … anger” and “face fell” in verse 5. Alternate translation: “Why are you so angry? And why are you scowling?” or “There is no reason for you to be angry and scowling.” 4:7 ltx6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲל֤וֹא & שְׂאֵ֔ת 1 God uses this rhetorical question here to remind Cain of something that he already knew. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “you know that you will be accepted by me.” or “you know that I will be pleased with you and your gift too.” or “I will accept you and your gift too.” 4:7 hj95 וְאִם֙ לֹ֣א תֵיטִ֔יב 1 Alternate translation: “But if you do what is wrong,” 4:7 re3c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification חַטָּ֣את רֹבֵ֑ץ 1 In verse 7 sin is personified, that is, it is treated as if it were alive, like a lion or some other fierce animal that wants to attack Cain. Some languages can do the same thing. Other languages cannot do that and must say something like: “then you are in great danger of being tempted to sin, but you must resist and not give in.” Alternate translation: “then sin is like a dangerous animal that is waiting” or “then sin will be waiting like a wild animal” 4:7 sy1l לַפֶּ֖תַח 1 Alternate translation: “outside the door of your heart to tempt you,” 4:7 t750 וְאֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ תְּשׁ֣וּקָת֔וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Sin wants to destroy you,” 4:7 r8yc וְאַתָּ֖ה תִּמְשָׁל בּֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “but you must master it so that you do not sin.” or “but you must keep it from destroying you.” or “but you must keep it from doing that.” 4:8 hfxs וַיֹּ֥אמֶר קַ֖יִן 1 After God spoke to Cain, we do not know how long Cain waited before he spoke to Abel; it may have been a few hours or a few days. Alternate translation: “Later Cain spoke” 4:8 dhvy rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants אֶל הֶ֣בֶל אָחִ֑יו 1 This sentence is what the Hebrew text has. Instead of that text, some ancient manuscripts and translations (including the Samaritan Pentateuch, Septuagint, Latin Vulgate, and Syriac) and many modern translations have: “Then Cain said to Abel his brother, “Let’s go out to the field and work together.” ” or “Then Cain invited/asked his brother Abel to go out to the field with him to work.” Some translation teams follow the way this verse is translated in a well-known translation, such as in the national language or in a neighboring language. Decide what to do in your translation. The textual variant that you do not use in your translation could be put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “with his brother Abel.” 4:8 bkk1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַֽיְהִי֙ בִּהְיוֹתָ֣ם בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה 1 For some languages it is necessary to make explicit that Cain and Abel actually went to the field. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So they went out to the field to work together, but while they were there,” 4:8 ms2c rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns הֶ֣בֶל אָחִ֑יו 1 The Hebrew text keeps repeating the phrase **Abel his brother** to emphasize the seriousness of Cain’s crime. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. See how you translated **brother** in verse 2. Alternate translation: “his own brother Abel” or “his own brother” 4:9 ylt7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל קַ֔יִן 1 Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh asked Cain,” 4:9 lg3y אֵ֖י הֶ֣בֶל אָחִ֑יךָ 1 See how you translated “Abel … brother” in verse 8. 4:9 e118 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Cain is answering Yahweh rudely. Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language, including whether or not to use a conjunction here. Alternate translation: “Then He said to him,” or “He answered him,” or “He retorted,” 4:9 pi34 לֹ֣א יָדַ֔עְתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “How should I know that?” 4:9 d7iw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲשֹׁמֵ֥ר אָחִ֖י אָנֹֽכִי 1 Cain uses this rhetorical question to support the lie that he just told. His response to God is rude and disrespectful. Consider whether or not a rhetorical question communicates that here in your language. Alternate translation: “Am I in charge of my brother?” or “Is it my responsibility to take care of my brother?” 4:10 n5ej rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Make sure that your translation of this phrase refers to Yahweh, not Cain. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh asked” 4:10 flvm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מֶ֣ה עָשִׂ֑יתָ 1 God uses this rhetorical question to condemn what Cain had done. Consider whether or not a rhetorical question works well here in your language. Alternate translation: “What you have done is very horrible” or “You have done a horrible thing!” 4:10 qix1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification ק֚וֹל דְּמֵ֣י אָחִ֔יךָ צֹעֲקִ֥ים אֵלַ֖י מִן הָֽאֲדָמָֽה 1 In the Hebrew text, blood is personified, as if it had a voice or could cry out like a person does. If it is not possible to do that in your language, you could say that his brother’s blood is “like a voice …” or you could translate this sentence without personification. 4:11 ayem וְעַתָּ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “Therefore from now on” or “Because of what you did,” 4:11 nr1b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive אָר֣וּר אָ֑תָּה 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Also see how you translated this in Gen 3:14. Alternate translation: “you are cursed by me” 4:11 kzep rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit מִן הָֽאֲדָמָה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “so that you will not be able to grow food from the soil,” or “so that you are banished from farming the soil,” 4:11 af4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּצְתָ֣ה אֶת פִּ֔יהָ לָקַ֛חַת אֶת דְּמֵ֥י אָחִ֖יךָ 1 In the Hebrew text, **the ground** is personified as if it had a mouth to open. If that is not possible in your language, you could follow one of the alternates above. Alternate translation: “which is covered with blood from your brother” 4:11 rubj מִיָּדֶֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “when you killed him.” 4:12 ikp7 כִּ֤י 1 Alternate translation: “As a result, whenever” 4:12 vpbv תַֽעֲבֹד֙ אֶת הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה 1 See how you translated **work the ground** in Gen 2:5 and 3:23; also see similar phrases in 4:2, 11. Alternate translation: “you try to farm the soil,” 4:12 caed לֹֽא תֹסֵ֥ף תֵּת כֹּחָ֖הּ לָ֑ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “it will no longer grow good crops for you.” or “it will not grow enough food for you anymore.” 4:12 azf9 תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and you will also” 4:12 ptn2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys נָ֥ע וָנָ֖ד תִּֽהְיֶ֥ה בָאָֽרֶץ 1 The phrase **a fugitive and a wanderer** forms a hendiadys. Consider what is the best way to translate that phrase in your language. Alternate translation: “be a fugitive who wanders around on the earth without a permanent home.” or “be a homeless outcast on the earth.” or “be rejected by people so that you have no permanent home and have to move from place to place.” 4:13 k174 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר קַ֖יִן אֶל יְהוָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “But Cain replied to him,” 4:13 au2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns גָּד֥וֹל עֲוֺנִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “Your punishment of me will cause me more suffering” or “You are punishing me more harshly” 4:13 vjkj מִנְּשֹֽׂא 1 Alternate translation: “than I am able to cope with.” 4:14 tmvv הֵן֩ 1 This term emphasizes what Cain says next. See how you translated this term in Gen 1:29 and 3:22. It may be necessary to translate it in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “Listen,” 4:14 evll גֵּרַ֨שְׁתָּ אֹתִ֜י הַיּ֗וֹם 1 See how you translated “drove/expelled” in Gen 3:24. Alternate translation: “today you are forcing me away” or “you have now prevented me” 4:14 xrxp מֵעַל֙ פְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “from working the land” 4:14 kjbr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּמִפָּנֶ֖יךָ אֶסָּתֵ֑ר 1 This clause is probably an idiom that means Cain will be cursed and no longer blessed by God. Alternate translation: “and I will be separated from you.” or “and you will no longer bless me.” 4:14 jhqn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys וְהָיִ֜יתִי נָ֤ע וָנָד֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 12. Alternate translation: “I will be a fugitive who wanders around on the earth without a permanent home,” or “I will be a wandering outcast on the earth,” 4:14 v3gz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole כָל מֹצְאִ֖י יַֽהַרְגֵֽנִי 1 Cain uses hyperbole here to emphasize his strong emotion. If possible, keep this hyperbole in your translation because it helps communicate how fearful Cain was feeling. Alternate translation: “anyone who meets me will kill me!” 4:15 kucp rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֧אמֶר ל֣וֹ יְהוָ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “So Yahweh said to him” or “Yahweh said to Cain,” 4:15 fsei rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants לָכֵן֙ 1 That is what the Hebrew text has. Instead of that text, some ancient translations (such as the Septuagint) and many modern translations have: “Not so/true.” or “That will not happen because”. The textual variant that you do not use in your translation could be put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “In that case,” 4:15 kb8d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כָּל הֹרֵ֣ג קַ֔יִן & יֻקָּ֑ם 1 What God says here implies that he will do something to prevent people from killing Cain; he is not just talking about punishing them if they kill him. If necessary, you could make that explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “I will warn everyone that if anyone kills you, I will take revenge on him for you” or “I will make it clear to everyone that I will take revenge on anyone who kills you” 4:15 y2v3 וַיָּ֨שֶׂם יְהוָ֤ה לְקַ֨יִן֙ א֔וֹת 1 We do not know exactly how Yahweh marked Cain, so keep your translation of this clause general (like the Hebrew text is). Alternate translation: “Then he put a special symbol on Cain” or “Then he marked Cain with a special mark” 4:15 cqhr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְבִלְתִּ֥י הַכּוֹת אֹת֖וֹ כָּל מֹצְאֽוֹ 1 The phrase **strike him** is used here as an idiom that means “kill him”. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “so that anyone who saw him would not kill him.” or “to warn everyone who saw him not to kill him.” 4:16 mmsm וַיֵּ֥צֵא קַ֖יִן 1 Alternate translation: “After that, Cain went away” 4:16 s73l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy מִלִּפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 Yahweh is everywhere, so this probably means that after talking to Yahweh, Cain left that place. Alternate translation: “from Yahweh” or “from the place where Yahweh had been talking to him” 4:16 iydu וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב 1 Alternate translation: “and settled” or “and started living” 4:16 ksys rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בְּאֶֽרֶץ נ֖וֹד 1 The original readers of the Hebrew text knew that the name **Nod** means “wandering”. Usually translators transliterate (copy or borrow) the name from the Hebrew text, and they might also include the meaning of the name in the text or in a footnote. If you do that here, the meaning should be similar to how you translated “wanderer” in verses 12 and 14. 4:16 glwo קִדְמַת עֵֽדֶן 1 Consider again how you translated “the land/region of Eden” and “the Garden of Eden” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 2:8, 10, 15; 3:23-24; 4:16. Alternate translation: “which was east of the land called Eden.” or “which was east of Eden Land.” 4:17 tgil rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיֵּ֤דַע קַ֨יִן֙ אֶת אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ 1 See how you translated this idiom in Gen 4:1. Alternate translation: “Then Cain slept with his wife,” 4:17 rr2c וַתַּ֖הַר וַתֵּ֣לֶד 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 4:1. Alternate translation: “so that she became pregnant and gave birth to” 4:17 i17s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֶת חֲנ֑וֹךְ 1 Alternate translation: “a son named Enoch.” or “a son whose name was Enoch.” 4:17 a43z rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיְהִי֙ בֹּ֣נֶה עִ֔יר 1 Make sure that your translation of this clause refers to Cain, not Enoch. Alternate translation: “Now at that time, Cain was in the process of constructing a city,” 4:17 isn9 וַיִּקְרָא֙ שֵׁ֣ם הָעִ֔יר 1 Alternate translation: “so he called the city” 4:17 ocqy כְּשֵׁ֖ם בְּנ֥וֹ חֲנֽוֹךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Enoch, after his son.” or “Enoch, the same name as his son.” 4:18 d1x6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיִּוָּלֵ֤ד לַֽחֲנוֹךְ֙ 1 In this record of Cain’s descendants, It is implied that many years have gone by between each descendant growing up, getting married, and having his own children. Decide the best way to translate this genealogical record in your language. Alternate translation: “Later on, Enoch had” or “When Enoch grew up, he fathered” or “Enoch was the father of” 4:18 yll5 אֶת עִירָ֔ד 1 Alternate translation: “a son whose name was Irad,” 4:18 zgh0 וְעִירָ֕ד יָלַ֖ד 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence with each new generation that is mentioned in this verse. Alternate translation: “Then Irad fathered” or “When Irad grew up, he had” or “Irad was the father of” 4:18 lb2t אֶת מְחֽוּיָאֵ֑ל 1 Alternate translation: “a son whose name was Mehujael,” 4:18 hdkq וּמְחִיּיָאֵ֗ל יָלַד֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Mehujael fathered” or “When Mehujael grew up, he had” or “Mehujael was the father of” 4:18 r4oo אֶת מְת֣וּשָׁאֵ֔ל 1 Alternate translation: “a son whose name was Methushael,” 4:18 bw8i וּמְתוּשָׁאֵ֖ל יָלַ֥ד 1 Alternate translation: “Then Methushael fathered” or “When Methushael grew up, he had” or “Methushael was the father of” 4:18 a3xs אֶת לָֽמֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “a son whose name was Lamech.” 4:19 sx75 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּֽקַּֽח ל֥וֹ לֶ֖מֶךְ שְׁתֵּ֣י נָשִׁ֑ים 1 In this context, the phrase **took for himself** is an idiom that means “married”. Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom. Alternate translation: “Then Lamech grew up, and he chose two women to be his wives.” or “When Lamech grew up, he married two women.” 4:19 div9 שֵׁ֤ם הָֽאַחַת֙ עָדָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “His first wife was named Adah,” 4:19 nogk וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית צִלָּֽה 1 Alternate translation: “and his second wife was named Zillah.” 4:20 gfmj וַתֵּ֥לֶד עָדָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “Adah had” 4:20 baqx אֶת יָבָ֑ל 1 Alternate translation: “a son whose name was Jabal.” 4:20 w051 ה֣וּא הָיָ֔ה 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “who was” or “who grew up and became” 4:20 twss rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֲבִ֕י יֹשֵׁ֥ב 1 The phrase **father of** is used here as an idiom that means Jabal was the first person to do these things. He originated this way of living, and many people after him followed his example. Alternate translation: “the first of all people who” 4:20 lmj0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown יֹשֵׁ֥ב אֹ֖הֶל 1 A tent is a portable living place that has walls made of cloth or animal skins and is held up by poles. Tents are used by people who need to take their home with them as they move from place to place, often to find food and water for themselves and their livestock. If people in your language area are not familiar with tents, you could include some of the above information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “are tent dwellers” or “live in portable shelters” 4:20 ifog וּמִקְנֶֽה 1 The term **livestock** includes all kinds of domestic animals, such as cows, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys. See how you translated **livestock** in Gen 1:24-26; 2:20, 3:14. Alternate translation: “and raise animals for a living.” 4:21 g37o rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וְשֵׁ֥ם אָחִ֖יו יוּבָ֑ל 1 Jubal was probably younger than Jabal. See how you translated **brother** in verse 2. Alternate translation: “Jabal had a brother named Jubal.” 4:21 wc9b ה֣וּא הָיָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “who was” or “He grew up and became” 4:21 dbuc אֲבִ֕י כָּל 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 20. Alternate translation: “the ancestor of all people who” 4:21 thhz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown תֹּפֵ֥שׂ כִּנּ֖וֹר וְעוּגָֽב 1 Alternate translation: “play musical instruments called lyres and pipes.” or “play stringed instruments and wind instruments.” 4:22 jm2j גַם & יָֽלְדָה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “also became pregnant and gave birth to a son, and they named him” 4:22 nipn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶת תּ֣וּבַל קַ֔יִן 1 Be consistent with how you spell this name both times in verse 22. Alternate translation: “Tubal-Cain” or “Tubal-cain” or “Tubalcain” 4:22 t53i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לֹטֵ֕שׁ 1 It is probably implied from verses 20-21 that Tubal Cain, like his brothers, was the father/ancestor or first of all those who had his skill. Alternate translation: “He was the first person to forge” or “He was the first blacksmith and forged” or “He was the first of all people who forge” 4:22 dn66 כָּל חֹרֵ֥שׁ נְחֹ֖שֶׁת וּבַרְזֶ֑ל 1 The word **tools** that is used here in the Hebrew text is general and can include farming tools and weapons and other things that are made out of metal. Alternate translation: “all kinds of tools and other things out of brass and iron.” or “all kinds of brass and iron things” 4:22 dmz0 וַֽאֲח֥וֹת תּֽוּבַל קַ֖יִן נַֽעֲמָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “Tubal Cain had a sister named Naamah.” 4:23 apyu rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיֹּ֨אמֶר לֶ֜מֶךְ 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to introduce this new event. Alternate translation: “One time, Lamech said proudly” or “One day, Lamech boasted” 4:23 gae9 לְנָשָׁ֗יו עָדָ֤ה וְצִלָּה֙ 1 Be consistent with how you spelled these names in verses 19-20, 22-23. 4:23 lbpd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy שְׁמַ֣עַן קוֹלִ֔י 1 The phrase **my voice** refers here to the words being said. Consider what is the best way to translate this figure of speech in your language. Alternate translation: “listen to what I am going to tell you.” 4:23 uqtr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism נְשֵׁ֣י לֶ֔מֶךְ הַאְזֵ֖נָּה אִמְרָתִ֑י 1 This clause forms a parallelism with the previous clause and emphasizes what Lamech says next. Also, consider whether or not your language has an idiom that is similar to **give ear to**. Alternate translation: “My wives, listen to me carefully.” 4:23 m97i כִּ֣י אִ֤ישׁ הָרַ֨גְתִּי֙ לְפִצְעִ֔י וְיֶ֖לֶד לְחַבֻּרָתִֽי 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “I killed a man for wounding me; he was a young man who bruised/injured me!” or “I killed a young man for wounding/injuring me! In fact, I killed that man just because he bruised/injured me!” or (2) “I killed a man for wounding me, and also a young man for bruising/injuring me.” or “A man wounded me, so I killed him. A young man injured me, so I killed him too!” According to the first interpretation, Lamech refers to one man he killed. According to the second interpretation, he refers to two men he killed. 4:24 q45d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive כִּ֥י שִׁבְעָתַ֖יִם יֻקַּם קָ֑יִן וְלֶ֖מֶךְ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “Since God has promised to avenge Cain seven times, then” or “Cain is avenged by God seven times, but” 4:24 g912 וְלֶ֖מֶךְ שִׁבְעִ֥ים וְשִׁבְעָֽה 1 Lamech is bragging in verses 23 and 24 about how severely he avenges himself. He is not saying that God will avenge him more than he will avenge Cain. Also, each translation team needs to decide how they will handle numbers in the Hebrew text so that readers will not confuse those numbers with verse numbers. For example, it may be best to use words for single and double-digit numbers in the text. Be consistent with how you spelled the name **Lamech** in verses 18-19, 23-24. Alternate translation: “I, Lamech avenge myself seventy-seven times!” or “I avenge myself 77 times!” 4:25 rw9r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיֵּ֨דַע אָדָ֥ם עוֹד֙ אֶת אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ 1 See how you translated the idiom **knew** in 4:1, 17. Alternate translation: “Then Adam slept with his wife Eve again,” or “Again Adam had marital relations with his wife Eve,” 4:25 tlhj rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “so that she conceived and had a son,” or “with the result that she became pregnant and gave birth to a son,” 4:25 uyxx וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 3:20. Alternate translation: “and she gave him the name” 4:25 yiax rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כִּ֣י 1 What follows is a direct quote of what Eve said that gave Seth his name. Make sure that is clear in your language. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “She named him that because when he was born, she had exclaimed,” 4:25 pmzd שָֽׁת לִ֤י אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 If you include the meaning of Seth’s name in your translation or in a footnote, make sure it matches the way you translate **appointed** here, so that it is clear why he was given that name. Alternate translation: “God has given to me” 4:25 k147 תַּ֣חַת הֶ֔בֶל 1 Alternate translation: “to take the place of Abel,” 4:25 d8wl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּ֥י הֲרָג֖וֹ קָֽיִן 1 For some language it is necessary to put this phrase first in this clause (so that events are in the order that they happened) and say, “Since Cain killed Abel, God granted me another child to replace him.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “whom Cain murdered.” 4:26 oqgu וּלְשֵׁ֤ת גַּם & יֻלַּד בֵּ֔ן 1 The word order in the Hebrew text here emphasizes Seth. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Later on, Seth also had a son,” 4:26 zd7h וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ אֱנ֑וֹשׁ 1 Alternate translation: “whom he named Enosh.” 4:26 tq3j אָ֣ז 1 Alternate translation: “At that time” or “That is when” 4:26 o4hk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הוּחַ֔ל לִקְרֹ֖א בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהוָֽה 1 The phrase **call on the name of Yahweh** is an idiom that refers to prayers, worship, and praise in which people addressed God directly by his personal name Yahweh. It also implies that they were trusting in him to help and guide them. Alternate translation: “people began to address God by his name Yahweh as they worshiped him.” or “people began to praise Yahweh by name.” or “people first called Yahweh by name in their prayers and worship.” 5:1 r7au זֶ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “What follows is” 5:1 nf58 סֵ֔פֶר 1 Alternate translation: “the written family record of” 5:1 hbea תּוֹלְדֹ֖ת אָדָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “about Adam and his descendants:” 5:1 ztgp בְּי֗וֹם בְּרֹ֤א אֱלֹהִים֙ אָדָ֔ם & עָשָׂ֥ה אֹתֽוֹ 1 See how you translated **created** in Gen 1:1, 27; 2:4, and “man” in Gen 1:26-27. Alternate translation: “On the day that God made human beings, he made them” 5:1 c3vh בִּדְמ֥וּת אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 God created mankind to be like himself in certain ways, but not to be exactly like him in every way (Gen 1:26-27). Alternate translation: “in his own likeness.” 5:2 sfms זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה בְּרָאָ֑ם 1 See how you translated this clause in Gen 1:27. 5:2 xoeq וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֹתָ֗ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also see how you translated **blessed** in Gen 1:22, 28. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “He blessed them” or “He said that he would make them prosper” 5:2 md6q וַיִּקְרָ֤א אֶת שְׁמָם֙ 1 See how you translated the phrase “called … name” in Gen 4:17, 25, 26. Alternate translation: “and called them” 5:2 bpym אָדָ֔ם 1 Be consistent here with how you translated this term in verse 1. 5:2 ocap rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בְּי֖וֹם הִבָּֽרְאָֽם 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Also, for some languages it is clearer or more natural to put this clause earlier in this verse and say, “and on the same day that he created them, he blessed them and called/named them human beings.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “on the same day that they were created by him.” 5:3 mu3a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers וַֽיְחִ֣י אָדָ֗ם שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים וּמְאַת֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Each translation team needs to decide how they are going to write large numbers in the Bible. Many teams use numerals, for example, **130** here in verse 3, especially if the target language has a complicated counting system. Other teams prefer to use words, for example, “one hundred thirty” here. Be consistent in what you do throughout your translation. Alternate translation: “When Adam had lived 130 years, he had a son” or “When Adam was 130 years old, he fathered a son” 5:3 i5yo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet בִּדְמוּת֖וֹ כְּצַלְמ֑וֹ 1 These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize that Seth was similar to Adam in many ways. See how you translated similar phrases in Gen 1:26. Alternate translation: “who was a human being like himself and looked like him,” 5:3 d878 וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ שֵֽׁת 1 For some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and Adam named him Seth.” or “Adam named his son Seth.” 5:4 m5uq וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ יְמֵי אָדָ֗ם אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת שֵׁ֔ת 1 Alternate translation: “After he had Seth, he lived” or “After Seth was born, Adam lived” 5:4 dt93 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵאֹ֖ת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 For some languages, it may be more natural to change the clause order of this sentence and say, “Adam lived 800 more years after Seth was born …” Do what is best in your language throughout this chapter. Alternate translation: “800 more years,” 5:4 w4va וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 This clause probably refers to all the other children that Adam had, including those who were born before and after Seth was born. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Adam also had” or “He was also the father of” 5:5 exxg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּֽהְי֞וּ כָּל יְמֵ֤י אָדָם֙ אֲשֶׁר חַ֔י תְּשַׁ֤ע מֵאוֹת֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Make sure that the name **Adam** is spelled consistently in your translation of verses 1, 3-5. Alternate translation: “So he lived a total of 930 years,” or “All together Adam lived 930 years,” 5:5 vx22 וַיָּמֹֽת 1 Notice that if you use the second alternative here (“before he died”), a comma is not used before it (in English). Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “before he died.” 5:6 e8ow rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וַֽיְחִי־שֵׁ֕ת חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 The events in verse 6 happened before Adam died (verse 5). So if you use a conjunction here, make sure your translation does not sound like verse 6 happened after Adam died. Alternate translation: “After Seth had lived 105 years,” or “After Seth was 105 years old,” 5:6 ac8w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת אֱנֽוֹשׁ 1 You could make it explicit in your translation or in a footnote that Enosh was a son. The same thing is true for the rest of the children whose births are mentioned in this chapter (who were all sons). Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Enosh.” or “he had a son they named Enosh.” or “he had a son whose name was Enosh.” 5:7 zq5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיְחִי שֵׁ֗ת אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת אֱנ֔וֹשׁ 1 In fact, throughout chapter 5, make sure it is clear in your translation whom each pronoun refers to. Alternate translation: “After he had Enosh, he lived” or “After Enosh was born, Seth lived” 5:7 axao שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “807 more years,” 5:7 m6hy וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated this phrase and the following one in verse 4. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Seth also had” or “He was also the father of” 5:8 cpt9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל יְמֵי שֵׁ֔ת שְׁתֵּ֤ים עֶשְׂרֵה֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Be consistent with how you spell the name **Seth** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 4:25-26; 5:3-4, 6-8. Alternate translation: “So he lived a total of 912 years,” or “All together he lived 912 years,” 5:8 wfwj וַיָּמֹֽת 1 Alternate translation: “before he died.” 5:9 hpxy rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וַֽיְחִ֥י אֱנ֖וֹשׁ תִּשְׁעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 See how you translated the beginning of a similar new paragraph in this genealogy at verse 6. Alternate translation: “After Enosh had lived 90 years,” or “After Enosh was 90 years old,” 5:9 ealf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת קֵינָֽן 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Kenan.” or “he had a son whose name was Kenan.” 5:10 qcro rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיְחִ֣י אֱנ֗וֹשׁ אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת קֵינָ֔ן 1 See how you translated a similar sentence in verse 7, and see the notes about that there. Alternate translation: “After he had Kenan, he lived” or “After Kenan was born, Enosh lived” 5:10 vyfp חֲמֵ֤שׁ עֶשְׂרֵה֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “815 more years,” 5:10 a9fp וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Enosh also had” or “He was also the father of” 5:11 t6cg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל יְמֵ֣י אֱנ֔וֹשׁ חָמֵ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Make sure that the name **Enosh** is spelled consistently in your translation of verses 6-7, 9-11. Alternate translation: “So he lived a total of 905 years,” or “All together he lived 905 years,” 5:11 ajtj וַיָּמֹֽת 1 Alternate translation: “before he died.” 5:12 q01x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers וַֽיְחִ֥י קֵינָ֖ן שִׁבְעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Throughout this chapter, be consistent with how you have decided to handle numbers in the Bible. For example, many translation teams use words for single and double-digit numbers, but use numerals for larger numbers. This strategy helps prevent confusion with verse numbers. This is especially true in translations that use a large font size for verse numbers so that people doing group Bible study can easily be in the same verse together. Alternate translation: “After Kenan had lived seventy years,” or “After Kenan was seventy years old,” 5:12 s14a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת מַֽהֲלַלְאֵֽל 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Mahalalel.” or “he fathered a son whose name was Mahalalel.” 5:13 x4dz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיְחִ֣י קֵינָ֗ן אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל 1 Alternate translation: “After Kenan had Mahalalel, he lived” or “After Mahalalel was born, Kenan lived” 5:13 ml02 אַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “840 more years,” 5:13 pdi2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Kenan at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Kenan also had” or “He was also the father of” 5:14 iukx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל יְמֵ֣י קֵינָ֔ן עֶ֣שֶׂר שָׁנִ֔ים וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Make sure that the name **Kenan** is spelled consistently in your translation of verses 9-10, 12-14. Alternate translation: “So he lived a total of 910 years,” or “All together he lived 910 years,” 5:14 qzt5 וַיָּמֹֽת 1 Alternate translation: “before he died.” 5:15 ibht וַֽיְחִ֣י מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וְשִׁשִּׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “After Mahalalel had lived 65 years,” or “After Mahalalel was 65 years old,” 5:15 xypc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת יָֽרֶד 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Jared.” or “he fathered a son whose name was Jared.” 5:16 pue9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיְחִ֣י מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֗ל אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת יֶ֔רֶד 1 Alternate translation: “After he had Jared, he lived” or “After Jared was born, Mahalalel lived” 5:16 v7b5 שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “830 more years,” 5:16 duud וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “He also fathered” or “He was also the father of” 5:17 y3k1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּהְיוּ֙ כָּל יְמֵ֣י מַהֲלַלְאֵ֔ל חָמֵ֤שׁ וְתִשְׁעִים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Make sure that the name **Mahalalel** is spelled consistently in your translation of verses 12-13, 15-17. Alternate translation: “So he lived a total of 895 years,” or “All together he lived 895 years,” 5:17 k21r וַיָּמֹֽת 1 Alternate translation: “before he died.” 5:18 k5fo וַֽיְחִי־יֶ֕רֶד שְׁתַּ֧יִם וְשִׁשִּׁ֛ים שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “After Jared had lived 162 years,” or “After Jared was 162 years old,” 5:18 hnj8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת חֲנֽוֹךְ 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Enoch.” or “he fathered a son whose name was Enoch.” 5:19 ttlq וַֽיְחִי יֶ֗רֶד אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת חֲנ֔וֹךְ 1 Alternate translation: “After Jared had Enoch, he lived” or “After Enoch was born, Jared lived” 5:19 dml1 שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “800 more years,” 5:19 qvdm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Jared at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Jared also had” or “He was also the father of” 5:20 y9dd rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל יְמֵי יֶ֔רֶד שְׁתַּ֤יִם וְשִׁשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Make sure that the name **Jared** is spelled consistently in your translation of verses 15-16, 18-20. Alternate translation: “So he lived a total of 962 years,” or “All together he lived 962 years,” 5:20 dsut וַיָּמֹֽת 1 Alternate translation: “before he died.” 5:21 yd7b וַֽיְחִ֣י חֲנ֔וֹךְ חָמֵ֥שׁ וְשִׁשִּׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Consider again how you translated double-digit numbers in verses 9, 12, 15, 21. Alternate translation: “After Enoch had lived 65 years,” or “After Enoch was 65 years old,” 5:21 q122 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת מְתוּשָֽׁלַח 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Methuselah.” or “he had a son whose name was Methuselah.” 5:22 aw7m אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת מְתוּשֶׁ֔לַח 1 Alternate translation: “After he had Methuselah,” or “After Methuselah was born,” 5:22 jft2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּתְהַלֵּ֨ךְ חֲנ֜וֹךְ אֶת הָֽאֱלֹהִ֗ים 1 The phrase **walked with** is used here as an idiom that means “lived in a close relationship with”. Consider whether or not you have a similar idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “Enoch lived faithfully with God” or “Enoch lived in a faithful relationship with God” 5:22 t5cg שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “for 300 more years,” 5:22 nvyk וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Enoch also had” or “He was also the father of” 5:23 q9fs וַיְהִ֖י כָּל יְמֵ֣י חֲנ֑וֹךְ חָמֵ֤שׁ וְשִׁשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָֽה 1 Make sure that the name **Enoch** is spelled consistently in your translation of verses 18-19, 21-24. Alternate translation: “So he lived a total of 365 years.” or “All together he lived 365 years.” 5:24 ovax וַיִּתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ חֲנ֖וֹךְ אֶת הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “All his life Enoch lived in a faithful relationship with God, and then” 5:24 h09o וְאֵינֶ֕נּוּ 1 Alternate translation: “suddenly he was not on earth anymore,” or “he suddenly disappeared from earth,” 5:24 qhcv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי לָקַ֥ח אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים 1 It may be more natural to put this clause before the previous clause and say, “… God took him away to be with him, so he was suddenly no longer on earth.” Do what is best in your language. 5:25 e0io וַיְחִ֣י מְתוּשֶׁ֔לַח שֶׁ֧בַע וּשְׁמֹנִ֛ים שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Consider again how you translated verses in this chapter that are similar in structure to this verse; see verses 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 25, and part of verses 3 and 28, and see the note about this at verse 6. Alternate translation: “After Methuselah had lived 187 years,” or “After Methuselah was 187 years old,” 5:25 umwj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת לָֽמֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Lamech.” or “he had a son whose name was Lamech.” 5:26 y4u9 וַֽיְחִ֣י מְתוּשֶׁ֗לַח אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת לֶ֔מֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “After he had Lamech, he lived” or “After Lamech was born, Methuselah lived” 5:26 xyho שְׁתַּ֤יִם וּשְׁמוֹנִים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁבַ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “782 more years,” 5:26 jiwj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Methuselah at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “He also fathered” or “He was also the father of” 5:27 d46p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּהְיוּ֙ כָּל יְמֵ֣י מְתוּשֶׁ֔לַח תֵּ֤שַׁע וְשִׁשִּׁים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּתְשַׁ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Make sure that the name **Methuselah** is spelled consistently in your translation of verses 21-22, 25-27. Alternate translation: “So he lived a total of 969 years,” or “So all together he lived 969 years,” 5:27 bmrx וַיָּמֹֽת 1 Alternate translation: “before he died.” 5:28 mhbp וַֽיְחִי־לֶ֕מֶךְ שְׁתַּ֧יִם וּשְׁמֹנִ֛ים שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “After Lamech had lived 182 years,” or “After Lamech was 182 years old,” 5:29 ao6m וַיִּקְרָ֧א אֶת שְׁמ֛וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “whom he named” 5:29 fqyr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names נֹ֖חַ 1 If you include the meaning of Noah’s name in your translation or in a footnote, make sure it matches what Lamech says about him in the following quote so it is clear why he was given that name. 5:29 d1z6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 What Lamech says next is the reason that he named his son Noah. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “He named him that because he had said about him,” 5:29 ivc5 זֶ֞֠ה יְנַחֲמֵ֤נוּ 1 Alternate translation: “This son will relieve us” or “This son will give us relief” 5:29 gzo5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet מִֽמַּעֲשֵׂ֨נוּ֙ וּמֵעִצְּב֣וֹן יָדֵ֔ינוּ 1 These two phrases have similar meanings and emphasize how difficult the work was. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “from the difficult labor and work we have to do with our hands” or “from the agonizing work that we have to do” 5:29 omyc מִן הָ֣אֲדָמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֵֽרְרָ֖הּ יְהוָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “as we farm the ground that Yahweh has cursed.” 5:30 d607 וַֽיְחִי לֶ֗מֶךְ אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת נֹ֔חַ 1 Consider again how you translated verses in this chapter that are similar in structure to this verse; see verses 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 26, 30, and part of verses 4 and 22. Alternate translation: “After he fathered Noah, he lived” or “After Noah was born, Lamech lived” 5:30 gfzu חָמֵ֤שׁ וְתִשְׁעִים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וַחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵאֹ֖ת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “595 more years,” 5:30 gczp וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Lamech also had” or “He was also the father of” 5:31 i74z rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַֽיְהִי֙ כָּל יְמֵי לֶ֔מֶךְ שֶׁ֤בַע וְשִׁבְעִים֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וּשְׁבַ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Consider again how you translated verses that are similar to verse 31; see verses 8, 11, 14, 17, 20, 27, 31, and the first half of verses 5 and 23. Also make sure that the name **Lamech** is spelled consistently in your translation of verses 25-26, 28-31, and also in 4:18-19, 23-24 for a different person who has the same name. Alternate translation: “So he lived a total of 777 years,” or “All together he lived 777 years,” 5:31 ojma וַיָּמֹֽת 1 Alternate translation: “before he died.” 5:32 uzva rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַֽיְהִי נֹ֕חַ בֶּן חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Noah’s sons were not triplets, but were born in different years after Noah was 500 years old. The way you translate this verse should allow for that meaning. 5:32 yohb וַיּ֣וֹלֶד נֹ֔חַ 1 Consider again how you translated **fathered** in this chapter; see verses 4, 6-7, 9-10, 12-13, 15-16, 18-19, 25-26, 28, 30, 32. Alternate translation: “he fathered” 5:32 nl9j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֶת שֵׁ֖ם אֶת חָ֥ם וְאֶת יָֽפֶת 1 Alternate translation: “sons named Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” or “sons he named Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” 6:1 pmgg rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וַֽיְהִי֙ 1 The events in Gen 6:1-2 started happening long before the events in 5:32, so the way your translation begins this verse should allow for that meaning and not begin with a sequence word like “Then”, which would have the wrong meaning here. Many translations omit the conjunction here. Do what is best in your language. Also, the phrase **it happened** introduces and emphasizes important background information which the following narrative builds on. It also creates suspense so that readers and listeners wonder what will happen next. Some translations leave this phrase out, but doing that loses some of the suspense. Do what is best in your language. 6:1 as12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background כִּֽי 1 Alternate translation: “that as” 6:1 mezb הָֽאָדָ֔ם 1 See how you translated this term in Gen 5:1-2. Alternate translation: “human beings” 6:1 fo85 הֵחֵ֣ל & לָרֹ֖ב 1 Alternate translation: “began to increase in number” or “began to be more numerous” 6:1 ps4y עַל פְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “throughout the world” 6:1 r0sl וּבָנ֖וֹת יֻלְּד֥וּ לָהֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “and they were having many daughters,” 6:2 vn76 וַיִּרְא֤וּ 1 Verses 1 and 2 are one long sentence in the Hebrew text. For many languages it is necessary to divide it into two or more shorter sentences. For example, depending on how you began verse 1, you could begin verse 2 with a new sentence. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then when those girls grew up,” or “When those daughters grew up,” 6:2 w4mk בְנֵי הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ 1 The meaning of Gen 6:2 is not certain and is heavily debated, so it is probably best to translate it fairly literally and possibly include a footnote about what it means. If it is not translated literally, the literal text should be put in a footnote. There are three main views of who **the sons of God** and **the daughters of mankind** refer to: (1) nonhuman, god-like (supernatural) beings, such as demons or angels (as in Job 1:6, 38:7) who took human form and married the daughters of human beings (which may be what is referred to in 1 Peter 3:19–20; 2 Peter 2:4, and Jude 6); or (2) male descendants of Seth (the righteous, chosen family line) who married female descendants of Cain (the unrighteous family line); or (3) sons of powerful men, such as judges or rulers (as in Exodus 22:8, Psalm 82:1, 6) who married the daughters of common, poor people. Alternate translation: “some angels” or “some supernatural beings” 6:2 znk3 וַיִּרְא֤וּ & אֶת בְּנ֣וֹת הָֽאָדָ֔ם כִּ֥י טֹבֹ֖ת הֵ֑נָּה 1 Alternate translation: “saw that the daughters of human beings were beautiful,” or “saw that those young women were beautiful,” or “saw that they were very beautiful,” 6:2 qnty וַיִּקְח֤וּ לָהֶם֙ נָשִׁ֔ים מִכֹּ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר בָּחָֽרוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, see how you translated “took/married” in Gen 4:19. Alternate translation: “so they married any of them that they wanted to.” or “So they chose all of them that they wanted and married them.” 6:3 fdyv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֗ה 1 Only make implied information explicit in your translation if it is necessary to prevent wrong meaning or if your language’s grammar requires it, so that your translation is easier to read and understand. Alternate translation: “So Yahweh said to himself,” 6:3 n5w7 רוּחִ֤י 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) **My Spirit** or “I”, which is a way of God referring to himself (Gen 1:2 is similar); or (2) “My spirit”, which could refer to God’s breath that gives life (as in Gen 2:7). If the text is not translated literally, the literal text should be put in a footnote. 6:3 lxhr לֹֽא־יָד֨וֹן & בָֽאָדָם֙ לְעֹלָ֔ם 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “will not contend with human beings forever,” or “will not put up with human beings forever,” or (2) “will not remain/live with/in human beings forever,” The interpretation that is not used in your translation could be put in a footnote. 6:3 nsna rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּשַׁגַּ֖ם ה֣וּא בָשָׂ֑ר 1 The word **flesh** is used here as an idiom that means human beings are “mortal” (that is, their bodies will die) and that they are “sinful/corrupt”. The two meanings are interrelated since it is because of sin that their bodies die. In this context, the focus is on their corrupt behavior, which is the reason God will send a flood. Alternate translation: “because they are very sinful” or “because they are only sinful mortals.” 6:3 u5p6 וְהָי֣וּ יָמָ֔יו מֵאָ֥ה וְעֶשְׂרִ֖ים שָׁנָֽה 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “So they will have 120 years to repent.” or “I will give them 120 years to repent.” or (2) “From now on, they/people will have/live no longer than 120 years.” The first interpretation seems to best fit the context here of God announcing his plan to judge mankind for their sin (verse 7). This would mean that Noah was 480 years old when God said this (about 20 years before he started having sons; Gen 5:32), since the flood came when he was 600 years old (Gen 7:6); you could put some of that information in a footnote. The second interpretation does not fit with the fact that after God said this, many people lived much longer than 120 years, so it does not seem likely that length of life was his meaning here. 6:4 ynoy rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names הַנְּפִלִ֞ים 1 Most translations transliterate (borrow or copy) the Hebrew word **Nephilim** here, treating it as a name. The word means “fallen ones” and probably refers to their fallen (sinful) spiritual state. The Nephilim were the descendants of the sons of God and the daughters of mankind. The only other time in the Bible that the Nephilim are mentioned is centuries later in Numbers 13:32-33, where they are identified as evil giants. Based on that, some translations translate “the Nephilim” as “giants” here in Gen 6:4. Alternate translation: “Giants called the Nephilim” or “Giants” 6:4 mfas הָי֣וּ בָאָרֶץ֮ 1 Alternate translation: “were living on the earth” 6:4 x5nq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵם֒ וְגַ֣ם אַֽחֲרֵי 1 It may be more natural to put this time phrase first in verse 4 and say, “During that time there were Nephilim/giants living on the earth, when …” Do what is best in your language. 6:4 brcd כֵ֗ן אֲשֶׁ֨ר 1 Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “That was when” 6:4 dopz בְּנֵ֤י הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ 1 Be consistent here with how you translated this phrase in verse 2, and see the important note about that there. Alternate translation: “angels” or “supernatural beings” 6:4 pirs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism יָבֹ֜אוּ & אֶל 1 Translate this idiom in a way that is polite and will not shame or embarrass people when this verse is read aloud in public. See how you translated a similar idiom (“knew”) in Gen 4:1, 17, 25. Alternate translation: “slept with” or “had sexual relations with” 6:4 m59u בְּנ֣וֹת הָֽאָדָ֔ם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 2. Alternate translation: “human women,” 6:4 si43 וְיָלְד֖וּ לָהֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and those women had children.” 6:4 e4oo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns הֵ֧מָּה 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who is being referred to here. Alternate translation: “Those children grew up and were the Nephilim, who were” 6:4 yujd הַגִּבֹּרִ֛ים 1 Alternate translation: “the powerful men” or “heroes” 6:4 ps8j אֲשֶׁ֥ר מֵעוֹלָ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “who lived a long time ago,” or “who lived many years ago,” 6:4 xhsv אַנְשֵׁ֥י הַשֵּֽׁם 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this phrase earlier in this sentence and say, “They were the mighty men of renown who were from long ago.” or “They were the famous mighty men who lived a long time ago.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “who were famous men.” 6:5 utlu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיַּ֣רְא יְהוָ֔ה 1 The verb **saw** is used here as an idiom. Consider whether your language has a similar idiom that would fit well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Yahweh knew” or “Yahweh was aware” 6:5 ommt כִּ֥י רַבָּ֛ה רָעַ֥ת הָאָדָ֖ם בָּאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “how evil mankind had become on the earth,” or “that the people on the earth had become very wicked” 6:5 wy3t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְכָל יֵ֨צֶר֙ מַחְשְׁבֹ֣ת לִבּ֔וֹ 1 In Hebrew culture the heart is considered the center of thoughts and desires. Consider whether your language has a similar idiom. Alternate translation: “and that every desire they had in their minds” or “and that everything they thought about and wanted” 6:5 wfz7 כָּל הַיּֽוֹם 1 Alternate translation: “constantly.” 6:6 kp4z rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּנָּ֣חֶם יְהוָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “As a result, Yahweh regretted” or “Yahweh regretted” 6:6 a0zs rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns כִּֽי עָשָׂ֥ה אֶת הָֽאָדָ֖ם 1 See how you translated **mankind** in verses 1, 3, and 5, and consider whether or not it is best to use a pronoun (“them”) here in your language. Alternate translation: “that he had created them” or “that he had created human beings” 6:6 lbxh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּתְעַצֵּ֖ב אֶל לִבּֽוֹ 1 Consider whether your language has a similar idiom that would fit well here. Alternate translation: “and his heart was filled with pain” or “and he was very sad” 6:7 mt6s וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֗ה 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 3. Also make sure that the way you begin verse 7 fits well with the way you begin verse 6. Alternate translation: “Then he said to himself,” 6:7 wbhw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֶמְחֶ֨ה 1 Consider whether your language has a similar idiom that would fit well here. Alternate translation: “I will wash away” or “I will blot out” or “I will completely wipe” 6:7 ymf2 אֶת הָאָדָ֤ם אֲשֶׁר בָּרָ֨אתִי֙ מֵעַל֙ פְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “all the human beings whom I created, from the surface of the earth,” 6:7 l6r9 מֵֽאָדָם֙ עַד בְּהֵמָ֔ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “In fact, I will destroy not just all the people, but also all the animals,” 6:7 ilp6 עַד רֶ֖מֶשׂ 1 Alternate translation: “and the creatures that move on the ground” 6:7 cmz9 וְעַד ע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם 1 Alternate translation: “and all the birds that fly in the air,” or “and all the birds,” 6:7 tgkj כִּ֥י נִחַ֖מְתִּי 1 See how you translated “was sorry” or “regretted” in verse 6. Alternate translation: “because I am sad” 6:7 acg2 כִּ֥י עֲשִׂיתִֽם 1 Alternate translation: “that I ever created them.” 6:8 k0ja rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְנֹ֕חַ מָ֥צָא חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵ֥י יְהוָֽה 1 The idiom “find favor” means to please someone. And the idiom **in the eyes of** refers to someone’s opinion about something or someone. Consider whether your language has similar idioms that work well here or whether it is better to translate this sentence without an idiom. Alternate translation: “But Noah pleased God.” or “However, Yahweh was pleased with Noah.” 6:9 u5k8 אֵ֚לֶּה תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת נֹ֔חַ 1 Some of Noah’s history has already been given in Gen 5:29, 32, and 6:8. What follows tells more about him. Alternate translation: “This is more of the record of Noah and his family:” or “What follows tells more about Noah and his family:” 6:9 gw44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns נֹ֗חַ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use a noun or a pronoun here to refer to Noah. 6:9 zk74 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms אִ֥ישׁ צַדִּ֛יק 1 Alternate translation: “an good man.” 6:9 w0cg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom תָּמִ֥ים הָיָ֖ה בְּדֹֽרֹתָ֑יו 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “He alone was blameless/faultless in God’s eyes among his contemporaries.” or “Out of all the people living at that time, Noah/he was the only one whom God considered blameless.” or (2) “He had a blameless/spotless reputation among his contemporaries.” or “His contemporaries considered him to be a man of integrity.” The phrase **without blemish** is often used in the Bible to describe animals that have no defects. Here it is used as an idiom that means Noah was “blameless/faultless” in an ethical or moral sense, or that he had good integrity, but it does not mean that he was sinless. Consider whether your language has a similar idiom that would work well here. Also, the word **generation** refers here to people who lived during the same time period. 6:9 ky2x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֶת הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים הִֽתְהַלֶּךְ נֹֽחַ 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated this idiom in Gen 5:22, 24. Alternate translation: “and he walked closely with God.” or “and he lived in a faithful relationship with God.” 6:10 vdjy וַיּ֥וֹלֶד נֹ֖חַ 1 The fact that Noah fathered/had these three sons was already mentioned in Gen 5:32. Make sure that the way you begin this verse in your translation does not sound like he fathered these sons a second time. Alternate translation: “Eventually he had” or “And as mentioned before, he had” 6:10 d1np שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה בָנִ֑ים אֶת שֵׁ֖ם אֶת חָ֥ם וְאֶת יָֽפֶת 1 Alternate translation: “three sons, namely Shem, Ham, and Japheth.” 6:11 f221 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַתִּשָּׁחֵ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 The phrase **the earth** is often used in the Bible to refer to all the people on the earth. Consider whether your language can do the same thing, or whether it is necessary to make that implied information explicit. Alternate translation: “Now the people of the earth had become corrupt” 6:11 rpln rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַתִּמָּלֵ֥א הָאָ֖רֶץ חָמָֽס 1 This clause forms a parallelism with the previous clause in order to emphasize how evil the people on the earth had become. The two clauses are different enough from each other that, if possible, it is best to keep both parts of the parallelism in your translation. Also be consistent with how you translated **the earth** earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “and they had filled the earth with their lawlessness.” or “and all over the earth they were doing lawless things.” 6:12 czxe וַיַּ֧רְא אֱלֹהִ֛ים 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin this sentence with a conjunction. 6:12 xmkj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶת הָאָ֖רֶץ וְהִנֵּ֣ה נִשְׁחָ֑תָה 1 See how you translated “corrupt” and **the earth** in verse 11. Alternate translation: “that everyone on the earth was very wicked,” or “how corrupt everyone on the earth had become,” 6:12 hi89 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche כִּֽי & כָּל בָּשָׂ֛ר & עַל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 The phrase **all flesh** refers here to all people and probably implies that people are mortal (verse 3). Alternate translation: “because everyone living on earth” 6:12 ldf8 הִשְׁחִ֧ית & אֶת דַּרְכּ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “were living wicked lives.” or “were continually doing wicked things.” or “were continually acting in evil ways.” 6:13 j1na וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֜ים לְנֹ֗חַ 1 Alternate translation: “Then God said to Noah,” 6:13 wv74 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche קֵ֤ץ כָּל בָּשָׂר֙ בָּ֣א לְפָנַ֔י 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **flesh** in verse 12. Alternate translation: “I have decided to put an end to all human beings,” or “I am going to destroy all flesh” 6:13 dx95 כִּֽי מָלְאָ֥ה הָאָ֛רֶץ חָמָ֖ס מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם 1 See how you translated **violence** in verse 11. Alternate translation: “because they have filled the earth with their violence” or “because all over the earth they are doing lawless things.” 6:13 uymq וְהִנְנִ֥י 1 This phrase draws extra attention to what God says next. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “Now listen,” 6:13 nnog מַשְׁחִיתָ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “I plan to destroy them” or “I will destroy them” 6:13 dukx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶת הָאָֽרֶץ 1 This phrase includes everything on the earth, not just the people. Alternate translation: “as well as everything else on the earth.” 6:14 i9zf rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result עֲשֵׂ֤ה 1 Alternate translation: “Consequently you must make” 6:14 altn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-transliterate תֵּבַ֣ת 1 The term **ark** is general and refers to a chest/box that is closed on all sides, including the top. In this case, the ark was a very large boat that people and many animals lived in for a year. It had no motor, no oars, no sail and no rudder. Since this was a unique, one-of-a-kind boat that may already be well-known as the **ark** in the receptor language area, some translations transliterate (copy or borrow) the word **ark** throughout Genesis. Decide what is best for your translation. Alternate translation: “a very large houseboat” 6:14 tpc0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לְךָ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “for you and your family” 6:14 jqp0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown עֲצֵי גֹ֔פֶר 1 It is not certain what kind of wood this was, so many translations transliterate (copy or borrow) the Hebrew word **gopher**. Some Bible scholars think it was cypress wood. Alternate translation: “from cypress wood which is good for building boats.” 6:14 l2wm קִנִּ֖ים תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה אֶת הַתֵּבָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “Build the ark with stalls inside,” or “Make rooms inside the ark” 6:14 kfop וְכָֽפַרְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֛הּ מִבַּ֥יִת וּמִח֖וּץ 1 Alternate translation: “and completely coat it inside and outside” 6:14 ch1i בַּכֹּֽפֶר 1 The Hebrew word **covering** is general and does not specify what kind of waterproofing material is being used. However, many translations are more specific than that here and refer to “pitch” or “tar” or some other material made from tree resin or sap that can seal a boat well and keep it from leaking. Alternate translation: “with pitch to keep water out.” or “with pitch to keep the boat from leaking.” 6:15 qrn8 וְזֶ֕ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֖ה אֹתָ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: “Build the ark with these dimensions” or “You must build the ark like this:” 6:15 e4re rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance שְׁלֹ֧שׁ מֵא֣וֹת אַמָּ֗ה אֹ֚רֶךְ הַתֵּבָ֔ה חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים אַמָּה֙ רָחְבָּ֔הּ וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים אַמָּ֖ה קוֹמָתָֽהּ 1 A cubit was about half a meter (18 inches) long, which was the distance from a man’s elbow to the tip of his middle finger. You can: (1) translate cubits into meters or feet, and put the literal text in a footnote; or (2) keep **cubits** in the main text (so that the numbers 300, fifty/50 and thirty/30 are kept) and put what that equals in meters or feet in a footnote. Alternate translation: “It must be 140 meters long, 23 meters wide, and 14 meters high.” or “It must be 450 feet long, 75 feet wide, and 45 feet high.” 6:16 f4nj rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance צֹ֣הַר תַּֽעֲשֶׂ֣ה לַתֵּבָ֗ה וְאֶל אַמָּה֙ תְּכַלֶ֣נָּה מִלְמַ֔עְלָה 1 The meaning of the Hebrew text is not completely certain here, but God was probably telling Noah to make a one-cubit high window or opening at the top of the outside walls of the ark, just below the roof, all the way around the ark, to let light and air into the ark. See the note about **cubit** in verse 15. Alternate translation: “Build a skylight for the boat by finishing the sides of the ark to within one cubit below the top of the ark” or “Build a half-meter high window between the top of the sides of the ark and its roof all the way around, to let light and air in.” 6:16 xcyu rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וּפֶ֥תַח הַתֵּבָ֖ה בְּצִדָּ֣הּ תָּשִׂ֑ים 1 Some translations begin this sentence without a conjunction (**And** or “Also”). Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Also put a door in the side of the ark” or “Put a door for the ark in its side.” 6:16 pt7i תַּחְתִּיִּ֛ם שְׁנִיִּ֥ם וּשְׁלִשִׁ֖ים תַּֽעֲשֶֽׂהָ 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Build a lower deck a middle deck and an upper deck on the inside.” or “and build a lower, middle, and upper story on the inside.” or “and make three complete floors on the inside.” 6:17 gjxs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns וַאֲנִ֗י הִנְנִי֩ 1 In the Hebrew text, the pronoun **I** is emphatic, both by its form and by its position at the beginning of the sentence. Consider what is the best way to communicate that emphasis in your language. Alternate translation: “Behold I myself” 6:17 ipl7 מֵבִ֨יא אֶת־הַמַּבּ֥וּל מַ֨יִם֙ עַל־הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “am going to send a flood on the whole earth” or “am going to flood the entire earth with water” 6:17 lkym לְשַׁחֵ֣ת 1 See how you translated **destroy** in verse 13. Alternate translation: “in order to destroy” 6:17 cskc כָּל בָּשָׂ֗ר 1 This phrase is general here and includes people and animals, so you may need to translate the phrase differently here from what you did earlier in verses 12-13 (where the focus seems to be on people). Alternate translation: “all the beings” or “every creature” 6:17 wwec אֲשֶׁר בּוֹ֙ ר֣וּחַ חַיִּ֔ים 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 1:30. Alternate translation: “that breathes air” 6:17 jqbz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure מִתַּ֖חַת הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם 1 For some languages it may be clearer to put this phrase earlier in this sentence and say, “to destroy every living thing under the heavens/sky that has the breath of life in it.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “from under the sky.” 6:17 o6ky כֹּ֥ל אֲשֶׁר בָּאָ֖רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “As a result, every living being that lives on land” 6:17 f07y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יִגְוָֽע 1 The verb **expire** (which could also be translated “exhale” or “breathe out”) is used here as an idiom that means “die”. Consider whether your language has a similar or different idiom that would work well here. Alternate translation: “will breathe out its last breath!” or “will perish!” 6:18 dkie rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַהֲקִמֹתִ֥י 1 The word **establish** means to deliberately and formally put something into effect. Alternate translation: “However I will make” or “However I will set up” 6:18 s3cm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms אֶת בְּרִיתִ֖י אִתָּ֑ךְ 1 This covenant is made up of the unconditional, unbreakable promises that God made to Noah (and all mankind and all other living things) in Genesis 8:2-9:17. The word “testament” is another word for “covenant,” so the way you translate **covenant** here could be similar to the way you translate the titles “Old Testament” and “New Testament.” Alternate translation: “a covenant between me and you,” or “a peace agreement between me and you,” 6:18 edeh וּבָאתָ֙ אֶל הַתֵּבָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “so you must enter the ark” or “so you must get on board the ark” 6:18 sxiu אַתָּ֕ה וּבָנֶ֛יךָ וְאִשְׁתְּךָ֥ וּנְשֵֽׁי בָנֶ֖יךָ אִתָּֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “and take with you your wife, your sons, and their wives.” 6:19 g341 וּמִכָּל הָ֠חַי מִֽכָּל בָּשָׂ֞ר שְׁנַ֧יִם מִכֹּ֛ל תָּבִ֥יא אֶל הַתֵּבָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “Also, from every kind of living creature, yes, from every kind of animal, you must take pairs of each kind into the ark” or “You must also bring into the ark pairs of every kind of living creature, including every kind of animal,” 6:19 e4sw לְהַחֲיֹ֣ת אִתָּ֑ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “in order to keep them alive with you.” 6:19 ew4s זָכָ֥ר וּנְקֵבָ֖ה יִֽהְיֽוּ 1 Alternate translation: “They must be pairs with one male and one female each.” or “Each pair must have one male and one female.” or “Make sure that each pair has one male and one female.” 6:20 tuxp מֵהָע֣וֹף לְמִינֵ֗הוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Males and females of every type of bird,” 6:20 li2p וּמִן הַבְּהֵמָה֙ לְמִינָ֔הּ 1 Alternate translation: “and of every kind of animal,” 6:20 tymx מִכֹּ֛ל רֶ֥מֶשׂ הָֽאֲדָמָ֖ה לְמִינֵ֑הוּ 1 This phrase emphasizes that the birds and animals mentioned in the first half of this verse lived on land. Alternate translation: “including every kind of creature that lives on the land,” 6:20 aqyo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure שְׁנַ֧יִם מִכֹּ֛ל יָבֹ֥אוּ אֵלֶ֖יךָ 1 For some languages it is more natural to change the order of clauses in this sentence and say, “Two/Pairs of every kind of bird and every kind of animal, including every kind of creature that moves on the ground, will come to you … ” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “two of every kind of animal will come to you” or “two of each kind of animal will come to you” 6:20 gcv1 לְהַֽחֲיֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “to keep them alive on the ark” or “into the ark so that they stay alive.” or “so that you keep them alive in the ark” 6:21 hpvn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular וְאַתָּ֣ה 1 Although the pronoun **you** is singular in the Hebrew text in verse 21, it could be translated as plural, since God’s instructions apply to Noah and his family, not just Noah. Or you could make his family explicit. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “You and your family” 6:21 wvi8 קַח־לְךָ֗ 1 Alternate translation: “must also gather and take” 6:21 kcf9 מִכָּל מַֽאֲכָל֙ 1 Alternate translation: “every kind of food” 6:21 foah אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵֽאָכֵ֔ל 1 Alternate translation: “that is eaten by people and animals” or “that you and all the animals will need” 6:21 p7aq וְאָסַפְתָּ֖ אֵלֶ֑יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “and put it on the ark with you,” 6:21 klow וְהָיָ֥ה & לְאָכְלָֽה 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “This will be the food supply” 6:21 b77w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular לְךָ֛ 1 Consider again how you translated the pronoun **you** in this verse. 6:22 gvtb וַיַּ֖עַשׂ נֹ֑חַ 1 Some translations begin verse 22 without a conjunction. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Noah did all of that” 6:22 jpgk כְּ֠כֹל אֲשֶׁ֨ר צִוָּ֥ה אֹת֛וֹ אֱלֹהִ֖ים כֵּ֥ן עָשָֽׂה 1 Alternate translation: “he did everything just as God had told him to do.” 7:1 k23r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ לְנֹ֔חַ 1 For some languages it may be necessary to make it explicit that the boat was completed before Yahweh told Noah to enter it. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then after they had finished building the ark Yahweh told Noah,” or “After the ark was finished, Yahweh told Noah,” 7:1 hvzy בֹּֽא אַתָּ֥ה וְכָל בֵּיתְךָ֖ אֶל הַתֵּבָ֑ה 1 See how you translated “ark/boat” in Gen 6:14-16. Alternate translation: “Board the ark along with your entire family,” or “You and your entire family must get into the ark” 7:1 el0w כִּֽי & רָאִ֛יתִי 1 Alternate translation: “because I have found” or “because I see” 7:1 cg2s אֹתְךָ֥ & צַדִּ֥יק 1 In the Hebrew text, the pronoun **you** is emphasized to show that Noah was the only one who was righteous. See how you translated **righteous** in Gen 6:9. Alternate translation: “that you alone are upright” or “that you are the only one who is living rightly” or “… living the right way” 7:1 ifig לְפָנַ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “in my eyes” or “according to my will” 7:1 jbhc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בַּדּ֥וֹר הַזֶּֽה 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this phrase earlier in this verse and say, “… you are the only one among the people living today who is righteous in my sight.” Do what is best in your language. 7:2 plj4 מִכֹּ֣ל הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה הַטְּהוֹרָ֗ה 1 It may be necessary to include a footnote that explains the concept of clean and unclean animals: In the Bible a **clean animal** was an animal that was acceptable to be sacrificed to God or to be eaten, and an “unclean animal” was one that could not be sacrificed or eaten; it does not refer to how clean the animal was physically. Later Moses wrote down the laws about clean and unclean animals in the book of Leviticus. Alternate translation: “From every kind of pure animal” or “From every kind of animal that is acceptable to sacrifice” 7:2 f83c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular תִּֽקַּח לְךָ֛ 1 The pronoun **you** is singular in the Hebrew text, but could be translated as a plural to include Noah’s family. Alternate translation: “bring with you” 7:2 mvwj שִׁבְעָ֥ה שִׁבְעָ֖ה אִ֣ישׁ וְאִשְׁתּ֑וֹ 1 See how you translated “male and female” in Gen 6:19. 7:2 lwul וּמִן הַבְּהֵמָ֡ה אֲ֠שֶׁר לֹ֣א טְהֹרָ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “and from every kind of impure animal” or “and from every kind of animal that is not acceptable to sacrifice” 7:2 wv9k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure שְׁנַ֖יִם אִ֥ישׁ וְאִשְׁתּֽוֹ 1 For some languages it may be better to change the order of the phrases in this sentence and say, “Take with you seven male and female pairs of every kind of clean/pure animal, and one male and female pair of every kind of unclean/impure animal,” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “take a male and female pair,” 7:3 oyjz גַּ֣ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and also” or “In addition,” 7:3 jjfy מֵע֧וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֛יִם 1 Alternate translation: “from every type of bird that flies in the sky” or “from every type of bird” 7:3 yls2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure שִׁבְעָ֥ה שִׁבְעָ֖ה זָכָ֣ר וּנְקֵבָ֑ה 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 2. Also, for some languages it may be better to put this phrase earlier in this sentence and say, “Also take seven male and female pairs of every kind of bird that flies in the sky/air …” Do what is best in your language. 7:3 y6qa לְחַיּ֥וֹת זֶ֖רַע 1 Alternate translation: “so that later they will have offspring that will live” 7:3 pazh עַל פְּנֵ֥י כָל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “and spread all over the earth,” or “to repopulate the whole earth,” 7:4 yy52 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כִּי֩ 1 For many languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “The reason you must do that is” 7:4 dftv לְיָמִ֨ים ע֜וֹד שִׁבְעָ֗ה 1 The phrase, **seven more days** could be translated “another week” here and in verse 11. However, it is probably best to keep the number seven in the text in both places, especially since the number seven often signifies perfection or completion in the Bible, perhaps also here. Alternate translation: “seven days from now” 7:4 xtx7 אָֽנֹכִי֙ מַמְטִ֣יר 1 Alternate translation: “I will send rain” 7:4 tldc עַל הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “all over the world” 7:4 oj9l אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם וְאַרְבָּעִ֖ים לָ֑יְלָה 1 This phrase refers to forty complete 24-hour days. 7:4 g4jc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּמָחִ֗יתִי 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated this idiom in Gen 6:7. Alternate translation: “in order to blot out” or “That will wash away” 7:4 r62g אֶֽת כָּל הַיְקוּם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשִׂ֔יתִי 1 See how you translated a similar phrase (“living creature”) in Gen 6:19. Alternate translation: “all the living things that I have made” 7:4 ne24 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֥י הָֽאֲדָמָֽה 1 It may be clearer to put this phrase earlier in the sentence and say, “in order to completely destroy from/off the ground/earth every living creature/thing that I have made.” Do what is best in your language. See how you translated this phrase in Gen 6:7. Alternate translation: “off the surface of the earth.” or “off the land.” 7:5 juaw וַיַּ֖עַשׂ נֹ֑חַ כְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר 1 Alternate translation: “So Noah did everything that” or “So Noah did everything exactly as” 7:5 jv8k צִוָּ֖הוּ יְהוָֽה 1 See how you translated Gen 6:22 which is similar to 7:5. Alternate translation: “Yahweh had told him to do.” 7:6 r7or rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers וְנֹ֕חַ בֶּן שֵׁ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 See how you handled large numbers in Gen 5 and in Gen 6:3, and see the note about this at Gen 5:3. Also see how you translated the idiom “son of … years” in Gen 5:32. Alternate translation: “He was 600 years old” 7:6 j0wg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְהַמַּבּ֣וּל הָיָ֔ה מַ֖יִם עַל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this clause first in this sentence and say, “When the flood waters came on the earth, Noah was 600 years old.” Do what is best in your language. Also, see how you translated **floodwaters** in Gen 6:17. Alternate translation: “when the earth was covered with deep water.” 7:7 xwa2 וַיָּ֣בֹא נֹ֗חַ וּ֠בָנָיו וְאִשְׁתּ֧וֹ וּנְשֵֽׁי בָנָ֛יו אִתּ֖וֹ אֶל הַתֵּבָ֑ה 1 Noah and his family entered the ark on the same day that the floodwaters started coming (See verses 11-13). See how you translated a similar list of people in Gen 6:18. Alternate translation: “That is when Noah and his wife, and his sons and their wives, went together into the ark” 7:7 tiry מִפְּנֵ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “because of” or “to escape from” or “to keep them safe from” 7:7 go2s מֵ֥י הַמַּבּֽוּל 1 Alternate translation: “the floodwaters.” 7:8 tg96 מִן הַבְּהֵמָה֙ הַטְּהוֹרָ֔ה וּמִן הַ֨בְּהֵמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֵינֶ֖נָּה טְהֹרָ֑ה 1 See how you translated **clean** and “unclean” animals in verse 2. Alternate translation: “Also, every kind of clean animal and every kind of unclean animal” 7:8 ca9u וְכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר רֹמֵ֖שׂ עַל הָֽאֲדָמָֽה 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “including every kind of creature/animal that moves/lives on land,” or “which includes every kind of creature/animal that moves/lives on land,” According to this interpretation, the rest of verse 8 emphasizes that the clean and unclean animals and birds (verses 2-3, 8) were all creatures that lived on land (which are the creatures that the flood affected). Or it could mean: (2) “as well as every kind of creature/animal that crawls/creeps along the ground”. According to this interpretation, the rest of verse 8 refers to a fourth category of creatures besides the clean animals, unclean animals, and birds. 7:9 nob2 שְׁנַ֨יִם שְׁנַ֜יִם בָּ֧אוּ אֶל נֹ֛חַ אֶל הַתֵּבָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “came to Noah in pairs and went into the ark” or “came in pairs and entered the ark with Noah,” 7:9 nt73 זָכָ֣ר וּנְקֵבָ֑ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Each pair had one male and one female,” 7:9 vu6n כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת נֹֽחַ 1 Alternate translation: “which was exactly what God had told Noah to bring along.” 7:10 e3k7 וַֽיְהִ֖י 1 This phrase focuses attention on an important event (the beginning of the flood), and it builds suspense so that readers and listeners wonder what will happen next. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “Then” 7:10 v4ou rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לְשִׁבְעַ֣ת הַיָּמִ֑ים 1 This phrase refers to the seven days which God talked about in verse 4. It does not mean seven days after Noah and the animals went into the ark (verses 7-9); they went into the ark on the same day that the flood started (verse 13). Translate the beginning of this sentence in a way that makes that clear. Alternate translation: “after seven days,” 7:10 vud7 וּמֵ֣י הַמַּבּ֔וּל הָי֖וּ עַל 1 Alternate translation: “the floodwaters started to come on” or “water started to cover” 7:10 d4xi הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “the whole earth.” 7:11 h4ya rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal בִּשְׁנַ֨ת שֵׁשׁ־מֵא֤וֹת שָׁנָה֙ לְחַיֵּי נֹ֔חַ 1 Compare how you translated Noah’s age in verse 6. 7:11 e0a6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ֙ הַשֵּׁנִ֔י בְּשִׁבְעָֽה עָשָׂ֥ר י֖וֹם לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ 1 For some languages it is more natural to switch the phrase order and say which day it is before giving the month. Do what is natural in your language. 7:11 qs0m בַּיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “on that same day” or “that is the day when” 7:11 k61q כָּֽל מַעְיְנֹת֙ 1 Alternate translation: “all the underground water sources” 7:11 dtni rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure נִבְקְעוּ֙ 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this phrase earlier and say, “water started gushing/pouring out of all the fountains/springs in the deep ocean,” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “split open,” or “started gushing out water,” 7:11 d3i9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וַאֲרֻבֹּ֥ת הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם נִפְתָּֽחוּ 1 This metaphor describes the beginning of a very heavy rainfall; it does not refer to actual windows. Alternate translation: “and all the windows in the sky were opened by God,” or “God also caused the water in the heavens to start coming down, as if he had opened huge faucets in the heavens” 7:12 uyzz וַֽיְהִ֥י הַגֶּ֖שֶׁם 1 Alternate translation: “so that heavy rain poured continuously” 7:12 gvln עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “all over the world” 7:12 itlr אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם וְאַרְבָּעִ֖ים לָֽיְלָה 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 4. 7:13 enc3 בְּעֶ֨צֶם הַיּ֤וֹם הַזֶּה֙ 1 This is the same day that is mentioned in verse 11, when the flood started. Verses 13-16 repeat what happened, in order to emphasize it. Make sure that a translation does not sound like this is the second (or third) time that Noah and his family and the animals entered the ark. Alternate translation: “So it was that on the very same day that the rain started,” 7:13 m0hx נֹ֔חַ וְשֵׁם וְחָ֥ם וָיֶ֖פֶת בְּנֵי נֹ֑חַ וְאֵ֣שֶׁת נֹ֗חַ וּשְׁלֹ֧שֶׁת נְשֵֽׁי בָנָ֛יו אִתָּ֖ם 1 See how you translated a similar sentence in verse 7. Alternate translation: “Noah and his wife and their sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth, and their three wives all” 7:13 q42f בָּ֣א & אֶל הַתֵּבָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “boarded the ark” 7:14 u7hi הֵ֜מָּה וְכָל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They took with them every” 7:14 qs6f וְכָל הַֽחַיָּ֣ה לְמִינָ֗הּ וְכָל 1 In the Hebrew text this phrase is ambiguous. It could mean: (1) “every kind of living thing/creature, including every” or (2) “every kind of wild animal, and every”. The animal groups listed in verse 14 show that every kind of animal was to be brought onto the ark. Your language may have a different way of grouping animals. Make sure it is clear in your translation of this verse that all the different kinds of birds and land animals are included. 7:14 nbh7 וְכָל הַבְּהֵמָה֙ לְמִינָ֔הּ 1 Alternate translation: “every kind of tame animal,” 7:14 cm34 וְכָל הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ עַל הָאָ֖רֶץ לְמִינֵ֑הוּ 1 In the Hebrew text, this phrase is ambiguous. It could mean: (1) “and every other kind of creature/animal that moves/lives on the earth/land,” which seems to fit this context best; or (2) “and every kind of creature/animal that crawls on the ground,” 7:14 hfxm וְכָל הָע֣וֹף לְמִינֵ֔הוּ כֹּ֖ל צִפּ֥וֹר כָּל כָּנָֽף 1 This phrase probably refers not only to birds, but also to other creatures that have wings and fly, such as bats and insects. Alternate translation: “and every kind of bird and everything else that has wings.” or “and every kind of bird and every other kind of creature that flies.” 7:15 an75 וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ אֶל נֹ֖חַ אֶל הַתֵּבָ֑ה 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 9. Alternate translation: “They came to Noah and came into the ark,” or “They entered the ark with Noah,” 7:15 ob0n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche שְׁנַ֤יִם שְׁנַ֨יִם֙ מִכָּל הַבָּשָׂ֔ר 1 The word **flesh** refers here to any kind of creature or animal. Alternate translation: “pairs of every kind of animal” or “pairs of every kind of living thing” 7:15 kzj8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁר בּ֖וֹ ר֥וּחַ חַיִּֽים 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 6:17. For some languages it may be better to change the order of the clauses in this verse and say, “Pairs of every kind of living thing that breathes air came to Noah and went into the boat.” Do what is best in your language. 7:16 ihzf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וְהַבָּאִ֗ים 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use **went** or “came” here. Also consider again how you translated **went** in verses 7, 9, 13, and 15. Alternate translation: “The pairs that came into the ark” or “Those animals” 7:16 wggh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche מִכָּל בָּשָׂר֙ 1 See how you translated **all flesh** in verse 15. Alternate translation: “of every kind of creature” or “of every kind of living thing,” 7:16 an9a בָּ֔אוּ כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 See how you translated “just as God commanded him” in verse 9. Alternate translation: “which was exactly what God had commanded him to bring along.” 7:16 blj8 וַיִּסְגֹּ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה בַּֽעֲדֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “After that, Yahweh shut them in the ark” or “Then after they were all inside, Yahweh shut the door of the ark behind him” 7:17 z3pc rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential וַֽיְהִ֧י הַמַּבּ֛וּל 1 Some translations begin this sentence without a conjunction. Do what is natural in your language. Also, notice that verses 17-20 talk about the forty days and nights that the flood kept getting deeper and deeper. Alternate translation: “After that the floodwaters kept getting deeper and deeper” or “The water kept coming” 7:17 xy2v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אַרְבָּעִ֥ים י֖וֹם 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this time phrase first in this sentence and say, “For forty days and forty nights the flood kept getting deeper and deeper all over the earth,” Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated this phrase in verse 12. Alternate translation: “for forty days and forty nights,” 7:17 nndw וַיִּרְבּ֣וּ הַמַּ֗יִם 1 Alternate translation: “and as the water level rose,” or “As the water got deeper and deeper,” 7:17 xs45 וַיִּשְׂאוּ֙ אֶת הַתֵּבָ֔ה וַתָּ֖רָם מֵעַ֥ל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “it lifted up the ark so that it floated on the water high above the earth” or “it made the ark rise up off the ground and float.” 7:18 dkud rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיִּגְבְּר֥וּ הַמַּ֛יִם 1 Verse 18 repeats some of verse 17 to emphasize what happened. Consider what is the best way to begin this sentence in your language. Alternate translation: “So the floodwaters continued to rise and get much higher” or “Yes, the water continued …” or “The water continued …” 7:18 tfc3 עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “all over the world,” 7:18 utly וַתֵּ֥לֶךְ הַתֵּבָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “but the ark floated safely” or “so that the ark moved about” 7:18 daf9 עַל פְּנֵ֥י הַמָּֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “on the surface of the water.” or “on top of the water.” 7:19 cjmw וְהַמַּ֗יִם גָּֽבְר֛וּ מְאֹ֥ד מְאֹ֖ד עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “At last, the waters became very deep over the world, so that” or “Eventually the water became so deep on the world that” 7:19 p6av rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיְכֻסּ֗וּ 1 For some languages it is better to use an active form of the verb here and say, “Eventually the water became so deep on the earth that it even covered all the highest mountains under the entire sky.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “were covered by water.” or “were submerged in water.” 7:20 yd7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance חֲמֵ֨שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה אַמָּה֙ מִלְמַ֔עְלָה גָּבְר֖וּ הַמָּ֑יִם 1 See how you translated **cubits** in Gen 6:15-16. Alternate translation: “In fact, the highest mountain tops were covered by at least twenty-two feet of water,” 7:20 aidy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיְכֻסּ֖וּ הֶהָרִֽים 1 See how you translated **were covered** in verse 19. Alternate translation: “so that they were completely covered with water.” or “… completely submerged in water.” or “… completely under water.” 7:21 j1r4 כָּל בָּשָׂ֣ר 1 This phrase refers to everything listed in verse 21, including people. See how you translated this phrase in Gen 6:17. Alternate translation: “Then all the beings” or “Then every creature” or “Then every living thing” 7:21 jg81 הָרֹמֵ֣שׂ עַל הָאָ֗רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “that moved on the ground” 7:21 dnqo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּגְוַ֞ע 1 See how you translated this idiom in Gen 6:17. Alternate translation: “breathed out its last breath,” or “perished,” 7:21 wh52 בָּע֤וֹף וּבַבְּהֵמָה֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “including all the birds, the tame animals,” 7:21 zw53 וּבַ֣חַיָּ֔ה 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “and the other living things/creatures” or (2) “and the wild animals” 7:21 edpc וּבְכָל הַשֶּׁ֖רֶץ הַשֹּׁרֵ֣ץ עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “including every kind of animal that lived in large numbers on the earth,” 7:21 q5y5 וְכֹ֖ל הָאָדָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “in addition to all the human beings.” 7:22 vfi8 כֹּ֡ל אֲשֶׁר֩ נִשְׁמַת ר֨וּחַ חַיִּ֜ים בְּאַפָּ֗יו 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 15. Alternate translation: “Every living thing that breathed air” 7:22 impv מִכֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר בֶּחָֽרָבָ֖ה מֵֽתוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and was on dry land died.” 7:23 mudq וַיִּ֜מַח 1 See how you translated this idiom in verse 4. Alternate translation: “That is how Yahweh washed away” or “In that way, Yahweh blotted out” or “… completely destroyed” 7:23 k1dj אֶֽת כָּל הַיְק֣וּם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 4. Alternate translation: “every living creature” or “all living things” 7:23 lthw אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל פְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֲדָמָ֗ה 1 See how you translated **the surface of the ground** in verse 4. Alternate translation: “that was on the surface of the earth,” or “that were on the land,” 7:23 sgaj rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms מֵאָדָ֤ם 1 See how you translated **mankind** in verse 21. Alternate translation: “including all mankind” 7:23 fnpu עַד בְּהֵמָה֙ עַד רֶ֨מֶשׂ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and all the livestock and all the other animals that moved on the ground” or “and all the animals, including smaller animals that crawl on the ground” 7:23 qtlr וְעַד ע֣וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם 1 Some languages leave out the phrase **of the sky** because it is not natural. Do what is best in your language. 7:23 ugs2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּמָּח֖וּ מִן הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 See how you translated “wipe … off” in verse 4. Alternate translation: “All of them were completely washed off the earth by God,” or “He completely destroyed them all from the earth,” or “Yes, God completely destroyed everything that lived on the earth,” 7:23 sm4h וַיִשָּׁ֧אֶר אַךְ נֹ֛חַ 1 Some translations leave out the first conjunction and begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “so that only Noah was left alive, along with” or “so that the only ones who were left alive were Noah and” or “Only Noah survived, along with” 7:23 qord וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ בַּתֵּבָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “and his family and the animals that were with him in the ark” or “along with his family …” 7:24 j5a8 וַיִּגְבְּר֥וּ הַמַּ֖יִם עַל 1 Alternate translation: “Deep water continued to flood” or “The floodwaters stayed deep over” 7:24 p4ot rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers הָאָ֑רֶץ חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם 1 See how you handled a large number in verse 6. Alternate translation: “the entire earth for 150 days.” 8:1 vjhe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּזְכֹּ֤ר אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 The phrase **God remembered** is an idiom in the Bible that often means God was paying special attention to certain people and was about to do something. Make sure that the way you translate this phrase does not imply that God had forgotten about Noah. Alternate translation: “God kept in mind” or “But God did not forget” 8:1 yash rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֶת נֹ֔חַ 1 Noah is the person that the author is focusing on here, but Noah’s family is also included. Consider whether or not you need to make that explicit in your translation. 8:1 zvki וְאֵ֤ת כָּל הַֽחַיָּה֙ וְאֶת 1 In the Hebrew text this phrase is ambiguous. It could mean: (1) “and all the creatures/animals, including” or (2) “and all the wild animals and”. See how you translated “living thing” in Gen 7:14. 8:1 ujic rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כָּל הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ בַּתֵּבָ֑ה 1 Some translations combine this phrase with the previous phrase and say, “and all the animals, both wild and tame/domestic, that were with him/them in the ark/boat.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “all the tame animals that were with him in the ark” 8:1 vu2u rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּעֲבֵ֨ר אֱלֹהִ֥ים ר֨וּחַ֙ עַל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and he sent a wind over” or “So God sent a wind to blow over” 8:1 ruy7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “the water that was over the earth,” 8:1 u9g1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיָּשֹׁ֖כּוּ הַמָּֽיִם 1 Notice that the floodwaters did not go all the way down until verse 14, so the way you translate this clause should allow for that. Alternate translation: “so that the water started to recede” or “so that the water level started to go down.” 8:2 u995 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיִּסָּֽכְרוּ֙ מַעְיְנֹ֣ת תְּה֔וֹם וַֽאֲרֻבֹּ֖ת הַשָּׁמָ֑יִם 1 See how you translated some of the same words and phrases in Gen 7:11. Alternate translation: “He also caused the fountains in the deep ocean to stop gushing out water, and he caused the rain to stop pouring from the sky,” or “God also stopped the water from gushing out of springs at the bottom of the ocean, and the rain from coming from the heavens” 8:2 q4gv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיִּכָּלֵ֥א הַגֶּ֖שֶׁם מִן הַשָּׁמָֽיִם 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use an active or a passive verb here and in the previous clause. Alternate translation: “so that rain stopped falling from the sky.” 8:3 kqse וַיָּשֻׁ֧בוּ הַמַּ֛יִם & הָל֣וֹךְ וָשׁ֑וֹב 1 Alternate translation: “Then the floodwaters gradually went down” 8:3 fmzv מֵעַ֥ל הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “from the surface of the ground,” 8:3 vzel מִקְצֵ֕ה חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also make sure it is clear in your translation that the 150 days mentioned here in Gen 8:3 are the same 150 days mentioned in Gen 7:24, not two different periods of time. Alternate translation: “so that after the 150 days had passed,” 8:3 rxcd הַמַּ֔יִם 1 Make sure the way you translate this phrase fits with the way you translated the beginning of the verse. Alternate translation: “the water level” or “it” 8:3 dw9j וַיַּחְסְר֣וּ 1 Alternate translation: “had subsided,” 8:4 aqon rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַתָּ֤נַח 1 Alternate translation: “so low that” 8:4 w92a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י בְּשִׁבְעָה עָשָׂ֥ר י֖וֹם לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ 1 See how you translated a similar time phrase in Gen 7:11. 8:4 fvzr וַתָּ֤נַח הַתֵּבָה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “the ark came to rest” or “the ark landed” 8:4 xogo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche עַ֖ל הָרֵ֥י 1 The ark landed on one mountain in a mountain range. Alternate translation: “on a mountain” 8:4 agk1 אֲרָרָֽט 1 Alternate translation: “in the land of Ararat.” 8:5 zz83 וְהַמַּ֗יִם 1 Alternate translation: “Then the water” or “The water” 8:5 x2pm הָיוּ֙ הָל֣וֹךְ וְחָס֔וֹר 1 See how you translated “decreased” in verse 3. Alternate translation: “continued to go away” or “kept subsiding” 8:5 ao6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עַ֖ד הַחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָֽעֲשִׂירִ֑י בָּֽעֲשִׂירִי֙ בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ 1 See how you translated a similar time phrase in verse 4. Alternate translation: “until the tenth month of the year. On the first day of that month,” 8:5 de4l רָאשֵׁ֥י הֶֽהָרִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “the mountaintops” 8:5 gs9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit נִרְא֖וּ 1 Alternate translation: “could be seen above the water by Noah.” or “appeared above the surface of the water.” 8:6 dbs8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַֽיְהִ֕י מִקֵּ֖ץ אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֑וֹם 1 The phrase **Then it happened** focuses attention on what happens next, and it builds suspense so that readers and listeners wonder what the outcome will be. Some translations leave this phrase out, but that loses some of the suspense. Do what is best in your language. 8:6 cff8 וַיִּפְתַּ֣ח נֹ֔חַ אֶת חַלּ֥וֹן 1 It is not clear when Noah made this window. It may refer to the opening around the top of the walls of the ark (Gen 6:16) or a different window that he made sometime later. 8:6 l2kv הַתֵּבָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָֽׂה 1 Alternate translation: “that he had made in the ark” 8:7 x995 וַיְשַׁלַּ֖ח 1 Alternate translation: “and he set free” 8:7 wdl3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowns אֶת הָֽעֹרֵ֑ב 1 A raven is a large, black scavenger bird that eats whatever it finds, including dead animals. If the people in your language area are not familiar with ravens, you could make a comparison to a similar bird that they are familiar with and say, “a large black bird like a …” Or you could include a footnote that explains what a raven is. Alternate translation: “a large black bird called a raven” 8:7 ncnh וַיֵּצֵ֤א יָצוֹא֙ וָשׁ֔וֹב 1 Alternate translation: “which continued flying back and forth outside the boat” or “but it kept flying around outside the boat” 8:7 e1go עַד & הַמַּ֖יִם 1 Alternate translation: “until the floodwaters” 8:7 r082 יְבֹ֥שֶׁת & מֵעַ֥ל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 This phrase refers to the ground/land (as verse 8 confirms), not the entire planet. Alternate translation: “had dried up more from the ground” 8:8 xr9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַיְשַׁלַּ֥ח 1 The events in verse 8 happened while the raven was still flying back and forth (verse 7). Consider what conjunction best communicates that in your language. Alternate translation: “Then he also sent out” or “Then he also released” 8:8 ijuq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown אֶת הַיּוֹנָ֖ה מֵאִתּ֑וֹ 1 A dove is a small, white or gray bird that makes a cooing sound. If doves are unknown in your language area, you could make a comparison to a similar bird they are familiar with and say, “a small white/gray bird like a …” Or you could include a footnote that explains what a dove is. Alternate translation: “a dove that was with him” or “a dove from the ark” or “a small bird called a dove” 8:8 c4yx לִרְאוֹת֙ הֲקַ֣לּוּ הַמַּ֔יִם 1 Alternate translation: “to find out if the floodwaters had receded” 8:8 zx1c מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֥י הָֽאֲדָמָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “from the surface of the land.” or “from the ground” 8:9 mgxp rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְלֹֽא־מָצְאָה֩ הַיּוֹנָ֨ה 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to the dove at this point in the paragraph in your language. Alternate translation: “But the dove could not find” or “But it was not able to find” 8:9 fpmf מָנ֜וֹחַ לְכַף רַגְלָ֗הּ 1 In Hebrew the word **dove** is grammatically a feminine noun (for both male and female doves), so some translations say “her feet … she returned …” here. For languages such as English that do not assign grammatical gender to nouns, it is more accurate to use **its** and **it** here, because it is not known whether this dove was male or female. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “anywhere to perch and rest,” 8:9 z0lc וַתָּ֤שָׁב 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “So it returned” or “So the dove flew back” 8:9 okue אֵלָיו֙ אֶל הַתֵּבָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “flew back to him at the ark” 8:9 g9b8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּי מַ֖יִם עַל פְּנֵ֣י כָל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Some languages may have to switch the clause order in this verse and say, “But water was still covering the entire earth/world, so the dove did/could not find a resting place for its feet. Then it returned to Noah at the boat, and he/Noah reached …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because water was still covering the entire world.” 8:9 k23d וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָדוֹ֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “So he reached out” or “and he reached out” 8:9 hq6l אֵלָ֖יו אֶל הַתֵּבָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “back to himself in the ark” or “back into the ark” 8:10 y0bi rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיָּ֣חֶל ע֔וֹד 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin this sentence with or without a conjunction. Alternate translation: “He waited” 8:10 nxwx וַיֹּ֛סֶף שַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת הַיּוֹנָ֖ה מִן הַתֵּבָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “then he sent the dove out from the ark another time.” or “then he released the dove from the ark again.” 8:11 b9p3 וַתָּבֹ֨א אֵלָ֤יו הַיּוֹנָה֙ לְעֵ֣ת עֶ֔רֶב 1 Alternate translation: “That evening the dove returned to Noah,” or “When it was evening, the dove returned to him” 8:11 ilgw וְהִנֵּ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “and surprisingly,” or “and Noah saw that” 8:11 wm5e rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown עֲלֵה זַ֖יִת טָרָ֣ף בְּפִ֑יהָ 1 An olive tree produces small, oval, green fruit that has a hard pit. Olives are used for food and as a source of cooking oil. If olive trees are unknown in your language area, you could include a footnote about them. Alternate translation: “it was holding a newly picked green leaf from an olive tree in its mouth” or “the dove had a green leaf in its mouth that it had just picked from an olive tree.” 8:11 or72 וַיֵּ֣דַע נֹ֔חַ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Noah realized” or “That is how he knew” 8:11 z04k כִּי & הַמַּ֖יִם 1 Alternate translation: “that the floodwaters” 8:11 noj3 קַ֥לּוּ 1 See how you translated **subsided** in verse 8, and how you translated three other Hebrew words with similar meanings In verses 1, 3, and 5. Alternate translation: “had receded” or “had gone down more” 8:11 oy8e מֵעַ֥ל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 7. Alternate translation: “from the ground” 8:12 eeml וַיִּיָּ֣חֶל ע֔וֹד שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִ֖ים אֲחֵרִ֑ים וַיְשַׁלַּח֙ אֶת־הַיּוֹנָ֔ה 1 See how you translated **sent out** in verses 7, 8, and 10. Alternate translation: “He waited another seven days, then he released the dove again,” or “After he waited seven more days, he released the dove again,” 8:12 rnay rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְלֹֽא יָסְפָ֥ה שׁוּב אֵלָ֖יו עֽוֹד 1 Remember to only make implied information explicit in a translation if it helps readers’ understanding or if it is necessary to prevent wrong meaning or incorrect grammar. Alternate translation: “but this time it did not fly back to him again because it found a dry place to land” 8:13 kogb וַֽ֠יְהִי 1 Alternate translation: “So it happened that” 8:13 o42y בְּאַחַ֨ת וְשֵׁשׁ־מֵא֜וֹת שָׁנָ֗ה 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 7:11. 8:13 in0r rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal בָּֽרִאשׁוֹן֙ בְּאֶחָ֣ד לַחֹ֔דֶשׁ 1 Alternate translation: “in the first month of the year, on the first day of the month,” 8:13 w07v חָֽרְב֥וּ הַמַּ֖יִם 1 Make sure your translation of this phrase fits with the fact that the ground was not yet dry enough to get out of the ark. That did not happen until the end of the second month (verse 14). Alternate translation: “the water was drying up” 8:13 nmrd מֵעַ֣ל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “from the ground” 8:13 zuj2 וַיָּ֤סַר נֹ֨חַ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “So he took off part of” or “made an opening in” 8:13 leq8 אֶת מִכְסֵ֣ה הַתֵּבָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “the roof that was covering the ark” or “the roof of the ark” 8:13 kuyo וַיַּ֕רְא 1 Alternate translation: “and looked out,” 8:13 sg80 וְהִנֵּ֥ה 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 11. Alternate translation: “and indeed,” 8:13 o3sh חָֽרְב֖וּ 1 Alternate translation: “was drying off.” 8:14 j99d וּבַחֹ֨דֶשׁ֙ הַשֵּׁנִ֔י בְּשִׁבְעָ֧ה וְעֶשְׂרִ֛ים י֖וֹם לַחֹ֑דֶשׁ 1 See how you translated similar time phrases in verses 4, 5, and 13. 8:14 bys7 הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Notice that the land/ground was dry here, not the entire earth. Consider again how you translated this phrase in verses 3, 7, 11, 13-14. Alternate translation: “the ground” 8:14 r70v יָבְשָׁ֖ה 1 In this context **dry** means that the ground was dry enough to walk on and live on without getting stuck in mud. Make sure your translation does not imply that it was so dry that nothing would grow on it (like a desert). 8:15 hn11 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל נֹ֥חַ לֵאמֹֽר 1 See how you translated **said to Noah** in Gen 7:1. Alternate translation: “So God said to Noah,” 8:16 so3f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go צֵ֖א מִן הַתֵּבָ֑ה 1 Consider whether “come” or “go” is more natural here in your language. Also, some languages have a special term for getting off a boat that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Come out of the ark” or “Disembark from the ark” 8:16 y4un וּנְשֵֽׁי בָנֶ֖יךָ אִתָּֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “and their wives.” 8:17 u569 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go הוצא אִתָּ֑ךְ 1 Consider whether “bring” or “take” is more natural here in your language. Alternate translation: “Take with you” or “Take out” 8:17 s8b9 כָּל הַחַיָּ֨ה אֲשֶֽׁר 1 Alternate translation: “all the living things that are” 8:17 ngp1 ־אִתְּךָ֜ 1 Alternate translation: “with you in the ark” or “in the ark” 8:17 nn5n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche מִכָּל בָּשָׂ֗ר 1 See how you translated **flesh** in Gen 7:15-16. 8:17 guxs בָּע֧וֹף וּבַבְּהֵמָ֛ה 1 Alternate translation: “including the birds, domestic animals,” 8:17 ii1h וּבְכָל הָרֶ֛מֶשׂ הָרֹמֵ֥שׂ 1 In the Hebrew text this phrase is ambiguous. It could mean: (1) “and every other creature/animal that moves/lives”, which seems to fit this context best since it is general and includes all the land animals that were not birds or livestock; or (2) “and every creature/animal that crawls”, which is more specific and refers to animals like lizards, snakes, mice, and other animals that have bodies that are close to the ground. 8:17 qfw9 עַל הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “on the ground,” 8:17 ubmo וְשָֽׁרְצ֣וּ בָאָ֔רֶץ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then they can spread all over the world” 8:17 vpty rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וּפָר֥וּ 1 The rest of verse 17 forms a parallelism with **abound on the earth** that emphasizes filling the earth again with animals. Make sure your translation does not sound like this refers to separate events. Alternate translation: “yes, they will have many offspring” 8:17 kz24 וְרָב֖וּ 1 See how you translated **be fruitful** and **multiply** in Gen 1:22, 28. Alternate translation: “and become very many” 8:17 oe06 עַל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “all over the world.” or “throughout the earth.” 8:18 m38a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיֵּ֖צֵא נֹ֑חַ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Noah went out of the ark” or “So Noah disembarked from the ark” or “Then Noah got off the ark” 8:18 fxvc וּבָנָ֛יו וְאִשְׁתּ֥וֹ וּנְשֵֽׁי בָנָ֖יו אִתּֽוֹ 1 See how you translated this list of Noah’s family members (and similar lists) in Gen 6:18; 7:7, 13; 8:16. Notice that the order of the people in this list varies in the Hebrew text, perhaps depending on who is in focus in each context. Alternate translation: “together with his wife and his sons and their wives.” 8:19 f790 כָּל הַֽחַיָּ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “Every living creature,” 8:19 ohu5 כָּל הָרֶ֨מֶשׂ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “including every animal that crawls” or “including all the creatures that crawl” 8:19 tfez כֹּ֖ל 1 Alternate translation: “yes, every creature” 8:19 la0w רוֹמֵ֣שׂ עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 This phrase refers here to the land, not the entire planet earth. See how you translated this phrase in verse 17. Alternate translation: “that moves on the ground,” 8:19 s8uv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go יָצְא֖וּ מִן־הַתֵּבָֽה 1 Consider again how you translated “go/come out” and “went/came out” and “bring/take out” in verses 16-19. Notice that your choices are affected by your perspective: whether the viewpoint is from inside the ark or whether the viewpoint is from outside the ark. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “also came out of the ark” 8:19 j4js לְמִשְׁפְּחֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “grouped by their kinds.” or “one family after another.” 8:20 ap9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַיִּ֥בֶן נֹ֛חַ מִזְבֵּ֖חַ 1 An altar was an elevated, often table-shaped structure made out of stones where certain animals and crops were burned as sacrifices to God. Alternate translation: “Then Noah built an altar out of large stones” or “Then Noah made a sacrifice table with large stones” 8:20 c6ri לַֽיהוָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “dedicated to Yahweh,” or “to worship Yahweh,” 8:20 penu וַיִּקַּ֞ח 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then he chose” 8:20 ehez מִכֹּ֣ל הַבְּהֵמָ֣ה הַטְּהוֹרָ֗ה וּמִכֹּל֙ הָע֣וֹף הַטָּהֹ֔ר 1 In the Bible, a **clean** animal or bird is one that is acceptable to be sacrificed to God or eaten; it does not refer to how clean the animal or bird was physically. See how you translated this term in Gen 7:2, 8. Alternate translation: “some of every kind of pure animal and one of every kind of clean bird,” or “some of every kind of animal and bird that are acceptable to sacrifice” 8:20 rdoh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיַּ֥עַל עֹלֹ֖ת בַּמִּזְבֵּֽחַ 1 When animals were sacrificed, they were killed first, not burned alive. Consider whether or not you need to make that information explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “and he killed them and offered them as burnt offerings to Yahweh on the altar.” or “and he killed them and burned their bodies on the altar as gifts to Yahweh to honor him.” 8:21 rabn וַיָּ֣רַח יְהוָה֮ אֶת רֵ֣יחַ הַנִּיחֹחַ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “Yahweh smelled the sweet smell of the sacrifices,” or “When Yahweh smelled the aroma of the sacrifices, he was pleased,” 8:21 pjky rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה אֶל־לִבּ֗וֹ 1 Consider whether or not your language has this idiom or a similar idiom that would work well here. Alternate translation: “so he said to himself,” 8:21 wfkp rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms לֹֽא־אֹ֠סִף לְקַלֵּ֨ל ע֤וֹד אֶת־הָֽאֲדָמָה֙ 1 Make sure that your translation of **curse** does not imply the use of magic. Alternate translation: “I will never again curse the earth” 8:21 ukf5 בַּעֲב֣וּר הָֽאָדָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “to punish mankind for their sins,” 8:21 oonb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כִּ֠י יֵ֣צֶר לֵ֧ב הָאָדָ֛ם רַ֖ע 1 See how you translated **inclination** in a similar phrase in Gen 6:5. Alternate translation: “even though the desires of their hearts are evil” or “even though everything they desire is evil” 8:21 x9w9 מִנְּעֻרָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “from youth onward.” or “from the time they are young” 8:21 sf7h וְלֹֽא אֹסִ֥ף ע֛וֹד 1 Alternate translation: “I will never again” or “Nor will I ever again” 8:21 eku1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְהַכּ֥וֹת 1 Consider whether your language has this idiom or a similar idiom that fits well here. Alternate translation: “kill” 8:21 fwl7 אֶת כָּל חַ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “every living creature” or “all living things” 8:21 chnf כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִֽׂיתִי 1 Alternate translation: “as I just did.” 8:22 iep2 עֹ֖ד כָּל יְמֵ֣י הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “As long as the earth still lasts,” 8:22 cskk זֶ֡רַע 1 Alternate translation: “seed-planting time” or “the time for planting seeds” 8:22 v2j4 וְ֠קָצִיר 1 Alternate translation: “and harvest time” or “the time for gathering crops” 8:22 xw8i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְקֹ֨ר וָחֹ֜ם 1 These terms form a parallelism with **summer and winter**. If possible, it is best to keep both parts of the parallelism in your translation since each part has a different emphasis. Alternate translation: “cold season and hot season,” 8:22 io1a וְקַ֧יִץ וָחֹ֛רֶף 1 The seasons of summer and winter may be described differently depending on which part of the world your language area is located in. For example, some translations might use the terms “dry season” and “rainy/wet season,” depending on what best corresponds to summer and winter in that area. 8:22 zj8p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לֹ֥א יִשְׁבֹּֽתוּ 1 It may be more natural to change the order of this sentence and say, “As long as the earth exists, each year there will always be a season/time to plant seeds and a season/time to harvest crops, as well as cold weather and hot weather, winter and summer, and day and night.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “will never stop.” or “will always continue to occur each year.” 9:1 w3js וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֱלֹהִ֔ים אֶת נֹ֖חַ וְאֶת בָּנָ֑יו 1 See how you translated **blessed** in Gen 1:22, 28. Alternate translation: “Then God showed favor to Noah and his sons” or “Then God caused Noah and his sons to flourish” 9:1 xsmx rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֧אמֶר לָהֶ֛ם 1 The phrase “blessed … and said” is a Hebrew expression that refers to one event and emphasizes it. It does not refer to two separate events. The words of the blessing are in verses 1-7. See how you translated this phrase in Gen 1:28. Alternate translation: “He said,” 9:1 ptxq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom פְּר֥וּ 1 Alternate translation: “Bear many children” or “You will bear many children” 9:1 ise7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal וּרְב֖וּ 1 See how you translated “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” in Gen 1:28. Alternate translation: “so that you and your descendants will increase greatly in number” or “so that you and your descendants will become very many” 9:1 wnmi וּמִלְא֥וּ אֶת הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “and fill the earth with people.” or “and inhabit the whole earth.” or “and live all over the world.” 9:2 izzi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וּמוֹרַאֲכֶ֤ם וְחִתְּכֶם֙ יִֽהְיֶ֔ה עַ֚ל כָּל חַיַּ֣ת הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 The phrase “the fear … and the dread” repeats the same idea in two different ways to emphasize how afraid the creatures will be. For some languages it may be better to combine the phrase and say “very afraid/terrified”. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Every living thing on the earth will be afraid and terrified of you,” or “All the animals on earth will be very afraid of you,” 9:2 vgnr וְעַ֖ל כָּל ע֣וֹף 1 The birds, moving creatures, and fish are all included in the general category of living creatures. Consider again how you translated “birds of the sky” in the book of Genesis; see Gen 1:26, 28, 30; 2:19-20; 6:7; 7:3, 23; 9:2. Alternate translation: “including every bird that flies in the air,” or “including all the birds that fly in the sky” 9:2 kksa בְּכֹל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּרְמֹ֧שׂ 1 Alternate translation: “along with every animal that lives on land” or “as well as all animals that live on land,” 9:2 vx4q וּֽבְכָל דְּגֵ֥י הַיָּ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “and all the fish in the sea” 9:2 vs4q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּיֶדְכֶ֥ם נִתָּֽנוּ 1 The phrase “into your hand” means God was again giving mankind the responsibility to manage and control all the rest of what God had created. Consider whether your language has a similar idiom that would work well here. Alternate translation: “I have put you in charge of them all.” 9:3 jhft כָּל רֶ֨מֶשׂ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הוּא חַ֔י 1 See how you translated “every moving creature” in Gen 1:26, and see the note about that there. It may be necessary to translate this phrase in different ways in different contexts. Alternate translation: “From now on every kind of living thing that moves” or “From now on every animal that is alive and moves” 9:3 qntp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לָכֶ֥ם יִהְיֶ֖ה לְאָכְלָ֑ה 1 For some languages it is more natural to change the order of this sentence and say, “You may now have/eat any kind of living creature that moves, for food.” or “I now permit you to eat every/any kind of living creature that moves.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “is available for you to eat as food.” 9:3 h0u4 כְּיֶ֣רֶק עֵ֔שֶׂב 1 Consider again how you translated **green plants** in Gen 1:30, and how you translated **plants** in Gen 1:11-12, 29; 2:5; 3:18; 9:3. Alternate translation: “plants to eat,” 9:3 lqhk נָתַ֥תִּי לָכֶ֖ם אֶת כֹּֽל 1 Make sure that the way you translate this phrase means that God is now permitting people to eat both plants and animals. Alternate translation: “now I give you everything for food.” or “so now I permit you to eat everything.” or “so now I permit you to eat both plants and animals.” 9:4 ifut rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions אַךְ 1 God is putting a limit on the way that people may eat meat. 9:4 lov7 בָּשָׂ֕ר & לֹ֥א תֹאכֵֽלוּ 1 Alternate translation: “you must never eat animal flesh” 9:4 goma בְּנַפְשׁ֥וֹ דָמ֖וֹ 1 Since life is in the blood, God did not want people to eat meat that still had its blood in it. Rather he wanted them to drain it out first before they cooked it (also see Deuteronomy 12:16, 23). You could put that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “that still has its life in it, which is in its blood.” or “with its blood in it, which made it live.” or “that still has its lifeblood in it.” 9:5 rp2l וְאַ֨ךְ אֶת דִּמְכֶ֤ם לְנַפְשֹֽׁתֵיכֶם֙ אֶדְרֹ֔שׁ 1 Alternate translation: “Also, I will definitely require an accounting for your lifeblood.” 9:5 ok4h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche מִיַּ֥ד כָּל חַיָּ֖ה 1 In this verse, the phrase **the hand of** refers to the animal or the person that is responsible for killing someone. Alternate translation: “From any animal that kills a person” 9:5 hzwk אֶדְרְשֶׁ֑נּוּ 1 Alternate translation: “I will demand its blood” or “I require it to be killed,” or “I demand that it must die,” 9:5 yt01 וּמִיַּ֣ד הָֽאָדָ֗ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and that is also true for human beings.” 9:5 e6fe מִיַּד֙ אִ֣ישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “If a man kills” or “If anyone kills” 9:5 puht rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche אָחִ֔יו 1 This phrase is used here as a general reference to any human being, not just biological brothers. Alternate translation: “a fellow human being,” 9:5 wf23 אֶדְרֹ֖שׁ אֶת נֶ֥פֶשׁ הָֽאָדָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “I require him to be executed” or “I demand that he must die.” 9:6 i3ix שֹׁפֵךְ֙ 1 The first half of verse 6 repeats and summarizes verse 5. Alternate translation: “Yes if anyone” 9:6 n8bs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom שֹׁפֵךְ֙ דַּ֣ם 1 The first half of verse 6 repeats and summarizes verse 5. The phrase “sheds the blood of” is an idiom that means to deliberately kill someone. Blood is an important concept in this passage and throughout the Bible so, if possible, it is best to keep this term in a translation. If that is not possible, you should put the literal text in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Yes if anyone kills” or “Whoever takes the life of” 9:6 tey3 הָֽאָדָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “a person,” or “another human being,” or “someone,” 9:6 xvtg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בָּֽאָדָ֖ם דָּמ֣וֹ יִשָּׁפֵ֑ךְ 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “That’s right, you must put to death anyone who murders a human being, because I, God, made human beings in my own image.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “people must execute him,” or “people must put him to death,” or “he must be executed,” 9:6 c56p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person כִּ֚י בְּצֶ֣לֶם אֱלֹהִ֔ים עָשָׂ֖ה אֶת הָאָדָֽם 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that God is referring to himself in this clause. See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 1:27. Alternate translation: “because I, God made people in my own image.” or “because I created human beings to be like myself.” 9:7 uion וְאַתֶּ֖ם 1 In the Hebrew text, the pronoun **you** is emphatic and has an emphatic position in the sentence (before the verb) to introduce a new topic. Consider what is the best way in your language to begin a new paragraph like this. Alternate translation: “And as for you,” or “As for you,” 9:7 mt4l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom פְּר֣וּ 1 See how you translated **be fruitful and multiply** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “bear many children” 9:7 mi6k וּרְב֑וּ 1 Alternate translation: “so that you and your descendants become very many.” or “so that you have many descendants.” 9:7 in4s שִׁרְצ֥וּ בָאָ֖רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “Live all over the earth” 9:7 s5nm וּרְבוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and increase in numbers” 9:7 jl94 בָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “throughout it.” 9:8 mp5r וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then God continued speaking” 9:8 bm0t rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations אֶל נֹ֔חַ וְאֶל בָּנָ֥יו אִתּ֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר 1 God is still speaking to the same people. This phrase emphasizes what he says next to them. Alternate translation: “to Noah and his sons who were with him, and said,” or “to them,” 9:9 ycb0 וַאֲנִ֕י הִנְנִ֥י 1 See how you translated **behold** in Gen 1:29, 4:14, 6:13, 17. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “Now listen carefully to me: I” 9:9 pujm מֵקִ֛ים 1 See how you translated “establish my covenant with” in Gen 6:18, and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “am instituting” or “am setting up” 9:9 g76x אֶת בְּרִיתִ֖י אִתְּכֶ֑ם וְאֶֽת זַרְעֲכֶ֖ם אַֽחֲרֵיכֶֽם 1 Notice that the pronouns **you** and **your** are plural throughout verses 2-15, since God is speaking to Noah and his sons. Alternate translation: “my special agreement with you and your descendants who come after you,” or “my covenant between me and you and your offspring” 9:10 c62u וְאֵ֨ת 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to break up this long sentence and begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “along with” or “The covenant is also with” 9:10 tzzr וּֽבְכָל חַיַּ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “and all the other living things on the earth” or “and all the wild animals” 9:10 mxmq מִכֹּל֙ יֹצְאֵ֣י הַתֵּבָ֔ה 1 The words “from … to …” are used to emphasize that all the animals are included in God’s covenant. Consider what is the best way to express that in your language. Alternate translation: “That includes all those that went out of the ark” 9:10 kqlk לְכֹ֖ל חַיַּ֥ת 1 Alternate translation: “and all the living things” or “and all the animals” 9:10 gq32 הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “that live on the earth.” 9:11 lh5t rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַהֲקִמֹתִ֤י אֶת בְּרִיתִי֙ אִתְּכֶ֔ם 1 See how you translated **my covenant** and “establish” in verse 9. Alternate translation: “The covenant that I am making with you is that” 9:11 r2u9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וְלֹֽא & כָּל בָּשָׂ֛ר ע֖וֹד 1 The phrase **all flesh** refers here to all people and animals. Alternate translation: “never again will all life” or “never again will all living creatures” 9:11 l5v0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive יִכָּרֵ֧ת 1 Alternate translation: “be killed by” or “be wiped out by” 9:11 d5ve מִמֵּ֣י הַמַּבּ֑וּל 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 7:10. Alternate translation: “water from a flood,” 9:11 jown וְלֹֽא יִהְיֶ֥ה ע֛וֹד מַבּ֖וּל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I promise that I will never again use a flood” 9:11 mxo7 לְשַׁחֵ֥ת 1 See how you translated “destroying” in Gen 6:13. Alternate translation: “that destroys” 9:11 euoi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy הָאָֽרֶץ 1 This phrase refers here to everything that lives on the earth. Alternate translation: “life on the earth.” or “all living creatures on the earth.” 9:12 b7sv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים 1 God is still talking to the same people, but a quote margin (**Then God said**) is added here to emphasize the new topic (**the sign of the covenant**). For some languages it is more natural to leave this quote margin implied and just have a paragraph break. See what you did for a similar case in verse 8. Alternate translation: “Then God also said to them,” or “Then God added” or “Then God continued talking to Noah and his sons,” 9:12 htun זֹ֤את אֽוֹת הַבְּרִית֙ אֲשֶׁר אֲנִ֣י נֹתֵ֗ן 1 Alternate translation: “This is the sign which shows that I promise to always keep the covenant that I am making” or “This is how I will remind everyone that I have made this covenant” 9:12 tm2n לְדֹרֹ֖ת עוֹלָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “for all future generations:” or “and with all generations to come:” or “as well as with all the people and creatures that will ever live:” 9:13 op2l אֶת קַשְׁתִּ֕י נָתַ֖תִּי 1 Alternate translation: “I have put my rainbow” or “I am placing my rainbow” 9:13 nocp וְהָֽיְתָה֙ לְא֣וֹת 1 See how you translated **the sign of the covenant** in verse 12. Alternate translation: “where it will show everyone” or “to show everyone” or “and it will serve as the sign which shows” 9:13 ay4p בְּרִ֔ית בֵּינִ֖י וּבֵ֥ין 1 Alternate translation: “that I have made my covenant with” or “that I pledge to always keep my covenant with” 9:13 n8yc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy הָאָֽרֶץ 1 This phrase refers here to mankind and all the animals. See how you translated the same phrase in verse 11. Alternate translation: “every living thing on the earth.” 9:14 vday וְהָיָ֕ה בְּעַֽנְנִ֥י עָנָ֖ן 1 Alternate translation: “So it will happen that whenever I bring clouds together” or “So whenever I cause clouds to appear” 9:14 v1al עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “in the sky over the earth” 9:14 kfox rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְנִרְאֲתָ֥ה הַקֶּ֖שֶׁת בֶּעָנָֽן 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use a passive or active verb here. Alternate translation: “and a rainbow forms among the clouds,” or “and you see a rainbow among the clouds,” 9:15 jg40 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְזָכַרְתִּ֣י אֶת בְּרִיתִ֗י 1 See how you translated **remember** in Gen 8:1. It may need to be translated differently in different contexts. Alternate translation: “then I will remember and keep my covenant” or “then I will not forget to keep my treaty” 9:15 cl8q אֲשֶׁ֤ר בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “that I have made between me and you” or “that I have made with you” 9:15 px73 וּבֵ֛ין כָּל נֶ֥פֶשׁ חַיָּ֖ה בְּכָל בָּשָׂ֑ר 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “and all living creatures of every kind,” or “and all the animals, including all the different kinds,” or (2) “and all other living creatures, including all people and animals,” 9:15 w7qt וְלֹֽא יִֽהְיֶ֨ה ע֤וֹד הַמַּ֨יִם֙ לְמַבּ֔וּל לְשַׁחֵ֖ת 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that this last clause in verse 15 is what God promised in his covenant. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “that never again will there be a flood that destroys” or “I vow that never again will I use a flood to destroy” 9:15 ha7y כָּל־בָּשָֽׂר 1 Alternate translation: “all life.” or “all people and animals.” 9:16 msfb וְהָיְתָ֥ה הַקֶּ֖שֶׁת 1 In verse 16, God repeats and emphasizes what he said in verses 12-15. Alternate translation: “So whenever a rainbow forms” or “That is how it will be: Whenever there is a rainbow” 9:16 jn6a בֶּֽעָנָ֑ן 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 13 and 14. Alternate translation: “among the clouds,” 9:16 mfvm וּרְאִיתִ֗יהָ 1 Alternate translation: “I will look at it” 9:16 flfg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לִזְכֹּר֙ 1 See how you translated **remember** in verse 15. Alternate translation: “and fulfill” or “and not forget to keep” 9:16 s1px בְּרִ֣ית עוֹלָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “my permanent covenant” or “my covenant that lasts forever” or “my covenant that never ends” 9:16 qbnx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person בֵּ֣ין אֱלֹהִ֔ים וּבֵין֙ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that God is referring to himself here. Alternate translation: “between me and” or “which I have made with” 9:16 ed49 כָּל נֶ֣פֶשׁ חַיָּ֔ה בְּכָל בָּשָׂ֖ר 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 15 and how you translated **every living creature** in verses 10 and 12. Alternate translation: “all living beings of every kind” 9:16 wqf1 אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “that are on the earth.” or “that live in the world.” 9:17 ol42 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל נֹ֑חַ 1 Alternate translation: “Finally, God said to Noah,” or “Then God finished by saying to Noah,” 9:17 wreo rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms אֽוֹת הַבְּרִית֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֲקִמֹ֔תִי 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 12. In that verse God is explaining the rainbow for the first time, whereas here in verse 17, he is pointing back to what he just said about the rainbow in order to emphasize its importance. Also, consider again how you translated **covenant** in verses 9, 11-13, 15-17. Alternate translation: “the sign which shows that I promise to always keep the covenant that I am making” or “what I will uses to show everyone that I have made this treaty” 9:17 foms כָּל בָּשָׂ֖ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Consider again how you translated **all flesh** when it includes people and animals. See Gen 6:12-13, 17; 7:21; 9:11, 15-17. It may be necessary to translate this phrase in different ways in different contexts. Alternate translation: “all living creatures” or “all the people and creatures that are on the earth.” 9:18 jnw4 הַתֵּבָ֔ה 1 Be consistent here with how you translated “ark/boat” in chapters 6-8, and see the note about this at Gen 6:14. Alternate translation: “who went out from the ark after the flood” or “who disembarked from …” or “who got off …” 9:18 dhau וַיִּֽהְי֣וּ & שֵׁ֖ם וְחָ֣ם וָיָ֑פֶת 1 Consider what is the best way to list names in your language. 9:18 h3vw וְחָ֕ם ה֖וּא 1 The pronoun **he** is emphatic here, emphasizing that Ham was the father of Canaan, who is probably mentioned here because he was well known as the ancestor of the Canaanites and the one whom the land/region of Canaan was named after. Alternate translation: “Ham was the one who” 9:18 sy8w אֲבִ֥י כְנָֽעַן 1 Alternate translation: “fathered Canaan.” 9:20 uydp וַיָּ֥חֶל נֹ֖חַ אִ֣ישׁ הָֽאֲדָמָ֑ה וַיִּטַּ֖ע 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to introduce or begin a new episode here. The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “who was a farmer, began/started farming and planted” or “who was a farmer, was the first man/person to plant” or (2) “began to be a farmer and planted” or “became a farmer and planted” Alternate translation: “Now later on, Noah,” 9:20 utl1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כָּֽרֶם 1 It is implied that Noah made wine from the grapes (verse 21). If necessary, you could make that explicit here. Also, if grapes are not known in your language area, you could say “vines/plants with a fruit called grapes”, or you could put in a footnote information about grapes, including how they are squeezed and how the juice is fermented to make wine. Alternate translation: “some grapevines and made wine from the grapes.” or “a field with grapevines. And he made wine from the grapes.” 9:21 w1ox וַיֵּ֥שְׁתְּ מִן הַיַּ֖יִן 1 Alternate translation: “One day he drank a lot of the wine,” 9:21 cj5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיִּשְׁכָּ֑ר וַיִּתְגַּ֖ל 1 It is implied from verse 24 that Noah had fallen asleep. Alternate translation: “so that he became so intoxicated that he fell asleep uncovered” 9:21 zhoh בְּת֥וֹךְ אָהֳלֹֽה 1 See how you translated **tent** in Gen 4:20. 9:22 p8vt אֵ֖ת עֶרְוַ֣ת אָבִ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “that his father was uncovered,” 9:22 ideh וַיַּגֵּ֥ד לִשְׁנֵֽי אֶחָ֖יו בַּחֽוּץ 1 Alternate translation: “and he went out and told his two brothers that their father was drunk and naked.” 9:23 w3iy וַיִּקַּח֩ שֵׁ֨ם וָיֶ֜פֶת 1 Alternate translation: “Then Shem and Japheth took” 9:23 f7fp אֶת הַשִּׂמְלָ֗ה 1 This garment would have probably been fairly large, big enough to cover Noah’s body. Alternate translation: “a cloak,” 9:23 ldi6 וַיָּשִׂ֨ימוּ֙ עַל שְׁכֶ֣ם שְׁנֵיהֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “put it between them over their shoulders” 9:23 ahuv וַיֵּֽלְכוּ֙ אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית 1 Alternate translation: “and went backward into the tent” 9:23 tx8k וַיְכַסּ֕וּ אֵ֖ת עֶרְוַ֣ת אֲבִיהֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and used it to cover their naked father.” 9:23 n341 וּפְנֵיהֶם֙ אֲחֹ֣רַנִּ֔ית 1 Alternate translation: “As they did that, they kept their eyes looking away from him,” or “As they did that, they looked away from him,” 9:23 wcj9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְעֶרְוַ֥ת אֲבִיהֶ֖ם לֹ֥א רָאֽוּ 1 Consider whether it is better here in your language to refer to Noah with a noun phrase or a pronoun. Alternate translation: “so that they did not see his nakedness.” or “so that they did not see him naked.” 9:24 huys וַיִּ֥יקֶץ נֹ֖חַ 1 Alternate translation: “Later he woke up” 9:24 z3po מִיֵּינ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “sober from the effects of the wine,” or “sober,” 9:24 e13r וַיֵּ֕דַע 1 The text does not say how Noah found out about this, so it is best to not be too specific about that here in your translation. Alternate translation: “and he heard about” 9:24 k45l אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר עָ֥שָׂה ל֖וֹ בְּנ֥וֹ הַקָּטָֽן 1 Alternate translation: “that his youngest son Ham had disrespected him,” 9:25 yls5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “So he exclaimed about Ham,” 9:25 wpmd אָר֣וּר 1 Alternate translation: “I hereby ask God to curse” or “May God curse” 9:25 bhhg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כְּנָ֑עַן 1 In verses 25-27, Canaan probably represents Ham and all of Ham’s descendants (the Canaanites), who will serve Shem and Japheth and all their descendants. You could put that information in a footnote. 9:25 tt6u יִֽהְיֶ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “I proclaim that he will be” 9:25 dvbz עֶ֥בֶד עֲבָדִ֖ים 1 The Hebrew word here can mean either **slave** or “servant”. Slaves in the Old Testament were usually treated well and were not much different than servants, sometimes even becoming like members of their owner’s family. But they were of lower status than their masters, which is part of how Ham’s family is being cursed. Alternate translation: “the lowest slave” 9:25 dnvn לְאֶחָֽיו 1 Verses 26 and 27 show that **his brothers** probably refers here to Shem and Japheth (who were Canaan’s uncles) and their descendants. 9:26 s7yt rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Then he also said,” or “He also said,” 9:26 a9c8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms בָּר֥וּךְ יְהֹוָ֖ה 1 Although many English translations have “Blessed be” here instead of “Praised be,” the word used in the Hebrew text means “praise” when people are acting towards God (as here), and it means “bless” when God is acting towards people (as in Gen 1:28; 5:2; 9:1). Alternate translation: “I praise Yahweh,” 9:26 o8qs אֱלֹ֣הֵי שֵׁ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “who is the God whom Shem worships” 9:26 dkl7 וִיהִ֥י כְנַ֖עַן 1 Alternate translation: “May he cause Canaan to be” or “May he make Canaan” or “I ask him to make Canaan” 9:26 u8da עֶ֥בֶד לָֽמוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “a servant for him” 9:27 qf4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy יַ֤פְתְּ אֱלֹהִים֙ לְיֶ֔פֶת 1 In this context, **Japheth** refers to the territory or land where he lived. Alternate translation: “… give Japheth more land,” 9:27 m5k2 וְיִשְׁכֹּ֖ן 1 Alternate translation: “and enable him and his family to live” 9:27 fs08 בְּאָֽהֳלֵי שֵׁ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “together in harmony with Shem and his family” or “peacefully among Shem and his family” 9:27 u2hq וִיהִ֥י כְנַ֖עַן 1 See how you translated a similar sentence in verse 26. Alternate translation: “I also ask God to make Canaan” or “Canaan will also be” 9:27 vfve עֶ֥בֶד לָֽמוֹ 1 Compare how you translated **slave** or “servant” in verses 25-27. Alternate translation: “a servant for him” 9:28 j0sh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אַחַ֣ר הַמַּבּ֑וּל 1 Notice that this phrase refers to when the flood began, when Noah was 600 years old (Gen 7:6), not when it ended a year later, when he was 601 years old (8:13), since he was 950 when he died (verse 29), not 951. Alternate translation: “After the time that the flood began,” or “From the beginning of the flood,” 9:28 murg וַֽיְחִי נֹ֖חַ & שְׁלֹ֤שׁ מֵאוֹת֙ שָׁנָ֔ה וַֽחֲמִשִּׁ֖ים שָׁנָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “Noah lived 350 more years.” 9:29 zycm וַיִּֽהְיוּ֙ כָּל יְמֵי נֹ֔חַ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated Gen 5:31, which is similar to 9:29. Alternate translation: “so that Noah lived a total of 950 years,” or “So all together Noah lived 950 years,” 9:29 k4gw וַיָּמֹֽת 1 Alternate translation: “and then he died.” 10:1 z8s6 וְאֵ֨לֶּה֙ תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת 1 This sentence begins a new section. Alternate translation: “Here is the list of the names of” 10:1 gmzi rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בְּנֵי נֹ֔חַ שֵׁ֖ם חָ֣ם וָיָ֑פֶת 1 Give special attention to the best way in your language to spell all the names in this chapter. 10:1 pxnr וַיִּוָּלְד֥וּ לָהֶ֛ם בָּנִ֖ים 1 The following record includes the names of Noah’s sons and grandsons and their descendants (including some of the people groups who came from them). Alternate translation: “and their sons and other descendants who were born” or “and the sons they had” 10:1 vjic אַחַ֥ר הַמַּבּֽוּל 1 Alternate translation: “after the flood was gone.” 10:2 ywoe בְּנֵ֣י יֶ֔פֶת 1 Throughout this chapter, many translations have a colon (:) instead of **were**. Do what is best in your language. 10:2 ymm9 גֹּ֣מֶר וּמָג֔וֹג וּמָדַ֖י וְיָוָ֣ן וְתֻבָ֑ל וּמֶ֖שֶׁךְ וְתִירָֽס 1 Translate the lists of names in this chapter in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Gomer, Magog, Madai, Javan, Jubal, Meshech, and Tiras.” 10:3 n005 אַשְׁכֲּנַ֥ז וְרִיפַ֖ת וְתֹגַרְמָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “named Ashkenaz, Riphath, and Togarmah.” 10:4 kz0u וּבְנֵ֥י יָוָ֖ן 1 Compare how you translated a similar clause in verses 2 and 3. 10:4 lce6 אֱלִישָׁ֣ה וְתַרְשִׁ֑ישׁ 1 These are the names of Javan’s sons, but the next two names are the names of people groups that descended from him. Alternate translation: “named Elishah and Tarshish, and he was the ancestor of” 10:4 iwl4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names כִּתִּ֖ים וְדֹדָנִֽים 1 Most translation teams transliterate people group names in the Bible, but handle the suffix endings in different ways. For example, you could: (1) transliterate the Hebrew plural suffix “-im”; or (2) use a suffix that your language has for names of people groups (such as “-ites” in English); or (3) translate “-im” as “people” or “people/ethnic group.” Try to be consistent in how you handle people group names throughout this chapter and the rest of the book of Genesis. Alternate translation: “the Kitt people group and the Dodan people group.” 10:5 swml מֵ֠אֵלֶּה 1 This phrase probably refers to Japheth’s descendants (verses 2-4), especially since the descendants of his brothers Ham (verse 20) and Shem (verse 31) are summarized in a similar way. 10:5 ccp2 נִפְרְד֞וּ אִיֵּ֤י הַגּוֹיִם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “came the people groups who lived in regions beside the Mediterranean Sea. They moved to different places and settled” 10:5 rjew rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בְּאַרְצֹתָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “in their own regions,” 10:5 hstu אִ֖ישׁ לִלְשֹׁנ֑וֹ 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to break up this long sentence and start a new sentence here (or later in this verse). Alternate translation: “They all spoke their own languages,” 10:5 yius לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם 1 The word “clan” refers to a group of families who are descended from a common ancestor. Alternate translation: “and each of them lived in their own extended families,” or “They each had their own family groups,” 10:5 b8t2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בְּגוֹיֵהֶֽם 1 The word **nations** refers here to people groups, not countries. Also, for some languages it may be clearer to change the order of the phrases in this verse and say, “Japheth’s descendants spread out and settled near/by the Mediterranean Sea. They all formed their own family groups, which grew/multiplied and became their own people groups that spoke their own languages and lived in their own territories/regions.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and they formed their own people groups.” or “which grew and became their own distinct ethnic groups.” 10:8 zwg5 וְכ֖וּשׁ יָלַ֣ד אֶת נִמְרֹ֑ד 1 See how you translated **fathered** in Gen 6:10, and how you translated a phrase in 10:1 (“were born to”) that has a similar meaning. Alternate translation: “Cush also fathered a son named Nimrod,” 10:8 k7ej ה֣וּא הֵחֵ֔ל לִֽהְי֥וֹת 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “who was the first person/man/one to be” or (2) “who became” 10:8 kt9f גִּבֹּ֖ר 1 There were other mighty men before Nimrod, but apparently he was the first one to have a kingdom (verse 10). Alternate translation: “a powerful warrior” or “a powerful king” 10:8 u6s3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בָּאָֽרֶץ 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this phrase earlier and say, “who was the first person/man on earth to be/become a powerful ruler/warrior.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “in the world.” 10:9 e8rh הֽוּא הָיָ֥ה גִבֹּֽר צַ֖יִד 1 Alternate translation: “Nimrod was also a excellent hunter” 10:9 fzr8 לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “whom Yahweh helped.” or “because Yahweh helped him.” 10:9 vq2f יֵֽאָמַ֔ר 1 This phrase indicates that what follows was a well-known saying that was used by people to praise or compliment other great men by comparing them to Nimrod. Alternate translation: “we have the saying about other great men:” 10:9 ham3 כְּנִמְרֹ֛ד 1 Alternate translation: “So and so is like Nimrod,” 10:9 twpi הֽוּא־הָיָ֥ה גִבֹּֽר צַ֖יִד 1 Alternate translation: “Nimrod was also a excellent hunter” 10:9 fyot לִפְנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 Be consistent here with how you translated this phrase earlier in verse 9. Alternate translation: “whom Yahweh helped.” or “because Yahweh helped him.” 10:10 an74 וַתְּהִ֨י רֵאשִׁ֤ית מַמְלַכְתּוֹ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “He started ruling as king over” or “The first cities that Nimrod ruled as king were” 10:10 orky בְּאֶ֖רֶץ שִׁנְעָֽר 1 Shinar is another name for the land/country of Babylonia. You could put that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “which were all located in the land called Shinar.” 10:11 tmzb מִן הָאָ֥רֶץ הַהִ֖וא 1 Alternate translation: “From that region” or “From the land of Shinar” 10:11 jcf8 יָצָ֣א אַשּׁ֑וּר 1 See how you translated “the land/region of/called Asshur/Assyria” in Gen 2:14. Alternate translation: “he moved to the land called Asshur” 10:11 gcc2 וַיִּ֨בֶן֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and there he built” 10:12 yxdv וְֽאֶת רֶ֔סֶן בֵּ֥ין נִֽינְוֵ֖ה וּבֵ֣ין כָּ֑לַח הִ֖וא הָעִ֥יר הַגְּדֹלָֽה 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “and Resen, which is located between the cities of Nineveh and the great city of Calah.” or (2) “and Resen, which is the great city located between the cities of Nineveh and Calah.” 10:13 p1bp וּמִצְרַ֡יִם יָלַ֞ד 1 Alternate translation: “Mizraim was the father of” 10:13 ptqo rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶת לוּדִ֧ים וְאֶת עֲנָמִ֛ים וְאֶת לְהָבִ֖ים וְאֶת נַפְתֻּחִֽים 1 Throughout verses 13-18, translate the names of people groups in a way that is clear and natural in your language. See what you did in verse 4. Also consider what is the best way in your language to list the names in these verses. Some languages use a conjunction (like **and**) between names, while other languages only use a conjunction before the last name in the list, with commas between the other names. 10:14 ylfj וְֽאֶת פַּתְרֻסִ֞ים וְאֶת כַּסְלֻחִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָצְא֥וּ מִשָּׁ֛ם פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים וְאֶת כַּפְתֹּרִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “Pathrusites, Casluhites (whom the Philistines came from), and Caphtorites.” or “Pathrusites, Casluhites, and Caphtorites. The Philistines came from the Casluhites.” 10:15 m1d3 וּכְנַ֗עַן יָלַ֛ד 1 See how you translated **fathered** in verses 8 and 13. 10:15 zjx9 וְאֶת חֵֽת 1 Canaan’s son Heth was the ancestor of the Hittites, so some translations use “Hittites” here instead and say, “He was also the ancestor of the Hittites,” Alternate translation: “then he had a son named Heth,” 10:16 uwbf וְאֶת הַיְבוּסִי֙ וְאֶת הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י וְאֵ֖ת הַגִּרְגָּשִֽׁי 1 In verses 16-18, the people group names are singular collective nouns in Hebrew (in contrast to the people group names in verses 4, 13-14 that are plural nouns). Most English versions translate these names with a plural “-ites” suffix so that it is clear that these names refer to more than one person. Alternate translation: “and Canaan was also the ancestor of the Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites,” 10:18 q1m9 וְאַחַ֣ר 1 Alternate translation: “As time went by,” 10:18 yfp1 נָפֹ֔צוּ 1 Alternate translation: “moved to different places,” 10:19 efvy וַֽיְהִ֞י גְּב֤וּל הַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and eventually the borders of their land extended” or “so that eventually the land where they lived extended” 10:19 m5gx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit מִצִּידֹ֔ן 1 Some languages have an affix or a word (that means “city”) that must be used every time the name of a city is mentioned or the first time a particular city is mentioned in a paragraph or section. Do what is natural in your language here and elsewhere throughout the Bible. Alternate translation: “from Sidon City in the north,” 10:19 juim rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בֹּאֲכָ֥ה גְרָ֖רָה עַד עַזָּ֑ה 1 The Canaanites’ border reached Gaza, but did not extend down to Gerar, which was farther south. Alternate translation: “all the way down toward the city of Gerar to the city of Gaza,” or “down to Gaza City, which is on the road to Gerar City,” 10:19 jenu עַד לָֽשַׁע 1 Alternate translation: “until you reach Lasha City.” 10:20 mrbd אֵ֣לֶּה 1 The word **Those** refers back to the people listed in verses 6-19. Also, many translations that use “were” (and other past tense verbs) in verses 2-19 and 21-30 use **are** here (and in verses 31 and 32). Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Those are the names of” or “Those men are” 10:20 w958 בְנֵי חָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “the descendants of Ham” 10:20 ixjv לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם 1 See how you translated **clans** in verse 5. Alternate translation: “according to their family groups,” or “and each one had his own clan” or “and their extended families,” 10:20 n9z9 לִלְשֹֽׁנֹתָ֑ם בְּאַרְצֹתָ֖ם בְּגוֹיֵהֶֽם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated verse 5, which has some of the same phrases as verse 20. Alternate translation: “Each family spoke its own language and lived in its own territory and eventually became its own people group.” or “Each family multiplied and established its own ethnic group that had its own language and lived in its own region.” 10:21 am4z וּלְשֵׁ֥ם יֻלַּ֖ד גַּם 1 In the Hebrew text, **to Shem** comes first in this sentence after **And**, to emphasize Shem. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Shem also fathered some sons” 10:21 f29s אֲחִ֖י יֶ֥פֶת הַגָּדֽוֹל 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “and his/Shem’s older brother was Japheth.” (2) “and he/Shem was Japheth’s older/oldest brother.” 10:22 o6p2 עֵילָ֣ם וְאַשּׁ֑וּר וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֖ד וְל֥וּד וַֽאֲרָֽם 1 The name **Arpachshad** is spelled as “Arphaxad” in many translations. Also, see how you spelled **Lud** in verse 13 (who is a different person with the same name). Be consistent with how you spell each name throughout the Bible. Alternate translation: “Elam, Asshur, Arpachshad, Lud and Aram.” 10:23 qqox ע֥וּץ וְח֖וּל וְגֶ֥תֶר וָמַֽשׁ 1 The same person who is called **Mash** here, is referred to as “Meshech/Meshek” in 1 Chronicles 1:17. To prevent confusion, some translations use “Meshech/Meshek” here too, or they put that name in a footnote. 10:24 u3c2 וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֖ד יָלַ֣ד אֶת שָׁ֑לַח 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled “Arpachshad/Arphaxad” in verse 22. Alternate translation: “Arphaxad had a son named Shelah,” 10:24 bfuy וְשֶׁ֖לַח יָלַ֥ד אֶת עֵֽבֶר 1 Alternate translation: “and Shelah had a son named Eber.” 10:25 jiw4 וּלְעֵ֥בֶר יֻלַּ֖ד שְׁנֵ֣י בָנִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “Then Eber fathered two sons.” 10:25 u8nm שֵׁ֣ם הָֽאֶחָ֞ד 1 Alternate translation: “The name of the first son was” or “The first son was named” 10:25 ibtk פֶּ֗לֶג 1 You can put the meaning of Peleg’s name in the text or in a footnote, so that it is clear why he was given his name. See what you did for a similar case (Noah’s name) in Gen 5:29. 10:25 v3na rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy נִפְלְגָ֣ה הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 This phrase refers to the people on the earth and implies that they scattered and lived all over the earth (as specified in Gen 11:8). Alternate translation: “the people on the earth separated into separate groups and scattered everywhere.” 10:25 po91 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְשֵׁ֥ם אָחִ֖יו יָקְטָֽן 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who is being referred to in this sentence, especially after reading the previous two sentences. 10:26 eu4k וְיָקְטָ֣ן יָלַ֔ד 1 Notice that the list of Joktan’s sons continues through verse 29. Alternate translation: “Joktan fathered sons named” or “Joktan had the following sons:” 10:29 xri4 וְאֶת אוֹפִ֥ר וְאֶת חֲוִילָ֖ה וְאֶת יוֹבָ֑ב 1 Consider again how you translated lists of names throughout chapter 10. 10:29 d37u כָּל אֵ֖לֶּה 1 Alternate translation: “All those were the names of” or “All those men were” 10:30 z0dr וַֽיְהִ֥י מוֹשָׁבָ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “Their dwelling place” or “Their region” or “The area where they and their descendants lived” 10:30 h4i1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַֽיְהִ֥י & מִמֵּשָׁ֑א 1 See how you translated a similar sentence in verse 19. Alternate translation: “extended from the city of Mesha in the west,” 10:30 qhqk בֹּאֲכָ֥ה סְפָ֖רָה 1 Alternate translation: “as far as” 10:30 buoh סְפָ֖רָה 1 Sephar might refer to a city, a mountain, or a region (that was named after the city or mountain). Alternate translation: “the town of Sephar, which is in” 10:30 bl54 הַ֥ר הַקֶּֽדֶם 1 The word **mountains** is ambiguous in the Hebrew text. It can be: (1) a collective noun that refers to mountains or hill country near the town of Sephar; or (2) a singular noun that refers to a specific mountain that was called Sephar. Alternate translation: “the mountain range that is in the east.” or “the eastern hill country.” 10:31 v7ly אֵ֣לֶּה 1 The word **Those** refers here to the people listed in verses 21-30. See how you translated verse 20, which is almost exactly the same as verse 31. Alternate translation: “Those are the names of” or “Those men are” 10:31 ffht בְנֵי שֵׁ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “the descendants of Shem” 10:31 lpn7 לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֖ם 1 See how you translated **clans** in verses 5 and 20. Alternate translation: “and each one had his own clan” 10:31 b1x8 לִלְשֹׁנֹתָ֑ם בְּאַרְצֹתָ֖ם לְגוֹיֵהֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “Each family spoke its own language and lived in its own territory, and eventually became its own people group.” or “Each family multiplied and established its own ethnic group that had its own language and lived in its own territory.” 10:32 e560 אֵ֣לֶּה מִשְׁפְּחֹ֧ת בְּנֵי נֹ֛חַ 1 The word **Those** refers here to everyone who is listed in verses 2-31. Consider again how you translated **clans** in verses 5, 18, 29, 31-32. 10:32 bl71 לְתוֹלְדֹתָ֖ם בְּגוֹיֵהֶ֑ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, compare how you translated similar phrases in verses 5, 20, and 31. Alternate translation: “Each clan had its own genealogy and became its own ethnic group.” 10:32 nh8d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וּמֵאֵ֜לֶּה נִפְרְד֧וּ הַגּוֹיִ֛ם בָּאָ֖רֶץ אַחַ֥ר הַמַּבּֽוּל 1 Consider again how you translated **nations** in verses 5, 20, 31-32. Alternate translation: “From those people came all the ethnic groups who spread out over the earth after the flood.” 11:1 r2b8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וַֽיְהִ֥י כָל־הָאָ֖רֶץ שָׂפָ֣ה אֶחָ֑ת 1 The events in chapter 11:1-9 happened before the people listed in chapter 10 had their own languages and before they spread out over the earth (Gen 10:5, 19-20, 30-32). You could include some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Now at first, everyone on the earth shared the same language” or “Now for a while, all the people on the earth spoke one language” 11:1 l2n1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וּדְבָרִ֖ים אֲחָדִֽים 1 The phrases **one language** and **the same words** are very similar in meaning and emphasize the fact that everyone spoke the same language. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “and shared the same vocabulary.” or “and spoke words everyone knew” 11:2 ufks rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַֽיְהִ֖י 1 The phrase “it happened that” introduces an important event and helps create suspense so that readers will wonder what the outcome will be. Some translations omit this phrase because it is not natural in their language. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “After a while, as” or “When” 11:2 phjs rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns בְּנָסְעָ֣ם 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use a pronoun (**they**) or a noun phrase (“the people”) here. Alternate translation: “they traveled” or “the people moved” 11:2 kqit מִקֶּ֑דֶם 1 At first after the flood, people lived in the regions around the mountains of Ararat (where the ark had landed). As they began to migrate and spread out to different places (as God had told them to do), they must have headed south at some point since they ended up at the plain of Shinar, which was south of where the Ararat Mountains were. The reference to **the east** probably reflects the viewpoint of the author (Moses), since the Ararat mountains and the plain of Shinar were both far to the east of where he was living. Alternate translation: “around in the eastern regions,” 11:2 zdwp וַֽיִּמְצְא֥וּ 1 Make sure the way you translate this phrase fits with the way you translated the first half of this verse. Alternate translation: “they discovered” or “they eventually came to” 11:2 vygx בִקְעָ֛ה בְּאֶ֥רֶץ שִׁנְעָ֖ר 1 This plain was a wide, flat area between mountains. Also be consistent here with how you translated **land of Shinar** in Gen 10:10. Alternate translation: “a wide flat area in the land called Shinar” 11:2 dxfo וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ שָֽׁם 1 Alternate translation: “and lived there.” or “and began to live there.” 11:3 m2g2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיֹּאמְר֞וּ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל־רֵעֵ֗הוּ 1 The events that are described below probably did not happen immediately after they arrived at the plain. Consider what is the best way to begin these events in your language. Alternate translation: “Then one day they urged each other,” 11:3 jfqv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הָ֚בָה 1 Consider whether or not your language has an idiom like this that is used to urge or persuade someone to do something together. 11:3 uwu2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive נִלְבְּנָ֣ה 1 The pronoun **us** is inclusive here and refers to the people who are talking to each other. Alternate translation: “we should work together and make” 11:3 wprr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לְבֵנִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “some mud blocks” or “some blocks from mud” 11:3 y8pj וְנִשְׂרְפָ֖ה לִשְׂרֵפָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “and harden them with fire.” or “and use fire to bake them.” or “and put them over fire to make them hard” 11:3 s0kz וַתְּהִ֨י לָהֶ֤ם 1 Alternate translation: “So they did that, and they had” or “They had” 11:3 uxzq הַלְּבֵנָה֙ לְאָ֔בֶן 1 Alternate translation: “blocks to build with instead of stone,” 11:3 u7qc וְהַ֣חֵמָ֔ר הָיָ֥ה לָהֶ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “and they used tar between the blocks” 11:3 b4kx לַחֹֽמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “to hold the blocks together.” 11:4 rlly וַיֹּאמְר֞וּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then they said to each other,” 11:4 igxx הָ֣בָה 1 See how you translated this idiom in verse 3. 11:4 gfzh נִבְנֶה 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 3. Alternate translation: “let us work together and build” 11:4 a5tp וּמִגְדָּל֙ 1 Alternate translation: “that has a high tower” or “with a very tall building” 11:4 h80w וְרֹאשׁ֣וֹ בַשָּׁמַ֔יִם 1 Alternate translation: “that reaches high into the heavens” or “that reaches up to heaven,” 11:4 z87w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְנַֽעֲשֶׂה לָּ֖נוּ שֵׁ֑ם פֶּן נָפ֖וּץ 1 The phrase **make a name for ourselves** is a idiom. Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom that would work well here. Also see how you translated the word **scattered** in Gen 10:18, 32. Alternate translation: “We should do that to make ourselves famous and to keep us from spreading out” or “That way we will become well-known and we will not separate from each other and live” 11:4 ytfe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom עַל פְּנֵ֥י כָל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “all over the world.” or “around the world.” 11:5 f9ua rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּ֣רֶד יְהוָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then one day Yahweh came down from heaven” 11:5 oe6q לִרְאֹ֥ת אֶת הָעִ֖יר 1 The text implies that Yahweh actually looked at the city. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to make that explicit here. Alternate translation: “and inspected the city” 11:5 pbs0 וְאֶת הַמִּגְדָּ֑ל 1 See how you translated this word in verse 4. 11:5 zcoi בָּנ֖וּ 1 Make sure the way you translate this verb fits with the fact that the people had not yet finished building the city (verse 8). Alternate translation: “had started building.” 11:6 zesy rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֗ה 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Yahweh here in your language. Alternate translation: “And he said (to himself),” or “He said,” 11:6 h94b הֵ֣ן 1 This term calls attention to what Yahweh says next. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. 11:6 q2ld עַ֤ם אֶחָד֙ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “they are one people/ethnic group,” or (2) “the/these people are one/united in what they are doing,” 11:6 emr9 וְשָׂפָ֤ה אַחַת֙ לְכֻלָּ֔ם 1 See how you translated **have one language** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “and they all share the same language.” 11:6 jn1z וְזֶ֖ה הַחִלָּ֣ם לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “This is only the beginning of what they will do together.” 11:6 m869 וְעַתָּה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Now” 11:6 cwlf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives לֹֽא יִבָּצֵ֣ר מֵהֶ֔ם כֹּ֛ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָזְמ֖וּ לַֽעֲשֽׂוֹת 1 The words **not** and **impossible** are two negatives that work together to communicate an emphatic positive statement. Consider what is the best way to translate this in your language. Alternate translation: “nothing that they plan to do will be impossible for them.” or “anything they attempt to do will be possible for them.” or “they will be able to do whatever they try to do.” 11:7 siye הָ֚בָה 1 Alternate translation: “So come on,” 11:7 ab2t נֵֽרְדָ֔ה & שָׁ֖ם 1 Most Bible scholars think the plural pronoun **us** refers here to God and the fact that he is three Persons in one God. So it is best to keep this plural pronoun in your translation. See what you did for similar pronouns in Gen 1:26. Alternate translation: “let us go to them” 11:7 b6e9 וְנָבְלָ֥ה & שְׂפָתָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and scramble their language” 11:7 qlnr אֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א יִשְׁמְע֔וּ 1 Alternate translation: “so that they will not be able to understand” or “so that they cannot understand” 11:8 abaf וַיָּ֨פֶץ יְהוָ֥ה אֹתָ֛ם מִשָּׁ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “So Yahweh did that and caused the people to leave from there and spread out” or “That is how Yahweh caused the people to leave from there and settle in different places” 11:8 m39c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom עַל פְּנֵ֣י כָל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “over the surface of the entire earth,” or “all over the earth” 11:8 bj40 וַֽיַּחְדְּל֖וּ לִבְנֹ֥ת 1 Alternate translation: “so that they had to stop constructing” 11:8 fvq8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הָעִֽיר 1 For some languages it is better to change the order of clauses in this verse (so that events are in the order that they happened) and say, “In that way, Yahweh caused the people to stop building the city and the tower and to move away from each other, so that eventually they lived all over the world.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “the city and the tower.” 11:9 grok קָרָ֤א שְׁמָהּ֙ 1 Frequently in the Hebrew text, this phrase has a general meaning and does not refer to someone specific. Alternate translation: “people named the city” or “the name of that city is” or “the city was named” 11:9 flf8 בָּבֶ֔ל 1 If you include the meaning of **Babel** here in your translation or in a footnote, be consistent with the way you translate **confused** later in this verse and in verse 7. 11:9 go0s כִּי שָׁ֛ם & יְהוָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “because it was in that city that Yahweh” 11:9 cnun בָּלַ֥ל 1 Alternate translation: “scrambled” 11:9 f8ye שְׂפַ֣ת כָּל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “the language that everyone on the earth spoke” 11:9 uhku וּמִשָּׁם֙ הֱפִיצָ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “and in that way Yahweh made them spread out from there” 11:9 onj2 עַל פְּנֵ֖י כָּל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 4 and 8. Alternate translation: “over the surface of the entire earth.” or “all over the world.” 11:10 xsg5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure שֵׁ֚ם בֶּן מְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֔ה וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֑ד שְׁנָתַ֖יִם אַחַ֥ר הַמַּבּֽוּל 1 The phrase **after the flood** probably refers to two years after the flood began, not after it ended; see a similar case in Gen 9:28. Also be consistent here with how you spelled “Arpachshad/Arphaxad” in Gen 10:22. Alternate translation: “Two years after the flood began, when Shem was 100 years old, he had a son named Arphaxad.” 11:11 hhxi rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיְחִי שֵׁ֗ם אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת אַרְפַּכְשָׁ֔ד 1 Throughout this section, make sure that names and pronouns (like **he**) are used in a way that is accurate and natural in your language, so that it is always clear who is being referred to. Alternate translation: “After he had Arphaxad, he lived” or “After Arphaxad was born, Shem lived” 11:11 newn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 See how you translated Gen 5:7, which has the same sentence structure as 11:11. For some languages, it may be more natural to change the clause order of this sentence and say, “Shem lived 500 more years after Arpachshad/Arphaxad was born …” Do what is best in your language throughout this chapter. Alternate translation: “500 more years,” 11:11 e9d9 וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated this phrase and the following one in Gen 5:4. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Shem also had” or “He was also the father of” 11:11 lc2z בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “other sons as well as daughters.” 11:12 cx5o וְאַרְפַּכְשַׁ֣ד חַ֔י חָמֵ֥שׁ וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Make sure that your translation of this clause does not mean that Arpachshad only lived to be thirty-five years old. Also, throughout this chapter, be consistent with how you have decided to handle numbers in the Bible. For example, many translation teams use words for single and double-digit numbers, but use numerals for larger numbers. This strategy helps prevent confusion with verse numbers. This is especially true in translations that use a large font size for verse numbers so that people doing group Bible study can easily see the numbers and be in the same verse together. See what you did in chapter 5. Alternate translation: “When Arphaxad had lived 35 years,” or “When Arphaxad was 35 years old,” 11:12 wvlk וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת שָֽׁלַח 1 See how you translated Gen 5:6, which has the same sentence structure as 11:12. Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Shelah.” or “he fathered a son they named Shelah.” or “he fathered a son whose name was Shelah.” 11:13 s590 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַֽיְחִ֣י אַרְפַּכְשַׁ֗ד אַֽחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת שֶׁ֔לַח 1 Be consistent with how you spell the name “Arpachshad/Arphaxad” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 10:22, 24; 11:10-13. Alternate translation: “After he had Shelah, Arphaxad lived” or “After Shelah was born, Arphaxad lived” 11:13 yqx2 שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “403 more years,” 11:13 om3u rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Arpachshad at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “He also fathered” or “He was also the father of” 11:13 e35h בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “other sons as well as daughters.” 11:14 w7dj וְשֶׁ֥לַח חַ֖י שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “When Shelah had lived 30 years,” or “When Shelah was 30 years old,” 11:14 kt42 וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת עֵֽבֶר 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Eber.” or “he had a son whose name was Eber.” 11:15 hd5n rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַֽיְחִי שֶׁ֗לַח אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת עֵ֔בֶר 1 Be consistent with how you spell the name **Shelah** in Gen 10:24; 11:12-15. Alternate translation: “After he had Eber, he lived” 11:15 ms3c שָׁלֹ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “403 more years,” 11:15 du9x וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Shelah also had” or “He was also the father of” 11:15 g3i9 בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “other sons as well as daughters.” 11:16 ylnk וַֽיְחִי עֵ֕בֶר אַרְבַּ֥ע וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “When Eber had lived 34 years,” or “When Eber was 34 years old,” 11:16 xcap rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת פָּֽלֶג 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Peleg.” or “he had a son whose name was Peleg.” 11:17 wlcr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַֽיְחִי עֵ֗בֶר אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת פֶּ֔לֶג 1 Be consistent with how you spell the name **Eber** in Gen 10:24-25; 11:14-17. Alternate translation: “After he had Peleg, he lived” 11:17 cc14 שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה וְאַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “430 more years,” 11:17 ocjw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Eber at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Eber also had” or “He was also the father of” 11:17 cc06 בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “other sons as well as daughters.” 11:18 gdd8 וַֽיְחִי פֶ֖לֶג שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “When Peleg had lived 30 years,” or “When Peleg was 30 years old,” 11:18 waxn וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת רְעֽוּ 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Reu.” or “he had a son whose name was Reu.” 11:19 qfcg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַֽיְחִי פֶ֗לֶג אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת רְע֔וּ 1 Be consistent with how you spell the name **Peleg** in Gen 10:25; 11:16-19. Alternate translation: “After he had Reu, he lived” 11:19 xncw תֵּ֥שַׁע שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “209 more years,” 11:19 bpuk וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Peleg also had” or “He was also the father of” 11:19 nr72 בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “other sons as well as daughters.” 11:20 ek1h וַיְחִ֣י רְע֔וּ שְׁתַּ֥יִם וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “When Reu had lived 32 years,” or “When Reu was 32 years old,” 11:20 zm8n וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת שְׂרֽוּג 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Serug.” or “he had a son whose name was Serug.” 11:21 blty rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיְחִ֣י רְע֗וּ אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת שְׂר֔וּג 1 Be consistent with how you spell **Reu** in Gen 11:18-21. Alternate translation: “After Reu had Serug, he lived” 11:21 x8r5 שֶׁ֥בַע שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “207 more years,” 11:21 t6kn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Reu at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Reu also had” or “He was also the father of” 11:21 f8g8 בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “other sons as well as daughters.” 11:22 lx37 וַיְחִ֥י שְׂר֖וּג שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “When Serug had lived 30 years,” or “When Serug was 30 years old,” 11:22 q17o וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת נָחֽוֹר 1 Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Nahor.” or “he had a son whose name was Nahor.” 11:23 ryhr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיְחִ֣י שְׂר֗וּג אַחֲרֵ֛י הוֹלִיד֥וֹ אֶת נָח֖וֹר 1 Be consistent with how you spell the name **Serug** in Gen 11:20-23. Alternate translation: “After he had Nahor, he lived” 11:23 lmbh מָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “200 more years,” 11:23 yaea וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Serug also had” or “He was also the father of” 11:23 vtw1 בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “other sons as well as daughters.” 11:24 qb4u וַיְחִ֣י נָח֔וֹר תֵּ֥שַׁע וְעֶשְׂרִ֖ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “When Nahor had lived 29 years,” or “When Nahor was 29 years old,” 11:24 ej3c וַיּ֖וֹלֶד אֶת תָּֽרַח 1 Consider again how you translated verses 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24, which all have the same sentence structure. Alternate translation: “he fathered a son named Terah.” or “he had a son whose name was Terah.” 11:25 c5ag rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיְחִ֣י נָח֗וֹר אַחֲרֵי֙ הוֹלִיד֣וֹ אֶת תֶּ֔רַח 1 Alternate translation: “After he had Terah, he lived” 11:25 jla4 תְּשַֽׁע־עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה שָׁנָ֖ה וּמְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “119 more years,” 11:25 is9f וַיּ֥וֹלֶד 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and he also had” or “Nahor also had” or “He was also the father of” 11:25 e11k בָּנִ֖ים וּבָנֽוֹת 1 Consider again how you translated verses 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 and 25, which all have the same sentence structure. Alternate translation: “other sons as well as daughters.” 11:26 fa4t וַֽיְחִי־תֶ֖רַח שִׁבְעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Your translation needs to allow for the fact that Terah’s sons were not triplets (just as Noah’s sons were not triplets; see Gen 5:32), rather he started having children after he turned seventy and his sons were born in different years after that. In fact, Abram was not born until Terah was at least 130 years old (11:32, 12:4-5; Acts 7:4), and he was probably Terah’s youngest son. Abram is listed first (instead of Haran or Nahor) probably because of his importance as the one whom Yahweh made His covenant with. Some of this information could be put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “After Terah had lived 70 years,” or “After Terah turned 70 years old,” 11:26 cywf וַיּ֨וֹלֶד֙ אֶת אַבְרָ֔ם אֶת נָח֖וֹר וְאֶת הָרָֽן 1 Alternate translation: “he had sons named Abram, Nahor, and Haran.” or “he fathered sons whose names were Abram, Nahor, and Haran.” 11:27 y44z וְאֵ֨לֶּה֙ תּוֹלְדֹ֣ת תֶּ֔רַח 1 This section is different from the previous section. What follows is a history about Terah’s descendants (especially Abram); it is not a genealogy or list of names. See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 6:9. Alternate translation: “This is the account about Terah and his family:” 11:27 egvx תֶּ֚רַח הוֹלִ֣יד אֶת אַבְרָ֔ם אֶת נָח֖וֹר וְאֶת הָרָ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “Terah had sons named Abram, Nahor, and Haran;” 11:27 vacr וְהָרָ֖ן הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת לֽוֹט 1 Alternate translation: “and Haran had a son named Lot.” or “and Haran had a son whose name was Lot.” 11:28 l32z וַיָּ֣מָת הָרָ֔ן עַל פְּנֵ֖י תֶּ֣רַח אָבִ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “Later Haran died while he was with his father Terah,” or “While his father Terah was still alive, Haran died” 11:28 w957 בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מוֹלַדְתּ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “in his native land,” 11:28 la6c בְּא֥וּר כַּשְׂדִּֽים 1 The word **Kasdim** probably comes from the name of one of Nahor’s sons, Kesed (Gen 22:22), and often refers to the Chaldeans who were a people group that lived in the country of Babylonia (where Ur was located). Alternate translation: “in the city of Ur which was ruled by the Kasdim” or “in the city of Ur where the Kasdim people lived.” 11:29 w0fn וַיִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָ֧ם וְנָח֛וֹר לָהֶ֖ם נָשִׁ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “Meanwhile Abram and Nahor each got married.” 11:30 nr3i rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וַתְּהִ֥י שָׂרַ֖י עֲקָרָ֑ה 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to introduce this background information about Sarai. Alternate translation: “Now Sarai was unable to conceive,” or “Sarai was not able to get pregnant,” 11:30 x9g9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֵ֥ין לָ֖הּ וָלָֽד 1 For some languages it may be better to switch the order of the clauses in this verse and say, “But/Now Sarai did not have any children, because she was not able to conceive.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “so she had no children.” 11:31 a4sh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיִּקַּ֨ח תֶּ֜רַח 1 Consider what is the best way to begin this new paragraph in your language. Alternate translation: “One day, Terah called together” 11:31 cmu7 אֶת אַבְרָ֣ם בְּנ֗וֹ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation of this phrase that **his son** refers to Abram, not another person. 11:31 zczu וְאֶת ל֤וֹט בֶּן הָרָן֙ בֶּן בְּנ֔וֹ 1 The phrases “Lot,” “Haran’s son,” and **his son’s son** all refer to Lot. Make sure that is clear in your translation and that it does not sound like three people. 11:31 zs6d וְאֵת֙ שָׂרַ֣י כַּלָּת֔וֹ 1 The phrases “Sarai,” “his daughter-in-law,” and **the wife of his son Abram** all refer to Sarai. Make sure that is clear in your translation. 11:31 mrxu וַיֵּצְא֨וּ אִתָּ֜ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and all of them set out together” or “Then they all left” 11:31 bdcj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit מֵא֣וּר 1 See the note at Gen 10:19 about how to translate the names of cities. Alternate translation: “from Ur City” 11:31 id6w כַּשְׂדִּ֗ים 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 28. Alternate translation: “of the Chaldeans” or “where the Kasdim people lived” 11:31 e1dg לָלֶ֨כֶת֙ אַ֣רְצָה כְּנַ֔עַן 1 Alternate translation: “to go to the region of Canaan.” or “to go to Canaan Land.” 11:31 izwt וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ עַד חָרָ֖ן 1 The city of Haran was not in the land of Canaan, rather it was around 450 kilometers (280 miles) northeast of there. Alternate translation: “But on the way there, they came to the city of Haran, and” or “But along the way, when they stopped at the city of Haran,” 11:31 zd02 וַיֵּ֥שְׁבוּ שָֽׁם 1 Alternate translation: “they stayed there instead.” or “they decided to settle there instead.” 11:32 ql8v וַיִּהְי֣וּ יְמֵי תֶ֔רַח חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים וּמָאתַ֣יִם שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “When Terah reached the age of 205 years,” 11:32 t1h0 בְּחָרָֽן 1 Alternate translation: “in Haran City.” 12:1 lkpd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶל אַבְרָ֔ם 1 Consider what is the best way to begin this new section in your language. Also, make sure that the way you translate this quote margin fits with what Yahweh says in the following quote. Alternate translation: “Then one day Yahweh told Abram,” 12:1 rqtx לֶךְ לְךָ֛ מֵאַרְצְךָ֥ 1 Alternate translation: “Get yourself away from your country” or “You must move away from your country” or “You must leave behind the land where you are living” 12:1 ya2a וּמִמּֽוֹלַדְתְּךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “and your people,” 12:1 pxeg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּמִבֵּ֣ית אָבִ֑יךָ 1 The phrase **the house** refers here to everyone who was a member of Terah’s household. 12:1 sr9w אֶל הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “and go to the place” 12:2 vjs1 וְאֶֽעֶשְׂךָ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “I will make you the father of” 12:2 is7x לְג֣וֹי גָּד֔וֹל 1 Alternate translation: “an large people group,” or “a large, important ethnic group,” 12:2 kyvt וַאֲבָ֣רֶכְךָ֔ 1 See how you translated “blessed” in Gen 1:22, 28. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “and I will bless you and them.” or “and I will cause you all to flourish.” 12:2 y893 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַאֲגַדְּלָ֖ה שְׁמֶ֑ךָ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this idiom in your language. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I will make you important and famous,” 12:2 xnwh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וֶהְיֵ֖ה בְּרָכָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “and you will be a blessing to many people.” or “and I will use you and your descendants to bless many people.” 12:3 zjl7 וּמְקַלֶּלְךָ֖ אָאֹ֑ר 1 See how you translated **curse** in Gen 8:21. 12:3 yvsd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בְךָ֔ 1 This phrase refers to Abram and his descendants, including ultimately the Messiah. In other words, God’s promise in this verse is part of his wonderful news (the Gospel message) for all people (Galatians 3:8-9) and is a prophecy about the Messiah/Christ, who was one of Abraham’s descendants (Matthew 1:1, Genesis 22:18, Galatians 3:16). God blessed all people on earth by sending his Son Jesus (the Messiah/Christ) to die in their place and pay for all their sins (John 3:16-18, 1 Timothy 2:3-6), so that they could have a close relationship with him/God and be part of his family forever. God repeats this great promise in Genesis 18:18; 22:18; 26:4; 28:14. You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Through you and your offspring” or “Because of you and your offspring” or “By means of you and your offspring” 12:3 yt58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְנִבְרְכ֣וּ & כֹּ֖ל מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת הָאֲדָמָֽה 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to translate this passive sentence. For some languages it is clearer to change the order of the sentence and say, “I will use you and your offspring/descendants to bless all the families/people on the earth.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “all the people on the earth will be blessed by me.” or “I will bless all the people on the earth.” 12:4 b2v7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ אַבְרָ֗ם כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּ֤ר אֵלָיו֙ יְהוָ֔ה 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to begin this sentence to show that Abram is now doing what God just commanded him to do (verse 1). Alternate translation: “Then Abram left the city of Haran, just as Yahweh had told him to do,” or “Then Abram did what Yahweh had told him to do and left the city of Haran,” 12:4 hh61 וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ אִתּ֖וֹ ל֑וֹט 1 Alternate translation: “and his nephew Lot left with him.” 12:4 p63p rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְאַבְרָ֗ם 1 Many translations omit the conjunction **And** or “Now” here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Now Abram” 12:4 p5rf בֶּן 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 5:32 and 11:10. Alternate translation: “was 75 years old” 12:4 tb22 בְּצֵאת֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “when he set out” 12:4 ln5h מֵחָרָֽן 1 Alternate translation: “from the city of Haran.” 12:5 w44u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיִּקַּ֣ח אַבְרָם֩ אֶת שָׂרַ֨י אִשְׁתּ֜וֹ 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Sarai** in Gen 11:29-31. Alternate translation: “He brought with him his wife Sarai” 12:5 t055 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְאֶת ל֣וֹט בֶּן אָחִ֗יו 1 For some languages it is more natural to make **son of his brother** or “his nephew” explicit in verse 4 (where Lot is first mentioned in this section) and leave it implied here in verse 5. Do what is best in your language. 12:5 af34 וְאֶת כָּל רְכוּשָׁם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָכָ֔שׁוּ וְאֶת הַנֶּ֖פֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר עָשׂ֣וּ 1 The word **possessions** is general here and includes slaves, animals, furniture, clothes, and money. See how you translated “slave” or “servant” in Gen 9:25-27. Alternate translation: “everything that they owned, including slaves and everything else they had gotten” 12:5 v8yx בְחָרָ֑ן 1 “in the city of Haran,” or “in Haran City 12:5 iazy אַ֣רְצָה כְּנַ֔עַן 1 Alternate translation: “to the land called Canaan.” or “to Canaan Land.” 12:5 zel6 וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן 1 Alternate translation: “Then they arrived in Canaan.” or “When they reached Canaan,” or “When they got there,” 12:6 ep53 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַיַּעֲבֹ֤ר אַבְרָם֙ 1 Abram is the only one named here because he is in focus. However, your translation should not sound like he traveled alone in verse 6. Also make sure that the way you begin this verse in your translation fits with the way you ended verse 5. Alternate translation: “Abram went” or “Abram and his family went” or “they went” 12:6 o804 בָּאָ֔רֶץ 1 See how you translated **land** in verse 5. Alternate translation: “through that land” 12:6 ai2i עַ֚ד 1 Alternate translation: “until they arrived at” 12:6 klyk מְק֣וֹם שְׁכֶ֔ם 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “the city of Shechem,” or (2) “the/a sacred place at/near the city of Shechem,” 12:6 wf66 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown עַ֖ד אֵל֣וֹן מוֹרֶ֑ה 1 Moreh is probably the name of the person who owned the land where the terebinth tree was. A terebinth tree is a large, broadleaf, flowering tree in the cashew family that can grow to a height of 5 to 12 meters (16 to 40 feet). The Hebrew words for “oak” and **terebinth** are similar, so many translations (including LXX) translate this as “oak tree” here. Notice, however, that oak trees and terebinth trees are from two different families of trees. 12:6 aje0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖י אָ֥ז בָּאָֽרֶץ 1 For some languages it is clearer and more natural to put the time phrase (**at that time**) first in this sentence. Alternate translation: “At that time the Canaanites were still living in that region,” 12:7 nqjy וַיֵּרָ֤א יְהוָה֙ אֶל אַבְרָ֔ם 1 Yahweh’s promise in verse 7 to give Canaan to Abram’s descendants contrasts with the fact that the Canaanites were still occupying that region (verse 6). Also, notice that the text does not specify in what form or in what way God appeared to Abram, so your translation should not do that either. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh came to Abram” or “but Yahweh visited Abram” 12:7 nsz9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “and promised to him,” 12:7 zfqw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לְזַ֨רְעֲךָ֔ אֶתֵּ֖ן אֶת הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֑את 1 In the Hebrew text, the phrase “to your offspring” is emphasized by its position at the beginning of this quote. However, for some languages it may be clearer and more natural to change the order of the clauses and say, “I will give this land to your offspring/descendants.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “I will give this land to your offspring” 12:7 ed0y rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּ֤בֶן & מִזְבֵּ֔חַ 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Abram here in your language. See how you translated **altar** in Gen 8:20. Alternate translation: “So he made an altar out of large stones” or “So he built a sacrifice mound with stones” 12:7 s3yo שָׁם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “near the tree” 12:7 rv38 לַיהוָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “and burned sacrifices on it to thank and worship Yahweh,” 12:7 ywd2 הַנִּרְאֶ֥ה אֵלָֽיו 1 See how you translated **appeared** earlier in verse 7. Alternate translation: “who had come to him there.” or “because he had come to him there.” 12:8 y0sn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּעְתֵּ֨ק מִשָּׁ֜ם 1 Alternate translation: “From the place of Shechem, he and his family moved south to” 12:8 c1kt הָהָ֗רָה מִקֶּ֛דֶם לְבֵֽית אֵ֖ל 1 Alternate translation: “the mountainous region east of the town of Bethel” 12:8 u3l7 וַיֵּ֣ט אָהֳלֹ֑ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated “tent” in Gen 9:21, 27. Alternate translation: “and put up his tents there” or “They set up their camp” 12:8 r71q בֵּֽית אֵ֤ל מִיָּם֙ וְהָעַ֣י מִקֶּ֔דֶם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Bethel was to the west of them and the town of Ai was to the east.” 12:8 cl64 וַיִּֽבֶן שָׁ֤ם 1 Alternate translation: “There he made” 12:8 s3gs מִזְבֵּ֨חַ֙ 1 See how you translated **altar** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “another sacrifice mound” 12:8 b7gd לַֽיהוָ֔ה 1 See how you translated **to Yahweh** in verse 7. 12:8 yv1t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּקְרָ֖א בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהוָֽה 1 See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 4:26. Alternate translation: “and he praised him by name.” or “he addressed him by his name as he praised him.” or “he praised him.” 12:9 bv60 וַיִּסַּ֣ע אַבְרָ֔ם הָל֥וֹךְ וְנָס֖וֹעַ 1 Alternate translation: “After that, he and his family traveled in stages” or “Then he and his family moved from place to place” 12:9 yypr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names הַנֶּֽגְבָּה 1 The Hebrew word **Negev** can mean “south” or “dry country,” so some translations translate the meaning. But most translations transliterate the Hebrew name (as **Negev** or “Negeb”) as they do with other names in the Bible. Alternate translation: “south toward the Negev Wilderness” or “southward until they reached the Southern Wilderness” 12:10 glm2 וַיְהִ֥י 1 This clause gives the setting for the rest of the sentence. Translate this in a way that is natural in your language. 12:10 eik8 רָעָ֖ב 1 A **famine** is a prolonged period of time when people are starving because crops are failing, often due to a lack of rain or other severe weather conditions. Alternate translation: “a serious lack of food” or “a hungry time when food was very scarce” 12:10 wayf בָּאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “in that area,” or “in the Negev Desert,” 12:10 rz12 וַיֵּ֨רֶד אַבְרָ֤ם 1 This phrase refers to the fact that Egypt is lower in elevation than Canaan (verse 5). It is also located southwest of Canaan. Alternate translation: “so Abram and his family traveled southwest” or “so Abram and his family moved further south” 12:10 ipz4 מִצְרַ֨יְמָה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “to the land of Egypt” 12:10 kyr1 לָג֣וּר שָׁ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “to live there for a while” 12:10 vqpl כִּֽי כָבֵ֥ד הָרָעָ֖ב 1 Alternate translation: “because the food shortage was very severe” 12:10 vjke rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בָּאָֽרֶץ 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this clause near the beginning of this verse and say, “Then/Now there was a famine in that land/region that was so heavy/severe/bad that Abram and his family left there and went down to the land/country of Egypt to live for a while.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “in that land” or “in the Negev Desert so they could not survive there.” 12:11 aosr וַיְהִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הִקְרִ֖יב לָב֣וֹא מִצְרָ֑יְמָה 1 Alternate translation: “As they approached Egypt,” 12:11 v1kk וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל־שָׂרַ֣י אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “he told his wife Sarai,” 12:11 phg5 הִנֵּה נָ֣א 1 Alternate translation: “Listen please,” or “Please listen to this:” 12:11 ajhq יָדַ֔עְתִּי כִּ֛י אִשָּׁ֥ה יְפַת מַרְאֶ֖ה אָֽתְּ 1 Alternate translation: “I know that you are a very beautiful woman.” 12:12 x50x rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וְהָיָ֗ה כִּֽי 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin this sentence with or without a conjunction (**So**). Alternate translation: “So when” 12:12 jv43 הַמִּצְרִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “the people of Egypt” 12:12 cqnx יִרְא֤וּ אֹתָךְ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “notice you with me,” 12:12 semy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וְאָמְר֖וּ אִשְׁתּ֣וֹ זֹ֑את 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “they will know that you are my wife,” 12:12 sw31 וְהָרְג֥וּ אֹתִ֖י וְאֹתָ֥ךְ יְחַיּֽוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then they will kill me but let you live so that they can have you.” 12:13 t2hf אִמְרִי נָ֖א 1 Alternate translation: “So please tell them” 12:13 erv1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations אֲחֹ֣תִי אָ֑תְּ 1 Consider whether an indirect quote or direct quote is best here in your language. 12:13 p2h5 לְמַ֨עַן֙ יִֽיטַב לִ֣י 1 Alternate translation: “so that I will be treated well” or “so that people will treat me well” 12:13 kbgh וְחָיְתָ֥ה נַפְשִׁ֖י בִּגְלָלֵֽךְ 1 For some languages it is not natural to include the phrase **because of you** here, because it repeats the same idea as **for your sake** in the previous clause. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and my life will be spared by them.” or “and they will spare my life.” or “and they will let me live.” 12:14 ajxi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כְּב֥וֹא אַבְרָ֖ם מִצְרָ֑יְמָה 1 Although Abram is in focus here, your translation should not sound like he was traveling alone. Alternate translation: “When Abram and his family entered the land of Egypt,” 12:14 s2xw וַיִּרְא֤וּ הַמִּצְרִים֙ 1 Alternate translation: “the Egyptian people saw” or “the people living there saw” 12:14 g5l2 אֶת־הָ֣אִשָּׁ֔ה כִּֽי־יָפָ֥ה הִ֖וא מְאֹֽד 1 Alternate translation: “that the woman with him was indeed very beautiful.” or “that Sarai was indeed very beautiful.” 12:15 twfq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּרְא֤וּ אֹתָהּ֙ שָׂרֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 The term **officials** is general and refers to leaders or rulers who were under Pharaoh and served him. Also, the term **Pharaoh** is an Egyptian title that refers to the king or ruler over Egypt. However, in the Old Testament, it is treated as a name (that frequently occurs with the title “king of Egypt”), so translators often transliterate **Pharaoh** (which is how other names in the Bible are normally treated). Some languages require an honorific title with the names of kings, for example, “King Pharaoh”. Decide how you will handle this in your translation. Alternate translation: “Some of the officers who ruled under the Egyptian king spotted her, so” or “When some officials of Pharaoh the king of Egypt saw her,” 12:15 oubs rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיְהַֽלְל֥וּ אֹתָ֖הּ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “they told him how beautiful she was,” 12:15 vbhr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַתֻּקַּ֥ח הָאִשָּׁ֖ה 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and she was brought” or “So he had them bring Sarai” 12:15 hq0q בֵּ֥ית פַּרְעֹֽה 1 Alternate translation: “into his palace to be one of his wives.” 12:16 xuh3 וּלְאַבְרָ֥ם הֵיטִ֖יב בַּעֲבוּרָ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh treated Abram well because of her” 12:16 wjdj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיְהִי ל֤וֹ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who is being referred to here. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and Abram acquired from him” or “and he gave him” or “He gave Abram” 12:16 k8w6 צֹאן וּבָקָר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “flocks of sheep and herds of cattle,” 12:16 wvny וַחֲמֹרִ֔ים וַעֲבָדִים֙ וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת וַאֲתֹנֹ֖ת 1 Alternate translation: “as well as men and women servants, and male and female donkeys,” 12:16 r8kj rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וּגְמַלִּֽים 1 If camels are not known in your language area, you could include a picture of a camel in your translation. You could also describe it in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “and larger load-bearing animals called camels.” 12:17 dn17 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics וַיְנַגַּ֨ע יְהוָ֧ה אֶת פַּרְעֹ֛ה & וְאֶת בֵּית֑וֹ 1 See how you translated **Pharaoh** in verse 15. You could translate it differently in different contexts. Do what is clear and natural in your language in each context. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh struck the king and the people in his household” or “Then Yahweh caused King Pharaoh and the people in his household to get very sick” 12:17 edr0 נְגָעִ֥ים גְּדֹלִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “with severe diseases” 12:17 s1no rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עַל דְּבַ֥ר שָׂרַ֖י אֵ֥שֶׁת אַבְרָֽם 1 For many languages it is clearer and more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “But since King Pharaoh had taken Abram’s wife Sarai, Yahweh afflicted the king and his family with severe illnesses.” Do what is best in your language 12:18 qiwz וַיִּקְרָ֤א פַרְעֹה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “So King Pharaoh sent for Abram” or “Then Pharaoh summoned Abram before him” or “Then the king sent for Abram to come to him” 12:18 ru7l rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Make sure that the way you translate this quote margin fits with the way that you translate the following quote. Alternate translation: “and asked him,” 12:18 xd4w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַה זֹּ֖את עָשִׂ֣יתָ לִּ֑י 1 Pharaoh uses rhetorical questions in verses 18 and 19 to express his anger at what Abram had done; he does not expect Abram to answer him. Some languages must use statements or exclamations here instead. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Why have you treated me so badly?” 12:18 yw65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֚מָּה לֹא הִגַּ֣דְתָּ לִּ֔י כִּ֥י אִשְׁתְּךָ֖ הִֽוא 1 Alternate translation: “You should have informed me that she is your wife!” 12:19 o893 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָמָ֤ה אָמַ֨רְתָּ֙ אֲחֹ֣תִי הִ֔וא 1 Pharaoh uses this rhetorical question to scold Abram and express his anger at him. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Also consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Why did you say that she is your sister,” or “You should not have pretended that she is your sister,” 12:19 xl4b rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וָאֶקַּ֥ח אֹתָ֛הּ לִ֖י לְאִשָּׁ֑ה 1 For some languages it is clearer and more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “so that I chose her to be a wife!” or “I believed you and took her to be my wife!” 12:19 dqec וְעַתָּ֕ה 1 Alternate translation: “Now therefore,” 12:19 zn5o הִנֵּ֥ה אִשְׁתְּךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “here is your wife back.” 12:20 hloj וַיְצַ֥ו & פַּרְעֹ֖ה 1 Consider again how you translated **Pharaoh** in verses 15-18, 20. It may be helpful to read this section aloud to make sure it is clear and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then King Pharaoh gave orders to” or “Then the Egyptian king ordered” or “Then the king of Egypt ordered” 12:20 cnsk אֲנָשִׁ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “some of his men” 12:20 caru rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns עָלָ֛יו 1 Throughout this verse, make sure it is clear in your translation who is being referred to. Alternate translation: “about him” 12:20 ynrv rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֥וּ אֹת֛וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “so they forced him to leave their country,” or “so they expelled him from Egypt,” 12:20 hplb וְאֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לֽוֹ 1 This included Abram’s slaves, animals, and everything else that he owned. Alternate translation: “and all that he had” or “all his possessions.” 13:1 dcd5 וַיַּעַל֩ אַבְרָ֨ם מִמִּצְרַ֜יִם 1 The Negev Wilderness (or Desert) is northeast in direction from Egypt and is higher in elevation. Compare how you translated “down” in Gen 12:10 when Abram traveled in the opposite direction. Alternate translation: “So Abram went northeast from the country of Egypt,” or “Then Abram left the land of Egypt,” 13:1 x9jp ה֠וּא וְאִשְׁתּ֧וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “taking with him his wife” 13:1 er79 וְכָל אֲשֶׁר ל֛וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and everything that he had,” 13:1 g46k וְל֥וֹט עִמּ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “as well as his nephew Lot,” or “and his nephew Lot went with him” 13:1 hcbz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הַנֶּֽגְבָּה 1 For many languages it is more natural to put this phrase earlier in this verse and say, “Then Abram went up from Egypt and traveled back to the Negev Wilderness/Desert, along with his wife and everything that belonged to him. His nephew Lot also went with them.” Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **Negev** in Gen 12:9, and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “and they all went back to the Negev Desert.” 13:2 zhuu rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְאַבְרָ֖ם 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to introduce this background information about Abram. Alternate translation: “Now” or “By this time Abram” 13:2 t3k3 כָּבֵ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד 1 Alternate translation: “had become very wealthy” 13:2 k7fc בַּמִּקְנֶ֕ה 1 The term **livestock** includes all kinds of domestic animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, camels and donkeys. Alternate translation: “with many livestock” 13:2 sedh בַּכֶּ֖סֶף וּבַזָּהָֽב 1 In this context, “silver and gold” includes the metals themselves as well as objects made out of the metals, but not coins (since coins did not exist at that time). See how you translated **gold** in Gen 2:11-12. 13:3 seap מִנֶּ֖גֶב 1 See how you translated **the Negev** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “From the Southern Desert” 13:3 ph3d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ֙ לְמַסָּעָ֔יו 1 Abram represents his whole family here, and it is assumed that they are traveling with him. Consider whether or not you need to make them explicit in your language. Alternate translation: “Abram and his family moved from place to place northward” or “Abram and his family continued traveling northward” 13:3 rt3n וְעַד בֵּֽית אֵ֑ל 1 Alternate translation: “until he came to the town of Bethel,” 13:3 yj2g עַד הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁר הָ֨יָה שָׁ֤ם אָֽהֳלוֹ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “to the site where they had camped in tents” or “where he had pitched his tents” 13:3 nnuh בַּתְּחִלָּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “previously,” or “the first time he was there,” 13:3 moa2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בֵּ֥ין בֵּֽית אֵ֖ל וּבֵ֥ין הָעָֽי 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this phrase earlier in the sentence and say, “Then from the Negev Desert Abram and his family continued traveling northward until they came to the place between the towns of Bethel and Ai where they had camped in tents before.” Do what is best in your language. Also, be consistent here with how you spelled **Bethel** and **Ai** in Gen 12:8. 13:4 jmqv אֶל מְקוֹם֙ הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ אֲשֶׁר עָ֥שָׂה שָׁ֖ם בָּרִאשֹׁנָ֑ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also see how you translated **altar** in Gen 8:20 and 12:7-8. Alternate translation: “to the same site where he had made an altar before” or “That is the same site where he had first made an altar,” 13:4 tq1g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּקְרָ֥א שָׁ֛ם אַבְרָ֖ם בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהוָֽה 1 See how you translated **called on the name of Yahweh** in Gen 12:8. Alternate translation: “There again Abram sacrificed animals on that altar and addressed Yahweh by his name as he praised him.” or “So Abram again used that altar there and praised Yahweh by name.” or “… praised Yahweh.” 13:5 mqte rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְגַם לְל֔וֹט הַהֹלֵ֖ךְ אֶת אַבְרָ֑ם הָיָ֥ה 1 The word **Now** introduces more background information for the new episode. For some languages it is more natural to leave **Now** implied and just use a paragraph break. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Lot was traveling with his uncle Abram, and he and his family also had” 13:5 r7v1 צֹאן וּבָקָ֖ר 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 12:16. Alternate translation: “flocks of sheep and goats and herds of cattle” 13:5 q7sx וְאֹהָלִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “and many tents.” 13:6 zhy2 וְלֹא־נָשָׂ֥א אֹתָ֛ם הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “As a result, there was not enough land to provide them all with enough food and water” or “In fact, there was not enough land to provide enough food and water for both families and their animals” 13:6 a3n3 לָשֶׁ֣בֶת יַחְדָּ֑ו 1 Alternate translation: “if they lived near each other,” or “if they lived in the same region,” 13:6 qa7c כִּֽי הָיָ֤ה רְכוּשָׁם֙ רָ֔ב 1 The phrase **their possessions** especially refers to their livestock, which required much land to graze on and much water to drink, and probably also includes their many servants. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “because their belongings were so abundant that” or “because they owned so many servants and livestock that” or “They each owned so many servants and livestock that” 13:6 nfu1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְלֹ֥א יָֽכְל֖וּ לָשֶׁ֥בֶת יַחְדָּֽו 1 See how you translated a similar phrase earlier in this verse. For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of the clauses in this sentence and say, “In fact, they each/both owned so many servants and livestock/animals that they could not live in the same area. There was not enough land to provide/produce the amount of food and water that they all needed.” Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **stayed together** earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “they could not all live near each other.” or “it was not possible for them to all live in the same area” 13:7 wfy2 וַֽיְהִי 1 Alternate translation: “In fact,” 13:7 qb77 וַֽיְהִי רִ֗יב 1 The Hebrew word for **strife** is general in meaning and can include arguing and fighting. Some languages have an idiom for this that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “there was arguing” or “quarreling erupted” 13:7 jdu4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בֵּ֚ין רֹעֵ֣י מִקְנֵֽה אַבְרָ֔ם וּבֵ֖ין רֹעֵ֣י מִקְנֵה ל֑וֹט 1 For some languages it may be clearer and more natural to change the order of the clauses in this sentence and say, “Then the men who were taking care of Abram’s livestock and the men who were taking care of Lot’s livestock started to argue with each other.” Do what is best in your language. 13:7 hvu9 וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Adding to that problem was the fact that” 13:7 syk1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וְהַֽכְּנַעֲנִי֙ וְהַפְּרִזִּ֔י 1 See how you translated the names of people groups in Gen 10, and see how you translated **the Canaanites** in Gen 12:6. Alternate translation: “the Canaanite people and the Perizzite people” or “the descendants of Canaan and Perez” 13:7 xsuz יֹשֵׁ֥ב בָּאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “were also living in the area” 13:7 eq3i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אָ֖ז 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this time phrase earlier in the sentence and say, “… at that time the Canaanites …” Do what is best in your language. 13:8 wne5 וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אַבְרָ֜ם אֶל ל֗וֹט 1 Alternate translation: “Then one day Abram said to Lot,” 13:8 d1gl אַל נָ֨א תְהִ֤י 1 Alternate translation: “Please, we should not allow” or “We need to do something so that there is not any” 13:8 xank מְרִיבָה֙ 1 See how you translated **strife** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “arguing” 13:8 kz66 בֵּינִ֣י וּבֵינֶ֔יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “between you and me,” or “between us,” 13:8 a1pw וּבֵ֥ין רֹעַ֖י וּבֵ֣ין רֹעֶ֑יךָ 1 See how you translated **herdsmen** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “or between the men tending my livestock and the men tending your livestock,” or “or between our herdsmen,” 13:8 d9nl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי אֲנָשִׁ֥ים אַחִ֖ים אֲנָֽחְנוּ 1 Abram and Lot were close relatives, not actual brothers. Also, for some languages it may be better to put this clause earlier in this verse and say, “Please, since we are close relatives, we need to do something so that you and I and our herdsmen will not argue.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because we are men who are also relatives.” or “because we are close relatives.” 13:9 sm7c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֤א כָל הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ לְפָנֶ֔יךָ 1 Abram is using a rhetorical question to emphasize his point. He does not expect an answer from Lot. If that is not clear, you can translate this as a statement. Alternate translation: “You can choose to live anywhere in this entire land.” 13:9 ad9o rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness הִפָּ֥רֶד נָ֖א מֵעָלָ֑י 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation of verse 9 that Abram is being kind to Lot, not mean or rude. 13:9 oj9a אִם הַשְּׂמֹ֣אל 1 Alternate translation: “if you decide to live in the land to our left,” 13:9 fva4 וְאֵימִ֔נָה 1 Alternate translation: “then I will choose the land to the right,” or “then I will live in the land to our right,” 13:9 dd7y וְאִם הַיָּמִ֖ין 1 For some languages, it may be more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Or if you decide to live in the land to our right,” 13:9 m1ka וְאַשְׂמְאִֽילָה 1 Alternate translation: “then I will choose the land to the left.” or “then I will live in the land to our left.” 13:10 ksqi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idioms וַיִּשָּׂא־ל֣וֹט אֶת־עֵינָ֗יו 1 Alternate translation: “So Lot looked all around” or “Lot looked around carefully” 13:10 cuw3 וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת־כָּל־כִּכַּ֣ר הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן כִּ֥י כֻלָּ֖הּ & בֹּאֲכָ֖ה צֹֽעַר 1 The Jordan Plain is the wide, flat valley where the Jordan River flows between the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. Alternate translation: “and he observed that the whole Jordan River Valley, all the way to the town of Zoar,” 13:10 pwsa מַשְׁקֶ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “had a lot of water,” 13:10 r14f כְּגַן יְהוָה֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also see how you translated **garden** in Gen 3:23-24. This phrase refers to the Garden of Eden. You could put that information in a footnote. 13:10 mtls כְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 Alternate translation: “and like the country of Egypt,” 13:10 k9y5 לִפְנֵ֣י שַׁחֵ֣ת יְהוָ֗ה אֶת סְדֹם֙ וְאֶת עֲמֹרָ֔ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 13:11 oyxz וַיִּבְחַר ל֣וֹ ל֗וֹט אֵ֚ת כָּל כִּכַּ֣ר הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן 1 See how you translated **plain of the Jordan** in verse 10. Alternate translation: “Then Lot chose the whole Jordan River Plain for himself,” or “Then Lot decided to live in the valley that surrounded the Jordan River,” 13:11 w8ng rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּסַּ֥ע ל֖וֹט 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also consider whether it is better in your language to use Lot’s name or a pronoun to refer to him here. Alternate translation: “and he moved” or “Then Lot left Abram and moved” 13:11 re87 מִקֶּ֑דֶם 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “to/toward the east to live there” or “eastward” or (2) “from the east” 13:11 h78o rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּפָּ֣רְד֔וּ אִ֖ישׁ מֵעַ֥ל אָחִֽיו 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also consider what is the best way to refer to Abram and Lot at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “So in this way they lived separately from each other.” or “That is how Abram and Lot ended up living in separate places.” 13:12 eqvk אַבְרָ֖ם יָשַׁ֣ב 1 Alternate translation: “Abram settled where he was” or “Abram continued to live” 13:12 yax4 בְּאֶֽרֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 Alternate translation: “in that part of the land of Canaan,” 13:12 k2oi וְל֗וֹט יָשַׁב֙ 1 Alternate translation: “but Lot lived” 13:12 f9os rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בְּעָרֵ֣י הַכִּכָּ֔ר 1 As Lot traveled, he probably lived in several different cities in the Jordan River Valley until he eventually settled in the city of Sodom (Gen 14:12). Alternate translation: “in another part of the land in the cities of the Jordan River valley” or “in another part of the land in the cities in the valley surrounding the Jordan River” 13:12 tu8e וַיֶּאֱהַ֖ל עַד 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He eventually pitched his tents in” or “and eventually moved his tents near” 13:12 j59c סְדֹֽם 1 Alternate translation: “the city of Sodom and settled there.” 13:13 qquc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְאַנְשֵׁ֣י סְדֹ֔ם 1 The conjunction “Now/But” introduces background information that builds suspense for what happens to the people of Sodom later in Genesis (chapters 18-19). Consider what is the best way to begin this verse in your language. Also, this phrase probably has a general meaning here that includes all the people of Sodom, especially the men. 13:13 ussh רָעִ֖ים & מְאֹֽד 1 Alternate translation: “were very evil” 13:13 a8b1 וְחַטָּאִ֑ים לַיהוָ֖ה 1 Some translations treat the phrase **wicked and sinful** as a hendiadys that means “wicked sinners”, but it is best to keep the two parts of this phrase separate (like the Hebrew text does) to emphasize the people’s evil character and behavior. Alternate translation: “were terrible sinners against Yahweh.” or “were always rebelling against Yahweh.” 13:14 grqj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness שָׂ֣א נָ֤א עֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 See how you translated the idiom “lift … eyes” in verse 10. The Hebrew word for **please** is used to show politeness when making a proposal or to soften a command. It can also be translated “now” or omitted, depending on the context. Your translation here should not sound like God is begging. Alternate translation: “Look around now” 13:14 pmid rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure מִן הַמָּק֖וֹם אֲשֶׁר אַתָּ֣ה 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this phrase first in this quote and say, “From where you are standing, look all around you. Look …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “from where you are standing,” 13:14 ipow וּרְאֵ֔ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 13:14 tlr6 צָפֹ֥נָה וָנֶ֖גְבָּה וָקֵ֥דְמָה וָיָֽמָּה 1 See how you translated “east” and “west” in Gen 12:8. Alternate translation: “to the north, south, east, and west,” or “in all directions: north, south, east, and west,” or “around you in every direction,” 13:15 u6rx כִּ֧י אֶת כָּל הָאָ֛רֶץ אֲשֶׁר אַתָּ֥ה רֹאֶ֖ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “All that land, as far as you can see,” 13:15 arvu לְךָ֣ אֶתְּנֶ֑נָּה וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֖ 1 See how you translated **offspring** in Gen 12:7. 13:15 dcfi עַד עוֹלָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “to possess forever.” 13:16 psm1 וְשַׂמְתִּ֥י אֶֽת זַרְעֲךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “Besides that, I will also cause your descendants to be” or “In fact, I will also give you so many offspring that they will be” 13:16 h6lr כַּעֲפַ֣ר הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 See how you translated “dust/dirt” in Gen 3:19. Alternate translation: “as numerous as the specks of dirt on the earth,” 13:16 rtyn rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִם יוּכַ֣ל אִ֗ישׁ לִמְנוֹת֙ 1 The Hebrew text has a contrary-to-fact clause here which implies that it is impossible for anyone to count all the specks of dust. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Just as it is impossible to count” or “Just as no one is able to count” 13:16 it85 אֶת־עֲפַ֣ר הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 For some languages it is not natural to repeat “of/on the earth” here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “all the dirt specks” or “how many specks of dirt there are,” 13:16 tjyw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure גַּֽם זַרְעֲךָ֖ יִמָּנֶֽה 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of the last two clauses and say, “No one will be able to count how many offspring/descendants you have, just as no one can count how many specks/particles of dust/dirt there are.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “so it will be impossible to count all your offspring because they will be so numerous.” or “no one will be able to count how many descendants you have.” 13:17 hsbz ק֚וּם הִתְהַלֵּ֣ךְ 1 The phrase “get up” may imply that Abram was sitting down, but it probably just means that God is telling him to start walking through the land. Alternate translation: “Now go walk” 13:17 vbbt בָּאָ֔רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “throughout the land in all directions,” 13:17 hdl5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism לְאָרְכָּ֖הּ וּלְרָחְבָּ֑הּ 1 The phrase “its length … its width” also includes all the area of land in between. Consider what is the best way to translate this merism in your language. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “including its length and its width, and look it over,” or “Walk throughout the entire land and look it over,” 13:17 j72c כִּ֥י לְךָ֖ אֶתְּנֶֽנָּה 1 In the Hebrew text, the phrase **to you** is before the verb to emphasize Abram. In your translation, communicate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because you are the one I am giving it to.” 13:18 evru וַיֶּאֱהַ֣ל אַבְרָ֗ם 1 Abram obeyed God, but we do not know if he did everything that God commanded in verse 17 before he moved his tents near Hebron (verse 18), or if moving his tents was the first step in obeying what God told him to do. It is best to keep this general in your translation (as the Hebrew text does). Also see how you translated the phrase **moved his tents** in verse 12. Alternate translation: “Then Abram did what Yahweh commanded and moved his tents” or “Abram obeyed Yahweh and relocated his tents” 13:18 uf3q וַיָּבֹ֛א וַיֵּ֛שֶׁב 1 Alternate translation: “and went to live” 13:18 rny9 בְּאֵלֹנֵ֥י מַמְרֵ֖א 1 See how you translated **terebinth** in Gen 12:6. Alternate translation: “near the terebinth trees on the land owned by a man named Mamre,” 13:18 hx7g וַיִּֽבֶן שָׁ֥ם מִזְבֵּ֖חַ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated this phrase in Gen 12:7-8. 13:18 ikf8 לַֽיהוָֽה 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 12:7 and how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 8:20 and 12:8. Alternate translation: “and offered sacrifices on it to thank and worship Yahweh.” 14:1 vbzr וַיְהִ֗י בִּימֵי֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then it happened that during the time when” 14:1 rxaj rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-keyterms אַמְרָפֶ֣ל מֶֽלֶךְ 1 The term **king** refers to the highest ruler or leader over a kingdom, which at that time was often just a city, a small region or a people group. Translate this with the best word for that in your language. Also see how you translated **Shinar** in Gen 10:10; 11:2. Alternate translation: “Amraphel was the ruler over” or “King Amraphel was ruling” 14:1 x729 שִׁנְעָ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “the region of Shinar,” 14:1 abfg אַרְי֖וֹךְ מֶ֣לֶךְ 1 It is not known whether Ellasar was the name of a city or the name of a kingdom that had one or more cities. Alternate translation: “Arioch was the ruler over” or “King Arioch was ruling” 14:1 lxcz אֶלָּסָ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “the kingdom of Ellasar,” 14:1 b13t rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names כְּדָרְלָעֹ֨מֶר֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ 1 In Hebrew this king’s name is pronounced **Kedorlaomer**. However in many translations it is spelled “Chedorlaomer”. Be consistent with your choice throughout this chapter. Also, **Elam** refers to the land where the descendants of Shem’s son Elam lived (Gen 10:22). Alternate translation: “Kedorlaomer was the ruler over” or “King Kedorlaomer was ruling” 14:1 wi37 עֵילָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “the land of the Elamites,” 14:1 ygbq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וְתִדְעָ֖ל מֶ֥לֶךְ 1 Most translation teams transliterate the name “Goyim” (as they do other names in the Bible). Some translations translate its meaning and say, “the nations/peoples.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and Tidal was the ruler over” or “and King Tidal was ruling” 14:1 sjfe rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names גּוֹיִֽם 1 Most translation teams transliterate the name “Goyim” (as they do other names in the Bible). Some translations translate its meaning and say “the nations/peoples”. Do what is best in your language. 14:2 htro עָשׂ֣וּ מִלְחָמָ֗ה אֶת־ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here, which depends on how you translated verse 1. Alternate translation: “those four kings became allies and made war” or “those four kings joined forces and went to war” 14:2 lshe בֶּ֨רַע֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Bera who was the ruler over” or “King Bera who was ruling” 14:2 nskg וְאֶת בִּרְשַׁ֖ע מֶ֣לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Birsha who was the ruler over” or “King Birsha who was ruling” 14:2 c762 שִׁנְאָ֣ב מֶ֣לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Shinab who was the ruler over” or “King Shinab who was ruling” 14:2 wqsq וְשֶׁמְאֵ֨בֶר֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Shemeber who was the ruler over” or “King Shemeber who was ruling” 14:2 l0c9 וּמֶ֥לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “and the ruler over” or “and the ruler who was ruling” 14:2 yl85 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הִיא צֹֽעַר 1 This town is first mentioned in Gen 13:10, but it was not actually named Zoar until later (Gen 19:22). You may want to put that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “which is now called Zoar.” or “which was later called Zoar.” or “that is, Zoar.” 14:3 lfo8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כָּל אֵ֨לֶּה֙ 1 Consider whether it is necessary to make it explicit in your translation that **these** refers to the five kings just mentioned in verse 2. Alternate translation: “These five kings all” 14:3 ju1b חָֽבְר֔וּ 1 Alternate translation: “combined their forces as partners and fought against the four kings” 14:3 v7c6 ה֖וּא יָ֥ם הַמֶּֽלַח 1 The Hebrew word for “sea/ocean” can also refer to a large lake. The Salt Sea, also known as the Dead Sea, is about 31 miles (50 kilometers) long and 9 miles (15 kilometers) wide. Use a term in your language for a body of water that size. Alternate translation: “which later became the Salt Sea.” 14:4 n2ht rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background שְׁתֵּ֤ים עֶשְׂרֵה֙ שָׁנָ֔ה 1 This paragraph (verses 4-9) is a flashback that tells the events that led up to the war (verses 1-3). Consider what is the best way in your language to introduce this background information. Alternate translation: “This is what happened: For twelve years” or “This is why they were fighting: During twelve years” 14:4 iqc8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns עָבְד֖וּ 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to the five kings (listed in verse 2) at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “the five kings had paid taxes to” or “the five kings had been subject to” or “they had been ruled by” 14:4 cdq3 אֶת כְּדָרְלָעֹ֑מֶר 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled this name in verse 1. Alternate translation: “King Kedorlaomer” 14:4 ng6n וּשְׁלֹשׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֥ה שָׁנָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “but sometime in the thirteenth year” 14:4 hmdh מָרָֽדוּ 1 Alternate translation: “they started to revolt against him.” 14:5 qae4 וּבְאַרְבַּע֩ עֶשְׂרֵ֨ה שָׁנָ֜ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then sometime in the fourteenth year,” 14:5 nqz7 כְדָרְלָעֹ֗מֶר 1 Alternate translation: “King Kedorlaomer” 14:5 yglc אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “who were allied with him” or “who were his partners” 14:5 oirx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בָּ֣א 1 Verses 5-7 list enemies of King Kedorlaomer that are in addition to the five kings mentioned in verses 2-4. Consider whether or not to make it explicit in your translation here that they were fighting all their enemies. Alternate translation: “combined their armies and went to fight against all their enemies” 14:5 cg83 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיַּכּ֤וּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “First, they conquered” 14:5 vtcv rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶת רְפָאִים֙ 1 See how you translated the names of people groups in Gen 10:4, 13-18, and see the note about that at 10:4. Alternate translation: “the Repha people” 14:5 fviv וְאֶת הַזּוּזִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “and the Zuzites” or “and the Zuz people” 14:5 wbtc הָֽאֵימִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “the Em people” 14:6 zg2n וְאֶת הַחֹרִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “and the Hor people” 14:6 f5cg בְּהַרְרָ֣ם שֵׂעִ֑יר 1 Alternate translation: “who lived in the hill country of the region of Seir” or “who lived in the Seir Hills” 14:6 b5lx אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל 1 Alternate translation: “which is located beside” or “which is on the edge of” 14:6 pbqs הַמִּדְבָּֽר 1 A wilderness is a dry, rocky area where few plants grow and few people live. See how you translated “wilderness/desert” in Gen 12:9 and 13:1, 3 (if you made that explicit in those verses). Alternate translation: “a desert.” 14:7 rugw וַ֠יָּשֻׁבוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Next the four kings and their armies” 14:7 cwo4 וַ֠יָּשֻׁבוּ 1 Alternate translation: “started to return home” 14:7 wbrw הִ֣וא קָדֵ֔שׁ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 2. Alternate translation: “which is now called Kadesh,” or “which was later called Kadesh,” or “that is, Kadesh,” 14:7 v4ak וַיַּכּ֕וּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They defeated” 14:7 wufy אֶֽת כָּל שְׂדֵ֖ה הָעֲמָלֵקִ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “the whole area where the Amalekites lived” or “… where the Amalek people group lived” 14:7 p33f וְגַם֙ אֶת הָ֣אֱמֹרִ֔י 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **Amorites** in Gen 10:16. Alternate translation: “as well as the Amor people group,” 14:8 txjr rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיֵּצֵ֨א 1 Verse 8 is talking about the same battle that is mentioned in verse 2, except it leaves out the names of the kings. Make sure in your translation that it does not sound like a different battle. 14:8 irbp מֶֽלֶךְ סְדֹ֜ם וּמֶ֣לֶךְ עֲמֹרָ֗ה וּמֶ֤לֶךְ אַדְמָה֙ וּמֶ֣לֶךְ צְבוֹיִ֔ם וּמֶ֥לֶךְ בֶּ֖לַע 1 Be consistent in verse 8 with how you spelled the names of these cities in verse 2 and in Gen 10:19. Alternate translation: “the kings over the cities of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, and Bela,” 14:8 or65 הִוא צֹ֑עַר 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 2. Alternate translation: “which is now called Zoar,” or “that is, Zoar,” 14:8 e103 וַיֵּצֵ֨א 1 Alternate translation: “went out with their armies” 14:8 djq8 בְּעֵ֖מֶק הַשִּׂדִּֽים 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 3. 14:8 g78j וַיַּֽעַרְכ֤וּ אִתָּם֙ מִלְחָמָ֔ה 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “and assembled/prepared/positioned themselves for battle” or “and got ready to fight” or (2) “and joined/united together in battle” 14:9 daj4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֵ֣ת כְּדָרְלָעֹ֜מֶר מֶ֣לֶךְ 1 The same kings (and the places they ruled) that are listed here in verse 9 are listed in verse 1, but in a different order. Be consistent here with how you spelled the names there. Alternate translation: “against Kedorlaomer who was the ruler over” or “against King Kedorlaomer who was ruling” 14:9 g6fo עֵילָ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “the region of Elam,” 14:9 tgaj וְתִדְעָל֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Tidal who was the ruler over” or “King Tidal who was ruling” 14:9 izhi גּוֹיִ֔ם 1 Be consistent here with how you translated this people group name in verse 1. Alternate translation: “the Goyim people,” 14:9 w2fr וְאַמְרָפֶל֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Amraphel who was the ruler over” or “King Amraphel who was ruling” 14:9 nnvk שִׁנְעָ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “the region of Shinar,” 14:9 oj0f וְאַרְי֖וֹךְ מֶ֣לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “and Arioch who was the ruler over” or “and King Arioch who was ruling” 14:9 gwis אֶלָּסָ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “the city of Ellasar,” 14:9 jqlu אַרְבָּעָ֥ה מְלָכִ֖ים אֶת 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “It was four kings who started fighting against” or “Then those four kings attacked” 14:9 ea8b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הַחֲמִשָּֽׁה 1 It is implied in verse 10 that the four kings had started defeating the five kings. If that is not clear, you could make that explicit here. 14:10 n67g rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְעֵ֣מֶק הַשִׂדִּ֗ים בֶּֽאֱרֹ֤ת בֶּאֱרֹת֙ חֵמָ֔ר 1 The word **Now** indicates a change of topic and introduces background information. For some languages it is more natural to omit that word and just use a paragraph break. Do what is best in your language. Also be consistent here with how you translated **the Valley of Siddim** in verses 3 and 8, and how you translated **tar** in Gen 11:3. Alternate translation: “The Siddim Valley was full of tar pits,” or “There were many tar pits in the Siddim Valley,” 14:10 p8kh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיָּנֻ֛סוּ מֶֽלֶךְ סְדֹ֥ם וַעֲמֹרָ֖ה 1 It is assumed here that the kings were accompanied by their armies. If that is not understood, you could make that explicit in your translation. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “As the kings of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and their armies were running away from the battle,” 14:10 wym8 וַיִּפְּלוּ שָׁ֑מָּה 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “they died there in the tar pits.” or “some of their soldiers/men were killed there in the tar pits.” or “they fell into the tar pits and died.” or (2) “jumped into the tar pits to hide.” Notice that the king of Sodom is still alive in verse 17, so the pronoun **they** probably does not include him here, depending on how you translate **fell there**. 14:10 v2gs וְהַנִּשְׁאָרִ֖ים 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “while/but those who were left” or “Those who escaped” or (2) “But the other three kings and their armies/soldiers”. Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the previous sentence. 14:10 wjyr נָּֽסוּ 1 See how you translated **fled** earlier in this verse. 14:10 d4wa הֶ֥רָה 1 See how you translated **hill country** in verse 6. Alternate translation: “to the hills to hide.” 14:11 yt9q rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַ֠יִּקְחוּ 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to the four kings at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “Then the four kings took by force” 14:11 vxuv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶת כָּל רְכֻ֨שׁ סְדֹ֧ם וַעֲמֹרָ֛ה 1 The phrase **Sodom and Gomorrah** refers here to the people who lived in those cities. Consider what is the best way to refer to those people here in your language. Alternate translation: “all the possessions from the people of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah” 14:11 wi6p וְאֶת כָּל אָכְלָ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “even all their food,” or “as well as all their food,” 14:11 j1m7 וַיֵּלֵֽכוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and left with it all.” or “and carried it all away with them.” or “and went on their way.” 14:12 nyoh וַיִּקְח֨וּ 1 Alternate translation: “They also took with them” or “They also carried away” or “The four kings also captured” 14:12 z7z0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְה֥וּא יֹשֵׁ֖ב בִּסְדֹֽם 1 For some languages it may be more clearer or more natural to put this phrase first in this sentence and say, “Since Abram’s nephew Lot was also living in the city of Sodom, the four kings took/captured him too, along with his possessions.” 14:13 rmjy וַיָּבֹא֙ הַפָּלִ֔יט 1 Alternate translation: “Then someone from Sodom escaped from the battle and came” 14:13 tz4r וַיַּגֵּ֖ד לְאַבְרָ֣ם הָעִבְרִ֑י 1 The Hebrew people are the descendants of Abram (Abraham), and they were named after his ancestor Eber, who was Shem’s great grandson (Genesis 11:10-26). Some of this information could be put in a footnote. 14:13 b6mh rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְהוּא֩ 1 This phrase introduces background information about Abram as part of the setting for what happens next. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Now at that time he” or “At that time he” 14:13 ebfw שֹׁכֵ֨ן בְּאֵֽלֹנֵ֜י מַמְרֵ֣א 1 See how you translated this clause in Gen 13:18. Alternate translation: “was still living by the oak trees that were owned by Mamre” or “was still living by the oak trees on the land owned by Mamre” 14:13 p3v8 הָאֱמֹרִ֗י 1 See how you translated “Amorites” in verse 7. Alternate translation: “who was a member of the Amorite people group” 14:13 crpr אֲחִ֤י אֶשְׁכֹּל֙ וַאֲחִ֣י עָנֵ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “whose brothers were Eshcol and Aner” 14:13 tqk2 וְהֵ֖ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 14:13 u9mn בַּעֲלֵ֥י בְרִית אַבְרָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “had made a covenant with Abram to be his allies.” or “and Abram had made a pact together that they would help each other against their enemies.” 14:14 hnqu וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע אַבְרָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “When Abram found out” 14:14 bkqj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive כִּ֥י נִשְׁבָּ֖ה אָחִ֑יו 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “that his nephew Lot had been captured,” 14:14 r50d וַיָּ֨רֶק 1 Alternate translation: “he called together for battle” or “he summoned for battle.” 14:14 j9ie אֶת חֲנִיכָ֜יו יְלִידֵ֣י בֵית֗וֹ שְׁמֹנָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ וּשְׁלֹ֣שׁ מֵא֔וֹת 1 It is clear from verse 15 that these men were Abram’s servants. Alternate translation: “318 of the servants who had been born in his household and were trained warriors” or “318 of his servants born in his household whom he had trained to fight” 14:14 uxi9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיִּרְדֹּ֖ף 1 In this sentence the pronoun **he** refers to Abram and all those who had united with him as his allies. Alternate translation: “Then he and his men and his allies went after the invaders” or “Then together with his allies they all pursued the four kings and their armies” 14:14 vvdg עַד 1 Alternate translation: “until they caught up with them at” 14:15 ktaz וַיֵּחָלֵ֨ק עֲלֵיהֶ֧ם לַ֛יְלָה ה֥וּא וַעֲבָדָ֖יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then during the night he and his servants divided into groups, surprise attacked the four kings and their soldiers,” 14:15 chrk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיַּכֵּ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and routed them” 14:15 xc61 וַֽיִּרְדְּפֵם֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then they went after them” 14:15 yboz עַד חוֹבָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “all the way to the town of Hobah,” 14:16 wc8z וַיָּ֕שֶׁב 1 Alternate translation: “As a result, he got back” or “He recovered” 14:16 oopx וְגַם֩ & הֵשִׁ֔יב 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He also got back” or “He also recovered” 14:16 d9o8 וּרְכֻשׁוֹ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and all his belongings,” 14:17 mqhb וַיֵּצֵ֣א מֶֽלֶךְ סְדֹם֮ 1 Alternate translation: “Then the king over the city of Sodom” 14:17 ykht rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיֵּצֵ֣א מֶֽלֶךְ־סְדֹם֮ 1 Consider whether **came** or “went” is more natural here in your language. Alternate translation: “Then the king over the city of Sodom went out” 14:17 ra44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns לִקְרָאתוֹ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “to greet him” or “and welcomed Abram” 14:17 icwx אֶל עֵ֣מֶק שָׁוֵ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “in the Shaveh Valley,” 14:17 c2vk אַחֲרֵ֣י שׁוּב֗וֹ 1 When Abram reached the Shaveh Valley, he was still about 20 miles (30 kilometers) north of his home, which was near the city of Hebron (Gen 13:18). Alternate translation: “as he was returning home” or “as he was going back home” 14:17 oq8s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom מֵֽהַכּוֹת֙ 1 See how you translated “struck” in verse 15. Alternate translation: “after defeating” or “after he defeated” 14:17 luxv אֶת כְּדָרלָעֹ֔מֶר 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled this name previously in this chapter; see verses 1, 4-5, 9, 17. Alternate translation: “King Kedorlaomer and his army” 14:17 wbxl וְאֶת הַמְּלָכִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “and the armies of the other three kings” 14:17 c1g6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתּ֑וֹ 1 For some languages it may be better to put the clauses of this verse in the order that the events actually happened. For example you could say, “After Abram defeated King Kedorlaomer/Chedorlaomer and the other three kings who were Kedorlaomer’s/Chedorlaomer’s allies, he started to return home. When Abram reached the Shaveh Valley, that is, the King’s Valley, the king over the city of Sodom came/went there and greeted/welcomed him.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “who had joined themselves with Kedorlaomer” 14:18 x5qz וּמַלְכִּי צֶ֨דֶק֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ שָׁלֵ֔ם 1 Salem is the short name for the city of Jerusalem (See: Psalm 76:2). The Shaveh Valley, where Melchizedek met Abram, was located just east of Jerusalem. You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Then Melchizedek who was the king over the city of Salem also went there, and he” 14:18 zo6c הוֹצִ֖יא לֶ֣חֶם וָיָ֑יִן 1 It is not known whether Melchizedek brought out a large amount of bread and wine to feed Abram and his men, or if he brought out just enough for him and Abram to share, possibly as part of establishing a covenant between them. The first alternate above would work for either meaning. See how you translated **wine** in Gen 9:21, 24. Alternate translation: “brought (some) bread and wine for them to eat and drink.” or “brought some bread and wine for Abram and his men to eat and drink.” 14:18 ojgm וְה֥וּא 1 Alternate translation: “He was also” 14:18 vl2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms כֹהֵ֖ן 1 A priest is someone who represents people to God, and who represents God to the people. He leads the people in praying, worship, making sacrifices, ceremonies, and festivals. Alternate translation: “a priest for” 14:18 lwz3 לְאֵ֥ל עֶלְיֽוֹן 1 Alternate translation: “the most high God.” or “the highest God.” or “God who is higher than all other gods.” 14:19 z3jb rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַֽיְבָרְכֵ֖הוּ 1 Make sure your translation of “blessed … and said” refers to the same event, not two separate events. Also see how you translated “bless” in Gen 12:2-3. Alternate translation: “He blessed Abram” or “So Melchizedek blessed Abram” 14:19 t0au בָּר֤וּךְ אַבְרָם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “I pray that you Abram will be blessed” 14:19 qqks rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לְאֵ֣ל עֶלְי֔וֹן 1 See how you translated this title in verse 18. For some languages it may be better to switch the order of phrases in this sentence and say, “May the greatest God, who owns heaven and earth, bless Abram/you.” or “I pray that the most high/powerful God, who created heaven and earth, will bless you Abram.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “by the most high God,” or “by the highest God,” 14:19 cnzx קֹנֵ֖ה שָׁמַ֥יִם וָאָֽרֶץ 1 The Hebrew word for **Possessor** also means “Creator,” which is used in many translations. Whichever one you do not use in the text you could put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “who is the Owner of heaven and earth.” or “who created heaven and earth.” 14:20 qi3k וּבָרוּךְ֙ 1 See how you translated “Praised be” in Gen 9:26. Alternate translation: “Give praise to” or “Let everyone praise” 14:20 bnw8 אֵ֣ל עֶלְי֔וֹן 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 18-19. Alternate translation: “the most high God,” or “the highest God,” 14:20 bx1d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֲשֶׁר מִגֵּ֥ן צָרֶ֖יךָ בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ 1 The phrase “delivered … into your hand” is an idiom. Consider whether your language has a similar idiom that fits well here. Alternate translation: “because he gave you victory over your enemies!” 14:20 kq14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּתֶּן ל֥וֹ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who is being referred to here. 14:20 dxmy מַעֲשֵׂ֖ר 1 Alternate translation: “one-tenth” 14:20 yh95 מִכֹּֽל 1 This phrase refers to the belongings of the people of Sodom that Abram had recovered from the kings who stole them. Alternate translation: “of everything that he had captured in the battle.” or “of all the plunder he had brought back from the battle.” 14:21 u3e7 וַיֹּ֥אמֶר מֶֽלֶךְ סְדֹ֖ם אֶל־אַבְרָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then the king of Sodom requested of Abram,” or “After that, the king over the city of Sodom urged Abram,” 14:21 kges rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness תֶּן לִ֣י 1 Make sure in your translation that the king of Sodom’s request to Abram sounds polite, not rude or demanding. Alternate translation: “Please give to me” 14:21 pmak הַנֶּ֔פֶשׁ 1 Alternate translation: “my people whom you saved,” or “the people from Sodom whom you rescued,” 14:21 yqi3 וְהָרְכֻ֖שׁ קַֽח לָֽךְ 1 See how you translated **possessions** in verses 11-12,16. Alternate translation: “but the plunder you may keep for yourself.” or “but take for yourself the belongings that you recovered.” 14:22 n9df rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אַבְרָ֖ם אֶל מֶ֣לֶךְ סְדֹ֑ם 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Abram and to the king of Sodom at this point in their conversation. Alternate translation: “But he replied to him,” 14:22 mra6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction הֲרִימֹ֨תִי יָדִ֤י אֶל יְהוָה֙ 1 It was the custom that when a person made an oath, he raised his hand as an appeal to God to witness his oath and to hold him accountable and punish him if he were to break his oath. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in the text or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “As a witness to this oath, I call on Yahweh” 14:22 km6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula הֲרִימֹ֨תִי יָדִ֤י אֶל יְהוָה֙ 1 The phrase **I raise my hand to Yahweh** begins an oath formula. Use a natural way in your language to express an oath. Alternate translation: “I pledge before Yahweh” 14:22 j9qr אֵ֣ל עֶלְי֔וֹן 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 18-20. Alternate translation: “who is the highest God” 14:22 v040 קֹנֵ֖ה שָׁמַ֥יִם וָאָֽרֶץ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 19. Alternate translation: “and the Owner of heaven and earth,” or “and the One who created heaven and earth,” 14:23 xn0s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis אִם־מִחוּט֙ וְעַ֣ד שְׂרֽוֹךְ־נַ֔עַל 1 Abram is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from later in the sentence if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “if I take anything from a thread to the strap of a sandal” 14:23 vzf5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis אִם־מִחוּט֙ וְעַ֣ד שְׂרֽוֹךְ־נַ֔עַל וְאִם־אֶקַּ֖ח מִכָּל־אֲשֶׁר־לָ֑ךְ 1 According to custom, Abram is leaving out the part of his oath that tells what Yahweh will do to him if he does the things that he mentions in his oath. Because of the power of spoken words, people left that part to be understood silently. You could supply these words if it would be clearer and not offensive in your language. Alternate translation: “if from a thread even to the strap of a sandal, or I take from anything that {belongs} to you, may Yahweh punish me severely” or “…may Yahweh strike me dead” 14:23 lbqa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole מִחוּט֙ וְעַ֣ד שְׂרֽוֹךְ נַ֔עַל 1 Abram is mentioning things that are so small and insignificant that no one would want them in order to make the point that he doesn't want anything from the king of Sodom. Alternate translation: “even a thread or the strap from a sandal,” or “even something as small as a piece of string or a sandal strap” 14:23 wb28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְאִם אֶקַּ֖ח מִכָּל 1 This clause emphasizes Abram’s point by repeating the meaning of the previous phrase in different words. Consider what is the best way to emphasize a point in your language. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “No I will not keep anything” 14:23 ah9p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁר לָ֑ךְ 1 For some languages, it may be clearer and more natural to put this phrase earlier in this verse and say, “that I will not keep/accept anything that belongs to you or your people, not even something as small as a piece of thread/string or the strap from a sandal.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “that belongs to you or your people,” 14:23 hns6 וְלֹ֣א תֹאמַ֔ר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 14:23 xhbz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אֲנִ֖י הֶעֱשַׁ֥רְתִּי אֶת אַבְרָֽם 1 The Hebrew pronoun that refers here to the king of Sodom is emphatic. Consider what is the best way to communicate that emphasis in your language. Also consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “I am the one who made Abram wealthy!” 14:24 kk1m rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions בִּלְעָדַ֗י רַ֚ק 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to translate this exception sentence. Alternate translation: “So I will not keep anything, except” or “So I will only accept” 14:24 kaz7 אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָֽכְל֣וּ הַנְּעָרִ֔ים 1 These young men were Abram’s trained servants or warriors who are mentioned in verses 14-15. Alternate translation: “what my servants who fought with me have eaten” or “what my men ate” 14:24 pp7i וְחֵ֨לֶק֙ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָלְכ֖וּ אִתִּ֑י עָנֵר֙ אֶשְׁכֹּ֣ל וּמַמְרֵ֔א 1 Alternate translation: “and the share of the plunder that Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre deserve for being my allies” or “and what Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre deserve for helping me in the battle.” 14:24 h54m rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness הֵ֖ם יִקְח֥וּ 1 Abram is being polite, but make sure in your translation that he does not sound like he is begging, especially since he is a mighty warrior. Alternate translation: “Please let them take” or “Please give them” 14:24 umi6 חֶלְקָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “their share of the plunder.” or “their part of what we recovered.” 15:1 gh9e אַחַ֣ר הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה 1 Alternate translation: “After those events happened,” 15:1 uy8x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms הָיָ֤ה דְבַר יְהוָה֙ אֶל אַבְרָ֔ם בַּֽמַּחֲזֶ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 A vision is a supernatural experience that a person has while he is awake, so the way you translate this term should be different from the way you translate “dream” (since people have dreams while asleep). Make sure your translation of this clause does not sound like what Abram saw was unreal; what he saw and heard actually happened. Alternate translation: “Yahweh appeared to Abram visually and said to him,” 15:1 a97c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אָנֹכִי֙ מָגֵ֣ן לָ֔ךְ 1 God is like a shield to Abram since he protects him. Consider what is the best way to translate this metaphor in your language. Alternate translation: “I am your shield” or “I protect you like a shield,” or “I will shield you,” 15:1 dbve שְׂכָרְךָ֖ הַרְבֵּ֥ה מְאֹֽד 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “and your reward from me will be very great.” or “and I will give you a very great/valuable reward/gift.” (2) “and I am your very great/valuable reward.” The context (verse 2) shows that the first interpretation is what Abram understood God to be saying. 15:2 vwfv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אַבְרָ֗ם 1 The way you translate this quote margin may depend on how you translate the following rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “Then Abram said to him,” or “Then Abram asked him,” 15:2 n8qe rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms אֲדֹנָ֤י יֱהוִה֙ 1 The phrase **My Lord** means that Yahweh owns Abram and has complete authority over him, just as a master (at that time) had complete authority over his servant. Alternate translation: “My Master Yahweh,” or “Yahweh my Lord” 15:2 ep5f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַה תִּתֶּן לִ֔י 1 Abram uses this rhetorical question to show that he is lamenting that he has no children. Make sure in your translation that he does not sound rude. Alternate translation: “what reward can you give to me that would benefit me,” or “even if you reward me greatly, that will not help me,” 15:2 ifre וְאָנֹכִ֖י הוֹלֵ֣ךְ עֲרִירִ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “since I remain childless” 15:2 dltw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּבֶן מֶ֣שֶׁק 1 The phrase **son of the inheritance** is used here as an idiom that means “inheritor” or “heir”; it does not refer to an actual son. Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “so that after I die, the heir of” or “So when I die, the one who will own” 15:2 gn01 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche בֵּיתִ֔י 1 This phrase refers here to all Abram’s belongings. Alternate translation: “my estate” or “all that I own” 15:2 nc22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion דַּמֶּ֥שֶׂק אֱלִיעֶֽזֶר 1 In the Hebrew text, Abram emphasizes the fact that Eliezer was from Damascus, which means he was a foreigner from a foreign city, not a blood relative. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Also, be consistent here with how you translated “the city of Damascus” in Gen 14:15. Alternate translation: “is my foreign servant Eliezer from Damascus” 15:3 jv86 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אַבְרָ֔ם 1 Some languages omit these words, because the same speaker is still speaking to the same audience. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then he added,” 15:3 im0k הֵ֣ן 1 Some translations omit this phrase to prevent Abram from sounding rude. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Look” 15:3 o4j4 לִ֔י לֹ֥א נָתַ֖תָּה זָ֑רַע 1 In the Hebrew text **to me** is before **you have not given** to emphasize Abram. Do what is natural in your language. 15:3 w212 וְהִנֵּ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “so that now after I die,” 15:3 zvm0 בֶן בֵּיתִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “a servant from my household” 15:3 ojds יוֹרֵ֥שׁ אֹתִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “will be my heir!” or “will get everything I own!” 15:4 nsoi וְהִנֵּ֨ה 1 Alternate translation: “Immediately” 15:4 os3q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom דְבַר יְהוָ֤ה אֵלָיו֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 See how you translated this idiom in verse 1. It may be necessary to translate it differently here because of the different context. Alternate translation: “Yahweh said to him” 15:4 mxfc זֶ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “No, that man” 15:4 lns8 לֹ֥א יִֽירָשְׁךָ֖ & כִּי אִם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “will not get your estate rather” 15:4 o38q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-Idiom אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֵצֵ֣א מִמֵּעֶ֔יךָ ה֖וּא 1 The phrase **comes from your bowels** is an idiom that refers to fathering a child. Make sure your translation of this clause does not imply that Abram would give birth to a son. Alternate translation: “a son whom you father” 15:4 hr4c יִֽירָשֶֽׁךָ 1 Alternate translation: “will own your estate” or “will own it.” 15:5 ww36 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיּוֹצֵ֨א אֹת֜וֹ 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Yahweh and Abram at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh led Abram” 15:5 gdld rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הַח֗וּצָה 1 Abram was probably inside a tent, not inside a house. But if possible, it is best to leave this implied in a translation (as the Hebrew text does). 15:5 vwsk הַבֶּט נָ֣א 1 See how you translated “please” in Gen 13:14. Make sure your translation does not sound like God is begging. Alternate translation: “Now look up” 15:5 zhiv הַשָּׁמַ֗יְמָה 1 Alternate translation: “into the heavens” or “into the night sky” 15:5 i9uf rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-contrary וּסְפֹר֙ הַכּ֣וֹכָבִ֔ים אִם תּוּכַ֖ל לִסְפֹּ֣ר אֹתָ֑ם 1 God’s point here is that there are so many stars that no one could ever count that high. He is not questioning Abram’s ability to count. Consider what is the best way to translate this contrary-to-fact statement in your language. Alternate translation: “and try to count how many stars there are, if in fact, anyone could possibly count all of them.” or “There are so many stars that no one could ever count them all.” 15:5 uudh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔וֹ 1 Throughout this chapter make sure it is clear in your translation who is speaking to whom. Always use pronouns and nouns in a way that is clear and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “While Abram was looking at the stars, Yahweh said to Abram,” or “So Abram looked up at the stars, and Yahweh continued speaking to him,” 15:5 fv94 כֹּ֥ה יִהְיֶ֖ה זַרְעֶֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “That is how many your offspring will be.” or “That is how many offspring you will have.” 15:6 obq6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְהֶאֱמִ֖ן 1 Many translations omit the conjunction **And** here. Do what is best in your language. Also, make sure it is clear in your translation that Abram is the subject here, not Yahweh (who was the last subject in verse 5). Alternate translation: “He believed Yahweh,” or “He believed what Yahweh said,” 15:6 nhkm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּחְשְׁבֶ֥הָ לּ֖וֹ צְדָקָֽה 1 Notice that Yahweh is now the subject again. Make sure it is clear in your translation who is speaking to whom here and throughout this section. Alternate translation: “and so Yahweh credited it to him as righteousness.” or “and because of that, Yahweh reckoned Abram to be righteous.” or “so Yahweh considered Abram to have a right relationship with him.” 15:7 il2v וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֵלָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh said to Abram,” 15:7 jwqc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go אֲנִ֣י יְהוָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר הוֹצֵאתִ֨יךָ֙ מֵא֣וּר 1 Alternate translation: “I am Yahweh who led you here from the city of Ur” 15:7 j8wd כַּשְׂדִּ֔ים 1 See how you translated “Ur of the Kasdim/Chaldeans” in Gen 11:28, 31, and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “which is ruled by the Kasdim” or “that the Kasdim rule” or “where the Kasdim live” 15:7 g9jd לְרִשְׁתָּֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “as your homeland.” or “to be your own” 15:8 vtol rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Abram is the one speaking here, not Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Then Abram said to him,” or “But he asked him,” 15:8 yj8m אֲדֹנָ֣י יֱהוִ֔ה 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 2. Alternate translation: “My Master Yahweh,” or “Yahweh my Lord” 15:8 i68u בַּמָּ֥ה אֵדַ֖ע 1 Alternate translation: “how can I know for sure” or “how will I be sure” 15:8 auft כִּ֥י אִֽירָשֶֽׁנָּה 1 Alternate translation: “that I will possess this territory?” 15:9 m3dc וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו 1 Alternate translation: “Yahweh said to him” 15:9 uh33 עֶגְלָ֣ה מְשֻׁלֶּ֔שֶׁת 1 Alternate translation: “a cow that is three years old,” 15:9 zo9s וְעֵ֥ז מְשֻׁלֶּ֖שֶׁת 1 Alternate translation: “a female goat that is three years old,” 15:9 x5l7 וְאַ֣יִל מְשֻׁלָּ֑שׁ 1 For some languages it may be more natural to shorten this list of animals and say, “Bring to me a young cow, a female goat, and a male sheep, each of which is three years old,” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and a male sheep that is three years old” 15:9 h03l rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וְתֹ֖ר וְגוֹזָֽל 1 Turtledoves and pigeons are common, closely related birds that look similar and are often gray or grayish brown in color. One of the main differences is that turtledoves are smaller than pigeons. Compare how you translated “dove” in Gen 8:8. Alternate translation: “as well as a turtledove and a young pigeon.” 15:10 haes וַיִּֽקַּֽח 1 It was nighttime in verse 5 when Abram looked at the stars. Now in verses 10-11 it was probably daytime, which is when birds of prey fly (verse 11). Then in verse 12 it became night again. Consider what is the best way to begin this verse in your translation. Alternate translation: “So the next day Abram took” 15:10 rm6l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ל֣וֹ אֶת כָּל אֵ֗לֶּה 1 Some languages need to make explicit that Abram killed the animals first, before cutting them in half. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “all those animals to him and killed them.” 15:10 qlm4 בַּתָּ֔וֶךְ 1 Abram probably cut the animals down the middle lengthwise, which means that each half had one front leg, and one back leg. Alternate translation: “into two parts lengthwise” 15:10 zyln וַיִּתֵּ֥ן אִישׁ־בִּתְר֖וֹ לִקְרַ֣את רֵעֵ֑הוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and placed each half a short distance across from its other half in two rows,” or “and laid the right half of each animal across from its left half in two rows,” 15:10 g80e וְאֶת הַצִפֹּ֖ר לֹ֥א בָתָֽר 1 See how you translated “cut … in two” earlier in verse 10. Alternate translation: “but he did not divide the bodies of the birds in two” or “except for the birds, which he did not cut in two” 15:11 dhk0 וַיֵּ֥רֶד הָעַ֖יִט 1 This phrase refers to large birds that eat dead animal meat. Examples of these birds include vultures, buzzards, condors, eagles, and crows. Alternate translation: “Then some birds of prey landed” or “Then some vultures swooped down and landed” or “Then some meat-eating birds” 15:11 p4wl עַל־הַפְּגָרִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “the dead animal parts to eat them,” or “the dead animals to eat them,” 15:11 xeat וַיַּשֵּׁ֥ב אֹתָ֖ם אַבְרָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “but Abram scared them away.” or “but Abram made them go away.” 15:12 e39m וַיְהִ֤י 1 This phrase adds suspense and makes the reader wonder what will happen next. Many translations leave it out, but if possible it is best to keep it in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then it happened that” 15:12 d33t הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ לָב֔וֹא 1 Alternate translation: “when the sun was going down” or “as it was starting to become night” 15:12 l3t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְתַרְדֵּמָ֖ה נָפְלָ֣ה עַל אַבְרָ֑ם 1 See how you translated a similar idiom in Gen 2:21. Alternate translation: “Abram went into a sound sleep,” or “Abram went soundly asleep,” 15:12 f59z וְהִנֵּ֥ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then suddenly,” 15:12 zuck rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֵימָ֛ה חֲשֵׁכָ֥ה גְדֹלָ֖ה נֹפֶ֥לֶת עָלָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “a great terrifying darkness came over him.” or “it became very dark, and he was terrified.” 15:13 y3qj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְאַבְרָ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh said to Abram” 15:13 dsdw יָדֹ֨עַ תֵּדַ֜ע כִּי 1 Alternate translation: “You can be sure that” 15:13 pj1f זַרְעֲךָ֗ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 5. 15:13 wscw גֵ֣ר יִהְיֶ֣ה 1 The word **strangers** refers to people who live temporarily in a city, country, or region, but they do not settle there permanently. Alternate translation: “will live as sojourners” 15:13 sd2n לֹ֣א לָהֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “that is not their home” 15:13 d6oi rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַעֲבָד֖וּם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, make sure that your translation of these pronouns clearly communicates who is being referred to. Alternate translation: “They will serve the people in that land as slaves,” or “They will be slaves for the people who live in that land” 15:13 kntb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְעִנּ֣וּ אֹתָ֑ם 1 Notice that here the pronoun **they** refers to the people who were living in the country where Abram’s descendants will be sojourning and **them** refers to Abram’s descendants. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “and those people will oppress them” or “and those people will treat them badly” 15:13 hx9m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת שָׁנָֽה 1 This phrase refers to how long Abram’s descendants would live in a land that is not theirs, not how long they would be oppressed, which was less than half of those 400 years. To make that clear in your translation, you could move this phrase earlier and say: “I want you to know that for 400 years your offspring/descendants will live in a land/country that is not their own, and the people of that country will oppress them.” Alternate translation: “for a period of 400 years.” 15:14 r32f וְגַ֧ם 1 Alternate translation: “And you can also be sure that” 15:14 kuy4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶת הַגּ֛וֹי 1 Alternate translation: “the people of that nation” or “the people” 15:14 tbec אֲשֶׁ֥ר יַעֲבֹ֖דוּ 1 Alternate translation: “whom they serve as slaves” or “who made them slaves” 15:14 dvzz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure דָּ֣ן אָנֹ֑כִי 1 For some languages it is clearer or more natural to put this clause earlier in this sentence and say, “But I will also judge/punish the people of the nation that they serve”. Do what is natural in your language. 15:14 rxgp וְאַחֲרֵי כֵ֥ן 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then” 15:14 bwpf יֵצְא֖וּ 1 Alternate translation: “your offspring will leave that land” 15:14 hshe בִּרְכֻ֥שׁ גָּדֽוֹל 1 See how you translated **possessions** in Gen 14:16, 21. Alternate translation: “with many possessions.” or “with much wealth.” or “and take many riches with them.” 15:15 lnj7 וְאַתָּ֛ה 1 In the Hebrew text, the pronoun **you** is emphatic and has an emphatic position in the sentence (before the verb) to change the topic. Do what is clear and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Now as for you,” 15:15 yeva rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism תָּב֥וֹא אֶל אֲבֹתֶ֖יךָ בְּשָׁל֑וֹם 1 This clause is a euphemism that refers to Abram’s death. However, it is best to translate the clause as literally as possible, since it implies the important information that people are still alive after they have died on earth. Also, notice that the term **fathers** refers here to ancestors who have died, not those who are still alive on earth. Alternate translation: “you will be at peace when you die and join your forefathers who have gone before you” 15:15 wwh9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure תִּקָּבֵ֖ר בְּשֵׂיבָ֥ה טוֹבָֽה 1 This clause is a euphemism that refers to Abram’s death. Make sure in your translation that it does not sound like he will be buried alive. For some languages it may be more natural to change the order of this sentence and say, “after you have lived a good/blessed long life, you will die peacefully and join your ancestors who have died before you.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “In fact, you will not die until you have lived a blessed, long life.” or “In fact, you will live a blessed, long life before you die.” 15:16 pycy וְד֥וֹר רְבִיעִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “Then after four generations have passed,” 15:16 vmew יָשׁ֣וּבוּ הֵ֑נָּה 1 Alternate translation: “your descendants will come back to this land and live here,” 15:16 jv0t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כִּ֧י לֹא שָׁלֵ֛ם עֲוֺ֥ן הָאֱמֹרִ֖י עַד הֵֽנָּה 1 God planned to give the Amorites’ land to Abram’s descendants because of the Amorites’ sin. Consider whether or not to include that implied information in your translation or in a footnote. Also, see how you translated the names of people groups in Gen 10:13-18. Alternate translation: “because that is when the Amorite people will have sinned as much as I will allow before I take away their land and give it to your descendants.” or “and I will give them the land of the Amor people, whose sin will have reached its limit by then.” 15:17 pz6x וַיְהִ֤י 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 12, and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “Then it happened that” 15:17 epqp הַשֶּׁ֨מֶשׁ֙ בָּ֔אָה 1 The sun had started to go down in verse 12. Here it had completely set. Alternate translation: “after the sun had gone down,” or “after the sun had set,” 15:17 s3qr וַעֲלָטָ֖ה הָיָ֑ה 1 This Hebrew word for **darkness** implies that it was darker than normal, so that not even light from the moon and stars was visible. Alternate translation: “it was very dark” 15:17 gctf וְהִנֵּ֨ה 1 For some languages it is better to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and suddenly,” 15:17 b7pu וְלַפִּ֣יד אֵ֔שׁ 1 Alternate translation: “and also a burning torch” 15:17 mf10 אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָבַ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “and they both passed” 15:17 rzj8 בֵּ֖ין הַגְּזָרִ֥ים הָאֵֽלֶּה 1 Alternate translation: “between the two rows of animal parts” 15:18 trnn בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא 1 It is still nighttime at this point (See: verse 17), so the word **day** refers generally here to a 24-hour day; it does not refer to daytime. Alternate translation: “On that very day” 15:18 fchr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-Idiom כָּרַ֧ת יְהוָ֛ה 1 Alternate translation: “Yahweh established” 15:18 zmuv אֶת אַבְרָ֖ם בְּרִ֣ית 1 See how you translated **covenant** in Gen 9:9, 11-13, 15-17. Alternate translation: “a peace covenant with Abram” 15:18 jufm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “by saying,” 15:18 nifa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לְזַרְעֲךָ֗ נָתַ֨תִּי֙ אֶת הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את 1 In the Hebrew text “to your offspring/descendants” is first in this quote to emphasize Abram’s descendants. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I am giving your offspring this land,” or “I hereby give this land to your offspring” 15:18 g5es מִנְּהַ֣ר מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 This phrase probably refers to the Wadi El-Arish (not the Nile River), which is on the border between Egypt and Israel. It is best in a translation to leave this general as the Hebrew text does. 15:18 wiap עַד הַנָּהָ֥ר הַגָּדֹ֖ל נְהַר פְּרָֽת 1 Alternate translation: “to the big Euphrates River in the north,” 15:19 dwlz אֶת 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “including the land which is owned by” or “That is the land which belongs to” 15:19 ba00 אֶת הַקֵּינִי֙ וְאֶת הַקְּנִזִּ֔י וְאֵ֖ת הַקַּדְמֹנִֽי 1 In a list of people group names like this (verses 19-21), for some languages it is more natural to leave out **and** and **the** most of the time. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Kenites, Kenizzites, Kadmonites,” 15:20 t17t וְאֶת הַחִתִּ֥י וְאֶת הַפְּרִזִּ֖י וְאֶת הָרְפָאִֽים 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **the Hittites** in Gen 10:15, **the Perizzites** in Gen 13:7, and “the Rephaim/Rephaites” in Gen 14:5. Alternate translation: “the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Rephaites,” or “Hittites, Perizzites, Rephaites,” 15:21 tiio וְאֶת הָֽאֱמֹרִי֙ וְאֶת הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י וְאֶת הַגִּרְגָּשִׁ֖י וְאֶת הַיְבוּסִֽי 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **the Amorites** in verse 18 and **Amorites**, **Canaanites**, **Girgashites**, and **Jebusites** in Gen 10:15-18. Alternate translation: “Amorites, Canaanites, Girgashites, and Jebusites.” 16:1 j5rh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְשָׂרַי֙ אֵ֣שֶׁת אַבְרָ֔ם 1 This verse begins a new topic and gives background information about Sarai. Some languages have a special conjunction for this. Other languages do not use a conjunction here. Do what is best in your language. 16:1 itjv לֹ֥א יָלְדָ֖ה ל֑וֹ 1 Sarai’s barrenness is first mentioned in Gen 11:30. Alternate translation: “still had not had any children for him,” 16:1 ck1v וְלָ֛הּ 1 Alternate translation: “but she did have” 16:1 oni8 שִׁפְחָ֥ה מִצְרִ֖ית 1 See how you translated “female slaves/servants” in Gen 12:16. Alternate translation: “an Egyptian slave woman” or “a female slave from the country of Egypt” 16:1 gj9y וּשְׁמָ֥הּ הָגָֽר 1 Alternate translation: “named Hagar.” 16:2 hcuf וַתֹּ֨אמֶר שָׂרַ֜י אֶל אַבְרָ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then she told Abram,” 16:2 hjtg הִנֵּה נָ֞א 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 12:11. Alternate translation: “Listen now:” or “Please listen to me” 16:2 l1km עֲצָרַ֤נִי יְהוָה֙ מִלֶּ֔דֶת 1 Alternate translation: “Since Yahweh has not permitted me to bear any children,” or “As you know, Yahweh has not permitted me to bear any children, so” 16:2 pxu9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism בֹּא נָא֙ אֶל 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the previous sentence. Also, see how you translated the idiom “went to” in Gen 6:4. Alternate translation: “please sleep with” or “please have sexual relations with” 16:2 b34m שִׁפְחָתִ֔י 1 See how you translated **maidservant** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “my slave woman Hagar.” 16:2 u5c8 אוּלַ֥י 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Maybe” or “so that perhaps” 16:2 mcq5 אִבָּנֶ֖ה מִמֶּ֑נָּה 1 Alternate translation: “I can build a family through her children.” or “she can have children for me so that I can build a family.” 16:2 klj2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע אַבְרָ֖ם לְק֥וֹל שָׂרָֽי 1 Alternate translation: “Abram agreed to do what she requested” or “So Abram listened to Sarai.” 16:3 kkb6 וַתִּקַּ֞ח שָׂרַ֣י אֵֽשֶׁת אַבְרָ֗ם 1 In the Hebrew text, the phrase “Abram’s wife” is repeated (in verses 1 and 3) to emphasize Sarai’s relationship to Abram in contrast to Hagar. For some languages it is overly redundant to repeat that phrase, and so they leave it implied here. However, if possible, it is best to keep this repetition in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then Sarai took” 16:3 hq9o אֶת הָגָ֤ר הַמִּצְרִית֙ שִׁפְחָתָ֔הּ 1 The word **Egyptian** is repeated (in verses 1 and 3) to emphasize the fact that Hagar was a foreigner. If possible, it is best to keep this repetition in your translation. Alternate translation: “her Egyptian servant woman Hagar,” or “her servant Hagar,” 16:3 c5qd מִקֵּץ֙ עֶ֣שֶׂר שָׁנִ֔ים לְשֶׁ֥בֶת אַבְרָ֖ם בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 Alternate translation: “after Abram and Sarai had lived in the land of Canaan for ten years,” 16:3 usjt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַתִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֛הּ לְאַבְרָ֥ם אִישָׁ֖הּ ל֥וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה 1 For most languages it is clearer and more natural to change the order of the clauses in this verse and say, “So Abram’s wife Sarai gave her servant Hagar to her husband Abram to be his second wife. This/That happened after Abram and Sarai had lived in the land/region of Canaan for ten years.” Make sure your translation does not sound like verse 3 happened ten years after Abram agreed to sleep with Hagar. Alternate translation: “and she gave her to her husband Abram to be his second wife.” 16:4 z3yz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיָּבֹ֥א אֶל הָגָ֖ר 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to refer to Abram by his name or by a pronoun here at the beginning of this paragraph. See how you translated the idiom “go to” in verse 2. Alternate translation: “So Abram slept with Hagar,” or “So he had marital relations with Hagar,” 16:4 zkod rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַתַּ֑הַר 1 Alternate translation: “and as a result,” or “and so” 16:4 onr6 וַתַּ֑הַר 1 Make sure that the way you translate this phrase will not be embarrassing or offensive to people, especially when it is read aloud. Alternate translation: “and as a result, she became pregnant.” or “and so she became pregnant.” 16:4 j6gh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַתֵּ֨רֶא֙ כִּ֣י הָרָ֔תָה 1 The word **saw** is used here as an idiom that means “realized” or “perceived”. Consider whether or not you have a similar idiom in your language that would work well here. Alternate translation: “But when she saw that she was pregnant,” 16:4 kp9y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַתֵּקַ֥ל גְּבִרְתָּ֖הּ בְּעֵינֶֽיהָ 1 The phrase **despised in her eyes** is an idiom that refers here to Hagar’s attitude and disrespectful actions toward Sarai. Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom. Also consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “she despised her owner Sarai.” or “she treated her owner Sarai with contempt” or “she started to look down on her mistress Sarai.” 16:5 cvvc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֨אמֶר שָׂרַ֣י אֶל אַבְרָם֮ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Sarai complained to Abram,” 16:5 l7q0 חֲמָסִ֣י עָלֶיךָ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “I am suffering because of you!” or “I am being mistreated because of you!” or “It is your fault that I am being treated wrongly” 16:5 ris2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism אָנֹכִ֗י נָתַ֤תִּי שִׁפְחָתִי֙ בְּחֵיקֶ֔ךָ 1 The idiom “put … into your arms” refers to Abram’s relationship with Hagar. Make sure that your translation of this clause is not offensive. Alternate translation: “I gave my servant to you to be your wife,” or “I allowed my servant to have marital relations with you,” 16:5 ouxe וַתֵּ֨רֶא֙ כִּ֣י הָרָ֔תָה 1 Alternate translation: “but now that she knows that she is pregnant,” 16:5 dadx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וָאֵקַ֖ל בְּעֵינֶ֑יהָ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Also see how you translated a similar clause in verse 4. Alternate translation: “she despises me!” or “she treats me with disdain” 16:5 igre rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit יִשְׁפֹּ֥ט יְהוָ֖ה בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֶֽיׄךָ 1 As the head of the household, it was Abram’s responsibility to rebuke Hagar and require her to respect Sarai. You could put that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “I ask Yahweh to decide between you and me who is responsible for this!” or “I ask Yahweh to decide who is wrong, you or me!” or “May Yahweh judge whether it is you or I who is responsible for this!” 16:6 mgqu rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אַבְרָ֜ם אֶל שָׂרַ֗י 1 Alternate translation: “But Abram said to her,” 16:6 gb51 הִנֵּ֤ה 1 Alternate translation: “Look” 16:6 onw4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom שִׁפְחָתֵךְ֙ בְּיָדֵ֔ךְ 1 The phrase **in your hand** is an idiom that refers to having control or authority over someone. Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom. Also see how you translated **maidservant** in verses 1-3, 5. Alternate translation: “your slave woman is under your authority” or “you have authority over your slave” 16:6 ns17 עֲשִׂי לָ֖הּ 1 Alternate translation: “So you can do to her” 16:6 orxc הַטּ֣וֹב בְּעֵינָ֑יִךְ 1 The phrase **in your eyes** is an idiom that refers to Sarai’s opinion. See how you translated a similar idiom (“in her eyes”) in verses 4 and 5. Alternate translation: “whatever you decide is good” or “whatever pleases you.” 16:6 yvhx וַתְּעַנֶּ֣הָ שָׂרַ֔י 1 See how you translated “afflict” in Gen 15:13. Alternate translation: “So Sarai oppressed her so” or “So Sarai treated her so badly that” 16:6 a1qw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַתִּבְרַ֖ח מִפָּנֶֽיהָ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Hagar is the one who fled, not Sarai. Alternate translation: “she ran away from her.” or “she ran away from home to get away from Sarai.” 16:7 ziyg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַֽיִּמְצָאָ֞הּ מַלְאַ֧ךְ יְהוָ֛ה 1 Make sure that the way you translate **found** does not sound like the angel had come across Hagar accidentally. Rather, he knew where she was and had gone to her intentionally. Also, this messenger from Yahweh was an angel, not a human being. Alternate translation: “But an messenger sent from Yahweh found Hagar” 16:7 urd3 עַל עֵ֥ין הַמַּ֖יִם 1 Alternate translation: “beside a spring of water” or “beside a spring” 16:7 b4xd בַּמִּדְבָּ֑ר 1 See how you translated **wilderness** in Gen 14:6. 16:7 grd7 עַל הָעַ֖יִן 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “She was at the spring” 16:7 xce6 בְּדֶ֥רֶךְ שֽׁוּר 1 Alternate translation: “that was by the road that goes to the city of Shur.” or “that was by the road near the city of Shur.” 16:8 aajb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֗ר 1 The angel asked Hagar a question, so for some languages it is better to use a word like “asked” here. Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language. Alternate translation: “And the angel said to her,” or “The angel asked her,” 16:8 yltk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַתֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “She said to him,” or “Hagar answered him,” 16:8 ya1g מִפְּנֵי֙ שָׂרַ֣י גְּבִרְתִּ֔י אָנֹכִ֖י בֹּרַֽחַת 1 See how you translated “fled from … face” in verse 6 and how you translated **mistress** in verse 4. Alternate translation: “I am running away from my owner Sarai.” 16:9 symc rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהּ֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֔ה 1 Consider what is the best way to begin this verse in your translation, after what Hagar said in verse 8. Alternate translation: “But he told Hagar,” 16:9 ceyk שׁ֖וּבִי אֶל גְּבִרְתֵּ֑ךְ 1 See how you translated “mistress/owner” in verses 4 and 8. Alternate translation: “Go back home to your owner Sarai” 16:9 hp9h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְהִתְעַנִּ֖י תַּ֥חַת יָדֶֽיהָ 1 See how you translated a similar idiom (“in your hand”) in verse 6. Alternate translation: “and humbly submit yourself to her authority.” 16:10 wpc6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהּ֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֔ה 1 Some languages do not include the quote margins here and in verse 11, because the angel is still talking to Hagar. However, the repeated quote margins could be there to emphasize what the angel says next and/or to show that he paused or that he is changing the topic. Alternate translation: “Then the angel told her,” or “Then he added” 16:10 un14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הַרְבָּ֥ה אַרְבֶּ֖ה אֶת זַרְעֵ֑ךְ 1 The pronoun **I** refers to Yahweh here. So either the angel was representing Yahweh and speaking Yahweh’s words to Hagar or it was Yahweh himself who had taken on the form of an angel. Alternate translation: “I Yahweh will greatly multiply the number of your offspring so that” 16:10 py6e וְלֹ֥א יִסָּפֵ֖ר 1 Alternate translation: “there will be too many to count,” 16:10 vljc מֵרֹֽב 1 Alternate translation: “because of their large number.” 16:11 e1h4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהּ֙ מַלְאַ֣ךְ יְהוָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “Finally the angel also said to her,” or “Finally he also told her,” or “Then the angel added” 16:11 c3yg הִנָּ֥ךְ הָרָ֖ה וְיֹלַ֣דְתְּ בֵּ֑ן 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Hagar already knew that she was pregnant, but did not know she was having a son or what she should name him. Alternate translation: “Look as you know, you are expecting a child You will bear a son, and” or “Look you are pregnant with a son. After he is born,” 16:11 mecd וְקָרָ֤את שְׁמוֹ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “give him the name” 16:11 tezq יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל 1 Some translation teams make the meaning of Ishmael’s name explicit in their translation. Other teams put the meaning of his name in a footnote. See what you did for similar cases in Gen 3:20, 4:1, 16, 25; 6:29, 10:25, 11:9. 16:11 q8bz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names כִּֽי שָׁמַ֥ע יְהוָ֖ה אֶל 1 If you include the meaning of Ishmael’s name earlier in this verse, make sure it fits with how you translate this clause. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh heard” or “because Yahweh paid attention to” 16:11 aus7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עָנְיֵֽךְ 1 The word that means **listened to** implies here that God also took action to help Hagar. Alternate translation: “your cries of misery and has helped you.” 16:12 rnzx rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְה֤וּא 1 The pronoun **he** is emphatic here, to emphasize Ishmael. Make sure that your translation refers here to Ishmael, not Yahweh. Alternate translation: “As for Ishmael, when he grows up, he” 16:12 p7hn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor יִהְיֶה֙ פֶּ֣רֶא אָדָ֔ם 1 The angel compares Ishmael to a wild donkey. Consider whether or not your language can use a similar metaphor or a simile here. Alternate translation: “will be proud and free like a untamed donkey” or “will be like a untamed donkey that no one can control” or “will not be ruled by anyone else” 16:12 ihvp יָד֣וֹ בַכֹּ֔ל וְיַ֥ד כֹּ֖ל בּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “He will be enemies with everyone.” 16:12 y6tx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְעַל־פְּנֵ֥י & יִשְׁכֹּֽן 1 The rest of this verse forms a parallelism with the first half, emphasizing what Ishmael (and his descendants) will be like. Try to keep both parts of the parallelism in your translation, since each part has a different focus and the second part adds important information. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Yes he will even fight against” 16:12 sdus rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche כָל אֶחָ֖יו 1 The word **brothers** is used here to refer to relatives in general. Consider what is the best way to translate this synecdoche in your language. Alternate translation: “all of his own relatives.” or “all of his own family members.” 16:13 iirj rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַתִּקְרָ֤א שֵׁם יְהוָה֙ הַדֹּבֵ֣ר אֵלֶ֔יהָ אַתָּ֖ה אֵ֣ל רֳאִ֑י 1 Some translations transliterate (copy or borrow) the name **El Roi** from the Hebrew, some translate its meaning, and some do both. Decide what is best in your language. 16:13 nxa3 כִּ֣י אָֽמְרָ֗ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “She named him that, because she had said to herself,” 16:13 an8m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲגַ֥ם הֲלֹ֛ם רָאִ֖יתִי אַחֲרֵ֥י רֹאִֽי 1 Hagar’s rhetorical question shows surprise and amazement. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “How can it be that I was able to look at the back of the God who looks after me?” or “I just now saw the back of him who sees me!” 16:14 jkis עַל כֵּן֙ 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 11:9. 16:14 x357 קָרָ֣א לַבְּאֵ֔ר 1 Frequently in the Hebrew text, this phrase has a general meaning and does not refer to someone specific. Also, this well is the same as the spring in verse 7. For some languages, it may be necessary to translate these words the same way so that it is clear that they refer to the same place. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “the well is named” or “people call that well” or “the name of the well is” 16:14 vkz7 הִנֵּ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “That well is still there” 16:14 v5d5 בֵין קָדֵ֖שׁ וּבֵ֥ין בָּֽרֶד 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Kadesh** in Gen 14:7. 16:15 sm1e וַתֵּ֧לֶד הָגָ֛ר לְאַבְרָ֖ם בֵּ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “After that, she returned home and gave birth to a son for Abram,” 16:15 sf8b וַיִּקְרָ֨א אַבְרָ֧ם שֶׁם בְּנ֛וֹ אֲשֶׁר יָלְדָ֥ה הָגָ֖ר יִשְׁמָעֵֽאל 1 Alternate translation: “and he called his son whom she had Ishmael.” or “and he named their son Ishmael.” 16:16 a7rj rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וְאַבְרָ֕ם 1 For some languages it is more natural to omit the conjunction here. Do what is best in your language. 16:16 hec8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idioms בֶּן 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 5:32. 16:16 xkvq בְּלֶֽדֶת הָגָ֥ר אֶת יִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל לְאַבְרָֽם 1 See how you translated “bore … for Abram” in verse 15. Also, be consistent here with how you spelled **Hagar** in chapter 16 (verses 1, 4, 6-11, 13), and how you spelled **Ishmael** in verses 11, 12 and 15. Alternate translation: “when Hagar gave birth to Ishmael for him.” 17:1 a4g7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיְהִ֣י אַבְרָ֔ם בֶּן־תִּשְׁעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְתֵ֣שַׁע שָׁנִ֑ים 1 Thirteen years have passed between the last verse of chapter 16 and the first verse of chapter 17. Consider what is the best way in your language to begin this new section. See how you translated “was a son of … years” in Gen 5:32. Alternate translation: “Years later, when Abram was 99 years old,” 17:1 b3u2 וַיֵּרָ֨א יְהוָ֜ה אֶל אַבְרָ֗ם 1 See how you translated this clause in Gen 12:7. Alternate translation: “Yahweh appeared to him” or “Yahweh visited him” 17:1 ph7e rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֲנִי אֵ֣ל שַׁדַּ֔י 1 Most translation teams translate the meaning of God’s title here (**God Almighty**). A few teams transliterate the title as “El Shaddai” (as if it were a personal name) and put the meaning of the title in a footnote. Abram already knew that God’s personal name is Yahweh (Gen 12:8; 15:7-8), so he would have understood that God was using a title here (not a personal name). The title **God Almighty** emphasizes God’s authority and power. You could include a transliteration of this title in a footnote. Alternate translation: “I am Almighty God.” or “I am the all-powerful God.” 17:1 z65o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idioms הִתְהַלֵּ֥ךְ לְפָנַ֖י 1 This phrase is an idiom that means to habitually live according to God’s will. Alternate translation: “Walk in my presence” or “Live according to my will” 17:1 mxfa וֶהְיֵ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “yes, you must be” 17:1 bv2d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom תָמִֽים 1 See how you translated this idiom in Gen 6:9. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “without fault.” or “upright.” 17:2 dsx1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וְאֶתְּנָ֥ה בְרִיתִ֖י 1 Some translations begin this sentence without a conjunction. Do what is best in your language. See how you translated “cut/make/establish … covenant” in Gen 15:18, where the verb is different from here but has a similar meaning (“establish/seal” or “put into effect”). Alternate translation: “I will institute my covenant” 17:2 unnk וְאַרְבֶּ֥ה אוֹתְךָ֖ בִּמְאֹ֥ד מְאֹֽד 1 Alternate translation: “and I will cause you to have very many descendants.” or “and I will increase the number of your descendants so that they are exceedingly numerous.” 17:3 iqyn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּפֹּ֥ל אַבְרָ֖ם עַל־פָּנָ֑יו 1 Make sure that the translation of this clause does not sound like Abram fell down accidentally. Rather, he intentionally threw himself to the ground out of deep respect for God. Alternate translation: “Then Abram prostrated himself before God to show him respect,” 17:3 ia2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר אִתּ֛וֹ אֱלֹהִ֖ים לֵאמֹֽר 1 Some translations omit **saying** here because it is not natural in those languages. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and God spoke to him and said,” or “and God continued speaking with Abram,” or “and God added,” 17:4 opjt אֲנִ֕י הִנֵּ֥ה בְרִיתִ֖י אִתָּ֑ךְ וְהָיִ֕יתָ 1 In the Hebrew text, the pronoun **me** is emphatic both in form and in sentence position to emphasize that Yahweh is the one doing this. Alternate translation: “Look, this is my responsibility in my covenant with you: I will cause you to be” or “Look, this is what I will do to fulfill my covenant with you: I will make you” 17:4 jhlo לְאַ֖ב 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 4:20, 21; 10:21. 17:4 to54 הֲמ֥וֹן 1 Alternate translation: “a large number of” 17:4 bvqg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms גּוֹיִֽם 1 See how you translated this term in Gen 10:5, 20, 31, 32. Alternate translation: “ethnic groups.” 17:5 t3tn וְלֹא־יִקָּרֵ֥א ע֛וֹד אֶת־שִׁמְךָ֖ אַבְרָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “So your name will not be Abram anymore,” or “Your name will no longer be Abram,” 17:5 y88x וְהָיָ֤ה שִׁמְךָ֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Instead, from now on it will be Abraham,” or “Rather, I am changing it now to Abraham,” 17:5 ju00 כִּ֛י & נְתַתִּֽיךָ 1 The form of the Hebrew verb in this clause is completed aspect (**have made**) and shows certainty that God will do this. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “because I will make you” 17:5 gvn8 אַב הֲמ֥וֹן גּוֹיִ֖ם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 4. Alternate translation: “the ancestor of many ethnic groups.” 17:6 d68r rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וְהִפְרֵתִ֤י אֹֽתְךָ֙ בִּמְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֔ד 1 This verse repeats and elaborates on the last part of verse 5; it does not refer to different events. Consider what is the best way to begin this sentence in your language. Alternate translation: “Yes, I will make you exceedingly fruitful,” or “I will give you very many offspring” 17:6 p8wc וּנְתַתִּ֖יךָ לְגוֹיִ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “so that you will be the father of many ethnic groups,” or “and I will cause your descendants to become many ethnic groups,” 17:6 vqo1 וּמְלָכִ֖ים מִמְּךָ֥ יֵצֵֽאוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated “king” in Gen 14:1-5. Alternate translation: “In fact, there will be kings who descend from you.” or “In fact, some of your descendants will become kings.” 17:7 q56j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular וַהֲקִמֹתִ֨י אֶת בְּרִיתִ֜י בֵּינִ֣י וּבֵינֶ֗ךָ 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 2. The pronouns **you** and **your** are singular in this clause and also later in this verse. Alternate translation: “I will make my covenant with you” 17:7 dj4k וּבֵ֨ין זַרְעֲךָ֧ אַחֲרֶ֛יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “and all your offspring who live after you” or “as well as all your offspring” 17:7 s1qx לְדֹרֹתָ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “for all future generations” 17:7 cyi2 לִבְרִ֣ית עוֹלָ֑ם 1 For some languages it is better to break up this long sentence and begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “It will be a covenant that never ends,” or “It will be a covenant that lasts forever,” 17:7 ds2h לִהְי֤וֹת לְךָ֙ לֵֽאלֹהִ֔ים וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֖ אַחֲרֶֽיךָ 1 Alternate translation: “that I will be the God who takes care of you and all your descendants.” or “that I will be the God whom you and all your descendants worship” 17:8 nyz3 וְנָתַתִּ֣י לְ֠ךָ וּלְזַרְעֲךָ֨ אַחֲרֶ֜יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “I will also give to you and your offspring” 17:8 z44f אֵ֣ת אֶ֣רֶץ מְגֻרֶ֗יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “the land where you have been living as a outsider,” 17:8 ooc1 אֵ֚ת כָּל אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן 1 Alternate translation: “yes, the entire land of Canaan,” 17:8 bvrb לַאֲחֻזַּ֖ת עוֹלָ֑ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “It will be their land forever,” 17:8 udkv וְהָיִ֥יתִי לָהֶ֖ם לֵאלֹהִֽים 1 See how you translated the phrase “be God to you” in verse 7. Alternate translation: “and I will be the God who takes care of them.” or “I will be the God whom they worship” 17:9 qzbp וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Some languages leave out this quote margin, because God is still speaking to the same person. See what you did for similar cases in Gen 16:10-11. 17:9 ognl וְאַתָּ֖ה 1 In the Hebrew text, the pronoun **you** is emphatic both in form and in sentence position to shift the focus from talking about God’s part in the covenant (verses 4-8) to talking about Abraham’s part. Translate this phrase in a way that shows this change in focus. Alternate translation: “As for you,” or “Now as for your part in my covenant” or “Your responsibility in my agreement is that” 17:9 zstx אֶת בְּרִיתִ֣י תִשְׁמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “you must keep the requirements of my agreement,” 17:9 r3ok אַתָּ֛ה וְזַרְעֲךָ֥ 1 For some languages it is better to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “both you and” or “That includes you and” 17:9 uz7r וְזַרְעֲךָ֥ אַֽחֲרֶ֖יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “all your descendants who live after you” or “all your offspring” 17:9 uumy לְדֹרֹתָֽם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 7, and a similar phrase in verse 8. Alternate translation: “including all generations to come.” or “for all future generations.” 17:10 grqg זֹ֣את בְּרִיתִ֞י 1 Alternate translation: “This is what I require in my covenant” or “This is one of the requirements of my agreement” 17:10 mdxu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּשְׁמְר֗וּ 1 Notice that the pronoun **you** is plural here. 17:10 esro rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular בֵּינִי֙ וּבֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם וּבֵ֥ין 1 The pronoun **you** is plural here and probably refers to Abraham and his family or household. Alternate translation: “the covenant that is between me and you all, including” or “the covenant I have made with all of you, including” 17:10 bxe0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure זַרְעֲךָ֖ אַחֲרֶ֑יךָ 1 Notice that the pronouns **your** and **you** are singular here and refer to Abraham. Also, it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of some of the clauses in this sentence and say, “This is what I require in my covenant/agreement with you and your descendants who will live after you, which you all must keep/obey:” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “your descendants who will live after you:” or “all your descendants:” 17:10 pe10 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms הִמּ֥וֹל לָכֶ֖ם כָּל זָכָֽר 1 Circumcision involves cutting the foreskin off the penis of a boy or man. Translate this clause in a way that does not offend or embarrass people. Some languages may need to be more discreet and say something general like “must cut off the male skin” or “must follow the male skin-cutting custom.” It may be necessary to include a footnote and/or an explanation in the glossary about this so that people understand what circumcision is, especially in areas where people cut their skin on other parts of the body for other reasons. Alternate translation: “You must circumcise all males who live with you.” or “You must cut off the male foreskin of every boy and man who lives among you.” 17:11 mhww rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular וּנְמַלְתֶּ֕ם אֵ֖ת בְּשַׂ֣ר עָרְלַתְכֶ֑ם 1 Notice that in the Hebrew text, the pronouns **you** and **your** are plural in this verse. Also, be consistent here with how you translated “circumcise” in verse 10. Alternate translation: “Yes, all the males among you must have your foreskins cut off,” or “Indeed you must circumcise the foreskin of all the males among you” 17:11 c80d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular וְהָיָה֙ לְא֣וֹת בְּרִ֔ית בֵּינִ֖י וּבֵינֵיכֶֽם 1 The pronoun **you** is plural here. Alternate translation: “and that practice will serve as the sign that reminds you of my agreement I made with all of you.” or “and that practice will show you all that I made my covenant with you.” 17:12 pl8e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וּבֶן שְׁמֹנַ֣ת יָמִ֗ים יִמּ֥וֹל 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “Every eight-day-old baby boy must be circumcised by you,” or “So you must circumcise every eight-day-old baby boy,” 17:12 c7zl כָּל זָכָ֖ר 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “and every other male” or “as well as all other males” or (2) “yes, every male child”. The following context suggests that this phrase includes males of all ages, not just babies, since male slaves who were bought would especially include adult males. 17:12 n2rq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לְדֹרֹתֵיכֶ֑ם 1 It may be more natural to put this phrase at the beginning of this verse and say, “For all future generations you must circumcise every baby boy who is eight days old, as well as all other males among your people …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “for all future generations,” 17:12 qqux יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת 1 This phrase refers to Abraham’s future sons, including Isaac (Gen 21:4) and his concubines’ sons (25:6), and may also refer to the sons of Abraham’s servants. Also, for some languages it may be better to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “including males who are born in your family” or “That includes those from your own family” 17:12 lsxb וּמִקְנַת כֶּ֨סֶף֙ מִכֹּ֣ל בֶּן נֵכָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֛ר לֹ֥א מִֽזַּרְעֲךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “and those whom you buy from foreigners as slaves who are not your descendants.” or “as well as those who are not your offspring but are slaves whom you have bought from foreigners.” 17:13 bi24 הִמּ֧וֹל יִמּ֛וֹל 1 This verse repeats and emphasizes what was just said in verse 12. Consider what is the best way to communicate this emphasis in your language. Alternate translation: “Yes, you must surely circumcise all of them,” 17:13 zibc יְלִ֥יד בֵּֽיתְךָ֖ וּמִקְנַ֣ת כַּסְפֶּ֑ךָ 1 See how you translated these phrases in verse 12. It may be best to translate them in a slightly different way here because of the repetition. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “including those who are born in your household as well as those whom you buy as a slave” or “regardless of whether they are males from your own household or slaves whom you have bought.” 17:13 ojc7 וְהָיְתָ֧ה בְרִיתִ֛י 1 Alternate translation: “That is how the sign of my agreement must be marked” or “That is how you must mark my covenant” 17:13 yepf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche בִּבְשַׂרְכֶ֖ם 1 The word **flesh** refers here to the body in general. Translate this in a way that is clear and natural in your language. 17:13 we4s לִבְרִ֥ית עוֹלָֽם 1 See how you translated **an eternal covenant** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “to show that it is an permanent covenant” or “to show that it is a covenant that never ends.” 17:14 sp1v וְעָרֵ֣ל זָכָ֗ר אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא יִמּוֹל֙ אֶת בְּשַׂ֣ר עָרְלָת֔וֹ 1 In this context, **male** refers to men who refuse to be circumcised, not baby boys. Alternate translation: “But as for every man who is not circumcised,” or “In fact, if a man refuses to let you circumcise him,” or “If a man refuses to be circumcised,” 17:14 z5fa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְנִכְרְתָ֛ה הַנֶּ֥פֶשׁ הַהִ֖וא מֵעַמֶּ֑יהָ 1 The phrase **cut off from his people** is an idiom which means that the person is an outcast of society and can no longer associate closely with other people in that society. Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom that would work well here. Alternate translation: “that person must be sent away and not be allowed to fellowship with his people” or “you must send him away and not allow him to fellowship with his people” 17:14 x4d6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הֵפַֽר 1 This phrase has the opposite meaning of “keep” or “obey” in verse 9. Consider whether or not your language has an idiom like **broken** that means to not do what has been agreed upon or to disobey what was commanded. Alternate translation: “because he has not kept” 17:14 r1ku אֶת בְּרִיתִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “the rules of my covenant” or “what I require in my covenant” 17:15 b4k2 וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶל אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Later God also said to Abraham,” 17:15 d7gc שָׂרַ֣י אִשְׁתְּךָ֔ 1 This phrase is first in this quote to change the focus to Sarai and emphasize her. Consider what is the best way to do this in your language. 17:15 zovk לֹא תִקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמָ֖הּ שָׂרָ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “her name will no longer be Sarai,” 17:15 fvai כִּ֥י שָׂרָ֖ה שְׁמָֽהּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “because from now on her name will be Sarah.” or “Rather her name is now Sarah.” or “Rather, from now on it will be Sarah.” 17:16 m30z וְגַ֨ם נָתַ֧תִּי מִמֶּ֛נָּה לְךָ֖ בֵּ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “and I will definitely enable her to have a son for you.” or “and I will definitely give you a son by her.” 17:16 fk5z וּבֵֽרַכְתִּ֨יהָ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “In fact, I will prosper her” or “Yes, I will bless her” 17:16 sif8 וְהָֽיְתָ֣ה לְגוֹיִ֔ם 1 See how you translated **nations** in verses 4-6. Alternate translation: “so that she will become the mother of many ethnic groups,” or “so much that she will have many descendants that will form new ethnic groups,” 17:16 gvvj מַלְכֵ֥י עַמִּ֖ים מִמֶּ֥נָּה יִהְיֽוּ 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 6. Alternate translation: “and kings over peoples will descend from her.” or “and some of her descendants will even be kings who rule over many ethnic groups.” 17:17 xnh2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּפֹּ֧ל אַבְרָהָ֛ם עַל־פָּנָ֖יו 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 3. Alternate translation: “When Abraham heard that, he bowed with his face to the ground before God to show respect,” or “Then Abraham prostrated himself before God to show him respect,” 17:17 wr09 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּצְחָ֑ק וַיֹּ֣אמֶר בְּלִבּ֗וֹ 1 The phrase **said in his heart** is an idiom that refers to something Abraham thought, but did not say out loud. Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom that fits well here. Alternate translation: “but he laughed to himself and thought,” 17:17 d074 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הַלְּבֶ֤ן מֵאָֽה שָׁנָה֙ יִוָּלֵ֔ד 1 Abraham uses the rhetorical questions in verse 17 to express strong disbelief. If that is not clear in your language, you could translate the rhetorical questions as statements, with or without a tag question. Alternate translation: “How can a hundred-year-old man like myself father a son” or “Certainly it is not possible for a hundred-year-old man like me to father a son” or “Certainly a hundred-year-old man like myself cannot father a child, can he?” 17:17 ld4f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וְאִ֨ם שָׂרָ֔ה הֲבַת תִּשְׁעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה תֵּלֵֽד 1 Alternate translation: “And how can Sarah who is 90 years old still have a baby” or “And certainly it is not possible for a 90-year-old woman like Sarah to still bear a baby” or “And certainly a 90-year-old woman like Sarah cannot still give birth to a baby can she?” 17:18 zy6u rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶל הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “So he said to God,” 17:18 ro82 ל֥וּ יִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל 1 Consider what is the best way to express this strong wish or hope in your language. Alternate translation: “Oh, that Ishmael could” 17:18 gi97 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יִחְיֶ֥ה לְפָנֶֽיךָ 1 This idiom means to live under God’s care and be blessed by him. Alternate translation: “live in your presence!” 17:19 ocod rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים 1 Alternate translation: “God said to him,” 17:19 e0ka אֲבָל֙ 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to begin God’s response to Abraham here with a **No** or a “Yes”. Although God agrees that he will bless Ishmael (verse 20), he disagrees with Abraham’s request to allow Ishmael to be the one God establishes his covenant with. Alternate translation: “No, rather” or “Yes, however” 17:19 vvis שָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתְּךָ֗ 1 Here God emphasizes what he said in verse 16 about Sarah. Alternate translation: “as I said, your wife Sarah is the one who” 17:19 ki58 יֹלֶ֤דֶת לְךָ֙ בֵּ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “will bear you a son,” 17:19 yo8z וְקָרָ֥אתָ אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ יִצְחָ֑ק 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated “call … name …” in verse 15. Alternate translation: “and you must name him Isaac.” or “You must give him the name Isaac.” 17:19 jxgr וַהֲקִמֹתִ֨י אֶת בְּרִיתִ֥י אִתּ֛וֹ 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 7. Alternate translation: “I will make my covenant with him” or “He is the one I will establish my covenant with,” 17:19 t5se לִבְרִ֥ית עוֹלָ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “as a permanent covenant” 17:19 p6c9 לְזַרְע֥וֹ אַחֲרָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “that will also be for all his offspring who live after him.” or “that I will also keep with all his offspring who live after him.” 17:20 x4ze וּֽלְיִשְׁמָעֵ֘אל שְׁמַעְתִּיךָ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “As for Ishmael, I have heard your request for him.” 17:20 hdzr הִנֵּ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “So behold” or “So here is what I will do:” 17:20 kdq9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בֵּרַ֣כְתִּי אֹת֗וֹ 1 See how you translated **bless** in verse 16. Alternate translation: “I will also prosper him,” 17:20 l4uk וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֥י אֹת֖וֹ בִּמְאֹ֣ד מְאֹ֑ד 1 Alternate translation: “so that he has a great many descendants.” 17:20 kjss יוֹלִ֔יד 1 Alternate translation: “In fact, he will have” 17:20 ya9m שְׁנֵים עָשָׂ֤ר נְשִׂיאִם֙ 1 Many translations have “princes” here, but these Ishmaelite rulers were not actually sons of a king, so it is better to use a more general term in your translation. Alternate translation: “twelve sons who become chiefs,” or “twelve sons who will be great leaders,” 17:20 tlf0 וּנְתַתִּ֖יו לְג֥וֹי גָּדֽוֹל 1 Alternate translation: “and I will make him the father of a great ethnic group.” or “and I will make him and his descendants become a great ethnic group.” 17:21 ni6a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וְאֶת בְּרִיתִ֖י אָקִ֣ים 1 In the Hebrew text, the phrase **my covenant** is put before the verb in order to change the topic to God’s covenant. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Also consider again how you translated **covenant** in verses 2, 4, 7, 9-11, 13-14, 19, 21. Alternate translation: “But I will make my covenant” 17:21 nbs6 אֲשֶׁר֩ תֵּלֵ֨ד לְךָ֤ שָׂרָה֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, see how you translated “is bearing … for you” in verse 19. Alternate translation: “whom Sarah will give birth to for you” 17:21 e5iw לַמּוֹעֵ֣ד הַזֶּ֔ה בַּשָּׁנָ֖ה הָאַחֶֽרֶת 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “by/at this time/season next year.” or (2) “at the appointed/set time next year.” 17:22 e61u וַיְכַ֖ל לְדַבֵּ֣ר אִתּ֑וֹ 1 See how you translated “spoke with him” in verse 3. Alternate translation: “When God had finished speaking with Abraham,” 17:22 fuch rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּ֣עַל אֱלֹהִ֔ים מֵעַ֖ל אַבְרָהָֽם 1 Consider whether to use a noun or a pronoun to refer to God and Abraham at each point in this verse. Do what is clear and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he went up from Abraham to heaven.” or “he left him and ascended to heaven.” or “he left him.” 17:23 sklq וַיִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָהָ֜ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Abraham brought together” 17:23 crat וְאֵת֙ כָּל מִקְנַ֣ת כַּסְפּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “as well as all the male slaves whom he had bought,” 17:23 waa8 כָּל זָכָ֕ר בְּאַנְשֵׁ֖י בֵּ֣ית אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 This phrase refers to everyone mentioned in the first half of this verse, including all males of all ages, not just men. 17:23 m2zy וַיָּ֜מָל אֶת בְּשַׂ֣ר עָרְלָתָ֗ם בְּעֶ֨צֶם֙ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and on that same day he cut off their foreskins,” 17:23 dx5x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר דִּבֶּ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of the clauses in this verse and say, “Then that very/same day, Abraham did just/exactly as God had told/commanded him to do: He took/gathered …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “just as God had commanded him to do.” 17:24 q91v rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְאַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם 1 The information in verses 24 and 25 is background information. Many languages have a specific conjunction or transitional phrase that is used to introduce this kind of information. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Now Abraham” 17:24 cjb4 בֶּן תִּשְׁעִ֥ים וָתֵ֖שַׁע שָׁנָ֑ה 1 See how you translated “a son of … years” in verse 1. Alternate translation: “was ninety-nine years old” 17:24 belb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive בְּהִמֹּל֖וֹ בְּשַׂ֥ר עָרְלָתֽוֹ 1 We do not know who circumcised Abraham. Some Jewish scholars think it was Shem and some others think Abraham did it himself. However, the Hebrew text does not say who did it, so in your translation it is best to also not specify who did it. Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “when his foreskin was cut off,” 17:25 vbof וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֣אל בְּנ֔וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “His son Ishmael” 17:25 tj3a בֶּן שְׁלֹ֥שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “was 13 years old” 17:25 m286 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive בְּהִ֨מֹּל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת בְּשַׂ֥ר עָרְלָתֽוֹ 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 24. Alternate translation: “when his foreskin was cut off.” or “when he was circumcised.” or “when he circumcised him.” 17:26 d2d2 בְּעֶ֨צֶם֙ הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה 1 Verses 26 and 27 repeat what happened in verse 23 to emphasize what happened. Make sure in your translation that it does not sound like Abraham and Ishmael were circumcised twice. See how you translated “on that very/same day” in verse 23. Alternate translation: “So it was, on that very day” 17:26 ipkz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive נִמּ֖וֹל אַבְרָהָ֑ם וְיִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל בְּנֽוֹ 1 Abraham is the one who circumcised his son Ishmael (verse 23). See how you translated “he was circumcised” in verse 24. Alternate translation: “Abraham was circumcised, and he circumcised his son Ishmael.” 17:27 xu47 יְלִ֣יד בָּ֔יִת 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 12 and 23. 17:27 mrt0 וּמִקְנַת־כֶּ֖סֶף 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verses 12 and 23. Alternate translation: “as well as those whom he had bought as slaves” 17:27 b2ph מֵאֵ֣ת בֶּן נֵכָ֑ר 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 12. 17:27 tt49 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive נִמֹּ֖לוּ אִתּֽוֹ 1 For some languages it may be better to move this phrase earlier in this verse and say, “And all the other males in his/Abraham’s household were also circumcised, including those who had been born …” Do what is best in your language. Also, consider again how you translated **circumcised** in verses 10-14, 23-27. 18:1 xaic וַיֵּרָ֤א אֵלָיו֙ יְהוָ֔ה 1 See how you translated **appeared** in Gen 12:7 and 17:1. Also, consider whether it is better to refer to Abraham here with a pronoun or with his name in your language. Alternate translation: “Then one day Yahweh came again to him” or “One day Yahweh visited Abraham again” 18:1 yyba בְּאֵלֹנֵ֖י מַמְרֵ֑א 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 13:18, 14:13, and a similar phrase in Gen 12:6. 18:1 qyjw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns וְה֛וּא יֹשֵׁ֥ב 1 Alternate translation: “as Abraham was sitting” 18:1 grq0 פֶּֽתַח הָאֹ֖הֶל 1 The entrance to the tent was an opening that could be closed by a large piece of cloth or animal skin. It did not have a solid wood door like a house has. See how you translated **tent** in Gen 4:20. Alternate translation: “at the doorway of his tent” or “by the front of his tent” 18:1 x2ic כְּחֹ֥ם הַיּֽוֹם 1 Alternate translation: “during the hot time of the day.” 18:2 febu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּשָּׂ֤א עֵינָיו֙ וַיַּ֔רְא 1 See how you translate this phrase in Gen 22:13. Alternate translation: “He looked up” 18:2 lfa5 וְהִנֵּה֙ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה אֲנָשִׁ֔ים נִצָּבִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “and noticed that there were three men standing” or “and was surprised to see three men standing” 18:2 ceux עָלָ֑יו 1 Translate this phrase in a way that fits with the fact that the men were far enough away from Abraham that he could run over to them (as he did in the next sentence). Alternate translation: “not too far away from him.” 18:2 waan וַיַּ֗רְא 1 Alternate translation: “When he saw them,” 18:2 vco6 וַיָּ֤רָץ & מִפֶּ֣תַח הָאֹ֔הֶל 1 Alternate translation: “he got up from where he was and ran” or “he got up and ran to them” 18:2 xsoq לִקְרָאתָם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “to welcome them.” 18:2 ayo5 וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ אָֽרְצָה 1 Compare how you translated a phrase that has a similar meaning (“fell on his face”) in Gen 17:3, 17. Alternate translation: “Then he bowed low before them with his forehead to the ground to show respect,” or “Then he prostrated himself on the ground in front of them to show respect,” 18:3 unrc וַיֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “and said to them,” 18:3 i1yu rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics אֲדֹנָ֗י 1 Abraham uses **lords** here as a polite address to the three men. The Hebrew word “lord” can also be a reference to God, but notice that at this point Abraham probably thought he was talking to men or angels. It wasn’t until later that he realized that one of them was Yahweh (verse 14). Alternate translation: “My masters,” or “Gentlemen,” 18:3 f44a אִם נָ֨א מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ 1 The pronoun **your** is singular here in the Hebrew text, and also in the next clause. It could be that Abraham is addressing each of the three men simultaneously, or that he is addressing their leader or spokesman. Alternate translation: “if you are satisfied with me,” or “if you would honor me with your presence,” 18:3 qzez rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אַל נָ֥א תַעֲבֹ֖ר מֵעַ֥ל עַבְדֶּֽךָ 1 Abraham refers to himself as a servant here in order to show respect to his guests. Alternate translation: “please stay here for a while as my guests.” 18:4 s8jr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive יֻקַּֽח נָ֣א מְעַט מַ֔יִם 1 Saying **a little** was a polite way of showing generosity. Make sure your translation does not sound here like Abraham was only offering the men a tiny bit of water; he or his servants were going to bring them enough water to wash their feet. Alternate translation: “Let my servants bring you some water,” 18:4 ygvl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular וְרַחֲצ֖וּ רַגְלֵיכֶ֑ם 1 People wore sandals and their feet would get dusty when they traveled. So it was customary to offer guests water to wash the dust off their feet. Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Also, notice that the pronouns **you** and **your** are plural here in the Hebrew text. Alternate translation: “That way you all can wash the dust off your feet” 18:4 pywd וְהִֽשָּׁעֲנ֖וּ 1 Alternate translation: “and then relax here” 18:5 dabs וְאֶקְחָ֨ה 1 Alternate translation: “I will also get you” or “Let me also get you” 18:5 w6hc פַת 1 Saying **a morsel** was a polite way of showing generosity. Make sure your translation does not sound here like Abraham was only offering the men a tiny bit of bread; he was going to give them plenty of food to eat. Alternate translation: “a little bit of” 18:5 qih5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy לֶ֜חֶם 1 Since bread was a common staple of their diet, it is often used in the Bible to refer to food in general. Alternate translation: “bread for you to eat.” 18:5 e1nm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְסַעֲד֤וּ לִבְּכֶם֙ 1 Notice that the pronouns **you** and **your** are plural in this quote in the Hebrew text and refer to Abraham’s three guests. Alternate translation: “Then you can be refreshed” 18:5 vde1 אַחַ֣ר תַּעֲבֹ֔רוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and then continue on your way,” or “before you continue traveling,” 18:5 gvtq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי־עַל־כֵּ֥ן עֲבַרְתֶּ֖ם עַֽל עַבְדְּכֶ֑ם 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this clause at the beginning of this verse and say, “Since you are here with me, let me also bring some food …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “now that you have come to me.” or “since you are here with me.” 18:5 hxgd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ 1 Alternate translation: “So they said to him,” or “The men replied to him,” 18:5 wdtf כֵּ֥ן 2 The word used here in the Hebrew text shows agreement or acceptance. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Very well,” or “That is good” 18:5 zxbs תַּעֲשֶׂ֖ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּֽרְתָּ 1 Alternate translation: “do what you have suggested.” 18:6 mws9 הָאֹ֖הֱלָה אֶל שָׂרָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “to Sarah inside the tent” 18:6 i8g7 וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “and said to her,” 18:6 eknx מַהֲרִ֞י 1 Alternate translation: “Quickly use” or “Quickly prepare” 18:6 vfdt rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown שְׁלֹ֤שׁ סְאִים֙ 1 It is not certain how much **three seahs** was, but it is thought that it was more than 20 quarts/liters. It was enough flour to make bread for many people, just as the calf (verse 7) provided enough meat for many people and showed generous hospitality. Besides Abraham’s guests, others in his household may have also joined in eating the feast. Alternate translation: “three large scoops” 18:6 yzn0 קֶ֣מַח סֹ֔לֶת 1 Alternate translation: “of good quality flour.” or “of the best flour.” 18:6 ygf6 ל֖וּשִׁי וַעֲשִׂ֥י עֻגֽוֹת 1 The Hebrew word for **loaves** here is often translated “cakes”, which probably refers to their flat, round shape (similar to biscuits). However, make sure your translation of this word does not sound like a dessert, because this bread was not sweet. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Knead the dough and make it into loaves” or “and bake some loaves of flat bread.” or “and make some bread.” 18:7 bsyq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns וְאֶל־הַבָּקָ֖ר רָ֣ץ אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then he hurriedly left the tent and went to his herd of cattle” or “Next he quickly went outside to his herd of cattle” 18:7 hxpb וַיִּקַּ֨ח 1 Alternate translation: “and picked out” 18:7 z2ik בֶּן בָּקָ֜ר רַ֤ךְ וָטוֹב֙ 1 Alternate translation: “one of his best calves that would be tasty to eat.” 18:7 jtgs וַיִּתֵּ֣ן 1 The word **gave** means Abram brought the calf to his servant and put him in charge of preparing its meat for a meal. Make sure your translation does not sound like the calf was a gift. Alternate translation: “Then he took the calf” or “Then he turned it over” 18:7 vnc1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיְמַהֵ֖ר לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת אֹתֽוֹ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that this clause refers to the servant, not Abraham. Alternate translation: “and his servant quickly prepared it.” or “who quickly slaughtered it and roasted it.” 18:8 pb0g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּקַּ֨ח 1 Make sure that your translation of this phrase refers to Abraham, not his servant. Alternate translation: “Then he got” 18:8 meiu חֶמְאָ֜ה 1 This term refers to churned, fermented milk that has curdled. Alternate translation: “some curds” 18:8 dhgo וְחָלָ֗ב 1 Alternate translation: “along with milk” or “as well as milk” 18:8 iwky וּבֶן הַבָּקָר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and the meat from the calf” 18:8 c5ub אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “that he had his servant prepare,” or “that the servant had cooked” 18:8 tlvu rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם 1 Since verse 2 was the last time the three men were mentioned, it may be clearer and more natural to make them explicit here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and he served all of it to the three men to eat.” or “and he set it all before his three guests to eat.” 18:8 oc6u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֹּאכֵֽלוּ 1 As the host, Abraham stood nearby his guests in order to wait on them and make sure they had everything that they needed. Alternate translation: “and waited on them while they ate.” 18:9 xl7m rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵׄלָׄ֔יׄוׄ 1 The Hebrew text uses a plural pronoun here (**they**) to refer to one of the three men who spoke to Abraham on behalf of them all (See verse 10). Many languages can use **they** or “the men” in the same way. Make sure your translation of this quote margin does not sound like all three of the men spoke at the same time. Alternate translation: “Then one of the men asked him” 18:9 frnv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Abraham is the one speaking here. Alternate translation: “He answered him,” 18:9 c5q0 הִנֵּ֥ה בָאֹֽהֶל 1 Alternate translation: “She is there inside the tent.” 18:10 b369 וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 This phrase refers to the man in verse 9 who spoke on behalf of himself and the other two men. We find out in verse 13 that the man was actually Yahweh. However, at this point Abraham and Sarah probably did not yet know who he was, so it is better to not specify who he was here, in order to keep that suspense in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then that man” 18:10 qpv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “said to him” or “spoke again to Abraham,” 18:10 aib9 שׁ֣וֹב אָשׁ֤וּב 1 Alternate translation: “I will certainly come back” 18:10 bdy4 אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “to you here” 18:10 s103 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כָּעֵ֣ת חַיָּ֔ה 1 For some languages it may be more natural to move this time phrase to the beginning of this quote and say, “Next year at this time I will surely/definitely return …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “at this season next year,” or “next year at this time” 18:10 usku וְהִנֵּה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and when I do,” or “At that time,” 18:10 yh3k בֵ֖ן לְשָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתֶּ֑ךָ 1 This means that Sarah would have a son with her when Yahweh returns. It does not mean that she would give birth at that time. Alternate translation: “your wife Sarah will have a baby boy with her.” or “your wife Sarah will already have a baby son” 18:10 kp1s rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְשָׂרָ֥ה שֹׁמַ֛עַת 1 This sentence gives information about something that was happening while the man was talking. Translate this in a way that makes that clear in your language. Alternate translation: “Now Sarah was eavesdropping” or “Sarah was eavesdropping” 18:10 btll פֶּ֥תַח הָאֹ֖הֶל 1 See how you translated “the entrance of the tent” in verse 1. Alternate translation: “inside the doorway of the tent,” 18:10 vtqh וְה֥וּא אַחֲרָֽיו 1 Notice that the pronoun **it** refers to the entrance to the tent (where Sarah was). Alternate translation: “which was right behind” 18:10 g6tq אַחֲרָֽיו 1 The pronoun **him** is ambiguous here. It can refer to: (1) “the man” or (2) “Abraham” 18:11 oz4x rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְאַבְרָהָ֤ם וְשָׂרָה֙ 1 This verse gives background information that is important to what happens next. Some languages use a conjunction such as **Now** here to introduce this kind of information, while other languages omit the conjunction, especially if **Now** is used to begin the last sentence in verse 10. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Abraham and she” or “Sarah and Abraham” 18:11 rsbl זְקֵנִ֔ים בָּאִ֖ים בַּיָּמִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “were already quite old” or “were very elderly” 18:11 pdfh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism חָדַל֙ לִהְי֣וֹת לְשָׂרָ֔ה אֹ֖רַח כַּנָּשִֽׁים 1 The Hebrew text has an idiom here that is a polite way of saying that Sarah had reached menopause and so was not able to have children. Other languages may have a similar idiom. Make sure your translation of this clause will not offend or embarrass people when it is read aloud in public. Alternate translation: “so that she was much older than the normal age for bearing children.” or “so that she was far past the time that she could bear children.” 18:12 plyn וַתִּצְחַ֥ק שָׂרָ֖ה בְּקִרְבָּ֣הּ 1 See how you translated **laughed** in Gen 17:17 where Abraham also laughed to himself. Alternate translation: “So Sarah laughed to herself in disbelief” 18:12 u386 לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “and thought to herself,” or “and asked herself,” 18:12 nggz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַחֲרֵ֤י בְלֹתִי֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Since my body is now worn out,” or “Now that I am too old to conceive,” 18:12 rjek rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הָֽיְתָה לִּ֣י עֶדְנָ֔ה 1 Sarah uses a rhetorical question to express her strong emotion and disbelief. Consider whether or not it is best to use a rhetorical question here in your language. Alternate translation: “will I still have this pleasure?” 18:12 he9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַֽאדֹנִ֖י זָקֵֽן 1 The phrase **my lord** is a title of respect that Sarah uses to refer to Abraham as her husband. Also, for some languages it may be better to change the order of some of the clauses in this verse and say, “I am too old to conceive and my husband is also very/too old! How can I possibly still have/experience the pleasure of having a child?” or “It doesn’t seem possible that I could have/experience the pleasure of having a child now that I am too old to conceive. Besides that, my husband is also very/too old!” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Besides that, my master is also too old!” 18:13 xspz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוָ֖ה אֶל אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 The way you translate this quote margin will depend on whether you translate the rest of this verse as a rhetorical question or a statement. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh asked Abraham,” 18:13 jhpl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֣מָּה זֶּה֩ צָחֲקָ֨ה שָׂרָ֜ה לֵאמֹ֗ר 1 Yahweh uses rhetorical question in verses 13-14 to confront Sarah’s disbelief and to emphasize that nothing is too difficult for God to do. Consider whether or not it is best to use rhetorical questions here in your language. Alternate translation: “Why did Sarah laugh to herself and say” or “Sarah should not have laughed and thought to herself,” or “Sarah should not have laughed, thinking,” 18:13 jigk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes הַאַ֥ף אֻמְנָ֛ם אֵלֵ֖ד וַאֲנִ֥י זָקַֽנְתִּי 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to make this embedded quote a direct or indirect quote. Make sure that your translation of **I** refers here to Sarah, not Yahweh. Alternate translation: “I am too old to bear a child!” 18:14 i07c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲיִפָּלֵ֥א מֵיְהוָ֖ה דָּבָ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “Is there anything that is too hard for Yahweh to do?” or “Nothing is too hard for Yahweh to do!” 18:14 qtll לַמּוֹעֵ֞ד 1 Alternate translation: “At the time that I have decided,” 18:14 a096 אָשׁ֥וּב אֵלֶ֛יךָ 1 Consider how you translated this in verse 10. Alternate translation: “I will come back here to visit you” 18:14 vgyv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כָּעֵ֥ת חַיָּ֖ה 1 See how you translated this idiom in verse 10. Also, for some languages it may be better to put this phrase right after the first time phrase in this verse and say, “At the time that I have decided, which will be this time next year, I will return here to visit you,” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Yes, I will return at this time next year,” or “—it will be at this time next year—” 18:14 i8zs וּלְשָׂרָ֥ה בֵֽן 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 10. Alternate translation: “and Sarah will have a baby son with her.” or “and Sarah will already have a baby boy.” 18:15 za8c וַתְּכַחֵ֨שׁ שָׂרָ֧ה 1 The Hebrew verb here includes the meaning of lying or deceiving. Alternate translation: “But Sarah lied to him” 18:15 e03j לֵאמֹ֛ר 1 Notice that the verbs **denied** and **saying** refer to the same event, not two separate events. Make sure that is clear in your translation. 18:15 d6be rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations לֹ֥א צָחַ֖קְתִּי כִּ֣י יָרֵ֑אָה 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to translate this quote as a direct or indirect quote. Also, for some languages it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of the clauses in this sentence and say, “When Sarah heard that, she was afraid, so she lied to him and said, “I did not laugh.” ” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “that she did not laugh. She said that, because she was afraid.” 18:15 sjaq וַיֹּ֥אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “But he replied to her,” 18:15 rwv6 לֹ֖א כִּ֥י צָחָֽקְתְּ 1 Consider whether Yahweh’s reply to Sarah here should begin with **No** or “Yes” in your language. Alternate translation: “Yes, you did laugh.” 18:16 c73z וַיָּקֻ֤מוּ מִשָּׁם֙ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “After they had finished eating, the three men got up to leave” 18:16 gktx וַיַּשְׁקִ֖פוּ עַל פְּנֵ֣י סְדֹ֑ם 1 This phrase reflects the fact that the city of Sodom was lower in elevation than the city of Hebron, where Abraham was living. Alternate translation: “and started heading down toward the city of Sodom.” 18:16 hm8x וְאַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם הֹלֵ֥ךְ עִמָּ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “Abraham walked with them for a while” or “Abraham accompanied them for a while” 18:16 f1fq לְשַׁלְּחָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “as they were leaving.” 18:17 jgid rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַֽיהֹוָ֖ה אָמָ֑ר 1 The context implies that Yahweh said this to himself, without Abraham hearing him. See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 11:6. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh said to himself,” 18:17 h1l5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הַֽמְכַסֶּ֤ה אֲנִי֙ מֵֽאַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “I will not conceal from Abraham” or “I will tell Abraham” 18:17 gyoq אֲשֶׁ֖ר אֲנִ֥י עֹשֶֽׂה 1 Whether you end this sentence with a question mark or a period will depend on how you choose to translate this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “what I am going to do to the city of Sodom” 18:18 aib0 וְאַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם הָי֧וֹ יִֽהְיֶ֛ה 1 Some translations begin a new sentence here. Other translations continue the rhetorical question (or statement) in verse 17 to the end of verse 18 and say, “since Abraham/he will …” or “seeing that Abraham/he will …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “he will surely be the ancestor of” or “After all, Abraham and his descendants will surely multiply and become” 18:18 k83p לְג֥וֹי גָּד֖וֹל וְעָצ֑וּם 1 See how you translated “great nation” in Gen 12:2. Alternate translation: “a great and powerful ethnic group,” 18:18 ox5n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy ב֔וֹ 1 This phrase refers to Abraham and his descendants, including ultimately the Messiah. See the note about this at Gen 12:3. Alternate translation: “and through him” or “and because of him” or “and by means of him” 18:18 vsqn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְנִ֨בְרְכוּ & כֹּ֖ל גּוֹיֵ֥י הָאָֽרֶץ 1 See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 12:3. Alternate translation: “all the ethnic groups in the world will be blessed by me.” or “I will bless all the ethnic groups in the world.” 18:19 bba7 כִּ֣י 1 Alternate translation: “Indeed” 18:19 fa4n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יְדַעְתִּ֗יו 1 Consider whether or not your language has an idiom that fits well here. Alternate translation: “I have chosen Abraham” 18:19 ghcz לְמַעַן֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר יְצַוֶּ֜ה אֶת בָּנָ֤יו 1 Alternate translation: “so that he will guide his children” 18:19 tkzz וְאֶת בֵּיתוֹ֙ אַחֲרָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “grandchildren, and other descendants who will live after him,” 18:19 w7fg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְשָֽׁמְרוּ֙ דֶּ֣רֶךְ יְהוָ֔ה 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Yahweh is speaking about himself here. 18:19 l0t4 לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת צְדָקָ֖ה וּמִשְׁפָּ֑ט 1 Alternate translation: “and do what is right and just in my eyes” or “and do what is right including treat people justly” 18:19 sxv0 לְמַ֗עַן 1 For some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So” 18:19 kp8o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person הָבִ֤יא יְהוָה֙ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Yahweh is referring to himself here. Alternate translation: “I will accomplish” 18:19 w9ko rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns עַל אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֖ר עָלָֽיו 1 The pronoun **he** refers to Yahweh here. Make sure the way you use nouns and pronouns throughout this verse makes it clear in your language who is speaking and who is being referred to. Alternate translation: “for him what I have promised him that I will do.” 18:20 bsh5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “So Yahweh told Abraham,” 18:20 ejie rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy זַעֲקַ֛ת סְדֹ֥ם וַעֲמֹרָ֖ה כִּי רָ֑בָּה וְחַ֨טָּאתָ֔ם כִּ֥י כָבְדָ֖ה מְאֹֽד 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that the phrase **Sodom and Gomorrah** refers to the people in those cities. Also, in the Hebrew text this sentence continues into verse 21. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “I have heard many terrible accusations against the people of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because they are sinning so grievously So” or “I have heard many people crying out against the people in the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah because they are committing very evil things.” 18:21 iqb6 אֵֽרֲדָה נָּ֣א 1 The cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were both lower in elevation than the city of Hebron. See what you did for a similar case in verse 16. Alternate translation: “I am going to those cities now” 18:21 cael rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-goal וְאֶרְאֶ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “to investigate” or “in order to find out” 18:21 ehz9 הַכְּצַעֲקָתָ֛הּ & עָשׂ֣וּ ׀ כָּלָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “whether or not the people in those cities are guilty of everything” or “if the people there have done all the terrible sins” 18:21 p8yd הַבָּ֥אָה אֵלַ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “that I have heard about them.” or “that I have heard they are guilty of.” 18:21 qczs וְאִם לֹ֖א 1 Alternate translation: “If those things are not true,” 18:22 r9ho וַיִּפְנ֤וּ מִשָּׁם֙ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “Then the other two men left from there” 18:22 qizv סְדֹ֑מָה 1 Alternate translation: “and continued heading toward the city of Sodom,” or “and headed toward the city of Sodom,” 18:22 d7qa וְאַ֨בְרָהָ֔ם עוֹדֶ֥נּוּ עֹמֵ֖ד 1 Alternate translation: “and Abraham stood there” 18:23 qs0n וַיִּגַּ֥שׁ אַבְרָהָ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Abraham came closer to him” 18:23 a3ux rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “and said to him,” 18:23 o9sc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הַאַ֣ף תִּסְפֶּ֔ה 1 Abraham uses a rhetorical question here to express his strong feelings and concern about what Yahweh told him. Consider whether or not it is clear and natural to use a rhetorical question here in your language. Make sure it does not sound like Abraham is angry or being rude. See how you translated a similar idiom (“wipe away”) in Gen 6:7. Alternate translation: “Would you indeed wipe out” or “Surely you would not destroy” 18:23 tazw צַדִּ֖יק 1 Alternate translation: “the good people in the city” 18:23 fmh2 עִם 1 Alternate translation: “together with” or “when you destroy” 18:23 l14u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion רָשָֽׁע 1 The way you translate this rhetorical question will determine what punctuation mark you end this sentence with. If you use an exclamation point here, make sure it does not sound like Abraham was angry, shouting, or being disrespectful. Alternate translation: “the wicked people there” or “the people there who are evil” or “the wicked people there, would you?” 18:24 pfkn אוּלַ֥י 1 Alternate translation: “Suppose that” 18:24 hdx0 יֵ֛שׁ חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים צַדִּיקִ֖ם בְּת֣וֹךְ הָעִ֑יר 1 See how you translated “the righteous” in verse 23. Also consider whether to use **fifty** or “50” here in your translation, which depends on how your translation team has decided to represent numbers. Alternate translation: “there are 50 good people living in the city of Sodom?” 18:24 hrne rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הַאַ֤ף תִּסְפֶּה֙ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 23. Alternate translation: “Will you actually still destroy” or “Certainly you will not still destroy” 18:24 h1ad וְלֹא תִשָּׂ֣א לַמָּק֔וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “the place and all its inhabitants rather than spare them” or “all the people in the place rather than let them all live” 18:24 zuz1 לְמַ֛עַן 1 Alternate translation: “in order to save” 18:24 qhq8 חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים הַצַּדִּיקִ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “the 50 good people” 18:24 jhkh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּקִרְבָּֽהּ 1 The way you translate this rhetorical question will determine what punctuation mark you end this sentence with. Alternate translation: “who live in it” or “who live there, will you?” 18:25 zsq3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom חָלִ֨לָה לְּךָ֜ 1 This idiom expresses emphatically that Abraham does not believe Yahweh would do this. Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom. Make sure that Abraham sounds respectful in your translation. Alternate translation: “Surely you would never” or “It seems impossible that you would ever” or “I hope that you would never” 18:25 ngke צַדִּיק֙ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 23. Alternate translation: “good people” 18:25 nhtp עִם 1 Alternate translation: “along with” or “when you destroy” 18:25 xel1 רָשָׁ֔ע 1 See how you translated **the wicked** in verse 23. Alternate translation: “wicked people,” 18:25 scup וְהָיָ֥ה כַצַּדִּ֖יק כָּרָשָׁ֑ע 1 If exclamation points are used in this chapter, make sure it does not sound like Abraham is angry, shouting, or being disrespectful Alternate translation: “so that good people are punished by you as if they were evil!” 18:25 rs19 חָלִ֣לָה לָּ֔ךְ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase at the beginning of this verse. Alternate translation: “Surely you would never do such a thing!” or “It seems impossible that you would ever do such a thing!” or “I hope that you would never do such a thing!” 18:25 zx52 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲשֹׁפֵט֙ כָּל הָאָ֔רֶץ לֹ֥א יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה מִשְׁפָּֽט 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to translate this rhetorical question; make sure that Abraham sounds polite. Also see how you translated **justice** in verse 19. Alternate translation: “As the judge of everyone on the earth, surely you will treat people rightly.” or “You are the one who judges all the people on the earth. Surely you will do what is right.” 18:26 yoae rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוָ֔ה 1 Make sure that the various quote margins in this long conversation (verses 23-32) are clear and natural in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh answered him” 18:26 bj6m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj בִסְדֹ֛ם חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים צַדִּיקִ֖ם בְּת֣וֹךְ הָעִ֑יר 1 Alternate translation: “50 godly people living in the city of Sodom,” 18:26 gvx5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְנָשָׂ֥אתִי לְכָל הַמָּק֖וֹם 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Yahweh is referring here to the city of Sodom as well as the people who live there, not just the city. Alternate translation: “then I will spare the entire city and everyone who lives there” or “then I will not destroy the city or anyone in it” 18:26 fbs2 בַּעֲבוּרָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “for the sake of those righteous people.” or “in order to save those good people.” 18:27 yvx6 וַיַּ֥עַן אַבְרָהָ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Abraham responded” 18:27 feez rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “and said to him,” or “and asked him,” 18:27 nwih rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הִנֵּה נָ֤א הוֹאַ֨לְתִּי֙ לְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל 1 The idiom **taken it upon myself** means that Abraham has decided to do something and is acting boldly. Consider whether or not your language has an idiom that fits well here. Alternate translation: “Listen, please, since I have been bold to speak to you,” or “Please excuse me for speaking to you so boldly,” 18:27 duu3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אֲדֹנָ֔י 1 Abraham realizes by now that he is talking to Yahweh, so use a respectful term in your translation that is appropriate for him to use when he refers to Yahweh here and in the rest of this chapter. Also, for some languages it is more natural to put this phrase first in this quote and say, “My Lord/Master, please excuse me for speaking to you so boldly,” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “my Master,” or “Master,” 18:27 u0t8 וְאָנֹכִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “in spite of the fact that” 18:27 otno rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְאָנֹכִ֖י עָפָ֥ר וָאֵֽפֶר 1 It may be clearer to put this comparison earlier in the sentence and say, “My Lord/Master, I am as unimportant/insignificant as dust/dirt and ashes, so please excuse me …” Do what is best in your language. Also, see how you translated **dust** in Gen 2:7 and 3:19. Alternate translation: “I am as unimportant as dust and ashes compared to you.” or “I am nothing compared to you.” or “I have no status compared to you.” 18:28 omjl א֠וּלַי 1 See how you translated this term in verse 24. Alternate translation: “But suppose that” 18:28 z4ng יַחְסְר֞וּן חֲמִשִּׁ֤ים הַצַּדִּיקִם֙ חֲמִשָּׁ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “there are five fewer than 50 righteous people living in the city?” or “there are only 45 righteous people in the city instead of 50?” 18:28 nmr1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הֲתַשְׁחִ֥ית & אֶת כָּל הָעִ֑יר 1 See how you translated “the whole place” in verse 26. Alternate translation: “Will you still destroy the whole city and everyone in it” 18:28 vm49 בַּחֲמִשָּׁ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “because the number of righteous people is five persons low?” 18:28 fkpg rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Yahweh is speaking here, not Abraham. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh said to him” or “Yahweh answered him” 18:28 d67i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis לֹ֣א אַשְׁחִ֔ית אִם אֶמְצָ֣א שָׁ֔ם אַרְבָּעִ֖ים וַחֲמִשָּֽׁה 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation what “forty-five/45” refers to. Alternate translation: “I will not destroy the city if there are 45 righteous people living there.” or “if I find 45 righteous people living in the city, I will not destroy it.” 18:29 hcxd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֨סֶף ע֜וֹד לְדַבֵּ֤ר אֵלָיו֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then he spoke again to him” 18:29 ttcu rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “and asked him,” 18:29 aol6 אוּלַ֛י 1 Alternate translation: “Suppose that” 18:29 mgon rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive יִמָּצְא֥וּן & אַרְבָּעִ֑ים 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “only 40 righteous people are found by you” or “you find only 40 righteous people” or “there are only 40 righteous people” 18:29 getl שָׁ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “living there?” or “living in the city? Will you destroy it then?” 18:29 ibi6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “And Yahweh replied,” or “He answered him” 18:29 b3sh בַּעֲב֖וּר 1 Alternate translation: “because of” 18:29 ymm1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis הָאַרְבָּעִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “the 40 righteous people.” or “those 40 people.” 18:30 tijl rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַ֠יֹּאמֶר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Abraham is speaking here, not Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Then Abraham asked him” or “Then Abraham pleaded with Yahweh,” 18:30 fekp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אַל נָ֞א יִ֤חַר לַֽאדֹנָי֙ 1 Abraham addresses Yahweh using the third person and the title **Lord** to show him honor and respect. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “My Master, please do not be angry at me,” 18:30 ee6m וַאֲדַבֵּ֔רָה 1 Alternate translation: “but let me say something else:” or “rather let me ask you another question:” 18:30 d5rt אוּלַ֛י 1 Alternate translation: “Suppose that” 18:30 w00d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis יִמָּצְא֥וּן & שְׁלֹשִׁ֑ים 1 If you use the numeral “30” here in your translation, make sure that it will not get confused with the verse number. Alternate translation: “only 30 righteous people are found” or “you find only 30 righteous people” or “there are only 30 righteous people” 18:30 iwdq שָׁ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “living in the city?” 18:30 wy2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Yahweh is speaking here, not Abraham. Alternate translation: “Yahweh replied,” or “He answered him,” 18:30 r9fd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis לֹ֣א אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֔ה אִם אֶמְצָ֥א שָׁ֖ם שְׁלֹשִֽׁים 1 See how you translated a similar sentence at the end of verse 28. Alternate translation: “I will not destroy the city if I find 30 righteous people living there.” or “If I find 30 righteous people living in the city, I will not destroy it.” 18:31 nea1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Abraham is speaking here, not Yahweh. Alternate translation: “Then Abraham said to him” or “Then Abraham asked Yahweh,” 18:31 slxe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person הִנֵּֽה נָ֤א הוֹאַ֨לְתִּי֙ לְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל אֲדֹנָ֔י 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 27. Alternate translation: “Listen, please, since I have been bold to speak to you, my Lord” or “My Lord please excuse me for speaking to you so boldly.” 18:31 qrfv אוּלַ֛י 1 Alternate translation: “Suppose that” 18:31 phwd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis יִמָּצְא֥וּן & עֶשְׂרִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “only 20 righteous people are found by you” or “you find only 20 righteous people” or “there are only 20 righteous people” 18:31 tm05 שָׁ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “living there?” 18:31 cr9s rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “He replied,” or “Then he answered him” 18:31 fkt3 בַּעֲב֖וּר 1 Alternate translation: “because of” 18:31 mh2x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis הָֽעֶשְׂרִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “the 20 righteous people.” or “those 20 people.” 18:32 gv4j rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַ֠יֹּאמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Finally he said to him,” or “Then he asked him” 18:32 lk3d אַל נָ֞א יִ֤חַר לַֽאדֹנָי֙ 1 See how you translated this sentence in verse 30. Consider again how you translated **my Lord** in verses 27, 30-32. Contrast that to verse 3, where Abraham probably used the term before he realized that he was talking to Yahweh. Alternate translation: “My Master, please do not be angry at me,” 18:32 kpb0 וַאֲדַבְּרָ֣ה אַךְ הַפַּ֔עַם 1 Alternate translation: “rather, let me say one more thing:” or “and let me ask you just one more thing” 18:32 ly53 אוּלַ֛י 1 Consider again how you translated the term **Suppose** in verses 24 and 28 and how you translated the sentence “Suppose only …righteous people are found there?” in verses 29-32. Alternate translation: “Suppose that” 18:32 qkyp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive יִמָּצְא֥וּן & עֲשָׂרָ֑ה 1 Consider again how you translated **found** and “find” in verses 26, 28-32. Alternate translation: “only ten righteous people are found” or “you find only ten righteous people” 18:32 ho73 שָׁ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “living there?” or “living in the city? Will you destroy it then?” 18:32 rknm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Consider again how you referred to Yahweh and Abraham in your translation throughout this dialogue (verses 23-32). It is a good idea to read this conversation aloud at a regular speed and listen to make sure that all quote margins are natural and clear in your language. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh replied,” or “He answered him,” 18:32 igm4 בַּעֲב֖וּר 1 Consider again how you translated this phrase in verses 24, 26, 29, 31, 32. Alternate translation: “because of” 18:32 dxyk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis הָעֲשָׂרָֽה 1 Consider again whether you used words or numerals for the numbers throughout verses 24-32. Also consider again how you translated “righteous people” and “righteous people” in verses 23-32. Alternate translation: “those ten righteous people.” 18:33 yjrf וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ יְהוָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר כִּלָּ֔ה לְדַבֵּ֖ר אֶל אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh left Abraham as soon as he finished speaking with him,” 18:33 sski וְאַבְרָהָ֖ם שָׁ֥ב לִמְקֹמֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and Abraham went home.” 19:1 g0pi rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַ֠יָּבֹאוּ שְׁנֵ֨י הַמַּלְאָכִ֤ים סְדֹ֨מָה֙ בָּעֶ֔רֶב 1 See how you translated “angel” in Gen 16:7-11. 19:1 guh5 בְּשַֽׁעַר סְדֹ֑ם 1 Cities like Sodom had stone walls built around them, with entrance gates (that were closed at night) to protect the people in the city from enemies. Alternate translation: “by the gate of the city.” or “at the city gate” 19:1 kpct rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual וַיַּרְא לוֹט֙ וַיָּ֣קָם 1 Some languages have a special dual pronoun that can be used throughout verses 1-19 to refer to the two angels. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “When Lot saw them, he got up” 19:1 jt2e לִקְרָאתָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “to greet them” 19:1 oarz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ אַפַּ֖יִם אָֽרְצָה 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 18:2. Alternate translation: “and then bowed before them with his forehead to the ground to show respect.” or “and then kneeled in front of them and bowed his forehead to the ground to show them respect.” 19:2 qrka rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness הִנֶּ֣ה נָּא אֲדֹנַ֗י 1 See how you translated **Behold, please** in Gen 18:27. Also see how you translated “my lord” in Gen 18:3. At this point, Lot probably did not know that these were angels, because they looked like men. Alternate translation: “Listen to me please, my lords” or “Sirs please listen to this:” 19:2 uv8k rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness ס֣וּרוּ נָ֠א אֶל 1 Lot is being urgent here (using **please** twice), probably because he knows how dangerous the city is. Translate this quote in a way that communicates this urgency. Alternate translation: “Please stop in at” 19:2 ya0h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person בֵּ֨ית עַבְדְּכֶ֤ם וְלִ֨ינוּ֙ 1 Lot refers to himself as **your servant** here to show respect to the two men and to politely offer to host them as his guests. 19:2 n4bd וְלִ֨ינוּ֙ וְרַחֲצ֣וּ רַגְלֵיכֶ֔ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated **wash your feet** in Gen 18:4. Alternate translation: “You can wash the dust off your feet and stay for the night there.” 19:2 jib0 וְהִשְׁכַּמְתֶּ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then early in the morning you can get up” 19:2 ua14 וַהֲלַכְתֶּ֣ם לְדַרְכְּכֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and continue on your way.” 19:2 hmun וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ 1 Alternate translation: “The two angels said to him” 19:2 bnmm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness לֹּ֔א כִּ֥י 1 The angels’ reply should sound polite and respectful in your translation, not rude or disrespectful. For example, in some cultures it is not polite to say **No** too directly. Alternate translation: “No, thank you, rather” or “That is kind of you, but” 19:2 nmtj בָרְח֖וֹב נָלִֽין 1 This refers to a public, outdoor place inside the city, perhaps the open place inside the city gate where people would meet. Alternate translation: “we will just stay in the city square tonight.” or “we plan to stay the night in the square.” 19:3 ck6p וַיִּפְצַר בָּ֣ם מְאֹ֔ד 1 Alternate translation: “But Lot insisted urgently” or “However he continued to urge them earnestly” or “However he continued to urgently invite them” 19:3 g3lh וַיָּסֻ֣רוּ אֵלָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “until he finally convinced them and they went with him” 19:3 gnxh וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ אֶל בֵּית֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “to his house and entered it.” 19:3 yh3g וַיַּ֤עַשׂ לָהֶם֙ מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה 1 Lot probably had his wife or servants prepare the meal (as Abraham did in Gen 18:6-7). It is common in the Bible to say that a leader or head of household (as here) did something, when in reality he had it done by someone else who was under his authority. Alternate translation: “Then he made a big meal for them,” or “Then Lot had a big meal prepared for them,” 19:3 pv7b וּמַצּ֥וֹת אָפָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “including some bread without yeast in it,” 19:4 rxq5 טֶרֶם֮ יִשְׁכָּבוּ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “But after the meal, before they could lie down to sleep,” or “After that, before they could go to bed for the night,” 19:4 o87x וְאַנְשֵׁ֨י הָעִ֜יר אַנְשֵׁ֤י סְדֹם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “all the men of the city of Sodom” 19:4 j14c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism מִנַּ֖עַר וְעַד זָקֵ֑ן 1 This phrase refers to all the men of the city of Sodom, including the young and the old and everyone in between. Consider what is the best way to translate this phrase in your language. Alternate translation: “from the youngest to the oldest,” 19:4 pth7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole כָּל הָעָ֖ם מִקָּצֶֽה 1 This phrase is hyperbole or exaggeration, to emphasize that a very large number of people from the city were there. Consider whether or not your language can do the same thing. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “In fact, all the people from every section of the city were there.” or “so that people from the entire city were there.” or “In fact, everyone from all parts of the city had come there.” 19:5 yafr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns וַיִּקְרְא֤וּ 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to these people at this point in the paragraph in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then the mob of people called out to Lot” or “Then the mob of men shouted to Lot” 19:5 mtxz אֲשֶׁר בָּ֥אוּ אֵלֶ֖יךָ הַלָּ֑יְלָה 1 Alternate translation: “who came to your house tonight?” 19:5 yi37 הוֹצִיאֵ֣ם אֵלֵ֔ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Bring them to us out here” or “We demand that you bring them out here to us” 19:5 o8pw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וְנֵדְעָ֖ה אֹתָֽם 1 In Hebrew the verb **know** is often used as an idiom that means “have sex with” (as in Gen 4:1, 25). Here it refers to homosexual activities and raping the two men. Translate this in a way that is not too offensive to be read aloud in public. Alternate translation: “so that we can have sex with them!” 19:6 t2yg וַיֵּצֵ֧א אֲלֵהֶ֛ם ל֖וֹט הַפֶּ֑תְחָה 1 Alternate translation: “But Lot went outside near the entrance to talk to them,” 19:6 bpju וְהַדֶּ֖לֶת סָגַ֥ר אַחֲרָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “and he shut the door of the house behind him,” 19:7 sw0r rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then he said to them,” or “and he pleaded with them,” 19:7 fcre rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness נָ֥א אַחַ֖י 1 The phrase **my brothers** is used here as a polite address that implies a close relationship. Lot uses this idiom to try to get the men of Sodom to not harm his guests. The men were not his actual brothers. For some languages it is more natural to put **my brothers** (or “my friends”) first in this quote. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “No, please, my friends,” or “I beg you, my brothers” or “No, my brothers please” 19:7 ie42 אַל & תָּרֵֽעוּ 1 Alternate translation: “do not do this evil!” or “do not do such an wicked thing!” 19:8 r4h6 הִנֵּה נָ֨א 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 2. Alternate translation: “Listen to me please:” or “Please listen to me” 19:8 kz77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism לֹֽא יָדְעוּ֙ אִ֔ישׁ 1 See how you translated the idiom “knew” in verse 5 and Gen 4:1, though it may need to be translated in different ways depending on the context. Alternate translation: “have not had sexual relations with a man.” or “have never slept with a man.” or “are virgins.” 19:8 kt35 אוֹצִֽיאָה נָּ֤א אֶתְהֶן֙ אֲלֵיכֶ֔ם וַעֲשׂ֣וּ לָהֶ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “Allow me to bring them out to you instead so that you may do to them” or “If you will let me bring them out here to you, then you may do to them” 19:8 tey8 כַּטּ֖וֹב בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֑ם 1 See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 16:6. Alternate translation: “whatever you like.” or “whatever pleases you.” 19:8 hber רַ֠ק לָֽאֲנָשִׁ֤ים הָאֵל֙ אַל־תַּעֲשׂ֣וּ דָבָ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “But you must not do anything to harm these men,” or “But do not violate these men,” 19:8 i8uo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כִּֽי עַל כֵּ֥ן בָּ֖אוּ בְּצֵ֥ל קֹרָתִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “because they have come under the shelter of my roof” or “because they are my guests and I am responsible for their well-being” 19:9 jiyd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ 1 Alternate translation: “But the men of Sodom responded to him” or “But the men of Sodom shouted at Lot,” 19:9 lcke גֶּשׁ הָ֗לְאָה 1 Alternate translation: “Stand aside!” or “Get out of the way!” 19:9 k5nk וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then they said to each other,” 19:9 v2qe הָאֶחָ֤ד בָּֽא 1 The phrase “this one/guy” shows disdain and disrespect for Lot. If possible, use a similar term in your language here. 19:9 tah3 לָגוּר֙ 1 See how you translated **sojourn** in Gen 12:10. Here it has the negative meaning that Lot does not belong there. Alternate translation: “to live temporarily,” or “as a outsider,” 19:9 pdcc וַיִּשְׁפֹּ֣ט שָׁפ֔וֹט עַתָּ֕ה 1 Alternate translation: “and now he wants to judge us!” 19:9 o113 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit נָרַ֥ע לְךָ֖ מֵהֶ֑ם 1 Here the crowd switches from talking to each other to shouting at Lot. Decide whether or not that needs to be explicit in your translation. 19:9 eo89 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּפְצְר֨וּ בָאִ֤ישׁ בְּלוֹט֙ מְאֹ֔ד 1 Alternate translation: “Then they started shoving hard against him” 19:9 b2w4 וַֽיִּגְּשׁ֖וּ לִשְׁבֹּ֥ר הַדָּֽלֶת 1 Alternate translation: “and moved forward to break down the door of his house.” 19:10 u6wd וַיָּבִ֧יאוּ אֶת ל֛וֹט 1 Alternate translation: “and quickly pulled Lot” 19:10 is7s וְאֶת הַדֶּ֖לֶת סָגָֽרוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and slammed the door shut.” 19:11 oetn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְֽאֶת־הָאֲנָשִׁ֞ים אֲשֶׁר פֶּ֣תַח הַבַּ֗יִת הִכּוּ֙ בַּסַּנְוֵרִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “Then those two guests who were angels caused the men of Sodom who were outside the door of the house to be blind,” 19:11 p3qa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism מִקָּטֹ֖ן וְעַד גָּד֑וֹל 1 This phrase refers to all the men who were outside the house, including the young and the old and everyone in between. See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 4. Alternate translation: “from the youngest to the oldest,” 19:11 w33l וַיִּלְא֖וּ לִמְצֹ֥א הַפָּֽתַח 1 Alternate translation: “so that they wearied themselves fumbling around trying to find the door.” or “so that they could not see the door and gave up trying to find it.” 19:12 zh3t rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֨וּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֜ים אֶל־ל֗וֹט 1 Alternate translation: “Then the two men asked Lot,” 19:12 zvxl עֹ֚ד מִֽי לְךָ֣ פֹ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “What other family members do you have here,” or “Do you have any other relatives here in this city,” 19:12 gaxp חָתָן֙ וּבָנֶ֣יךָ וּבְנֹתֶ֔יךָ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here or later in this verse. Alternate translation: “such as sons-in-law or sons or daughters” or “If you have sons-in-law, sons, daughters,” 19:12 qpwl וְכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר לְךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “or any other relatives” 19:12 hx9v בָּעִ֑יר 1 The punctuation you use here depends on whether or not you began a new sentence earlier in this quote. Alternate translation: “in this city,” 19:12 l25l הוֹצֵ֖א 1 Whether or not you begin a new sentence here will depend on whether you began a new sentence earlier in this quote. Alternate translation: “then quickly take them out” 19:12 h0sr מִן הַמָּקֽוֹם 1 Make sure that the way you translate this phrase fits well with the ways that you refer to the city of Sodom earlier in this verse and in the next verse. It may help to read the entire verse aloud to make sure everything is clear and sounds natural in your language. Alternate translation: “from here,” 19:13 gxxj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive כִּֽי מַשְׁחִתִ֣ים אֲנַ֔חְנוּ 1 The pronoun **we** refers here only to the two angels, not Lot or anyone else. Alternate translation: “because we are going to destroy” 19:13 ijzq אֶת הַמָּק֖וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה 1 The way you translate this phrase will depend on how you translated the end of verse 12. 19:13 q23w rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns כִּֽי גָֽדְלָ֤ה צַעֲקָתָם֙ אֶת פְּנֵ֣י יְהוָ֔ה 1 See how you translated **outcry** in Gen 18:20-21. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Also, make sure that your translation of **their outcry** refers to the people of Sodom, not Lot’s relatives who were the last ones referred to (verse 12). Alternate translation: “Yahweh has heard that the people of this city are guilty of terrible sins,” or “Yahweh has heard serious accusations against the people who live here” 19:13 w6zh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֥נוּ יְהוָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “so he has ordered us” 19:13 ovq1 לְשַׁחֲתָֽהּ 1 Make sure the way you translate this phrase fits with how you translated the first part of this sentence. Alternate translation: “to destroy them and their city.” 19:14 baqg וַיֵּצֵ֨א ל֜וֹט וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל 1 Alternate translation: “So Lot went and spoke to” or “So Lot went to speak to” or “So went to” 19:14 wrto rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לֹקְחֵ֣י בְנֹתָ֗יו 1 The word **take** is used here as an idiom that means to marry. Consider whether or not it is best in your language to translate this as an idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “who were going to marry his daughters” 19:14 i021 וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and he said to them,” or “and he urged them,” or “He told them,” 19:14 xhur ק֤וּמוּ 1 This phrase communicates urgency here. Alternate translation: “Come on! We must” 19:14 xzmf צְּאוּ֙ מִן 1 Alternate translation: “get away from” or “flee from” 19:14 o4rj כִּֽי מַשְׁחִ֥ית יְהוָ֖ה 1 See how you translated “are destroying” in verse 13. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh is going to destroy” 19:14 nuhr אֶת הָעִ֑יר 1 Alternate translation: “the place!” 19:14 ibgy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיְהִ֥י כִמְצַחֵ֖ק בְּעֵינֵ֥י חֲתָנָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “But his sons-in-law did not listen to him, because they thought he was joking.” 19:15 wugx וּכְמוֹ֙ הַשַּׁ֣חַר עָלָ֔ה 1 Dawn is the time before sunrise when it starts getting light. Alternate translation: “Very early the next morning,” 19:15 hw3n וַיָּאִ֥יצוּ הַמַּלְאָכִ֖ים בְּל֣וֹט לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 See how you translated **angels** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “the two messengers urged Lot,” 19:15 rtvk קוּם֩ 1 Alternate translation: “You must quickly” 19:15 xo9t קַ֨ח אֶֽת אִשְׁתְּךָ֜ וְאֶת שְׁתֵּ֤י בְנֹתֶ֨יךָ֙ הַנִּמְצָאֹ֔ת 1 Alternate translation: “get your wife and two daughters away from the city” or “leave the city with your wife and two daughters” 19:15 uht3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-passives פֶּן תִּסָּפֶ֖ה 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Also, see how you translated the idiom “sweep away” in Gen 18:23-24. Alternate translation: “so that you will not be destroyed” or “or else you will be destroyed” 19:15 vgvt בַּעֲוֺ֥ן הָעִֽיר 1 Alternate translation: “when the people of the city are punished by God.” or “when God punishes the people in the city.” 19:16 mwva rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns וַֽיִּתְמַהְמָ֓הּ 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Lot at this point in the paragraph in your language. Alternate translation: “But Lot did not leave immediately,” or “Lot delayed,” 19:16 yaj9 וַיַּחֲזִ֨קוּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֜ים בְּיָד֣וֹ וּבְיַד־אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ וּבְיַד֙ שְׁתֵּ֣י בְנֹתָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “so the two men took hold of his hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters,” or “so they took him and his wife and two daughters by the hand,” 19:16 f2ww rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בְּחֶמְלַ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה עָלָ֑יו 1 For some languages it may be better to put this phrase last in verse 16 so that it does not interrupt the flow of the sentence. Or it may be better to put this phrase earlier in the sentence and say, “Lot hesitated, but Yahweh was being merciful/kind to him, so the two men/angels took hold of Lot’s hand and the hands of his wife and two daughters and took/led them out of the city.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh was being kind to him” 19:16 spum וַיֹּצִאֻ֥הוּ וַיַּנִּחֻ֖הוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and led him safely” 19:17 e9wr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיְהִי֩ כְהוֹצִיאָ֨ם אֹתָ֜ם הַח֗וּצָה 1 See how you translated **brought** in verse 16. Alternate translation: “As soon as the angels had led them outside the city,” 19:17 e164 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “one of them said to them,” or “one of the angels said to Lot” 19:17 hutb הִמָּלֵ֣ט עַל נַפְשֶׁ֔ךָ 1 Alternate translation: “Run for your lives!” or “Run to save your lives!” 19:17 e6nx אַל תַּבִּ֣יט אַחֲרֶ֔יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “Do not look behind you at Sodom,” or “Do not look back at the city,” 19:17 yi3d וְאַֽל תַּעֲמֹ֖ד בְּכָל הַכִּכָּ֑ר 1 This plain or valley was a wide, flat area between mountains. See how you translated “plain/valley” in Gen 13:10-12. Alternate translation: “and do not delay anywhere in the plain” or “and do not stop in the plain for any reason!” 19:17 owz1 הִמָּלֵ֖ט 1 Alternate translation: “Hurry” 19:17 fqrc הָהָ֥רָה 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “to the mountains/hills” or “to the hill country” or “to the/that mountain range” or (2) “to the/that mountain”. This phrase is ambiguous because often the Hebrew text uses a singular form to refer to something that is plural. 19:17 wwro rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive פֶּן תִּסָּפֶֽה 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 15. Alternate translation: “so that you will not be destroyed!” or “so that you will not die!” 19:18 y4wg rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַיֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖וֹט אֲלֵהֶ֑ם 1 Some languages have a special dual pronoun for **them** that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “But Lot pleaded with them,” 19:18 uauu אַל נָ֖א אֲדֹנָֽי 1 See how you translated “my lords/masters” in verse 2. Alternate translation: “Please, my masters, do not make us go that far!” 19:19 tax6 הִנֵּה נָ֠א 1 Alternate translation: “Listen to this please:” or “Please listen to me” 19:19 brtm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person מָצָ֨א עַבְדְּךָ֣ חֵן֮ בְּעֵינֶיךָ֒ 1 The phrase “your servant” does not mean that Lot is actually a servant for the angels, but rather, it is a humble way for Lot to refer to himself and show respect to them. See how you translated that phrase in verse 2. Also see how you translated the idiom “found favor in … eyes” in Gen 6:8 and 18:3. Alternate translation: “I, your servant, have been treated well by you,” or “You have treated me kindly even though I am unimportant,” 19:19 u1nu rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַתַּגְדֵּ֣ל חַסְדְּךָ֗ אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשִׂ֨יתָ֙ עִמָּדִ֔י 1 This is the first occurrence in the Bible of the important Hebrew word “khesed,” which is translated as “mercy,” “kindness,” or “lovingkindness” and often implies that it was not deserved. Compare how you translated a different word that has a similar meaning (**mercy** or “compassion”) in verse 16. Alternate translation: “and you have shown me great mercy” or “and you have been very merciful to me” 19:19 qin5 וְאָנֹכִ֗י לֹ֤א אוּכַל֙ לְהִמָּלֵ֣ט הָהָ֔רָה 1 See how you translated **the mountains** in verse 17. Alternate translation: “But I am not able to flee all the way to the hills” or “But there is no way that I can make it safely all the way to the hills” or “But the hills are too far away for me to make it there safely” 19:19 swvd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification פֶּן תִּדְבָּקַ֥נִי הָרָעָ֖ה וָמַֽתִּי 1 The word **disaster** is personified here, that is, it is talked about as if it can act in human ways. Consider whether or not it would be clear and natural to do that here in your language. Alternate translation: “before the disaster catches up with me and kills me.” or “before the disaster strikes and kills me.” 19:20 scbl הִנֵּה נָ֠א 1 Consider again how you translated **Behold, please** in verses 2, 8, 19-20. It may be necessary to translate it in slightly different ways, depending on the context. 19:20 v9tb הָעִ֨יר הַזֹּ֧את & שָׁ֖מָּה 1 The Hebrew word for **town** here (and in verses 21-23) can refer to either a city or a town, depending on the context. Many translations have “town,” or even “village,” here because the place was very small (verses 20, 22). Many other translations have “city” here instead, but that does not fit the context. Alternate translation: “That town over there” 19:20 rts1 קְרֹבָ֛ה לָנ֥וּס 1 Alternate translation: “is close enough to run to in time,” 19:20 mw43 וְהִ֣יא מִצְעָ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “and it is only a small town.” or “and it is little” 19:20 o64l אִמָּלְטָ֨ה נָּ֜א שָׁ֗מָּה 1 Alternate translation: “Please let us flee there, and do not destroy it.” 19:20 dubz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֥א מִצְעָ֛ר הִ֖וא 1 This rhetorical question implies that it will not matter if such a small town like Zoar is not destroyed. Consider whether or not a rhetorical question works well here in your language. Alternate translation: “After all, it is only a small place” 19:20 nhzf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וּתְחִ֥י נַפְשִֽׁי 1 Lot says “my life,” but he is probably also including his family who is with him. Alternate translation: “Then I can stay alive.” or “If you let us go there, then my family and I will live.” or “If you allow that, our lives will be spared.” 19:21 f6h0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֣אמֶר 1 This phrase probably refers to the same angel who spoke to Lot in verse 17. Make sure it does not sound like Lot is the one speaking here. Alternate translation: “The angel said” 19:21 zrvn הִנֵּה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Listen,” or “Here is what I will do:” 19:21 wf9h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom נָשָׂ֣אתִי פָנֶ֔יךָ גַּ֖ם לַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to translate the idiom **lifted up your face** here. Alternate translation: “I will grant your request,” or “I will permit you to do what you have requested,” 19:21 m6y3 לְבִלְתִּ֛י הָפְכִּ֥י 1 Alternate translation: “so I will not overturn” 19:21 yu2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֶת הָעִ֖יר אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּֽרְתָּ 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this clause earlier in the sentence and say, “I will allow you to go to the small town that you are talking about, and I will not destroy it.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “the small town that you mentioned.” 19:22 z9fr מַהֵר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “But go quickly now and” 19:22 dzir הִמָּלֵ֣ט שָׁ֔מָּה 1 Consider again how you translated **escape** in verses 17, 19-20, 22. Alternate translation: “flee there,” or “flee to that town,” 19:22 p51q כִּ֣י לֹ֤א אוּכַל֙ לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת 1 This clause implies that Yahweh will not allow the angel to destroy anything until Lot and his family arrive safely in the town of Zoar. Alternate translation: “because I am not allowed to do anything” or “because I must wait to do anything” or “because God will not allow me to do anything” 19:22 iw13 עַד בֹּאֲךָ֖ שָׁ֑מָּה 1 Alternate translation: “until you reach there safely.” or “until you are safely there.” 19:22 vgig עַל כֵּ֛ן 1 This phrase refers back to what Lot said in verse 20, not what the angel just said. Alternate translation: “That is why” or “Since Lot said the town was little” 19:22 nll4 קָרָ֥א שֵׁם הָעִ֖יר 1 See how you translated **they called the name** in Gen 11:9 and 16:14. Alternate translation: “the town was called” or “they called that town” 19:22 hrvo צֽוֹעַר 1 If this implied information is included in your translation or in a footnote, be consistent here with how you translated the word “little” or “small” in verse 20. 19:23 nppm הַשֶּׁ֖מֶשׁ יָצָ֣א עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Make sure that the way verse 23 begins in your translation fits with the way verse 15 begins, which refers to the same day. 19:23 lo6p rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וְל֖וֹט 1 In that culture the father was often the only one mentioned and the other family members were assumed to be with him. Alternate translation: “when Lot and his family” 19:23 o3z7 בָּ֥א צֹֽעֲרָה 1 Alternate translation: “arrived in the town of Zoar.” or “reachedthe town of Zoar.” 19:24 attr וַֽיהוָ֗ה הִמְטִ֧יר עַל סְדֹ֛ם וְעַל עֲמֹרָ֖ה גָּפְרִ֣ית וָאֵ֑שׁ 1 The word **brimstone** refers to sulfur, which is a type of rock that is highly flammable. When it burns, it produces smoke, intense heat, and a bad smell like rotten eggs. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh poured down burning sulfur and fire on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah” or “Then Yahweh caused fire and burning sulfur to pour down on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah” 19:24 z1eq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure מֵאֵ֥ת יְהוָ֖ה מִן הַשָּׁמָֽיִם 1 Some translations omit the phrase **from Yahweh** since Yahweh is already mentioned earlier as the one doing this. Also, for some languages it may be better to change the order of phrases in this verse and say, “Then Yahweh caused fire and burning sulfur/rocks to fall/pour like heavy rain from the heavens/sky on the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “from himself in heaven,” or “from out of the sky,” 19:25 rfr1 וַֽיַּהֲפֹךְ֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated a phrase with a similar meaning (“swept away”) in verses 15 and 17. Alternate translation: “and (so) Yahweh completely destroyed” or “In that way, Yahweh completely destroyed ” or “That is how Yahweh completely destroyed” 19:25 euza וְאֵ֖ת כָּל הַכִּכָּ֑ר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were also in the plain/valley, not separate from it. Alternate translation: “and the whole valley,” or “and the rest of the plain” 19:25 ao52 וְאֵת֙ כָּל יֹשְׁבֵ֣י הֶעָרִ֔ים 1 This phrase refers to Sodom and Gomorrah and at least two other cities in the valley (Deuteronomy 29:23). Alternate translation: “including all the people who lived in the cities of that valley” or “including everyone who lived in the cities there” 19:25 rrut וְצֶ֖מַח 1 Alternate translation: “and even all the plants” 19:25 g2sq וְצֶ֖מַח הָאֲדָמָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “that were growing on the land.” or “of the area” 19:26 fbf2 וַתַּבֵּ֥ט אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ מֵאַחֲרָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “… looked back at Sodom,” 19:26 q9a5 וַתְּהִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “and immediately her body turned into” or “and immediately Yahweh turned her into” 19:26 trht נְצִ֥יב מֶֽלַח 1 Alternate translation: “a column of solid salt rock and she died.” or “salt rock that was in the shape of a column.” 19:27 t3yb וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֥ם אַבְרָהָ֖ם בַּבֹּ֑קֶר 1 Some translations translate this as the next morning, but it is more likely that this was the same day when Lot arrived in Zoar and Yahweh destroyed the cities in the valley (verse 23). Alternate translation: “Meanwhile, Abraham got up early that same morning” 19:27 qmne אֶל הַ֨מָּק֔וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “and returned to the spot” 19:27 i49j אֲשֶׁר עָ֥מַד & אֶת פְּנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “where he had been with Yahweh the previous day,” 19:28 z2pg rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּשְׁקֵ֗ף 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, make sure it is clear that Abraham, not Yahweh, is being referred to here. Alternate translation: “Then he looked down” 19:28 jhkn עַל פְּנֵ֤י 1 Alternate translation: “in the direction of” 19:28 qkv9 וְעַֽל כָּל פְּנֵ֖י אֶ֣רֶץ הַכִּכָּ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “and all the rest of the plain” 19:28 ktpu וַיַּ֗רְא וְהִנֵּ֤ה 1 Alternate translation: “And he was amazed to see that” 19:28 ptm3 עָלָה֙ קִיטֹ֣ר הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “lots of thick smoke was billowing up from the land” or “a large amount of smoke was …” 19:28 dxlc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כְּקִיטֹ֖ר הַכִּבְשָֽׁן 1 During that time period, a furnace was heated by fire. Alternate translation: “like smoke that comes from the fire in a large oven.” 19:29 kybu וַיְהִ֗י בְּשַׁחֵ֤ת אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 See how you translated **destroyed** in verses 13-14, 17. Alternate translation: “So it was that when God destroyed” 19:29 vtt3 אֶת עָרֵ֣י הַכִּכָּ֔ר 1 Consider again how you translated “plain/valley” in Gen 13:10-12; 19:17, 25, 28, 29. Alternate translation: “the cities on the plain,” or “the cities in the plain” 19:29 rzta וַיִּזְכֹּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 Make sure your translation of this clause does not imply that God forgot Abraham. See how you translated **God remembered** in Gen 8:1. Alternate translation: “he kept Abraham and his request in mind” 19:29 she7 וַיְשַׁלַּ֤ח אֶת לוֹט֙ מִתּ֣וֹךְ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and brought Lot safely away from” or “So he rescued Lot from” 19:29 odq0 הַהֲפֵכָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “the disaster” 19:29 t62e בַּהֲפֹךְ֙ אֶת הֶ֣עָרִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “when he completely destroyed the cities” or “that he had used to completely destroy the cities” 19:30 ek4n וַיַּעַל֩ ל֨וֹט מִצּ֜וֹעַר וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב בָּהָ֗ר וּשְׁתֵּ֤י בְנֹתָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **the mountains** in verses 17 and 19. Alternate translation: “After that, Lot moved with his two daughters from the town of Zoar up into the hills and settled there,” or “Sometime later, Lot and his two daughters left the town of Zoar and moved to the hills,” 19:30 vxtl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּ֥י יָרֵ֖א לָשֶׁ֣בֶת בְּצ֑וֹעַר 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this clause earlier in this sentence and say, “Lot was afraid to settle/stay in the town of Zoar, so he and his two daughters moved from there to the mountains/hills, where they lived in a cave.” Do what is best in your language. Also, be consistent with how you spelled **Zoar** throughout the book of Genesis. See Gen 13:10; 14:2, 8; 19:22-23, 30. Alternate translation: “because he was afraid to stay in the town of Zoar.” 19:30 gjyo וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ בַּמְּעָרָ֔ה ה֖וּא וּשְׁתֵּ֥י בְנֹתָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “So he and his two daughters lived in a cave in the hills.” 19:31 urpm וַתֹּ֧אמֶר הַבְּכִירָ֛ה אֶל 1 Alternate translation: “Then one day his oldest daughter said to” 19:31 fa51 הַצְּעִירָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “his younger one,” or “her younger sister,” or “her sister,” 19:31 j9nj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness אָבִ֣ינוּ זָקֵ֑ן 1 In some cultures, it is not polite to call someone **old**. Translate this clause in a way that is accurate and acceptable in your language area. Alternate translation: “Our father is getting along in years,” 19:31 k3uv וְאִ֨ישׁ אֵ֤ין 1 Alternate translation: “and there is no man” 19:31 gqzx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole בָּאָ֨רֶץ֙ 1 Lot’s daughter is exaggerating here, to emphasize her point. Alternate translation: “in this land” 19:31 daji rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism לָב֣וֹא עָלֵ֔ינוּ 1 See how you translated the idiom “went to” in Gen 6:4, which is the same meaning as **come to** here. Alternate translation: “to be with us,” 19:31 ewpx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כְּדֶ֖רֶךְ כָּל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “as is the way of all the people on the earth.” or “which is normal for people all over the earth” 19:32 moil לְכָ֨ה 1 See how you translated this in Gen 14:7. 19:32 sm90 נַשְׁקֶ֧ה אֶת־אָבִ֛ינוּ יַ֖יִן 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this proposal or suggestion in your language. 19:32 g3i0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וְנִשְׁכְּבָ֣ה עִמּ֑וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and then we should sleep with him” or “Then we can have physical relations with him” 19:32 b82q rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וּנְחַיֶּ֥ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “That way we can have descendants” or “so that we can preserve our family line” 19:32 e06w rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns מֵאָבִ֖ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “by our father.” or “through him.” 19:33 tjdu rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַתַּשְׁקֶ֧יןָ אֶת אֲבִיהֶ֛ן יַ֖יִן בַּלַּ֣יְלָה ה֑וּא 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Lot’s daughters at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “So they got their father drunk on wine that very night,” 19:33 orhq וַתָּבֹ֤א הַבְּכִירָה֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then his oldest daughter went to him” 19:33 o341 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַתִּשְׁכַּ֣ב אֶת אָבִ֔יהָ 1 Make sure that the way you translate the euphemism **lay with** will not be too offensive to be read aloud in public. Alternate translation: “and slept with him,” 19:33 ujz7 וְלֹֽא יָדַ֥ע 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “But he was so drunk that he did not even know” or “But he was so drunk that he was completely unaware” 19:33 es4a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism בְּשִׁכְבָ֖הּ וּבְקׄוּמָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “that she had been with him.” 19:34 ezgg וַֽיְהִי֙ מִֽמָּחֳרָ֔ת 1 The phrase **Then it happened** introduces and emphasizes important information which the following narrative builds on. It also creates suspense so that readers and listeners wonder what will happen next. Some translations leave this phrase out, but doing that loses some of the suspense. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “The next day, this is what happened:” 19:34 zmn5 הַצְּעִירָ֔ה 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 31. Alternate translation: “his younger one,” or “her younger sister,” or “her sister,” 19:34 xct4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הֵן & אֶ֖מֶשׁ 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this time phrase (**last night**) last in this sentence. Do what is best in your language. 19:34 upb9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism שָׁכַ֥בְתִּי & אֶת אָבִ֑י 1 See how you translated **lay with** in verse 33. Alternate translation: “I slept with our father.” or “I had physical relations with our father.” 19:34 kl6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure נַשְׁקֶ֨נּוּ יַ֜יִן גַּם הַלַּ֗יְלָה 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to put the time word **tonight** first or last in this clause. Alternate translation: “Tonight we should get him drunk again.” 19:34 bmio rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism שִׁכְבִ֣י עִמּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “sleep with him” 19:34 gdjt וּנְחַיֶּ֥ה 1 See how you translated the last clause in verse 32, which is the same as the rest of verse 34. Alternate translation: “so that we can have descendants” or “so that we can preserve our family line” 19:34 st12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns מֵאָבִ֖ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “by our father.” or “through him.” 19:35 zl9m וַתַּשְׁקֶ֜יןָ גַּ֣ם בַּלַּ֧יְלָה הַה֛וּא אֶת אֲבִיהֶ֖ן יָ֑יִן 1 Alternate translation: “So they got their father drunk on wine that night, also” 19:35 u2gm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַתָּ֤קָם הַצְּעִירָה֙ וַתִּשְׁכַּ֣ב עִמּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Then his younger daughter went to him and slept with him,” or “Then his younger daughter went to him and had sexual relations with him,” 19:35 d5p3 וְלֹֽא יָדַ֥ע 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, see how you translated the last clause in verse 33, which is similar to the rest of verse 35. Alternate translation: “But once again he was so drunk that he did not even know” or “but … he was not even aware” or “But … he was completely unaware” 19:35 dkew rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism בְּשִׁכְבָ֖הּ וּבְקֻמָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “that she had been with him.” 19:36 uid2 וַֽתַּהֲרֶ֛יןָ שְׁתֵּ֥י בְנֽוֹת־ל֖וֹט 1 Alternate translation: “As a result …” 19:36 b8pv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism מֵאֲבִיהֶֽן 1 Alternate translation: “by having relations with their father.” 19:37 hz0k וַתֵּ֤לֶד הַבְּכִירָה֙ בֵּ֔ן 1 Make sure that the way you translate “Later” fits with the fact that several months have gone by. Alternate translation: “Later the oldest daughter gave birth to a son,” or “… had a son,” 19:37 k0dl וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 See how you translated **called his name** in Gen 5:29. Alternate translation: “and she called him” or “whom she named” 19:37 cx7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names מוֹאָ֑ב 1 You can include the meaning of this name in your translation text or in a footnote. Some translations put this implied information in parentheses. Do what is best in your language. 19:37 ror5 ה֥וּא אֲבִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “He was the ancestor of” 19:37 ur16 מוֹאָ֖ב עַד הַיּֽוֹם 1 The phrase, **to this day** or “today” refers to the time when Moses wrote the book of Genesis, which was hundreds of years after Lot and his daughters lived and died. Alternate translation: “the people group who are called the Moabites today.” 19:38 cwha יָ֣לְדָה בֵּ֔ן 1 See how you translated the last half of verse 37, which is the same as the rest of verse 38, except for the names. Alternate translation: “had a son,” 19:38 jg6f וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and she called him” or “whom she named” 19:38 f4a0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בֶּן עַמִּ֑י 1 You can include the meaning of this name in your translation text or in a footnote. Some translations put this implied information in parentheses. Do what is best in your language. 19:38 oeub ה֛וּא אֲבִ֥י 1 Alternate translation: “He was the forefather of” 19:38 eiz3 בְנֵֽי עַמּ֖וֹן עַד הַיּֽוֹם 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 37. Alternate translation: “the people group who are called the Ammonites today.” 20:1 ye30 וַיִּסַּ֨ע & אַבְרָהָם֙ 1 Consider what is the best way to introduce this new episode in your language, where the focus shifts to Abraham. Alternate translation: “Then Abraham and his family left” 20:1 hy06 מִשָּׁ֤ם 1 Abraham and Sarah had been living by the trees of Mamre, near the city of Hebron (Gen 13:18; 18:1). Alternate translation: “from the place where he were living” or “from near the city of Hebron” 20:1 kpyu rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אַ֣רְצָה הַנֶּ֔גֶב 1 See how you translated “the Negev Wilderness/Desert” in Gen 12:9 (note); 13:1, 3. Alternate translation: “and went south to the Negev Desert area” 20:1 e1qn וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב בֵּין קָדֵ֖שׁ וּבֵ֣ין שׁ֑וּר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, be consistent here with how you spelled **Kadesh** in Gen 14:7 and **Shur** in 16:7. Alternate translation: “There he lived between the cities of Kadesh and Shur” 20:1 wu3o וַיָּ֖גָר בִּגְרָֽר 1 See how you translated “sojourn” in Gen 12:10. Also be consistent here with how you translated **Gerar** in Gen 10:19. Alternate translation: “and they stayed there for a while as foreigners, in the city of Gerar.” or “and they stayed in the city of Gerar for a while.” 20:2 k17k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וַיֹּ֧אמֶר אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֶל־שָׂרָ֥ה אִשְׁתּ֖וֹ אֲחֹ֣תִי הִ֑וא 1 Sarah was Abraham’s younger sister (Gen 19:19). Some languages use special words for **sister** and “brother” in Gen 12:13, 19; 20:2, 5, 12-13, 16, to distinguish when someone is younger or older than his or her sibling. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “While they were there, he told people that his wife Sarah was his sister.” or “While they were there, he told people that Sarah was his sister, not his wife.” 20:2 r5oe וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח אֲבִימֶ֨לֶךְ֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ גְּרָ֔ר וַיִּקַּ֖ח אֶת־שָׂרָֽה 1 The city of Gerar was the Philistines’ capital city where King Abimelech ruled from (Gen 21:2, 32; 26:1). Alternate translation: “So one day Abimelech, who was the king over the city of Gerar, had some of his servants bring Sarah to his home to be his wife.” or “So one day King Abimelech, who ruled the Philistines from the city of Gerar, had Sarah brought to him to be his wife.” 20:3 fzoe rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics וַיָּבֹ֧א אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶל אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ בַּחֲל֣וֹם 1 For some languages it is necessary to use an honorific title for a king each time (or most of the time) that he is referred to by name, in order to show him proper respect. Do what is best in your language throughout this chapter. Alternate translation: “But God appeared to King Abimelech in a dream” 20:3 ompr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הַלָּ֑יְלָה 1 It may be more natural to put this time phrase earlier in this sentence and say, “But that night God came/appeared to King Abimelech in a dream …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “during the night” or “by night” 20:3 votc וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and told him,” 20:3 tkin הִנְּךָ֥ מֵת֙ 1 Make sure that the way you translate this clause does not make it sound like King Abimelech is already dead. God is telling King Abimelech what is about to happen to him. Alternate translation: “Listen to me, you are a dead man” or “Listen to me, you are about to die” or “Behold, I have sentenced you to die” 20:3 couv עַל הָאִשָּׁ֣ה אֲשֶׁר לָקַ֔חְתָּ וְהִ֖וא 1 See how you translated “took” in verse 2. 20:3 pki1 בְּעֻ֥לַת בָּֽעַל 1 Alternate translation: “is a married woman!” 20:4 iodw rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וַאֲבִימֶ֕לֶךְ 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to introduce this background information. Alternate translation: “Now King Abimelech” 20:4 su1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism לֹ֥א קָרַ֖ב אֵלֶ֑יהָ 1 Translate this clause in a way that will not be offensive or embarrassing in your language when it is read aloud in public. See how you translated a different phrase in Gen 19:31 (“come to us”) that has the same meaning. Alternate translation: “had not yet slept with her” or “had not had marital relations with Sarah,” 20:4 giez rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֕ר 1 The way you translate this quote margin will depend on how you translate the rhetorical question that follows it. 20:4 ewc1 אֲדֹנָ֕י 1 See how you translated this title of respect for God in Gen 18:27, 30-32. Alternate translation: “My Master,” or “Master,” 20:4 on63 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲג֥וֹי גַּם & תַּהֲרֹֽג 1 King Abimelech uses a rhetorical question here to express his desperate concern. Abimelech is saying in a dramatic way that if God kills him, he will destroy the nation that Abimelech leads as their king. Make sure in your translation that he does not sound angry or rude. Also, see how you translated **nation** in Gen 18:18. Alternate translation: “will you kill me and my people group even if” or “please do not kill me and my people group, since” 20:4 d8vu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion צַדִּ֖יק 1 Consider again how you translated the word **righteous** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 6:9, 7:1, 18:23-26, 28; 20:4. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “we are actually righteous” 20:5 v3lu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֨א ה֤וּא אָֽמַר לִי֙ אֲחֹ֣תִי הִ֔וא 1 Abimelech uses another rhetorical question here as he continues to defend his actions. Do what is best in your language. Also, see how you translated **sister** in verse 2. Alternate translation: “He himself told me that she was his sister.” 20:5 crpu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וְהִֽיא גַם הִ֥וא אָֽמְרָ֖ה אָחִ֣י ה֑וּא 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “And Sarah herself also claimed that he was her brother.” 20:5 dbdd עָשִׂ֥יתִי זֹֽאת 1 Alternate translation: “So I did what I did” 20:5 i5qq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּתָם לְבָבִ֛י 1 Alternate translation: “with a clear conscience” or “with pure motives” 20:5 bdcs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וּבְנִקְיֹ֥ן כַּפַּ֖י 1 If you use an exclamation point here in your translation, make sure it does not mean that King Abimelech is angry or being rude; rather, he is desperate. Alternate translation: “and with clean hands!” 20:6 sf6e וַיֹּאמֶר֩ אֵלָ֨יו הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים בַּחֲלֹ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “God answered King Abimelech in the dream,” 20:6 d56e גַּ֣ם אָנֹכִ֤י יָדַ֨עְתִּי֙ כִּ֤י 1 Alternate translation: “Yes, I know that it was” or “I am aware that it was” 20:6 uurf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְתָם לְבָבְךָ֙ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 5. Alternate translation: “with a clear conscience” or “with pure motives” 20:6 qte3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עָשִׂ֣יתָ זֹּ֔את 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this phrase before the previous one and say, “Yes, I know/realize that you did this with honorable/pure motives …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “that you did this,” or “that you took her to be your wife,” 20:6 ucn6 וָאֶחְשֹׂ֧ךְ גַּם־אָנֹכִ֛י אֽוֹתְךָ֖ מֵחֲטוֹ־לִ֑י 1 In the Hebrew text, **I** is an emphatic pronoun. Try to communicate that emphasis in a natural way in your translation. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and in fact, it is I who kept you from doing this sin against me.” or “In fact, I am the one who prevented you from sinning against me.” 20:6 lhkk לֹא נְתַתִּ֖יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “I did not permit you to” 20:6 drw1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לִנְגֹּ֥עַ אֵלֶֽיהָ 1 See how you translated the idiom “gone/come near to her” in verse 4, which has a meaning that is similar to the idiom here. Also, for some languages it may be better to change the order of these clauses and say, “I am the one who did not allow/permit you to touch her so that you would not sin against me.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “have sexual relations with her.” or “do anything to her.” 20:7 zdzu הָשֵׁ֤ב אֵֽשֶׁת הָאִישׁ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “return her to her husband Abraham” 20:7 wp12 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms כִּֽי נָבִ֣יא ה֔וּא 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, a prophet is someone who speaks for someone else. In this case, Abraham serves as an intercessor and speaks for God and prays what God wants him to say (verses 7,17). Avoid a translation of this term that focuses on telling the future, which is only one of the things that a prophet might do. Alternate translation: “He is a prophet for me,” 20:7 i31n וְיִתְפַּלֵּ֥ל בַּֽעַדְךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “so he will ask me to be kind to you,” 20:7 ain9 וֶֽחְיֵ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “and I will let you live.” 20:7 wmq4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְאִם־אֵֽינְךָ֣ 1 Alternate translation: “But if you will not” 20:7 ccie rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns מֵשִׁ֗יב 1 Alternate translation: “give her back to him” 20:7 nal9 דַּ֚ע כִּי 1 Alternate translation: “you need to know that” or “be aware that” 20:7 l1xw מ֣וֹת תָּמ֔וּת אַתָּ֖ה וְכָל אֲשֶׁר לָֽךְ 1 The phrase **all who belong to you** refers to King Abimelech’s people, whom he referred to in verse 4. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “you and all your people will surely die!” or “I will surely kill you and all your people!” 20:8 nr08 וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ בַּבֹּ֗קֶר 1 Alternate translation: “So the next morning King Abimelech got up early” 20:8 aspr וַיִּקְרָא֙ 1 Alternate translation: “summoned” 20:8 uztr לְכָל עֲבָדָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “all his officials and other servants,” 20:8 r90t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיְדַבֵּ֛ר אֶת כָּל הַדְּבָרִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה בְּאָזְנֵיהֶ֑ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then he told them about everything that God had said to him in the dream,” or “He told told them everything that had happened,” 20:8 vz79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּֽירְא֥וּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים מְאֹֽד 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to King Abimelech’s servants at each point in this verse. Alternate translation: “and they felt terrified.” or “When they heard that, they were very afraid that God would kill them.” or “As soon as they heard that, the men were very afraid of what might happen next.” 20:9 o1nm וַיִּקְרָ֨א אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to King Abimelech at this point in the paragraph. Alternate translation: “Then King Abimelech summoned Abraham” or “Then the king called Abraham in to see him” or “Then he had Abraham brought to him” 20:9 d4p9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר ל֜וֹ 1 The way you translate this quote margin will depend on how you translate the rhetorical question that follows it. Alternate translation: “and asked him,” 20:9 n4ca rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מֶֽה עָשִׂ֤יתָ לָּ֨נוּ֙ 1 Abimelech uses two rhetorical questions here to express his anger and to scold Abraham for what he had done. Consider whether or not a rhetorical question is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Why have you treated us like this?” or “What you have done to us is not right!” 20:9 gqys rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וּמֶֽה חָטָ֣אתִי לָ֔ךְ כִּֽי 1 Alternate translation: “What did I do wrong to you so that” or “I never did anything wrong to you, but yet” 20:9 s6oi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֵבֵ֧אתָ עָלַ֛י וְעַל מַמְלַכְתִּ֖י חֲטָאָ֣ה גְדֹלָ֑ה 1 Make sure your punctuation here fits with how you translate this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “you brought on me and my people the guilt of a terrible sin!” or “you have caused me and the kingdom that I rule to be guilty of sinning terribly!” 20:9 y075 מַעֲשִׂים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹא יֵֽעָשׂ֔וּ עָשִׂ֖יתָ עִמָּדִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “No one should ever wrong someone the way you have wronged me!” 20:10 y1ly rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ אֶל אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 For some languages it is more natural here to omit this quote margin, because the same person is still talking to the same person. However, the words emphasize what King Abimelech says next and may indicate that there was a pause between what he said in verse 9 and in verse 10. Do what is best in your language. 20:10 p1a4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom מָ֣ה רָאִ֔יתָ כִּ֥י עָשִׂ֖יתָ 1 Alternate translation: “What did you expect to benefit from doing” or “What were your reasons for doing” 20:10 a03v אֶת הַדָּבָ֥ר הַזֶּֽה 1 Alternate translation: “this terrible thing?” 20:11 bn8u וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Abraham replied to him,” 20:11 obnt כִּ֣י 1 Alternate translation: “I did it because” 20:11 d1mk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אָמַ֗רְתִּי רַ֚ק אֵין יִרְאַ֣ת אֱלֹהִ֔ים בַּמָּק֖וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה וַהֲרָג֖וּנִי עַל דְּבַ֥ר אִשְׁתִּֽי 1 To “fear God” is an important theme in the Bible. It is a complex term that means to recognize how holy and powerful God is and to deeply respect and honor him by obeying and worshiping him. Also, consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “I thought that there was certainly no one in this place who obeyed God, so I was afraid that they would kill me in order to take my wife for themselves.” 20:12 aef2 וְגַם 1 Alternate translation: “In addition to that,” 20:12 rav8 אָמְנָ֗ה אֲחֹתִ֤י & הִ֔וא 1 Alternate translation: “it is true that she is my sister” or “she actually is my sister” 20:12 pjfg בַת אָבִי֙ & אַ֖ךְ לֹ֣א בַת אִמִּ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “because she and I have the same father, but not the same mother,” 20:12 etjp וַתְּהִי־לִ֖י לְאִשָּֽׁה 1 Alternate translation: “and when we were old enough, I married her.” 20:13 xof7 וַיְהִ֞י 1 Alternate translation: “It happened that” 20:13 x4px כַּאֲשֶׁ֧ר הִתְע֣וּ אֹתִ֗י אֱלֹהִים֮ 1 Alternate translation: “when God commanded me to leave” or “when God led me to travel away from” 20:13 ctau rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy מִבֵּ֣ית אָבִי֒ 1 See how you translated “house of … father” in Gen 12:1. Alternate translation: “the place where my father and other relatives were living,” 20:13 nd9r rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וָאֹמַ֣ר לָ֔הּ 1 Alternate translation: “I told her” 20:13 xlc3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes זֶ֣ה חַסְדֵּ֔ךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר תַּעֲשִׂ֖י עִמָּדִ֑י אֶ֤ל כָּל־הַמָּקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר נָב֣וֹא שָׁ֔מָּה אִמְרִי־לִ֖י אָחִ֥י הֽוּא 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate these embedded quotes as direct or indirect quotes. Alternate translation: “to please do me a special favor and tell people wherever we go that I am her brother.” 20:14 yc5r צֹ֣אן וּבָקָ֗ר 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 12:16. Alternate translation: “flocks of sheep and herds of cattle” 20:14 qur6 וַעֲבָדִים֙ וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 12:16. Alternate translation: “and men and women slaves to Abraham” or “and male and female slaves to Abraham” 20:14 olap rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לְאַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and gave them all to Abraham” 20:14 k33e וַיָּ֣שֶׁב ל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת שָׂרָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, see how you translated “return” twice in verse 7. Alternate translation: “He also gave back to Abraham his wife Sarah.” 20:15 hman rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Then he said to him” 20:15 pbrq הִנֵּ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “Listen,” 20:15 jg7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַרְצִ֖י לְפָנֶ֑יךָ 1 See how you translated the idiom “before your face” in Gen 13:9. Alternate translation: “my land is in front of you.” 20:15 l61l שֵֽׁב 1 See how you translated this verb in verse 1. Alternate translation: “You may live” or “I invite you to live” 20:15 l3ey rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בַּטּ֥וֹב בְּעֵינֶ֖יךָ 1 See how you translated the idiom **good in your eyes** in Gen 19:8. You may need to translate this phrase in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “wherever you decide is best for you.” or “wherever you want.” 20:16 s5af וּלְשָׂרָ֣ה אָמַ֗ר 1 Alternate translation: “Then King Abimelech said to Sarah,” 20:16 qzc4 הִנֵּ֨ה 1 Alternate translation: “Look,” or “Listen to this:” 20:16 urds rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney נָתַ֜תִּי אֶ֤לֶף כֶּ֨סֶף֙ לְאָחִ֔יךְ 1 Coins did not exist at that time. Rather people paid each other with shekels of silver or gold shekels, which was a weight measurement. A thousand shekels of silver was about 25 pounds (11.5 kilos) of silver. Many translation teams like to keep the same numbers that are in the Hebrew text in their translation, and then in a footnote give the equivalent amount in their own currency. Other teams put the equivalent amount in the text and put the literal phrase in a footnote. Alternate translation: “I have given 1,000 pieces of silver to your brother.” or “I have given your brother 1,000 pieces of silver.” 20:16 m9hh הִנֵּ֤ה הוּא 1 Alternate translation: “I am doing this” or “The reason I am doing that is” 20:16 lgrs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לָךְ֙ כְּס֣וּת עֵינַ֔יִם לְכֹ֖ל אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתָּ֑ךְ 1 The phrase **a covering of the eyes** is an idiom which means that King Abimelech’s payment to Abraham “covered” (that is, “protected”) Sarah’s good reputation and showed that she was innocent. Alternate translation: “to show everyone that you are innocent of any wrongdoing,” or “to show to everyone that you are an honorable woman,” 20:16 bj38 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְאֵ֥ת כֹּ֖ל וְנֹכָֽחַת 1 Alternate translation: “and to make it clear that you are not at fault for anything that happened.” 20:17 kbi6 וַיִּתְפַּלֵּ֥ל אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶל הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 See how you translated “pray” in Gen 20:7. Alternate translation: “Then Abraham prayed to God for King Abimelech,” or “asked God to be kind to the king,” 20:17 jsvz וַיִּרְפָּ֨א אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶת אֲבִימֶ֧לֶךְ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “So God healed him” 20:17 fcz0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְאֶת אִשְׁתּ֛וֹ וְאַמְהֹתָ֖יו 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to King Abimelech at each point in this verse. 20:17 u6cs וַיֵּלֵֽדוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and they were able to conceive and bear children again,” 20:18 ok17 כִּֽי & יְהוָ֔ה 1 For some languages it may be more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because previously Yahweh” 20:18 l10y rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics עָצֹ֤ר עָצַר֙ & בְּעַ֥ד כָּל רֶ֖חֶם לְבֵ֣ית אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ 1 Consider again how often you need to use the honorific title “King” with Abimelech’s name in this chapter in your language. 20:18 n7dw עַל דְּבַ֥ר 1 Alternate translation: “on account of” or “to punish him for taking” 20:18 lzt7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge שָׂרָ֖ה אֵ֥שֶׁת אַבְרָהָֽם 1 For some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of the clauses in this sentence (which begins in verse 17) and say, “Before this, Yahweh had completely closed up every womb in the household of King Abimelech because he had taken Abraham’s wife Sarah. Then Abraham prayed …” If the order is changed, it will be necessary to combine these two verses and to put the verse numbers “17-18” in front of the sentence. Some translation teams have decided that they will never combine verses like that. Other teams have decided that occasionally it is acceptable to do that if it makes the meaning clearer. 21:1 ia7b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַֽיהוָ֛ה פָּקַ֥ד אֶת שָׂרָ֖ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר אָמָ֑ר 1 The word **visited** is used here as an idiom that means God blessed Sarah and was kind to her (by enabling her to have a son). The same idiom is used in 1 Samuel 2:21 and Luke 1:68. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh blessed Sarah as he had promised that he would,” or “Then Yahweh was gracious to Sarah just as he had promised he would be,” 21:1 kuv7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַיַּ֧עַשׂ יְהוָ֛ה לְשָׂרָ֖ה 1 The two halves of verse 1 form a parallelism to emphasize what God did for Sarah. In your translation it is best, if possible, to keep both parts of the parallelism, since each part has a different emphasis. Alternate translation: “Yes, Yahweh did for her” 21:1 b6xq כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֵּֽר 1 Alternate translation: “just as he had said he would do” 21:2 u1fc וַתַּהַר֩ & שָׂרָ֧ה 1 Translate this clause in a way that is not offensive or awkward, especially when read aloud in public. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “So she became pregnant” or “As a result, Sarah conceived” 21:2 tycu וַתֵּ֨לֶד & בֵּ֖ן 1 Alternate translation: “and gave birth to a son” or “and had a son” 21:2 iomd לַמּוֹעֵ֕ד 1 See how you translated **appointed time** in Gen 18:14. Alternate translation: “at the set time” or “at the time God had set” or “That happened at the exact time” 21:2 pby0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֥ר אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of the clauses in this sentence and say, “So Sarah became pregnant, and at the time God had appointed/set, she gave birth to a son for Abraham when he was old, just as God had told/promised him that she would.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “when God had told him it would happen.” 21:3 bijj וַיִּקְרָ֨א אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶֽת שֶׁם בְּנ֧וֹ הַנּֽוֹלַד ל֛וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Abraham called his son,” 21:3 z971 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֲשֶׁר יָלְדָה לּ֥וֹ שָׂרָ֖ה יִצְחָֽק 1 Many translations include the meaning of Isaac’s name, either in the text or in a footnote. Do what is best in your language. 21:4 hw25 וַיָּ֤מָל אַבְרָהָם֙ 1 Abraham may have circumcised Isaac (verse 4) on the same day that he named him (verse 3). See how you translated **circumcised** in Gen 17:10-14. Alternate translation: “And he also circumcised” 21:4 kp0g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns אֶת יִצְחָ֣ק בְּנ֔וֹ 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Isaac at this point in the paragraph, in your language. Alternate translation: “his son,” 21:4 leer rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בֶּן שְׁמֹנַ֖ת יָמִ֑ים 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this phrase first in this verse and say, “Also, when Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him,” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “who was eight days old,” or “when he was eight days old,” 21:4 w8my כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה אֹת֖וֹ אֱלֹהִֽים 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He did exactly what God had commanded him to do.” 21:5 kgwz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְאַבְרָהָ֖ם בֶּן מְאַ֣ת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 See how you translated this clause in Gen 17:17. 21:5 ke58 בְּהִוָּ֣לֶד ל֔וֹ אֵ֖ת יִצְחָ֥ק בְּנֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “when Isaac was born.” 21:6 mzp8 וַתֹּ֣אמֶר שָׂרָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “When Isaac was born, Sarah said” 21:6 ji43 צְחֹ֕ק עָ֥שָׂה לִ֖י אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “God has enabled me to rejoice and laugh!” 21:6 rt55 כָּל הַשֹּׁמֵ֖עַ 1 Alternate translation: “Everyone who finds out what he has done for me” 21:6 hiqw יִֽצְחַק לִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “will rejoice and laugh with me!” 21:7 xc8x rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Then she added” or “She also said” 21:7 djf4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מִ֤י מִלֵּל֙ לְאַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Sarah uses a rhetorical question here to express great joy and amazement. Some languages must use a statement or exclamation here instead. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “No one would have ever told Abraham” or “No one would have ever thought of telling Abraham” 21:7 nqft הֵינִ֥יקָה בָנִ֖ים שָׂרָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “that I would bear children.” 21:7 rqy2 כִּֽי 1 Alternate translation: “But yet” or “In spite of that,” 21:7 opev יָלַ֥דְתִּי בֵ֖ן 1 See how you translated “bear” in Gen 18:13. Alternate translation: “I have had a son for him” 21:7 uov6 לִזְקֻנָֽיו 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 2. You may need to translate it in a different way here because of the slightly different context. Alternate translation: “even though he is old!” 21:8 wq03 וַיִּגְדַּ֥ל הַיֶּ֖לֶד 1 Alternate translation: “The boy Isaac grew” 21:8 c6j2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיִּגָּמַ֑ל 1 Children in that culture were often weaned around the age of three. Translate **weaned** in a way that will not embarrass or offend people. Alternate translation: “and his mother weaned him,” or “and reached the age when his mother stopped breast-feeding him,” 21:8 i21w וַיַּ֤עַשׂ אַבְרָהָם֙ מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה גָד֔וֹל בְּי֖וֹם הִגָּמֵ֥ל אֶת יִצְחָֽק 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “When that happened, Abraham held a elaborate feast to celebrate.” or “On that same day, Abraham had his servants prepare an elaborate feast to celebrate.” 21:9 h2vs וַתֵּ֨רֶא שָׂרָ֜ה 1 Alternate translation: “But at the feast Sarah saw” 21:9 ja34 אֶֽת בֶּן הָגָ֧ר הַמִּצְרִ֛ית אֲשֶׁר יָלְדָ֥ה לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם 1 Also see how you translated “have born” in verse 8. Alternate translation: “that the son whom Hagar, her handmaid from the country of Egypt, had given birth to for Abraham” 21:9 kgmh מְצַחֵֽק 1 Alternate translation: “was mocking Isaac.” or “was laughing at Isaac.” 21:10 cv15 וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ לְאַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “So she was upset and told Abraham,” 21:10 q0vm גָּרֵ֛שׁ 1 Alternate translation: “Send away” 21:10 diqu הָאָמָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את 1 See how you translated “slave women” in Gen 20:17. Some languages may have a single word (as Hebrew does) that means this. Alternate translation: “that female slave” 21:10 umxq וְאֶת בְּנָ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: “along with her son!” 21:10 kfmw כִּ֣י & בֶּן הָאָמָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The son of that slave woman” 21:10 fq2l לֹ֤א יִירַשׁ֙ & עִם בְּנִ֖י עִם יִצְחָֽק 1 Alternate translation: “will never inherit any part of what our son Isaac inherits from you!” or “will not get anything from you! Only my son Isaac should inherit your estate!” 21:11 yt0j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיֵּ֧רַע הַדָּבָ֛ר מְאֹ֖ד בְּעֵינֵ֣י אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Abraham felt very grieved about that” or “What Sarah said grieved Abraham very much” 21:11 svxs עַ֖ל אוֹדֹ֥ת בְּנֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “because of his son Ishmael.” or “because he also cared about his son Ishmael.” 21:12 zd49 וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֜ים אֶל אַבְרָהָ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then God said to him,” or “Then God told him,” 21:12 pu24 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַל יֵרַ֤ע בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 See how you translated “distressing” in verse 11. Alternate translation: “Do not be sad” or “Do not let yourself be upset” 21:12 ckc5 עַל הַנַּ֣עַר וְעַל אֲמָתֶ֔ךָ 1 Ishmael was about 17 years old at this time, so in verses 12-16 use terms for him in your language that fit with that fact. Alternate translation: “about the boy or your slave woman.” 21:12 bb24 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche כֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאמַ֥ר אֵלֶ֛יךָ שָׂרָ֖ה שְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלָ֑הּ 1 The word **listen** means to hear and do what is being asked. Also, the phrase **her voice** refers to Sarah and what she said. Alternate translation: “Rather, listen to whatever Sarah tells you to do, and do it,” or “Do everything that Sarah told you to do,” 21:12 rdik כִּ֣י בְיִצְחָ֔ק יִקָּרֵ֥א לְךָ֖ זָֽרַע 1 Alternate translation: “because it is in Isaac that the descendants I promised you will be reckoned” or “because Isaac is the one who will be the ancestor of the descendants that I promised to give you.” or “because the offspring that I promised to you will come from Isaac.” 21:13 x8gk rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְגַ֥ם אֶת־בֶּן־הָאָמָ֖ה & אֲשִׂימֶ֑נּוּ 1 Alternate translation: “But I will also make the son of your servant woman” 21:13 kan6 לְג֣וֹי 1 Alternate translation: “become the ancestor of an important people group,” 21:13 zcf9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּ֥י זַרְעֲךָ֖ הֽוּא 1 For some languages, it may be clearer or more natural to put this “because …” clause earlier in this sentence and say, “And/But because/since the son of your slave/servant woman is your offspring/son, I will also make him into a great/important/large people/ethnic group.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “since he is your descendant.” 21:14 oc4t וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֣ם אַבְרָהָ֣ם בַּבֹּ֡קֶר 1 Alternate translation: “So Abraham got up early the next morning,” 21:14 mfcz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וַיִּֽקַּֽח לֶחֶם֩ 1 This phrase may refer to bread or more generally to food. Alternate translation: “got some food” 21:14 sji3 וְחֵ֨מַת מַ֜יִם 1 The word **skin** refers here to an animal skin or hide. Alternate translation: “and a leather bag full of water” or “and a full water bag made of animal hide” or “and a water bag full of water” 21:14 k8au וַיִּתֵּ֣ן אֶל הָ֠גָר שָׂ֧ם עַל שִׁכְמָ֛הּ 1 Alternate translation: “to Hagar and put them on her shoulder” 21:14 gwq4 וְאֶת הַיֶּ֖לֶד וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֶ֑הָ 1 Alternate translation: “Then he sent her and the boy away,” or “Then he sent her off with the youth,” 21:14 z5r6 וַתֵּ֣לֶךְ וַתֵּ֔תַע 1 Alternate translation: “and she left and wandered around” or “and they wandered around” 21:14 rva8 בְּמִדְבַּ֖ר בְּאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע 1 Sometimes in the Bible a place is identified by the well-known name it will be called later. That is the case in this verse, since Beersheba is not given its name until verse 31. Alternate translation: “in the Beersheba Desert.” or “in the desert near the city that was later called Beersheba.” 21:15 tajn וַיִּכְל֥וּ הַמַּ֖יִם מִן הַחֵ֑מֶת 1 See how you translated **skin** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “When they had drunk all the water that they had in the water container,” or “When there was no more water in the water skin” or “When the water bag was empty,” 21:15 rnel rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַתַּשְׁלֵ֣ךְ 1 Make sure your translation of this idiom does not mean that Hagar literally threw Ishmael through the air. Alternate translation: “Hagar hurriedly put” 21:15 umgo אֶת הַיֶּ֔לֶד 1 Alternate translation: “the boy” 21:15 ezqr תַּ֖חַת אַחַ֥ד הַשִּׂיחִֽם 1 Alternate translation: “under the shade of one of the bushes there,” or “under the shade of a nearby bush,” 21:16 v16a וַתֵּלֶךְ֩ וַתֵּ֨שֶׁב לָ֜הּ מִנֶּ֗גֶד 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then she went away from him and sat down by herself,” 21:16 ldji rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance הַרְחֵק֙ כִּמְטַחֲוֵ֣י קֶ֔שֶׁת 1 If you do not translate the text literally, the literal text could be put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “about as far away as someone can shoot a bow” or “about a hundred yards away,” 21:16 pq30 כִּ֣י אָֽמְרָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “because she said to herself,” or “She said to herself,” 21:16 v45g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnoun אַל אֶרְאֶ֖ה בְּמ֣וֹת הַיָּ֑לֶד 1 Consider whether it is better to use a noun (**death**) or a verb (“die”) in your translation here. Also, see how you translated **child** in verses 14 and 15. Alternate translation: “I cannot bear to see my son die!” 21:16 ommg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַתֵּ֣שֶׁב מִנֶּ֔גֶד וַתִּשָּׂ֥א אֶת קֹלָ֖הּ וַתֵּֽבְךְּ 1 For some languages it may be more natural to change the order of the clauses in this verse (so that the events are in the order that they actually occurred) and say, “She thought to herself, “I cannot bear to watch/see my son die.” So she went away from him and sat down by herself, about as far away as someone can shoot an arrow. Then she started crying loudly.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “As she sat there, she started sobbing loudly.” or “Then she started sobbing loudly.” 21:17 o970 וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע אֱלֹהִים֮ אֶת ק֣וֹל הַנַּעַר֒ 1 Alternate translation: “God also heard the youth crying,” 21:17 g71i rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַיִּקְרָא֩ מַלְאַ֨ךְ אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֶל הָגָר֙ מִן הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָ֖הּ 1 See how you translated the key term **angel** in Gen 16:7. Alternate translation: “so one of his messengers called to Hagar from heaven and said” or “so he had one of his messengers call to Hagar from heaven and say” 21:17 kmbk מַה לָּ֣ךְ הָגָ֑ר 1 For some languages it is necessary to put **Hagar** first in this quote. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Hagar, why are you upset?” 21:17 p37b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אַל תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י כִּֽי שָׁמַ֧ע אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶל ק֥וֹל הַנַּ֖עַר בַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הוּא שָֽׁם 1 The phrase **has listened to** means that God heard the boy and that he will help him. Alternate translation: “Do not be afraid, because God has heard the cries of the boy where he is lying and will take care of him.” or “Do not be afraid. God has heard the youth crying over there and will take care of him.” or “God has heard the youth crying over there, so do not be afraid because he will take care of you both.” 21:18 xxt8 ק֚וּמִי שְׂאִ֣י אֶת הַנַּ֔עַר 1 Alternate translation: “So go help the youth to stand up,” or “So now, go to your son, help him get up,” 21:18 cazv וְהַחֲזִ֥יקִי אֶת יָדֵ֖ךְ בּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and lead him by the hand to help him walk,” 21:18 l3mg כִּֽי & אֲשִׂימֶֽנּוּ 1 The pronoun **I** refers to Yahweh here. So either Yahweh had taken on the form of an angel, or the angel was representing Yahweh and speaking for him. See what you did for a similar case in Gen 16:10. Also, see how you translated “make … into a great nation” in verse 13. Also see 18:18, which is similar. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh will make his descendants become” 21:18 yl2m לְג֥וֹי גָּד֖וֹל 1 See how you translated **nation** in verse 13. Alternate translation: “an large ethnic group.” 21:19 jfgl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּפְקַ֤ח אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶת עֵינֶ֔יהָ וַתֵּ֖רֶא 1 Alternate translation: “Then God helped her to see” 21:19 hole בְּאֵ֣ר מָ֑יִם 1 See how you translated **well** in Gen 16:14. Alternate translation: “a well.” 21:19 omv9 וַתֵּ֜לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “So she walked over to the well,” 21:19 a7ik וַתְּמַלֵּ֤א אֶת הַחֵ֨מֶת֙ מַ֔יִם 1 See how you translated **skin** in verses 14-15. Alternate translation: “filled the water bag with water,” 21:19 k9hm וַתַּ֖שְׁקְ אֶת הַנָּֽעַר 1 Alternate translation: “and gave Ishmael a drink from it.” 21:20 t51d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיְהִ֧י אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶת הַנַּ֖עַר 1 This clause means that God guided, helped, protected, and blessed Ishmael, that is, he took care of him. Consider whether or not your language has an idiom that fits well here. Also consider again how you translated “boy/youth” in verses 12, 17-20. Alternate translation: “God was with the boy and blessed him,” 21:20 x2tn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּגְדָּ֑ל וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of the clauses in this verse and say, “As the boy/youth grew up/older, God was with him and helped/blessed him.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “as he grew up” 21:20 s0rv וַיֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר 1 For some languages it is more natural to specify here in verse 20 that the name of the wilderness is Paran, rather than wait until verse 21, so that it is clear that both verses refer to the same wilderness. See how you translated **the wilderness** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “And he lived in the desert of Paran” or “He lived in the Paran Wilderness” 21:20 n9h4 וַיְהִ֖י רֹבֶ֥ה קַשָּֽׁת 1 Alternate translation: “and became a skilled bowhunter” 21:21 rlzv וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב בְּמִדְבַּ֣ר פָּארָ֑ן 1 See how you translated **wilderness** in verse 20. Alternate translation: “While he was living in the Paran Wilderness” or “While he was living in that desert,” 21:21 ay6a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַתִּֽקַּֽח ל֥וֹ אִמּ֛וֹ אִשָּׁ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “his mother chose a wife for him” or “his mother arranged for him to marry a woman” 21:21 vi5d מֵאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 See how you translated **the land of Egypt** in Gen 13:10. Alternate translation: “who came from the country of Egypt.” or “who was Egyptian.” 21:22 qzrz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַֽיְהִי֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔וא 1 Consider what is the best way to introduce a new episode here in your language. Alternate translation: “Around that same time,” 21:22 ajvq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ וּפִיכֹל֙ שַׂר צְבָא֔וֹ אֶל אַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 For some languages it is necessary in your language to make explicit that King Abimelech and Phicol came (or went) to Abraham before they spoke to him. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “King Abimelech went with his army commander Phicol to Abraham and said to him,” or “King Abimelech and his army commander Phicol went to Abraham and said to him,” 21:22 zrmj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֱלֹהִ֣ים עִמְּךָ֔ בְּכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר אַתָּ֖ה עֹשֶֽׂה 1 See how you translated a similar phrase (“God was with …”) in verse 20. Alternate translation: “I have noticed that God is with you and blesses you in everything that you do.” 21:23 dapc וְעַתָּ֗ה 1 King Abimelech’s words to Abraham should sound polite and respectful in your translation, not rude or demanding. See how you translated this phrase in Gen 20:7. Alternate translation: “So now, please” 21:23 k01e rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula הִשָּׁ֨בְעָה לִּ֤י בֵֽאלֹהִים֙ הֵ֔נָּה 1 To “swear … by God” means that Abraham would be accountable to God, asking him to be his witness and to punish him if he breaks his oath/vow/promise to King Abimelech. It does not mean that Abraham used swear words or other foul language. If this custom is not familiar to many people in your language area, you could put this information in a footnote. See how you translated a similar sentence in Gen 14:22. Alternate translation: “solemnly promise me here with God as your witness” 21:23 iy8k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis אִם־תִּשְׁקֹ֣ר לִ֔י 1 According to custom, Abimelech is leaving out the part of the oath that tells what Yahweh will do to Abraham if he violates the oath. Because of the power of spoken words, people left that part to be understood silently. You could supply these words if it would be clearer and not offensive in your language. Alternate translation: “that he will punish you severely if you deal falsely with me” 21:23 gd6n כַּחֶ֜סֶד אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂ֤יתִי עִמְּךָ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Rather, just as I have treated you kindly,” or “But just as I have been kind to you,” 21:23 ofrf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy תַּעֲשֶׂ֣ה עִמָּדִ֔י וְעִם הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 In this context, the phrase **the land** refers to the people who live in the land. Alternate translation: “vow that you will also be kind to me and the people in this land” 21:23 vmpq אֲשֶׁר גַּ֥רְתָּה בָּֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “where you are sojourning” or “where you are living as a foreigner” 21:24 vsx6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Abraham said to Abimelech,” 21:24 llgs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אָנֹכִ֖י אִשָּׁבֵֽעַ 1 See how you translated **swear** in verse 23. Alternate translation: “I swear that I will do those things.” or “I solemnly promise that I will do that.” 21:25 skvd וְהוֹכִ֥חַ אַבְרָהָ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “But then he confronted” or “Then he also protested to” 21:25 ngd9 אֶת אֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ 1 For some languages, it is necessary to include the title “King” every time that Abimelech (or any other king) is referred to by name. For other languages, it is more natural to use the title only occasionally (especially when the focus is on him), or perhaps only the first time he is referred to in a section (so that his status is clear). Do what is best in your language throughout this section. 21:25 osf1 עַל אֹדוֹת֙ 1 Alternate translation: “regarding” 21:25 p4mg בְּאֵ֣ר הַמַּ֔יִם 1 See how you translated **well of water** in verse 19. Alternate translation: “a well of water” or “the water well” or “a well” 21:26 dm1j וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “But Abimelech responded to him,” or “When King Abimelech heard that, he said” 21:26 msxx מִ֥י עָשָׂ֖ה אֶת הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “who took your well from you.” or “who took control of your well.” 21:26 q3de וְגַם 1 Here Abimelech is introducing an additional explanation of his innocence in this matter. Consider what it the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “Furthermore,” 21:26 d0y8 אַתָּ֞ה לֹא הִגַּ֣דְתָּ לִּ֗י 1 Alternate translation: “you did not inform me about that before” or “you never told me about this” 21:26 dpcm וְגַ֧ם 1 Alternate translation: “so as a result” 21:26 qavd אָנֹכִ֛י לֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖עְתִּי בִּלְתִּ֥י הַיּֽוֹם 1 Alternate translation: “I knew nothing about it until today.” or “today is the first time that I have heard about it.” 21:27 ty60 וַיִּקַּ֤ח אַבְרָהָם֙ צֹ֣אן וּבָקָ֔ר וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לַאֲבִימֶ֑לֶךְ 1 See how you translated **sheep and cattle** in Gen 20:14. Alternate translation: “Then Abraham brought some of his sheep and cattle, and gave them to Abimelech,” 21:27 b406 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּכְרְת֥וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם בְּרִֽית 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 15:18. Alternate translation: “and he and Abimelech made a peace agreement with one another.” 21:28 d0o3 וַיַּצֵּ֣ב אַבְרָהָ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “Abraham also isolated” 21:28 jg03 אֶת שֶׁ֛בַע כִּבְשֹׂ֥ת הַצֹּ֖אן לְבַדְּהֶֽן 1 Alternate translation: “seven female lambs from the rest of the sheep.” or “seven young female sheep from the rest of the sheep.” 21:29 kf9n rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ אֶל אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “So Abimelech asked Abraham” 21:29 qlqx מָ֣ה הֵ֗נָּה שֶׁ֤בַע כְּבָשֹׂת֙ הָאֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֥ר הִצַּ֖בְתָּ לְבַדָּֽנָה 1 See how you translated **set apart** in verse 28. Alternate translation: “What is the reason that you set apart those seven lambs?” or “Why did you put those seven lambs off by themselves?” or “Why did you isolate those seven lambs from the rest of the sheep?” 21:30 ljh3 וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Abraham answered him,” 21:30 spzl כִּ֚י אֶת שֶׁ֣בַע כְּבָשֹׂ֔ת תִּקַּ֖ח 1 Alternate translation: “Those seven lambs are for you to accept” or “Because I want you to take them” 21:30 gno6 בַּעֲבוּר֙ תִּֽהְיֶה לִּ֣י לְעֵדָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “to verify to everyone” 21:30 dj5y כִּ֥י חָפַ֖רְתִּי אֶת הַבְּאֵ֥ר הַזֹּֽאת 1 Alternate translation: “that I dug this well and so it is mine.” or “that I am the one who dug this well and it belongs to me.” 21:31 r5gz עַל כֵּ֗ן 1 Alternate translation: “That is why” or “So” 21:31 ace1 קָרָ֛א לַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא 1 The phrase **he called** often means that people in general gave a city or other place a certain name. Here it could be that Abraham named the place Beersheba, and then later other people called it the same name, and it became well known by that name. See how you translated this phrase in Gen 19:22. Alternate translation: “Abraham called that place” or “they call that place” or “that place was called” 21:31 h7pp בְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Beersheba** in verse 14. Also, if you include the meaning of the name in your translation or in a footnote, make sure that the way you translate “vow” or **oath** here matches the way you translate **oath** later in this verse. Alternate translation: “Well of the Oath,” 21:31 py2p כִּ֛י שָׁ֥ם 1 Alternate translation: “because it was there that” or “because that is where” 21:31 khcp שְׁנֵיהֶֽם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 27. Alternate translation: “he and Abimelech both” 21:31 hkv1 נִשְׁבְּע֖וּ 1 See how you translated “swear” in verses 23-24. Alternate translation: “made a vow to each other.” or “solemnly promised each other to live in peace.” 21:32 idhd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּכְרְת֥וּ בְרִ֖ית בִּבְאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use a pronoun or nouns here to refer to these men. Some languages have a special dual pronoun for **they** that fits well here. Also, see how you translated the idiom “cut … covenant” in verse 27. Alternate translation: “After Abraham and King Abimelech established their peace agreement at Beersheba,” 21:32 usgz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיָּ֣קָם אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ וּפִיכֹל֙ שַׂר צְבָא֔וֹ 1 See how you translated **got up** in verse 22. Alternate translation: “Abimelech and Phicol, his army commander left from there” or “Abimelech and his army commander Phicol left Abraham” 21:32 qzuk אֶל אֶ֥רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים 1 Abimelech and Phicol probably returned to their homes in the city of Gerar (Gen 20:2), which at that time was the Philistines’ capital city, where Abimelech ruled from. The place in the desert where Abimelech and Abraham made their covenant (Beersheba) was probably located on the border of the Philistines’ territory. Alternate translation: “to the land where the Philistines lived.” 21:33 aoys rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown אֶ֖שֶׁל 1 The tamarisk tree (also known as salt-cedar) is a small-leaved evergreen tree that grows up to 30 feet (9 meters) high and provides shade. It grows well in desert areas that have salty soil. You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “a salt-cedar tree” or “an evergreen tree named salt-cedar” 21:33 nqr4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּ֨קְרָא שָׁ֔ם בְּשֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה 1 See how you translated this clause in Gen 12:8 and a similar clause in 13:4. Alternate translation: “and he praised Yahweh by name there,” or “and he addressed Yahweh there by his name as he praised him,” or “and there he praised Yahweh,” 21:33 kg6a אֵ֥ל עוֹלָֽם 1 This phrase means that God has no beginning and no end. In other words, he has always existed and he will continue to exist forever. Alternate translation: “who is the Eternal God.” or “who is the God who has always existed.” 21:34 fwun וַיָּ֧גָר אַבְרָהָ֛ם 1 See how you translated “sojourning” in verse 23. Alternate translation: “After that, he stayed there” 21:34 iij4 בְּאֶ֥רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “in the territory that was occupied by the Philistines” or “in the territory where the Philistines lived” 21:34 rc8r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure יָמִ֥ים רַבִּֽים 1 Abraham lived in the Philistines’ territory for around 25 years, so keep that in mind as you translate this phrase. For some languages it is clearer or more natural to put this time phrase earlier in this sentence and say, “… lived there for many years in the land …” Do what is best in your language. 22:1 oi54 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י אַחַר֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה 1 This is the beginning of a new episode that takes place around twelve years after Abraham and King Abimelech made their treaty (chapter 21). See how you translated “after those events” in Gen 15:1; it may be necessary to translate this phrase in a slightly different way here because of the different context. Alternate translation: “Sometime after those things happened” or “Several years later” 22:1 y0sj וְהָ֣אֱלֹהִ֔ים נִסָּ֖ה אֶת אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 Make sure your translation of this clause does not sound like the test was over. Rather it introduces what the following episode is about. Alternate translation: “God wanted to test Abraham.” 22:1 ed64 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֥אמֶר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who is speaking here. Alternate translation: “Abraham replied to him,” 22:1 padv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הִנֵּֽנִי 1 Abraham’s reply is respectful and means that he is listening and ready to do what God wants him to do. Consider what is the best way to say this phrase in your language. Alternate translation: “Yes, Master?” or “What is it, Lord” 22:2 kuxt rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֡אמֶר 1 Translate this quote margin in a way that fits this context well. Alternate translation: “Then God said to him,” or “Then God told him,” 22:2 yhh1 קַח נָ֠א אֶת בִּנְךָ֨ 1 See how you translated “please” when God is talking to a person in Gen 13:14; 15:5. Your translation of **take** here should not imply the use of force. See how you translated “took” in Gen 11:31 and 12:5. 22:2 b5q0 אֶת יְחִֽידְךָ֤ אֲשֶׁר אָהַ֨בְתָּ֙ אֶת יִצְחָ֔ק 1 This phrase repeats part of the previous phrase in order to emphasize it. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “yes your only son Isaac whom you love,” 22:2 zek7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְלֶךְ לְךָ֔ 1 It is understood that he was to take Isaac with him. If this is not clear in your language, you could make that information explicit. Alternate translation: “and go with him” 22:2 fsxs rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶל אֶ֖רֶץ הַמֹּרִיָּ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “to the region called Moriah,” or “to the Moriah Region,” 22:2 fvbp וְהַעֲלֵ֤הוּ שָׁם֙ לְעֹלָ֔ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 8:20. Alternate translation: “and offer him there to me as a burnt offering” or “There you are to burn him up on an altar as a offering to me,” 22:2 yxpj עַ֚ל אַחַ֣ד הֶֽהָרִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “on top of one of the mountains” or “on top of a mountain” 22:2 c0gi אֲשֶׁ֖ר אֹמַ֥ר אֵלֶֽיךָ 1 Alternate translation: “that I will point out to you.” 22:3 rmr5 וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם אַבְרָהָ֜ם בַּבֹּ֗קֶר 1 See how you translated **got up early in the morning** in Gen 20:8. Alternate translation: “So the next morning, Abraham got up early” or “Early the next morning Abraham got up” 22:3 r4ae rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וַֽיַּחֲבֹשׁ֙ אֶת חֲמֹר֔וֹ 1 A donkey is like a small horse that people used to carry loads (as here). Alternate translation: “and got his donkey ready for the trip.” 22:3 cnmv וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶת שְׁנֵ֤י נְעָרָיו֙ אִתּ֔וֹ וְאֵ֖ת יִצְחָ֣ק בְּנ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “He took two of his servants with him and his son Isaac,” or “Then he took his son Isaac and two of his servants,” 22:3 kxn0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיְבַקַּע֙ עֲצֵ֣י 1 The reason Abraham is the only one mentioned in this clause and in the next sentence is that he is in focus. He did not travel alone and he probably did not chop the wood alone. Decide whether or not you need to make that explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “and he split some firewood with them” or “and they chopped some firewood together” 22:3 pd14 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns עֹלָ֔ה 1 Some languages must translate this noun phrase using a verb. Do what is natural in your language. See what you did in verse 2. Alternate translation: “to use for the burnt offering and loaded it on the donkey.” or “that they would use to burn the offering and loaded it on the donkey.” 22:3 tot6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיָּ֣קָם וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ אֶל הַמָּק֖וֹם 1 In this context, **got up** is used as an idiom that means Abraham started an activity. It does not mean that he was sitting down and literally stood up. Alternate translation: “Then he set out with them for the place” or “Then they started traveling to the mountain” 22:3 uasj אֲשֶׁר אָֽמַר ל֥וֹ הָאֱלֹהִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “that God had told him to go to.” 22:4 u4zi בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֗י 1 Alternate translation: “After walking for three days,” 22:4 o9zt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּשָּׂ֨א אַבְרָהָ֧ם אֶת עֵינָ֛יו 1 See how you translated the idiom **lifted his eyes** in Gen 18:2. It may be necessary to translate it differently here, because of the different context. Alternate translation: “he looked up” 22:4 ql9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיַּ֥רְא אֶת הַמָּק֖וֹם מֵרָחֹֽק 1 Consider where it is best in your language to put the location phrase **from a distance** or “in the distance”. Alternate translation: “and he could see the place where they were headed in the distance.” or “and in the distance he could see the place where they were going.” 22:5 a4ha וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶל נְעָרָ֗יו 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **young men** in verse 3. Alternate translation: “Then Abraham told his servants,” 22:5 a6c1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual שְׁבוּ לָכֶ֥ם פֹּה֙ עִֽם הַחֲמ֔וֹר 1 Some languages have special dual pronouns (that refer to only two people) that can be used in verse 5 to refer to Abraham’s two servants. 22:5 dec5 וַאֲנִ֣י וְהַנַּ֔עַר נֵלְכָ֖ה 1 See how you translated **the boy** in Gen 21:12, 17-20. We do not know for sure how old Isaac was at this time, but estimates range between 18 and 37 years old. Make sure your translation of **boy** allows for that fact. Alternate translation: “while the young man and I go” 22:5 g7di עַד כֹּ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “over there to that mountain” 22:5 qx9v rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וְנִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה 1 In that culture, people had the custom of bowing down to worship God. Make sure it is clear in your translation why Abraham and Isaac would bow down. Alternate translation: “and bow down to worship God.” 22:5 xg6u וְנָשׁ֥וּבָה אֲלֵיכֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “Then we will return to you here.” or “After that, we will come back here to you.” 22:6 z998 וַיִּקַּ֨ח אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶת עֲצֵ֣י הָעֹלָ֗ה 1 See how you translated “firewood” and **burnt offering** in verse 3. Alternate translation: “Then he took the firewood for the burnt offering off the donkey,” or “Then he took the firewood that they would use to burn the sacrifice” 22:6 opxt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙ עַל יִצְחָ֣ק בְּנ֔וֹ 1 The Hebrew text does not specify exactly where Abraham put the wood on Isaac. Only specify that in a translation if it is necessary in your language. Alternate translation: “and gave it to his son Isaac to carry,” 22:6 jggs וַיִּקַּ֣ח בְּיָד֔וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “and he himself carried” 22:6 b8n2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶת הָאֵ֖שׁ 1 The **fire** can either refer to hot coals (in a pot) or to a flint stone and wood chips that they would use to start the fire on the altar. Make sure that your translation of this phrase does not mean that Abraham was holding fire or hot coals in his bare hands. Alternate translation: “a fire pot with hot embers in it” or “the other things to make a fire” 22:6 h7lb וְאֶת הַֽמַּאֲכֶ֑לֶת 1 Alternate translation: “and a sacrifice knife.” 22:6 gsz4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-dual וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם יַחְדָּֽו 1 Some languages have a dual pronoun that could be used here. Alternate translation: “Then Abraham and Isaac walked on together,” or “Then they continued walking toward the mountain,” 22:7 pbll rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יִצְחָ֜ק אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֤ם אָבִיו֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language. Alternate translation: “and as they went Isaac said to his father Abraham,” 22:7 yodu rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Abraham at this point in the paragraph in your language. Alternate translation: “Abraham said to him,” 22:7 q4kt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הִנֶּ֣נִּֽי בְנִ֑י 1 See how you translated the idiom **Behold me** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “What is it, my son?” 22:7 ai7j rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Make sure that the way you translate this quote margin fits well with what Isaac says next. 22:7 s3hm הִנֵּ֤ה 1 Alternate translation: “Here is” 22:7 yc7e הָאֵשׁ֙ וְהָ֣עֵצִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “the fire pot and the firewood,” or “what we need to make a fire to burn the sacrifice,” 22:7 jd19 וְאַיֵּ֥ה הַשֶּׂ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “but where is the sheep” or “but why is there no lamb” 22:7 izci לְעֹלָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “for us to use as the burnt offering?” or “for us to burn as our sacrifice to God?” or “that we will burn as our offering to God?” 22:8 icf0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Abraham said to him,” 22:8 kpqx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֱלֹהִ֞ים יִרְאֶה לּ֥וֹ 1 This is an idiom that means God will provide the lamb. Make sure this meaning is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “God himself will see to it that there is” 22:8 qwmm הַשֶּׂ֛ה לְעֹלָ֖ה 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 7. Alternate translation: “a lamb for the burnt offering,” or “a lamb for us to burn as a offering to him,” 22:8 ma9g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בְּנִ֑י 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to put this address first in this quote and say, “My son, God himself will …” 22:8 rj6h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-dual וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם 1 See how you translated **the two of them** in verse 6. Alternate translation: “So the two of them walked on together.” or “So they continued walking together toward the mountain.” 22:9 r054 וַיָּבֹ֗אוּ אֶֽל 1 Alternate translation: “After they got to” or “After they arrived at” or “After they reached” 22:9 ouv8 הַמָּקוֹם֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָֽמַר ל֣וֹ הָאֱלֹהִים֒ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 3. Alternate translation: “the mountain that God had told him to go to” 22:9 esjb וַיִּ֨בֶן שָׁ֤ם אַבְרָהָם֙ אֶת הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated **altar** in Gen 13:4, 18. Alternate translation: “Abraham made a stone altar there” 22:9 k8uv וַֽיַּעֲרֹ֖ךְ אֶת הָעֵצִ֑ים 1 Abraham arranged the wood on top of the altar so that it would burn well. Make sure your translation of this phrase does not sound like he lit the fire yet; he did not do that until verse 13 when he sacrificed the ram. Alternate translation: “and laid the wood on top of it.” 22:9 wkmq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיָּ֤שֶׂם אֹתוֹ֙ עַל הַמִּזְבֵּ֔חַ מִמַּ֖עַל לָעֵצִֽים 1 Consider which order of these phrases is the clearest and most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and put him on top of the wood that was on the altar.” 22:10 mmrx rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח אַבְרָהָם֙ אֶת־יָד֔וֹ וַיִּקַּ֖ח אֶת־הַֽמַּאֲכֶ֑לֶת 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use a noun or a pronoun to refer to Abraham here. See how you translated **knife** in verse 6. Alternate translation: “Then he took the knife in his hand” 22:10 ycq6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לִשְׁחֹ֖ט אֶת בְּנֽוֹ 1 In the process of sacrificing, the first step was to kill the sacrifice and then burn up the body on the altar. If necessary, you could make that information explicit in your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “in order to kill his son before sacrificing his body on the altar.” 22:11 m7u5 וַיִּקְרָ֨א & מַלְאַ֤ךְ יְהוָה֙ 1 Make sure in your translation that it does not sound like Abraham killed Isaac. See how you translated this phrase in Gen 21:17. Alternate translation: “But before Abraham could use the knife, an angel from Yahweh called” 22:11 emlx אֵלָ֜יו & מִן הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אַבְרָהָ֣ם אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 The angel repeats Abraham’s name to communicate urgency and that he wants him to stop and listen. Make sure your translation does not sound like the angel was angry or criticizing Abraham. 22:11 ea4o rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 2 Alternate translation: “Abraham replied to the angel,” 22:11 bges rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הִנֵּֽנִי 1 See how you translated **Behold me** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “What is it, Master?” or “Yes, Master?” 22:12 u0h9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that the angel is speaking here, not Abraham. Alternate translation: “Then the angel said,” 22:12 htic rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַל תִּשְׁלַ֤ח יָֽדְךָ֙ אֶל 1 Consider whether your language has an idiom that has the same meaning as the Hebrew idiom here. Alternate translation: “Do not lay your hands on” or “Do not kill” 22:12 vytx הַנַּ֔עַר 1 See how you translated this in verse 5. Alternate translation: “the young man” 22:12 qdxh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְאַל תַּ֥עַשׂ ל֖וֹ מְא֑וּמָּה 1 The angel repeats the previous command (using different words) in order to emphasize that Abraham should not hurt Isaac. Most languages can do something similar. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not do anything to harm him” or “You must not do anything to harm him” or “You must not harm him in any way” 22:12 dilb כִּ֣י עַתָּ֣ה יָדַ֗עְתִּי 1 Yahweh is the one talking here, represented by the angel who speaks on his behalf, or perhaps God is appearing to Abraham as an angel. Alternate translation: “Now I see” or “You have shown me” 22:12 fr8l rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms כִּֽי יְרֵ֤א אֱלֹהִים֙ אַ֔תָּה 1 See how you translated **fear** in Gen 20:11. Alternate translation: “that you fear me” or “that you deeply respect me” 22:12 kcxw וְלֹ֥א חָשַׂ֛כְתָּ אֶת בִּנְךָ֥ אֶת יְחִידְךָ֖ מִמֶּֽנִּי 1 Alternate translation: “because you obeyed me and did not hold back your son from me, yes your only son.” or “because you obeyed me and did not refuse to sacrifice your son to me, even though he is your only son.” 22:13 v3dv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּשָּׂ֨א אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶת עֵינָ֗יו וַיַּרְא֙ 1 See how you translated **lifted his eyes and looked** in Gen 18:2. 22:13 q7w3 וְהִנֵּה אַ֔יִל אַחַ֕ר 1 A ram is an adult male sheep or goat. See how you translated this term in Gen 15:9. Alternate translation: “and suddenly he saw a ram behind him” 22:13 t9hq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive נֶאֱחַ֥ז בַּסְּבַ֖ךְ בְּקַרְנָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “that had caught its horns in the thicket” or “that had its horns caught in a bush.” 22:13 vrf2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ אַבְרָהָם֙ וַיִּקַּ֣ח אֶת־הָאַ֔יִל 1 For some languages it may be necessary to explicitly state that Abraham untied Isaac and took him off the altar before he sacrificed the ram. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So after releasing Isaac, he took the ram from the thicket” or “So he untied Isaac, went over to the ram and untangled it.” 22:13 p6og rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיַּעֲלֵ֥הוּ לְעֹלָ֖ה 1 Animals that were sacrificed to God as burnt offerings were killed first before they were burned on an altar. Make sure your translation does not sound like the ram was burned alive. If that is not clear, you could make some of the above implied information explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then he killed the ram and burned it on the altar as a offering to God” 22:13 bk1e תַּ֥חַת בְּנֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “as a substitute for his son.” 22:14 hiz5 וַיִּקְרָ֧א אַבְרָהָ֛ם שֵֽׁם־הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא 1 Make sure it is clear that what Yahweh did in verse 13 is the reason that Abraham gave that place the name **Yahweh-Yireh** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “That is why Abraham called that place” or “Because God provided the ram, Abraham called that place” 22:14 fs0p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names יְהוָ֣ה יִרְאֶ֑ה 1 If you include the meaning of this name in your translation text or in a footnote, be consistent with how you translate the verb “see/provide” in verse 8 (and later in verse 14), which the name is based on. 22:14 scaj אֲשֶׁר֙ יֵאָמֵ֣ר הַיּ֔וֹם 1 This refers to the time period when Moses was writing this book. If that is not clear, you could put that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Even now people still say,” 22:14 v6oq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יֵרָאֶֽה 1 See how you translated this idiom in verse 8. Alternate translation: “it will be provided by him.” or “he will see to it that we have what we need.” or “he will provide what we need.” 22:15 m2cz וַיִּקְרָ֛א מַלְאַ֥ךְ יְהוָ֖ה אֶל־אַבְרָהָ֑ם שֵׁנִ֖ית מִן־הַשָּׁמָֽיִם 1 See how you translated “called … from heaven” in verse 11, and how you translated **angel** in verses 11-12. 22:16 ouls וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 22:16 j53n בִּ֥י נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי נְאֻם יְהוָ֑ה 1 See how you translated **swear** in Gen 21:23-24. 22:16 rcpc כִּ֗י יַ֚עַן אֲשֶׁ֤ר עָשִׂ֨יתָ֙ אֶת הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “that since you have done what I said” or “that since you obeyed me” 22:16 sgj6 וְלֹ֥א חָשַׂ֖כְתָּ אֶת בִּנְךָ֥ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 12. Alternate translation: “and did not refuse to sacrifice your son to me,” or “were willing to give your son to me” 22:16 pxdg אֶת יְחִידֶֽךָ 1 See how you translated this in verse 12. Alternate translation: “even though he is your only son” 22:17 z6y6 כִּֽי בָרֵ֣ךְ אֲבָרֶכְךָ֗ 1 Alternate translation: “I will surely bless you,” or “I will surely cause you to prosper greatly,” 22:17 d019 וְהַרְבָּ֨ה אַרְבֶּ֤ה אֶֽת זַרְעֲךָ֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I will greatly increase the number of your descendants so that they will be” or “In fact, I will give you so many offspring that they will be” 22:17 ufpq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כְּכוֹכְבֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that God is comparing the number of stars and grains of sand to the number of descendants Abraham will have. There will be so many that no one can count them all (as in Gen 13:16 and 15:6). Alternate translation: “as many as the stars in the sky” 22:17 bf0s וְכַח֕וֹל אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל שְׂפַ֣ת הַיָּ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and as many as the grains of sand on the seashore,” 22:17 v3sf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְיִרַ֣שׁ זַרְעֲךָ֔ אֵ֖ת שַׁ֥עַר אֹיְבָֽיו 1 Cities often had high stone walls surrounding them to protect the people inside. The gates in the walls were the only way to go in or out of a city. The idiom “possess the gates of … enemies” refers to taking control of the cities and conquering the people living there. Consider what is the best way to translate this idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “and they will conquer the cities of all their enemies.” or “They will conquer all their enemies and rule over them.” or “Your offspring will …” 22:18 ropw בְזַרְעֲךָ֔ 1 See how you translated **offspring** in verse 17. Alternate translation: “In your offspring” or “Because of your offspring” or “By means of your offspring” 22:18 c2lu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְהִתְבָּרֲכ֣וּ & כֹּ֖ל גּוֹיֵ֣י הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 See how you translated a similar sentence (“in/through … all the … of/on the earth will be blessed”) in Gen 12:3 and 18:18. Alternate translation: “all the peoples of the earth will be blessed by me,” or “I will bless all the ethnic groups that live on the earth,” 22:18 emd5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy עֵ֕קֶב אֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁמַ֖עְתָּ בְּקֹלִֽי 1 Make sure your translation of **my voice** refers to what God commanded Abraham. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “because you heeded my command.” 22:19 nybt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיָּ֤שָׁב אַבְרָהָם֙ 1 Make sure your translation does not sound like Abraham returned alone (without Isaac). Alternate translation: “Afterwards Abraham and Isaac went back” 22:19 tr07 אֶל נְעָרָ֔יו 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **young men** in verses 3 and 5. Alternate translation: “to the two servants” 22:19 tggg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיָּקֻ֛מוּ וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ יַחְדָּ֖ו אֶל בְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע 1 At that time, Abraham and his family were living in Beersheba (Gen 21:31-34). So in your translation, it should not sound like Beersheba was a new destination; they were returning home. Alternate translation: “Then they returned home together to the city of Beersheba,” 22:19 q7m7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב אַבְרָהָ֖ם בִּבְאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע 1 Make sure your translation does not sound like Abraham was living alone in Beersheba apart from his family. Alternate translation: “and Abraham continued to live there with his family.” or “where Abraham and his family continued to live.” 22:20 i6mk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י אַחֲרֵי֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה 1 This phrase introduces a new topic. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “Sometime after that” 22:20 s6w0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיֻּגַּ֥ד לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. 22:20 q12r הִ֠נֵּה 1 Alternate translation: “Listen,” or “I have some news for you:” 22:20 g7pp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations יָלְדָ֨ה מִלְכָּ֥ה גַם הִ֛וא בָּנִ֖ים לְנָח֥וֹר אָחִֽיךָ 1 For some languages it may be better to use an indirect quote in this verse and say, “Sometime later Abraham found out that his brother Nahor and Nahor’s wife Milcah had some sons,” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Milcah the wife of your brother Nahor has born some sons for him,” or “your brother Nahor and his wife Milcah also have some sons,” 22:21 wmd4 אֶת ע֥וּץ בְּכֹר֖וֹ וְאֶת בּ֣וּז אָחִ֑יו וְאֶת קְמוּאֵ֖ל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “including their oldest son Uz, then Buz and Kemuel,” or “The first one is Uz, the second is Buz, and the third is Kemuel,” 22:21 rvcd אֲבִ֥י אֲרָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “who fathered Aram.” or “whose son is Aram.” 22:22 szt9 וְאֶת 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that the people listed in verse 22 were sons of Nahor and Milcah, not sons of Kemuel (verse 21). Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 22:22 zhtn כֶּ֣שֶׂד וְאֶת חֲז֔וֹ וְאֶת פִּלְדָּ֖שׁ וְאֶת יִדְלָ֑ף וְאֵ֖ת בְּתוּאֵֽל 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to use a conjunction between each name in this list (like Hebrew does), or only before the last name in the list. See what you did for a similar list of names in Gen 10:26-29. 22:23 hgj2 וּבְתוּאֵ֖ל יָלַ֣ד אֶת רִבְקָ֑ה 1 Some translations put this sentence in parentheses to show that it is a separate comment by the author and not part of the previous quote. Do what is best in your language. Also, see how you translated **fathered** in Gen 11:27. Alternate translation: “Bethuel was the father of Rebekah.” 22:24 wjgn וּפִֽילַגְשׁ֖וֹ וּשְׁמָ֣הּ רְאוּמָ֑ה וַתֵּ֤לֶד גַּם הִוא֙ 1 Alternate translation: “In addition to that, Nahor and his concubine Reumah also had some sons, including” 22:24 ze05 אֶת טֶ֣בַח וְאֶת גַּ֔חַם וְאֶת תַּ֖חַשׁ וְאֶֽת מַעֲכָֽה 1 See how you connected the list of names in verse 22. 23:1 y6lm וַיִּהְיוּ֙ חַיֵּ֣י שָׂרָ֔ה מֵאָ֥ה שָׁנָ֛ה וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְשֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “Sarah lived 127 years” 23:1 xsnc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure שְׁנֵ֖י חַיֵּ֥י שָׂרָֽה 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to combine the last part of verse 1 with the beginning of verse 2 and say, “That is how old she was when she died in Kiriath Arba …” Alternate translation: “Yes, that is how long she lived” or “That is how old she lived to be” 23:2 gq6y וַתָּ֣מָת שָׂרָ֗ה 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “Then she died” or “before she died” 23:2 uigf rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בְּקִרְיַ֥ת אַרְבַּ֛ע 1 You can spell this name as two words, as in the Hebrew text, or combine them into one word with or without a hyphen. Be consistent with how you spell this name throughout the Bible. Alternate translation: “in the city of Kiriath-arba,” 23:2 zc7g הִ֥וא חֶבְר֖וֹן 1 The city of Kiriath Arba was later named Hebron (Joshua 14:15). Alternate translation: “which is also named Hebron,” or “also known as Hebron,” or “that is, Hebron,” 23:2 ptzp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 For some languages it is more natural to put a general location before a specific location and say, “in the land of Canaan, in the city of Kiriath Arba, which is Hebron.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “in the land called Canaan.” 23:2 y3fa וַיָּבֹא֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Abraham came to her” or “Abraham came to her side” 23:2 d6r2 לִסְפֹּ֥ד לְשָׂרָ֖ה וְלִבְכֹּתָֽהּ 1 For some languages it is necessary to translate this sentence using a verb form that expresses completion or past tense so that it is clear that Abraham actually did this. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “to mourn and cry for her.” 23:3 ad8l וַיָּ֨קָם֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם מֵעַ֖ל פְּנֵ֣י 1 Alternate translation: “Later he got up from mourning beside” or “After a while, Abraham left” 23:3 fwcx מֵת֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “her body,” 23:3 l42n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר אֶל־בְּנֵי חֵ֖ת לֵאמֹֽר 1 The phrase **sons of Heth** refers to the descendants of Canaan’s son Heth (Genesis 10:15; 15:20) who are also known as the Hittites. Consider what is the best way to refer to them here in your language. Also, for some languages it is necessary to make it explicit here in verse 3 that Abraham went to the city gates to meet with the Hittites, rather than wait until verse 10 for that information. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and he went to the elders of the Hittites at the city gates and said to them,” 23:4 s4tz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אָנֹכִ֖י 1 The leaders of the city already knew that Abraham was a foreigner, so make sure your translation of this sentence does not sound like he is telling them something that they did not know. Alternate translation: “I am coming to you as” or “Since I am” 23:4 i6f1 גֵּר וְתוֹשָׁ֥ב 1 See how you translated **foreigner** in Gen 15:13. Alternate translation: “a outsider who has settled” or “a outsider who is living” 23:4 rxen rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עִמָּכֶ֑ם 1 It is implied by Abraham and understood by the Hittites that Abraham’s status as a foreigner means he owns no property. Consider whether or not to make this implied information explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “among you and I have no land of my own.” or “in your land and I do not own any property here.” 23:4 ck58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness תְּנ֨וּ לִ֤י 1 Make sure that the way you translate this phrase sounds polite, not rude or demanding. Alternate translation: “Please give me” or “Please let me buy” 23:4 sf40 אֲחֻזַּת קֶ֨בֶר֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “some land among you” or “some of your property” 23:4 szs9 וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה מֵתִ֖י מִלְּפָנָֽי 1 Translate this clause in a way that shows respect for the person who has died. Alternate translation: “so I have a place to take my dead wife and bury her.” or “where I can bury the body of my wife who has died.” or “so that I can give my deceased wife a proper burial.” 23:5 vukz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיַּעֲנ֧וּ בְנֵי־חֵ֛ת אֶת־אַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֥ר לֽוֹ 1 See how you translated **the sons of Heth** in verse 3. Alternate translation: “The elders of the Hittites replied to him,” or “When the leaders of the Hittites heard that, they responded,” 23:6 r5h0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics שְׁמָעֵ֣נוּ אֲדֹנִ֗י 1 Abraham was not their actual lord or master. Rather, the Hittites are addressing him in a respectful manner. Also, for some languages it is more natural or respectful to put the form of address “My lord” or “Sir” first in this quote. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Please listen to our proposal, my lord” 23:6 dlnm נְשִׂ֨יא אֱלֹהִ֤ים אַתָּה֙ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “You are a powerful/important leader/man” or (2) “You are a leader/man of/from God”. The interpretation that you do not follow in your translation could be put in a footnote. 23:6 i7x9 בְּתוֹכֵ֔נוּ 1 Alternate translation: “who lives among our people.” 23:6 i3yv קְבֹ֖ר 1 Make sure that the reply of the Hittites sounds polite here in your translation. Alternate translation: “So you may put” 23:6 bpqa אֶת מֵתֶ֑ךָ 1 Alternate translation: “your dead wife” 23:6 pudg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure קְבָרֵ֔ינוּ 1 For some languages it may be better to change the order of the phrases in this sentence and say, “So please choose any one of our best burial sites and bury/put your dead/deceased wife there.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “places to bury people who have died.” or “tombs.” 23:6 j0hg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes אִ֣ישׁ מִמֶּ֔נּוּ אֶת קִבְר֛וֹ לֹֽא יִכְלֶ֥ה מִמְּךָ֖ מִקְּבֹ֥ר 1 Alternate translation: “Each of us is happy to give you some of his land where you can bury” or “All of us are happy for you to use any of our burial sites to bury” 23:6 p2vf מֵתֶֽךָ 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Sarah’s dead body here since it was just mentioned in the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “your dead wife.” 23:7 x7ub וַיָּ֧קָם אַבְרָהָ֛ם 1 The verb **got up** reflects the fact that Abraham and the leaders/elders of the Hittites were all sitting as they talked to each other. Alternate translation: “So Abraham got up” 23:7 erok rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ 1 We do not know how far Abraham bowed down. He may have bowed his upper body from a standing position, or he may have knelt down and touched his forehead to the ground with his arms outstretched. Alternate translation: “and bowed low to the ground in respect” or “and kneeled and touched his forehead to the ground in respect” 23:7 rwqv לְעַם הָאָ֖רֶץ לִבְנֵי חֵֽת 1 The phrase **people of the land** is a term that refers to the leaders of that region who owned land in the area and were the ones to decide whether a foreigner could acquire land. Alternate translation: “in front of the elders of the Hittites, who owned the land in the area” or “before the elders over the Hittites” 23:8 hd9f rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר אִתָּ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to have two verbs or just one verb in this quote margin. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and said to them,” 23:8 r7qy לִקְבֹּ֤ר אֶת מֵתִי֙ מִלְּפָנַ֔י 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 4. Alternate translation: “for me to bury my dead wife here,” or “to allow me to bury the body of my wife who has died,” or “to let me give my deceased wife a proper burial here,” 23:8 fqbj שְׁמָע֕וּנִי וּפִגְעוּ לִ֖י בְּעֶפְר֥וֹן בֶּן צֹֽחַר 1 Alternate translation: “please appeal to Ephron the son of Zohar on my behalf” 23:9 o16i וְיִתֶּן לִ֗י 1 Alternate translation: “to give to me” 23:9 lpzg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶת מְעָרַ֤ת הַמַּכְפֵּלָה֙ אֲשֶׁר ל֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֖ר בִּקְצֵ֣ה שָׂדֵ֑הוּ 1 Machpelah is the name of the area or neighborhood where Ephron’s cave and field were located (verse 17). Alternate translation: “his cave that is at the end of his field in the Machpelah area.” 23:9 jtgy בְּכֶ֨סֶף מָלֵ֜א יִתְּנֶ֥נָּה לִ֛י 1 Alternate translation: “Ask him to give it to me for its full value” or “Ask him to sell it to me and I will pay him the full amount that it is worth” 23:9 g5xi בְּתוֹכְכֶ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “in front of you all” or “with all of you present to witness the sale” 23:9 kb9e לַאֲחֻזַּת קָֽבֶר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “so that I will have land to bury the body of my deceased wife.” or “That way I will have a place here where I can bury the body of my wife who has died.” 23:10 yfyu וְעֶפְר֥וֹן יֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּת֣וֹךְ בְּנֵי חֵ֑ת 1 Alternate translation: “Now Ephron the Hittite was sitting there at the meeting among the other Hittite elders,” or “Ephron was one of the Hittite elders who had gathered there at the meeting,” 23:10 rq1v rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיַּעַן֩ עֶפְר֨וֹן הַחִתִּ֤י אֶת אַבְרָהָם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and he replied to Abraham” 23:10 igbc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּאָזְנֵ֣י בְנֵי חֵ֔ת 1 Alternate translation: “in the hearing of the elders of the Hittites,” or “as the other elders listened,” 23:10 w1wf לְכֹ֛ל בָּאֵ֥י שַֽׁעַר־עִיר֖וֹ 1 The pronoun **his** refers back to **everyone** who had gathered at the city gate, not just one person. Also, in that culture, the leaders of a city would hold their meetings at the city gates, where they would make decisions on important matters such as the one Abraham brought before them. You could include that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “including everyone who had gathered there at their city gate,” 23:10 r2ii rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations לֵאמֹֽר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “This is what he said:” 23:11 kb99 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness לֹֽא אֲדֹנִ֣י 1 Make sure your translation of this phase sounds polite. In some cultures it is rude to say **No** too directly. Alternate translation: “That is not necessary, sir.” or “Sir, there is no need for that.” 23:11 ektg שְׁמָעֵ֔נִי 1 Alternate translation: “Please listen to my proposal:” or “Please accept this proposal:” or “Please listen to what I am proposing:” 23:11 m2tk הַשָּׂדֶה֙ נָתַ֣תִּי לָ֔ךְ 1 Ephron is making a formal proposal or offer. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “I hereby offer you the entire field,” 23:11 ut9u וְהַמְּעָרָ֥ה אֲשֶׁר בּ֖וֹ לְךָ֣ נְתַתִּ֑יהָ 1 Alternate translation: “as well as the cave that is in it.” 23:11 hebf לְעֵינֵ֧י בְנֵי עַמִּ֛י 1 Alternate translation: “in the sight of the elders of my people.” or “as the elders of my people listen as witnesses.” or “and all the elders of my people here are witnesses of this.” 23:11 z7u7 קְבֹ֥ר מֵתֶֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “You can bury your dead wife there.” or “Please go ahead and bury your dead wife on that land.” 23:12 c96c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּשְׁתַּ֨חוּ֙ אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 See how you translated **bowed** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “Once again, Abraham bowed” 23:12 w96w עַ֥ם הָאָֽרֶץ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 7. You could translate this in a slightly different way here since these people have been referred to repeatedly before this. Alternate translation: “in front of the people who owned the land in the area,” or “to the elders of the Hittites,” 23:13 zbz3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיְדַבֵּ֨ר אֶל עֶפְר֜וֹן בְּאָזְנֵ֤י עַם הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated **in the ears of** in verse 10. Alternate translation: “and he said to Ephron while the rest of the elders listened,” or “As they all listened, he said to Ephron,” 23:13 btl1 אַ֛ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Instead of doing that,” 23:13 ul13 אִם אַתָּ֥ה ל֖וּ 1 In verses 9-15, Abraham and Ephron are bargaining indirectly with each other according to the customs of that culture and time. Keep that in mind as you translate their conversation. Alternate translation: “if you are willing,” 23:13 nu5f שְׁמָעֵ֑נִי 1 Alternate translation: “please accept my proposal” or “please listen to what I am offering” 23:13 dy0v נָתַ֜תִּי כֶּ֤סֶף הַשָּׂדֶה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “I will give you the full price of what the field is worth.” or “I want to give you the full price of the field.” 23:13 riop rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness קַ֣ח מִמֶּ֔נִּי 1 Alternate translation: “Please take my money” 23:13 la7v וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה אֶת מֵתִ֖י שָֽׁמָּה 1 Alternate translation: “so that I can bury the body of my dead wife there.” or “so that the field will be mine and I can bury my wife there who has died.” or “then I will have a place to bury the body of my deceased wife.” 23:14 p5za rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיַּ֧עַן עֶפְר֛וֹן אֶת אַבְרָהָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֥ר לֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Ephron said to Abraham,” 23:15 ihwt rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics אֲדֹנִ֣י 1 See how you translated this respectful form of address in verses 6 and 11. 23:15 stvm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness שְׁמָעֵ֔נִי 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 13. Make sure Ephron sounds polite here in your translation. 23:15 tka1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney אֶרֶץ֩ אַרְבַּ֨ע מֵאֹ֧ת שֶֽׁקֶל כֶּ֛סֶף 1 Coins did not exist at that time. Rather people paid each other with shekels of silver or gold, which was a weight measurement. Four hundred shekels of silver was about 10 pounds (4.5 kilos) of silver. Many translation teams like to keep the same numbers that are in the Hebrew text in their translation, and then in a footnote give the equivalent amount in their own currency. Other teams put the equivalent amount in the text and put the literal phrase in a footnote. See how you translated **shekels of silver** in Gen 20:16. Alternate translation: “The field is worth 400 shekels of silver.” or “If I were selling that land, it would cost 400 shekels of silver.” 23:15 xoco בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵֽינְךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “However, since you and I are friends,” or “But as far as you and I are concerned,” 23:15 efpw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַה הִ֑וא 1 Decide whether or not a rhetorical question fits here well in your language. Alternate translation: “what significance is that?” or “that is not important.” or “I would not ask you to pay that.” 23:15 uilj וְאֶת מֵתְךָ֖ קְבֹֽר 1 Consider again how you translated “bury … dead” in verses 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, and 15. Alternate translation: “So go ahead and bury your dead wife there.” 23:16 g94w וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע אַבְרָהָם֮ אֶל עֶפְרוֹן֒ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Abraham did not just hear what Ephron said, but also acted on it. 23:16 i5n2 וַיִּשְׁקֹ֤ל אַבְרָהָם֙ לְעֶפְרֹ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “so he paid him” 23:16 jss8 אֶת הַכֶּ֕סֶף אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֶּ֖ר 1 Alternate translation: “the amount of silver that he had stated” 23:16 x9sr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּאָזְנֵ֣י בְנֵי חֵ֑ת 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 10. You might need to translate it differently here because of the different context. Alternate translation: “in the hearing of the other Hittite elders” or “as the rest of the elders of the Hittites watched and listened” 23:16 wisp אַרְבַּ֤ע מֵאוֹת֙ שֶׁ֣קֶל כֶּ֔סֶף 1 Alternate translation: “which was 400 shekels of silver,” 23:16 nryz עֹבֵ֖ר לַסֹּחֵֽר 1 Alternate translation: “using the same kind of weights that merchants used to accurately weigh silver” or “using the standard shekel that traders used at that time.” 23:17 vy2y וַיָּ֣קָם שְׂדֵ֣ה עֶפְר֗וֹן 1 Verses 17-18 are a summary of the transaction between Ephron and Abraham. Make sure your translation of these verses does not sound like this was a second time that the field was sold. Alternate translation: “That is how the field that belonged to Ephron” 23:17 aztc אֲשֶׁר֙ בַּמַּכְפֵּלָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “that was in the Machpelah area” 23:17 x93p אֲשֶׁ֖ר לִפְנֵ֣י מַמְרֵ֑א 1 Mamre was another name for the city of Hebron (verse 19). The name probably came from Abraham’s friend and ally who lived there (Gen 13:18; 14:13). Alternate translation: “east of the city of Mamre,” 23:17 r9zm הַשָּׂדֶה֙ וְהַמְּעָרָ֣ה אֲשֶׁר בּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “including both the field and the cave that was in it,” 23:17 d17x בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּכָל גְּבֻל֖וֹ סָבִֽיב 1 Alternate translation: “in the field, whatever was inside its borders,” or “anywhere inside the borders of the field,” 23:17 ua4y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיָּ֣קָם 1 For some languages it may be better to break up this long sentence, change the order of the phrases in this verse, and say, “So Ephron sold his field to Abraham, including the cave that was in the field, as well as all the trees that were inside its boundaries. The field was in the Machpelah area near the city of Mamre. Ephron sold the/that field …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “was legally sold by Ephron” or “Ephron sold all of that” 23:18 lkdc לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם לְמִקְנָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “to Abraham as his property” or “to Abraham, and it became his possession” 23:18 y1ss rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְעֵינֵ֣י בְנֵי חֵ֑ת 1 See how you translated the idiom **before the eyes of** in verse 11. Alternate translation: “in the sight of the elders of the Hittites” or “while the leaders of the Hittites watched as witnesses” 23:18 ym12 בְּכֹ֖ל בָּאֵ֥י שַֽׁעַר־עִירֽוֹ 1 For some languages it may be more natural to change the order of some of the clauses in this verse and say, “… to Abraham in front of the leaders of the Hittites who had gathered at the city gates, so that they all witnessed that the land was now Abraham’s property.” Do what is best in your language. Also, see how you translated a similar clause in verse 10. Alternate translation: “including everyone who had gathered at their city gate” or “That included everyone who had met together at their city gates.” 23:19 vcro וְאַחֲרֵי כֵן֩ 1 Alternate translation: “After he bought the field,” 23:19 dwvg קָבַ֨ר אַבְרָהָ֜ם אֶת שָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “he placed the body of his wife Sarah” 23:19 hrzz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶל מְעָרַ֞ת שְׂדֵ֧ה הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֛ה 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Machpelah** in verses 9 and 17. Alternate translation: “in the cave in the field in the Machpelah area,” 23:19 k7kw עַל פְּנֵ֥י מַמְרֵ֖א 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 17. Also, be consistent here with how you spelled this name in verse 17 and in Gen 14:13, 24; 18:1. Alternate translation: “near the city of Mamre,” 23:19 wb07 הִ֣וא חֶבְר֑וֹן 1 Alternate translation: “which is also called Hebron,” or “also known as Hebron,” 23:19 meyv בְּאֶ֖רֶץ כְּנָֽעַן 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 2. Alternate translation: “in the land called Canaan.” 23:20 ujmp וַיָּ֨קָם הַשָּׂדֶ֜ה וְהַמְּעָרָ֧ה אֲשֶׁר־בּ֛וֹ לְאַבְרָהָ֖ם 1 Verse 20 is a concluding summary of chapter 23 and repeats parts of verses 17-18. Make sure that the way you translate this does not sound like Abraham bought another property from the Hittites. Alternate translation: “So that is how that field, including the cave that was in the field, were legally sold to Abraham” or “So in that way, the field of Ephron, including …” 23:20 z30w לַאֲחֻזַּת קָ֑בֶר מֵאֵ֖ת בְּנֵי חֵֽת 1 Consider again how you translated **a burial place** in verses 4, 9, and 20, and how you translated **the sons of Heth** in verses 3, 5, 7, 10, 16, 18, and 20. Alternate translation: “by the Hittites as a burial site.” 24:1 wzyg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet וְאַבְרָהָ֣ם זָקֵ֔ן בָּ֖א בַּיָּמִ֑ים 1 Verse 1 gives the setting for the new episode and begins with a doublet that emphasizes how old Abraham was. Try to preserve this emphasis in a way that is natural in your translation. Alternate translation: “Abraham was very old now. He had lived many years,” or “Now Abraham had become very old,” 24:1 saka וַֽיהוָ֛ה בֵּרַ֥ךְ אֶת אַבְרָהָ֖ם 1 See how you translated “bless” in Gen 12:2-3. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh had caused him to prosper” 24:1 mbdb בַּכֹּֽל 1 Alternate translation: “in everything he had done.” 24:2 b4i8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אַבְרָהָ֗ם אֶל 1 Consider what is the best way to introduce the first event in this episode in your language. Alternate translation: “One day he told” 24:2 joaf עַבְדּוֹ֙ זְקַ֣ן בֵּית֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “the oldest servant in his household,” or “his senior household servant,” 24:2 k6ua הַמֹּשֵׁ֖ל בְּכָל 1 Alternate translation: “who managed everything that he owned,” or “who took care of his entire estate for him,” 24:2 onzf rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction שִֽׂים נָ֥א יָדְךָ֖ תַּ֥חַת יְרֵכִֽי 1 You can make the meaning of this custom explicit in your translation, or you can put that information in a footnote. What Abraham asks his servant to do here is part of the vow-making process in verse 3. Alternate translation: “Please put your hand under my leg to show that you will do what I ask” 24:3 t966 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative וְאַשְׁבִּ֣יעֲךָ֔ 1 Decide the best way to translate this command in your language. Also, see how you translated **swear** in Gen 21:23, and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “and vow to me” or “and make an unbreakable promise to me” 24:3 d82y בַּֽיהוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וֵֽאלֹהֵ֖י הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 See how you translated “the heavens and the earth” in Gen 1:1. Alternate translation: “with Yahweh as your witness, the God who rules the heavens and the earth,” 24:3 j350 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֲשֶׁ֨ר לֹֽא תִקַּ֤ח אִשָּׁה֙ לִבְנִ֔י 1 For some languages it is clearer and more natural to make “Isaac” explicit here in verse 3 rather than wait until the end of verse 4. Do what is best in your language. Also, see how you translated the idiom “took a wife for” in Gen 21:21. Alternate translation: “that you will not get a woman for my son Isaac to marry from among” 24:3 twy1 מִבְּנוֹת֙ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י יוֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ 1 Make sure your translation does not sound like Abraham was living by himself among the Canaanites; his family and servants also lived among them with him. Alternate translation: “the Canaanite women whom we live among” 24:4 bs9d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative כִּ֧י & תֵּלֵ֑ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Instead, you must go” or “Instead, I want you to go” 24:4 ph6k אֶל אַרְצִ֛י 1 Alternate translation: “to my home country” or “to the region where I grew up” or “to the country that I came from” 24:4 x63y וְאֶל מוֹלַדְתִּ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “to my kinfolk who live there,” 24:4 e2z3 וְלָקַחְתָּ֥ אִשָּׁ֖ה לִבְנִ֥י לְיִצְחָֽק 1 The way you refer to Isaac here will depend on how you referred to him in verse 3. Alternate translation: “and find a wife from there for my son Isaac to marry.” or “and get a wife from among them for him to marry.” or “and arrange for him to marry one of their daughters.” 24:5 b2aj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ הָעֶ֔בֶד 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language so that it fits the context well. Alternate translation: “Then the servant asked Abraham,” 24:5 m0tg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo אוּלַי֙ 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 18:24, 28, 29. Alternate translation: “Suppose that” 24:5 rr5r הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “the young woman I choose” or “when I find that young woman, she” 24:5 jvcj לֹא תֹאבֶ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “does not want” 24:5 jx2t לָלֶ֥כֶת אַחֲרַ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “to go back with me” or “to follow me back” 24:5 j84a אֶל הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֑את 1 Alternate translation: “to live in this land?” 24:5 qysv הֶֽהָשֵׁ֤ב אָשִׁיב֙ אֶת בִּנְךָ֔ 1 Alternate translation: “In that case, should I take your son” or “Do you want me to then take your son back there” 24:5 xbaf אֶל הָאָ֖רֶץ אֲשֶׁר יָצָ֥אתָ מִשָּֽׁם 1 Alternate translation: “to live in your home country?” 24:6 t4c7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖יו אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin at this point in the conversation. Alternate translation: “Then Abraham replied to his servant,” or “Abraham replied,” 24:6 z1c6 הִשָּׁ֣מֶר לְךָ֔ פֶּן תָּשִׁ֥יב אֶת בְּנִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “No, make sure that you never take my son back” or “No, you must definitely not take my son back” 24:6 lauy שָֽׁמָּה 1 Alternate translation: “to my home land to live” 24:7 kqni יְהוָ֣ה אֱלֹהֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֗יִם 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that verse 7 gives the reason for verse 6. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here, and see how you translated **the God of the heavens** in verse 3. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh, the God who created the heavens,” 24:7 krl7 וּמֵאֶ֣רֶץ מֽוֹלַדְתִּי֒ 1 Alternate translation: “and from the land where the rest of my family live,” 24:7 fb50 וַאֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבֶּר לִ֜י וַאֲשֶׁ֤ר נִֽשְׁבַּֽע לִי֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “and he made an vow to me and said,” or “and he made an unbreakable promise to me and said,” 24:7 t9zo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes לְזַ֨רְעֲךָ֔ אֶתֵּ֖ן אֶת הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֑את 1 The phrase **this land** refers to the land of Canaan here, not the land where Abraham’s relatives lived. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Also, consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote with a direct quote or an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “I will give this land to your offspring” or “that he will give this land where we live to my descendants” 24:7 zrxe ה֗וּא יִשְׁלַ֤ח מַלְאָכוֹ֙ לְפָנֶ֔יךָ 1 If you begin a new sentence here, make sure that the previous sentence is well-formed and complete in your language. Also, see how you translated **angel** in Gen 22:11, 15. Alternate translation: “He will send one of his angels ahead of you to guide you,” 24:7 ksow וְלָקַחְתָּ֥ 1 Alternate translation: “so that you will be able to find” or “so that you can get” 24:7 tdz1 אִשָּׁ֛ה לִבְנִ֖י מִשָּֽׁם 1 See how you translated “take/find a wife for” in verses 3-4. Alternate translation: “a wife from there for my son to marry” or “a wife from my home land for my son to marry.” 24:8 wcpk וְאִם & הָֽאִשָּׁה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “However, if the woman you find” 24:8 y2r9 לֹ֨א תֹאבֶ֤ה 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 5. Alternate translation: “does not want” 24:8 rfey לָלֶ֣כֶת אַחֲרֶ֔יךָ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase (“to come with me”) in verse 5. Alternate translation: “to follow you back here,” 24:8 mdi5 מִשְּׁבֻעָתִ֖י זֹ֑את 1 An oath is a serious, unbreakable promise or vow that is made before God to guarantee that it will be fulfilled. See how you translated the verb form of this word (“swear” or “vow”) in verse 3. Alternate translation: “then you will be released from keeping this oath that I am requesting you to swear now.” or “then you will not have to fulfill this binding promise that you are swearing to me now.” 24:8 eey0 רַ֣ק 1 Alternate translation: “Just” 24:8 rucb אֶת בְּנִ֔י לֹ֥א תָשֵׁ֖ב שָֽׁמָּה 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 6. Alternate translation: “you must not take my son back to my home land!” 24:9 qz2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיָּ֤שֶׂם הָעֶ֨בֶד֙ אֶת יָד֔וֹ תַּ֛חַת יֶ֥רֶךְ אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֲדֹנָ֑יו 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 2. Also, in that culture, people owned servants and had complete authority over them. Make sure your translation of **master** and **servant** does not imply that the servant was mistreated. Servants were treated well, could hold important positions and were often considered as members of the master’s family. See how you translated a related term “mistress/owner” in Gen 16:4, 8-9. 24:9 ezs1 וַיִּשָּׁ֣בַֽע ל֔וֹ 1 See how you translated **swore** in verse 7 and “swear” in verse 3. Alternate translation: “and made an vow to him” or “and made an unbreakable promise to him” 24:9 w2zk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עַל הַדָּבָ֖ר הַזֶּֽה 1 Some languages need to make explicit what **this matter** refers to. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “that he would do what he had told him to do.” or “that he would go find a wife for Isaac.” 24:10 l8l3 וַיִּקַּ֣ח הָ֠עֶבֶד עֲשָׂרָ֨ה גְמַלִּ֜ים מִגְּמַלֵּ֤י אֲדֹנָיו֙ 1 Make sure that your translation of **took** does not imply that the servant stole the camels or valuable things from Abraham. Rather, the **good things** that he loaded on the camels included things that he would give as gifts to Isaac’s relatives (verse 53). Also, see how you translated **camels** in Gen 12:16. 24:10 zzj6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּ֔לֶךְ וְכָל ט֥וּב אֲדֹנָ֖יו בְּיָד֑וֹ וַיָּ֗קָם 1 For some languages, it is best to make it explicit here in verse 10 that other servants went with Abraham’s chief servant, rather than have them appear suddenly in verse 32. Do what is best in your language. 24:10 cwi1 וַיֵּ֛לֶךְ אֶל 1 This was about a 800 kilometer (500 mile) trip and would take camels about seventeen days to complete. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and made the long journey to” or “Then he traveled to” 24:10 pnrb אֶל עִ֥יר נָחֽוֹר 1 Nahor lived in the city of Haran (Gen 11:31-32). That information could be put in a footnote. Make sure your translation of this phrase does not sound like Nahor owned the city. 24:11 csy7 אֶל בְּאֵ֣ר הַמָּ֑יִם 1 Each town or city had a well where people from the city came to get their water. See how you translated **well of water** in Gen 21:19. You might need to translate this in a slightly different way here because of the different context. Alternate translation: “near its well” or “by the public well that was there” 24:11 qle5 לְעֵ֣ת עֶ֔רֶב 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 24:11 ct2m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לְעֵ֖ת צֵ֥את הַשֹּׁאֲבֹֽת 1 In that time and culture, there was no running water in homes so people had to come out to the city well to get water for their families. Alternate translation: “the time when the young women of the city came out to draw water from the well for their families” or “when the young women of the city were starting to come out to the well to get water for their families” 24:12 jy5x rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֓ר 1 Consider what is the best way to begin this paragraph in your language. 24:12 ws5i יְהוָ֗ה 1 Consider what is the best way to begin this prayer in your language. Alternate translation: “Oh Yahweh,” 24:12 i0vz אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “who is the God whom my master Abraham serves,” 24:12 hwr0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הַקְרֵה נָ֥א לְפָנַ֖י הַיּ֑וֹם וַעֲשֵׂה חֶ֕סֶד עִ֖ם אֲדֹנִ֥י אַבְרָהָֽם 1 For some languages it may be clearer and more natural to change the order of the clauses in this sentence and say, “Please be kind/gracious to my master by helping me succeed today.” or “Please show your kindness to my master today by helping me find a wife/woman for his son to marry.” Do what is best in your language. 24:12 cv0l הַקְרֵה נָ֥א לְפָנַ֖י הַיּ֑וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “please help me do what I have come here to do today” 24:12 ixjs וַעֲשֵׂה חֶ֕סֶד עִ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “and in that way show kindness to” or “and be kind to” 24:12 cgxc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns אֲדֹנִ֥י אַבְרָהָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “him.” 24:13 fd2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness הִנֵּ֛ה אָנֹכִ֥י נִצָּ֖ב עַל 1 Make sure in your translation that what Abraham’s servant says here to Yahweh sounds polite and respectful, not rude, demanding, or complaining. Also, he is not telling God something that God did not already know. Alternate translation: “Look here I am, standing near” or “As you know, I am standing here beside” 24:13 ulm2 עֵ֣ין הַמָּ֑יִם 1 The phrase **spring of water** (here and in verse 16) refers to the same well that is referred to in verses 11 and 20, which means that this was probably a spring-fed well. Some translation teams use only one term to refer to this spring or well throughout this chapter in order to prevent confusion. Decide what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “this spring-fed well,” 24:13 awnn וּבְנוֹת֙ אַנְשֵׁ֣י הָעִ֔יר 1 Alternate translation: “and the daughters of the townspeople” or “and the young women of the city” 24:13 jc9y יֹצְאֹ֖ת לִשְׁאֹ֥ב מָֽיִם 1 See how you translated “draw/get water” in verse 11. Alternate translation: “are coming out here to get water.” 24:14 fw47 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness וְהָיָ֣ה 1 Make sure that your translation of the servant’s request to God sounds polite. 24:14 w6tq הַֽנַּעֲרָ֗ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֹמַ֤ר אֵלֶ֨יהָ֙ 1 The phrase **young woman** is actually a single word in Hebrew (like the old English words “damsel” and “maiden”) and refers to a young woman who is old enough to get married, but has never been married before. Some languages have a single word for this; other languages prefer a phrase. 24:14 qkdm הַטִּי נָ֤א כַדֵּךְ֙ 1 The water containers that people used were usually made out of clay. Alternate translation: “Please lower your water jug” 24:14 avo0 וְאֶשְׁתֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “so that I can drink some water,” or “so that I can take a drink of water,” 24:14 mgn6 וְאָמְרָ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “if she says to me,” 24:14 ych4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes שְׁתֵ֔ה וְגַם גְּמַלֶּ֖יךָ אַשְׁקֶ֑ה 1 For some languages it is clearer and more natural to make one or both of the two embedded direct quotes in this verse into indirect quotes. For example you could say, “Please make it happen that when I ask one of the young women to lower her jug so that I can have a drink of water, she will offer me a drink and will also offer to draw water for my camels.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Have a drink, and I will also get water for your camels” 24:14 tgbs אֹתָ֤הּ הֹכַ֨חְתָּ֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 24:14 hmob לְעַבְדְּךָ֣ לְיִצְחָ֔ק 1 Alternate translation: “as a wife for your servant Isaac.” 24:14 ys98 וּבָ֣הּ אֵדַ֔ע כִּי עָשִׂ֥יתָ חֶ֖סֶד עִם אֲדֹנִֽי 1 See how you translated “show kindness toward” in verse 12. Alternate translation: “and that you have been kind to my master Abraham.” 24:15 b9n9 וַֽיְהִי ה֗וּא טֶרֶם֮ כִּלָּ֣ה לְדַבֵּר֒ 1 Many translations omit the phrase **Then it happened**, but this phrase emphasizes the events that follow it and adds suspense, so that the audience wonders what the outcome will be. Do what is natural in your language. 24:15 e70q וְהִנֵּ֧ה 1 This phrase spotlights Rebekah and shows that she is the center of attention. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “just then he saw” or “suddenly he saw” 24:15 h8p0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants רִבְקָ֣ה יֹצֵ֗את 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to introduce Rebekah here for the first time in this episode. Some translations use an exclamation point to help show the excitement. 24:15 mbyu אֲשֶׁ֤ר יֻלְּדָה֙ לִבְתוּאֵ֣ל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Her father was Bethuel,” 24:15 fygo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְכַדָּ֖הּ עַל שִׁכְמָֽהּ 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this clause earlier in this verse and say, “Rebekah was coming out of the city with/carrying her/a water jar/jug on her shoulder.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “She was carrying a water jug on her shoulder.” or “She had a water jug on her shoulder.” 24:16 zld1 וְהַֽנַּעֲרָ֗ טֹבַ֤ת מַרְאֶה֙ מְאֹ֔ד בְּתוּלָ֕ה 1 See how you translated **young woman** in verses 14 and 15. Alternate translation: “Rebekah was a very beautiful unmarried young woman,” 24:16 ig54 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְאִ֖ישׁ לֹ֣א יְדָעָ֑הּ 1 See how you translated the idiom “not known a man” in Gen 19:8. Alternate translation: “whom no man had ever slept with.” or “who had never slept with a man.” or “who had never had sexual relations with a man.” 24:16 q92s וַתֵּ֣רֶד 1 Notice that the spring or well was at a place that was lower than the place where Abraham’s servant was standing. Alternate translation: “She went down” 24:16 x0t1 הָעַ֔יְנָה 1 See how you translated **spring** in verse 13. Alternate translation: “to the spring-fed well,” 24:16 vgr9 וַתְּמַלֵּ֥א כַדָּ֖הּ 1 Alternate translation: “filled her jar with water,” 24:16 vj4l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתָּֽעַל 1 If it is not clear, you may need to make it explicit in your translation that Rebekah still had the jar with her when she came up from the well or spring, especially since she lowers it from her shoulder in verse 18. Alternate translation: “and came back up with it on her shoulder.” 24:17 vyeh וַיָּ֥רָץ הָעֶ֖בֶד לִקְרָאתָ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then the servant ran up to her” 24:17 wg62 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “and requested,” 24:17 fsbq הַגְמִיאִ֥ינִי נָ֛א מְעַט מַ֖יִם מִכַּדֵּֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Please let me have a little water to drink from your jar” or “Please give me a little drink from your jar” 24:18 x3u8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics שְׁתֵ֣ה אֲדֹנִ֑י 1 Make sure that Rebekah’s reply is polite and respectful in your language, though the way she addresses Abraham’s servant should not make it sound like she is his slave. Also see how you translated **my lord** in Gen 23:6, 11, 15. Alternate translation: “Certainly, sir, you may have a drink.” 24:18 o34c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתֹּ֧רֶד כַּדָּ֛הּ עַל יָדָ֖הּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then she quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder to her hands” 24:18 emj4 וַתַּשְׁקֵֽהוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and let him have a drink.” 24:19 xr9p וַתְּכַ֖ל לְהַשְׁקֹת֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “After he finished drinking,” 24:19 nl7z rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “she offered to him,” 24:19 gdym גַּ֤ם לִגְמַלֶּ֨יךָ֙ אֶשְׁאָ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “Let me also get water for all your camels” 24:19 g95q עַ֥ד אִם כִּלּ֖וּ לִשְׁתֹּֽת 1 Alternate translation: “until they are done.” 24:20 llu6 וַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתְּעַ֤ר כַּדָּהּ֙ 1 See how you translated **Then she hurried and** in verse 18. Alternate translation: “So she quickly poured the rest of the water from her jug” 24:20 xlk7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown אֶל הַשֹּׁ֔קֶת 1 The drinking trough was a long, open stone container that several animals could drink from at the same time. Alternate translation: “into the animal drinking place that was there” or “into the stone thing that was there for animals to drink out of” 24:20 brw2 וַתָּ֥רָץ ע֛וֹד אֶֽל הַבְּאֵ֖ר לִשְׁאֹ֑ב 1 Alternate translation: “and ran back and forth to the well to get more water,” 24:20 zyv5 וַתִּשְׁאַ֖ב לְכָל גְּמַלָּֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “until she had brought enough for all of the camels.” 24:21 qhyv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants וְהָאִ֥ישׁ מִשְׁתָּאֵ֖ה לָ֑הּ מַחֲרִ֕ישׁ 1 Starting in verse 21 the Hebrew text takes Rebekah and Laban’s perspective and refers to Abraham’s servant as **the man**. This continues until verse 34, when the servant tells everyone that he is Abraham’s servant. For some languages this is confusing (because it sounds like two different people), so for those languages it is necessary to refer to him as “Abraham’s servant” or “the servant” throughout this chapter. 24:21 mzx4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לָדַ֗עַת הַֽהִצְלִ֧יחַ יְהוָ֛ה דַּרְכּ֖וֹ אִם לֹֽא 1 Alternate translation: “to find out whether or not Yahweh had made him successful on his trip to find a wife for Isaac.” or “to see for sure if Yahweh had given him success on his trip.” 24:22 z0mg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיְהִ֗י כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר כִּלּ֤וּ הַגְּמַלִּים֙ לִשְׁתּ֔וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “After all the camels had drunk as much water as they wanted and Rebekah had stopped drawing water,” 24:22 sg19 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight וַיִּקַּ֤ח הָאִישׁ֙ נֶ֣זֶם זָהָ֔ב בֶּ֖קַע מִשְׁקָל֑וֹ 1 Many translation teams keep the numbers and the names of weights that are used in the Bible text in their translation, and they may or may not put the modern equivalents in pounds or grams in a footnote. Other teams do the opposite. One beka was about 1/5 of an ounce (5.5 grams), and ten shekels (See below) was about 4 ounces (110 grams). Alternate translation: “the servant brought out a gold nose ring weighing one beka and gave it to her” or “the servant gave her a gold nose ring that weighed one beka” 24:22 szjk וּשְׁנֵ֤י צְמִידִים֙ & זָהָ֖ב 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He also gave her two gold bracelets” 24:22 afe9 עַל יָדֶ֔יהָ 1 The Hebrew term is ambiguous here; it can refer to hands, arms, or wrists. However in this context, the bracelets would have been put on the arms or the wrists. 24:22 pn2g rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bweight עֲשָׂרָ֥ה & מִשְׁקָלָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “Each bracelet weighed ten shekels.” 24:23 ivak rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then he said to her” or “Then he asked Rebekah,” 24:23 m6vp בַּת מִ֣י אַ֔תְּ הַגִּ֥ידִי נָ֖א לִ֑י 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. The phrase **Please tell me** can go: (1) with the previous question (“Whose daughter are you?”); or (2) with the following question (“Is there a place...to lodge?”). Since Abraham’s servant’s goal was to find a wife for Isaac who was one of Abraham’s relatives, the first interpretation seems most likely. 24:23 t1yc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns הֲיֵ֧שׁ בֵּית אָבִ֛יךְ מָק֥וֹם 1 If you made **your father** explicit in the previous sentence, it may be more natural to refer to him with the pronoun “his” in this sentence. Alternate translation: “Also, is there enough room in his house” or “Also, does your father have any room in his house” 24:23 pzbr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive לָ֖נוּ 1 The pronoun **us** includes other servants who came with Abraham’s chief servant (as verse 32 shows). If your language has inclusive and exclusive forms of this pronoun, you should use the exclusive form here. 24:23 zoch לָלִֽין 1 Alternate translation: “to stay there tonight?” 24:24 edbe rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “She answered him,” or “She replied,” 24:24 v7bk בַּת בְּתוּאֵ֖ל אָנֹ֑כִי 1 Alternate translation: “Bethuel is my father,” 24:24 l5rk בֶּן מִלְכָּ֕ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָלְדָ֖ה לְנָחֽוֹר 1 Make sure the way you translate this does not sound like Bethuel was the only son of Milcah and Nahor; they had eight sons (Gen 22: 21-22). Also, in some cultures the father’s name is normally given first; in other cultures the mother’s name is normally first. Alternate translation: “who is a son of Milcah and Nahor.” or “and his parents are Nahor and Milcah.” 24:25 pbeh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו 1 Some languages leave this quote margin implied here, because the same person is still talking to the same person. Other languages can keep the quote margin (like the Hebrew text does), to emphasize what Rebekah says next. The quote margin may also indicate that Rebekah paused before she said what she says in verse 25. Alternate translation: “Then she continued,” 24:25 wijh גַּם תֶּ֥בֶן גַּם מִסְפּ֖וֹא רַ֣ב עִמָּ֑נוּ 1 The term **fodder** refers to dry feed that is prepared for animals to eat; it can include chopped hay and grains such as oats and barley. Alternate translation: “We have plenty of both straw and other feed at our house for your camels to eat,” 24:25 dj14 גַּם מָק֖וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “and there is also enough room in his house for all of you” 24:25 c715 לָלֽוּן 1 See how you translated this in verse 23. Alternate translation: “to spend the night there.” 24:26 g67i rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּקֹּ֣ד הָאִ֔ישׁ וַיִּשְׁתַּ֖חוּ לַֽיהוָֽה 1 See how you translated **bowed** in Gen 18:2; 19:1. The word **prostrated** means he bowed low to the ground and touched his face or forehead to the ground with outstretched arms, in an act of worship. When combined with **bowed down** as in this verse, it is usually translated as “worshiped”. 24:27 kzzy וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 The servant is worshiping God by bowing down and by what he says in verse 27. Alternate translation: “He said,” 24:27 lmcg בָּר֤וּךְ יְהוָה֙ 1 See how you translated this in Gen 9:26. Alternate translation: “I praise Yahweh,” 24:27 w2ii אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 See how you translated **God of my master Abraham** in verse 12. Alternate translation: “who is the God whom my master Abraham worships” 24:27 r1xi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes אֲ֠שֶׁר לֹֽא עָזַ֥ב חַסְדּ֛וֹ וַאֲמִתּ֖וֹ מֵעִ֣ם אֲדֹנִ֑י 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated **kindness** in verses 12 and 14. The phrase **not abandoned** is a way of emphasizing that Yahweh had always been kind and faithful to Abraham. Alternate translation: “He has always been kind and faithful to my master,” 24:27 inzl אָנֹכִ֗י בַּדֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ נָחַ֣נִי יְהוָ֔ה 1 The last part of verse 27 is what Abraham’s servant is praising God for; it is an example of how God has been kind and faithful to Abraham. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and he has guided me on the road here” or “Yes, he guided me on my trip here” 24:28 easg וַתָּ֨רָץ֙ הַֽנַּעֲרָ֔ 1 See how you translated **young woman** previously in this chapter, and consider what is the best way to refer to Rebekah here. Alternate translation: “Then Rebekah ran home” 24:28 tpgz וַתַּגֵּ֖ד 1 Alternate translation: “and reported to” or “and shared the news with” 24:28 fyzw כַּדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה 1 Alternate translation: “about what the man had said to her.” 24:29 w36y rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וּלְרִבְקָ֥ה אָ֖ח 1 Laban was Rebekah’s older brother. Some languages have a specific term for “older brother” that fits well here. Also, consider what is the best way to introduce this background information in your language. Alternate translation: “Now it so happened that Rebekah had a brother” 24:29 fm49 וּשְׁמ֣וֹ לָבָ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “named Laban,” 24:29 natm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיָּ֨רָץ לָבָ֧ן 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also consider what is the best way to refer to Laban here in your language. Alternate translation: “and he ran” or “He ran” 24:29 awi9 אֶל הָאִ֛ישׁ הַח֖וּצָה אֶל הָעָֽיִן 1 Alternate translation: “out to the spring where the man was.” or “to where the man was standing beside the well.” 24:30 isaz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge וַיְהִ֣י כִּרְאֹ֣ת 1 Verse 30 is a flashback of what had happened before Laban ran to the well (verse 29). Consider what is the best way to express this in your language. For some languages it may be necessary to combine verses 29-30 and put the sentences in the order that things actually happened. For example, “Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban. When he saw the nose ring and the bracelets she was wearing and heard her tell what the man had said to her, he hurried out to meet the man. He found/saw him standing with his camels beside the well.” If you do this, you would mark these combined verses as 29-30. Alternate translation: “This is how it was When he had seen” or “As soon as he had seen” 24:30 ez7q אֶת הַנֶּ֗זֶם וְֽאֶת הַצְּמִדִים֮ עַל יְדֵ֣י אֲחֹתוֹ֒ 1 Some languages have a specific term for “younger sister” that fits well here. Also see how you translated **nose ring** and **bracelets** in verse 22. Alternate translation: “the nose ring and the bracelets that his sister was wearing” 24:30 xs19 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וּכְשָׁמְע֗וֹ אֶת דִּבְרֵ֞י רִבְקָ֤ה אֲחֹתוֹ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר כֹּֽה דִבֶּ֥ר אֵלַ֖י הָאִ֑ישׁ 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to use a direct quote or indirect quote here. If you want to make it clear who **the man** refers to, you should still translate it generally, for example, “the man I met at the well” because when Rebekah said this, she did not yet know who he was. Alternate translation: “and had heard her tell what the man at the well had said to her,” 24:30 d8fj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיָּבֹא֙ אֶל הָאִ֔ישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “he went out to where the man was,” 24:30 uddd וְהִנֵּ֛ה עֹמֵ֥ד 1 The word **behold** emphasizes what follows it. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and there he was, standing” or “He saw him standing” 24:30 a99n עַל הַגְּמַלִּ֖ים עַל הָעָֽיִן 1 Alternate translation: “with his camels at the spring” or “near the well with his camels.” 24:31 wip5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Laban is the one talking here. Consider whether or not to include whom he is speaking to in this quote margin. Alternate translation: “Then Laban said to the man” 24:31 y53b בּ֖וֹא 1 Alternate translation: “Please come stay with us,” 24:31 ogj3 בְּר֣וּךְ יְהוָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “you who are blessed by Yahweh.” 24:31 q7mg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֤מָּה תַעֲמֹד֙ בַּח֔וּץ 1 Laban is being polite here, not accusing or critical. For some languages a rhetorical question does not fit here. Do what is best in your language. 24:31 megh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְאָנֹכִי֙ פִּנִּ֣יתִי הַבַּ֔יִת 1 Consider whether or not it is necessary in your translation to make any implied information explicit in this sentence. Alternate translation: “because the house is ready for you and your men to lodge there” 24:31 kwgr וּמָק֖וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “and we also have room there” 24:31 kki6 לַגְּמַלִּֽים 1 Alternate translation: “where your camels can stay.” 24:32 dix2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיָּבֹ֤א הָאִישׁ֙ הַבַּ֔יְתָה 1 The Hebrew verb can be translated **went** or “came”, depending on the perspective that is taken. Do what is most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then the man went home with Laban.” 24:32 ib7t וַיְפַתַּ֖ח הַגְּמַלִּ֑ים 1 The Hebrew text (**he**) is ambiguous here, but since Laban was the host it is most likely that he (or some of his servants) took care of the camels for his guests. Alternate translation: “There Laban took the loads off the camels” 24:32 bzwz וַיִּתֵּ֨ן תֶּ֤בֶן וּמִסְפּוֹא֙ לַגְּמַלִּ֔ים 1 See how you translated **straw and fodder** in verse 25. Alternate translation: “and fed them straw and other fodder” 24:32 a0rt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וּמַ֨יִם֙ לִרְחֹ֣ץ רַגְלָ֔יו וְרַגְלֵ֥י הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ 1 Make sure your translation does not sound like Abraham’s chief servant washed the feet of the other servants who were with him; each person washed off his own feet. See how you translated “wash the dust off your feet” in Gen 19:2. 24:33 k5bb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive ויישם לְפָנָיו֙ לֶאֱכֹ֔ל 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to use a passive or active construction here. Alternate translation: “Then they brought the servant and his men some food,” 24:33 nh5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “but the man said to them,” 24:33 uwhs לֹ֣א אֹכַ֔ל עַ֥ד אִם דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי דְּבָרָ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “I will not eat anything until I have told you my message.” or “Before I can eat anything, I need to tell you why I am here.” 24:33 n8t0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “So Laban replied,” 24:33 l3yy rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness דַּבֵּֽר 1 Make sure the way you translate this sounds polite. Alternate translation: “Please tell us what you want to say.” or “Go ahead and tell us your message.” 24:34 du15 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Consider again how you referred to “the man” in verses 21, 22, 26, 29-34, and see the note about that at verse 21. Alternate translation: “Then the man told them,” 24:35 qtao וַיהוָ֞ה בֵּרַ֧ךְ אֶת אֲדֹנִ֛י מְאֹ֖ד 1 Alternate translation: “Yahweh has abundantly prospered my master,” 24:35 l2c1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַיִּגְדָּ֑ל 1 Alternate translation: “so that he is wealthy.” or “and as a result, he is very wealthy.” 24:35 vm28 וַיִּתֶּן ל֞וֹ צֹ֤אן וּבָקָר֙ 1 This is the beginning of a list of what Yahweh had given Abraham. Consider the most natural way to list items in your language. Also, see how you translated **flocks and herds** in Gen 13:5. 24:35 itd0 וְכֶ֣סֶף וְזָהָ֔ב 1 See how you translated **silver and gold** in Gen 13:2. 24:35 zdh6 וַעֲבָדִם֙ וּשְׁפָחֹ֔ת 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 20:14. Alternate translation: “many men and women slaves” or “many male and female slaves” 24:35 m8rb rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וּגְמַלִּ֖ים וַחֲמֹרִֽים 1 See how you translated **donkeys** in Gen 22:3. 24:36 hcrs אַחֲרֵ֖י זִקְנָתָ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: “in her old age,” or “when she was very old,” 24:36 mfzs וַיִּתֶּן לּ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and my master has given his son” 24:36 r0lf אֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר לֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “all of his property.” 24:37 y61j וַיַּשְׁבִּעֵ֥נִי אֲדֹנִ֖י 1 See how you translated **swear** in verse 3, and “swore” in verses 7 and 9. Alternate translation: “Before I came here, my master had me vow to do something for him,” or “Before I came here, my master asked me to make an unbreakable promise to him,” 24:37 p6d3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and he said to me,” or “This is what he said to me:” 24:37 iobw לֹא תִקַּ֤ח אִשָּׁה֙ לִבְנִ֔י 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 3. Alternate translation: “You must not get a woman for my son to marry” 24:37 ywdr מִבְּנוֹת֙ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “from among the Canaanite women” 24:37 b049 אָנֹכִ֖י יֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּאַרְצֽוֹ 1 As in verse 3, make sure your translation does not sound like Abraham lived by himself among the Canaanites; his family and servants also lived among them with him. Alternate translation: “whom we live among in this land” 24:38 gjyw אִם לֹ֧א 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. After you translate a section, it is a good habit to read through it at normal speed as you pay attention to where it is best to begin new sentences so that sentences and paragraphs flow well and it is easy for people to read. Alternate translation: “Instead,” 24:38 kiae אֶל בֵּית אָבִ֛י תֵּלֵ֖ךְ 1 See how you translated **house of my father** in verse 7. 24:38 tx7r וְלָקַחְתָּ֥ אִשָּׁ֖ה לִבְנִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “and find a wife from among them for my son to marry.” 24:39 n7t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo אֻלַ֛י 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 5. Alternate translation: “Suppose that” 24:39 c5j4 הָאִשָּׁ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “the young woman I choose” or “when I find that young woman, she” 24:39 xe6y לֹא תֵלֵ֥ךְ & אַחֲרָֽי 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 5. Alternate translation: “does not want to go back with me?” 24:40 pkj1 וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֵלָ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “He told me,” or “He replied to me,” 24:40 t9je rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יְהוָ֞ה אֲשֶׁר הִתְהַלַּ֣כְתִּי לְפָנָ֗יו 1 See how you translated “walk/live before” in Gen 17:1. This idiom implies that Abraham lived according to God’s will. Alternate translation: “Yahweh, whose presence I walk in,” or “Yahweh whom I obey,” 24:40 h5z2 יִשְׁלַ֨ח מַלְאָכ֤וֹ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 7. 24:40 yx7b אִתָּךְ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “to go with you” or “to accompany you” 24:40 j6mg וְהִצְלִ֣יחַ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “to make your journey successful,” 24:40 h9kc וְלָקַחְתָּ֤ אִשָּׁה֙ לִבְנִ֔י מִמִּשְׁפַּחְתִּ֖י 1 See how you translated **clan** in verse 38, and consider again how you translated **take a wife for my son** in verses 3, 4, 7, 37-38. Alternate translation: “so that you can get a wife for my son from among my relatives,” or “so that you can arrange for my son to marry a woman who is one of my relatives,” 24:40 cmgn וּמִבֵּ֥ית אָבִֽי 1 See how you translated **house of my father** in verse 38. 24:41 o0q5 אָ֤ז 1 The word **Then** is a special Hebrew word that can mean “at that time” and implies here that the servant’s question (in verse 39) is now being addressed specifically. Alternate translation: “At this time” or “But if this happens,” or “There is a situation when” 24:41 po5g תִּנָּקֶה֙ מֵאָ֣לָתִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “you will be released from keeping your vow you are making to me:” or “you will not have to fulfill the vow to me:” 24:41 r5dm כִּ֥י תָב֖וֹא אֶל מִשְׁפַּחְתִּ֑י וְאִם לֹ֤א יִתְּנוּ֙ לָ֔ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “After you go to my clan and find a woman for Isaac, if they are not willing to let her go with you,” or “If you find a wife for Isaac but my family refuses to let the woman you have chosen leave with you,” 24:41 l25u וְהָיִ֥יתָ נָקִ֖י מֵאָלָתִֽי 1 See how you translated **clear from** earlier in this verse and in verse 8. Alternate translation: “you will be released from keeping the vow that you are making to me.” or “you will not have to keep the unbreakable promise you are making to me.” 24:42 a11b וָאָבֹ֥א הַיּ֖וֹם אֶל הָעָ֑יִן 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that the servant is now talking about himself. He is no longer quoting Abraham (whose words ended in verse 41). 24:42 avgw וָאֹמַ֗ר יְהוָה֙ 1 See how you began the prayer in verse 12. 24:42 f4wp אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 12. Alternate translation: “who is the God whom my master Abraham serves” 24:42 e7rf אִם יֶשְׁךָ 1 Alternate translation: “if you agree,” 24:42 mkmv נָּא֙ מַצְלִ֣יחַ דַּרְכִּ֔י 1 See how you translated this clause in verses 21 and 40. Alternate translation: “please give me success during this trip” or “please make me successful on this trip” 24:42 m2hh אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָנֹכִ֖י הֹלֵ֥ךְ עָלֶֽיהָ 1 Alternate translation: “that I have undertaken.” 24:43 mjv8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness הִנֵּ֛ה אָנֹכִ֥י נִצָּ֖ב עַל 1 See how you translated this in verse 13. Alternate translation: “Look here I am, standing beside” or “As you know, I am standing here near” 24:43 w9vs עֵ֣ין הַמָּ֑יִם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 13. Alternate translation: “this spring-fed well.” 24:43 gutw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness וְהָיָ֤ה 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 14. 24:43 ce1l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וְאָמַרְתִּ֣י אֵלֶ֔יהָ הַשְׁקִֽינִי נָ֥א מְעַט מַ֖יִם מִכַּדֵּֽךְ 1 This direct quote is within a direct quote that is within another direct quote. For some languages, it may be clearer or more natural to use an indirect quote here. Decide what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and I ask her to let me drink some water from her water jar” 24:44 txkx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וְאָמְרָ֤ה אֵלַי֙ גַּם אַתָּ֣ה שְׁתֵ֔ה וְגַ֥ם לִגְמַלֶּ֖יךָ אֶשְׁאָ֑ב 1 See how you translated the embedded direct quote in verse 43. Alternate translation: “if she gives me a drink and also offers to draw water for my camels,” 24:44 y8uc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הִ֣וא הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה אֲשֶׁר הֹכִ֥יחַ יְהוָ֖ה לְבֶן אֲדֹנִֽי 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Abraham’s servant is still talking directly to Yahweh in this clause. For example, you could make **you** explicit in this clause. 24:45 ez8g אֲנִי֩ טֶ֨רֶם אֲכַלֶּ֜ה 1 Alternate translation: “Before I could even finish” 24:45 u69s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל לִבִּ֗י 1 Alternate translation: “praying to God in my heart,” or “praying to God quietly,” 24:45 ykrs וְהִנֵּ֨ה 1 Alternate translation: “just then I saw” or “there was” 24:45 j4vo רִבְקָ֤ה יֹצֵאת֙ 1 See how you translated the first half of verse 15, which is very similar to the first half of verse 45. 24:45 xd9t וְכַדָּ֣הּ עַל שִׁכְמָ֔הּ 1 Alternate translation: “with her empty water jar on her shoulder.” 24:45 c9mt וַתֵּ֥רֶד הָעַ֖יְנָה וַתִּשְׁאָ֑ב 1 Consider again how you translated **spring** (verses 13, 16, 29-30, 42-43 and 45) and “well” (verses 11 and 20) in this chapter. Both terms refer to the same source of water. See the note about this at verse 13. Alternate translation: “She walked down to the spring and filled up her jar with water,” 24:45 f15b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וָאֹמַ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יהָ הַשְׁקִ֥ינִי נָֽא 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this embedded quote in your language. Alternate translation: “so I asked her to please give me a drink.” 24:46 pk0q וַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתּ֤וֹרֶד כַּדָּהּ֙ 1 Consider again how you translated **jar** in verses 14-18, 20, 43, 45-46. Alternate translation: “She quickly lowered her jar” or “She quickly brought her jar down” 24:46 zbwm מֵֽעָלֶ֔יהָ 1 Alternate translation: “off her shoulder” 24:46 m6uc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness וַתֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁתֵ֔ה 1 Make sure Rebekah sounds polite here in your translation. 24:46 ivit וְגַם גְּמַלֶּ֖יךָ אַשְׁקֶ֑ה 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 14. Also see verse 18, which is similar. Alternate translation: “and I will also give water to your camels.” or “and I will also get water for your camels.” 24:46 nqly וָאֵ֕שְׁתְּ 1 Alternate translation: “So I drank some water from her jar” or “So I took a drink from her jar” 24:46 qkxu וְגַ֥ם הַגְּמַלִּ֖ים הִשְׁקָֽתָה 1 Alternate translation: “and she also drew water to my camels.” 24:47 qk0p בַּת מִ֣י אַתְּ֒ 1 See how you translated this question in verse 23. 24:47 ux8b rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “She answered me,” or “She replied,” 24:47 ggw9 בַּת בְּתוּאֵל֙ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 24. Alternate translation: “I am the daughter of Bethuel,” 24:47 v0s4 בֶּן נָח֔וֹר אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָֽלְדָה לּ֖וֹ מִלְכָּ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “who is a son of Nahor and his wife Milcah.” or “and his parents are Nahor and Milcah.” 24:47 yp77 וָאָשִׂ֤ם הַנֶּ֨זֶם֙ עַל אַפָּ֔הּ וְהַצְּמִידִ֖ים עַל יָדֶֽיהָ 1 See how you translated “nose ring”, **bracelets**, and **arms** in verse 22. Alternate translation: “So I put the nose ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists.” or “After that I gave her the nose ring and bracelets to wear.” 24:48 nvge rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וָאֶקֹּ֥ד וָֽאֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה לַיהוָ֑ה וָאֲבָרֵ֗ךְ אֶת יְהוָה֙ 1 See how you translated “bowed down and prostrated himself” in verse 26, and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “Next I bowed to the ground and worshiped and praised Yahweh,” 24:48 wizd אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 12 and 42. Alternate translation: “the God whom my master Abraham serves” 24:48 vtn2 אֲשֶׁ֤ר הִנְחַ֨נִי֙ 1 Alternate translation: “because he led me” 24:48 e19s בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ אֱמֶ֔ת 1 Alternate translation: “the right direction” or “exactly where I should go” 24:48 xs5x לָקַ֛חַת 1 Alternate translation: “to get” 24:48 gyfv אֶת בַּת אֲחִ֥י אֲדֹנִ֖י 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “the granddaughter of my master’s brother”, which refers to Nahor's granddaughter; or (2) “the daughter of my master’s relative”, which refers to Bethuel's daughter. Abraham’s brother Nahor was the father of Bethuel and the grandfather of Rebekah (Genesis 11:26; 22:20-23). 24:48 jwkn לִבְנֽוֹ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that this refers to Abraham’s son, not Nahor’s or Bethuel’s son. 24:49 n6ri וְ֠עַתָּה אִם יֶשְׁכֶ֨ם 1 Throughout this verse “you” is plural. Alternate translation: “So now if you are willing” 24:49 oour rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עֹשִׂ֜ים חֶ֧סֶד וֶֽאֱמֶ֛ת אֶת אֲדֹנִ֖י 1 See how you translated **kindness** and **faithfulness** in verse 27. If necessary in your translation, you can make it explicit how they would show kindness and faithfulness to Abraham. Alternate translation: “to let her come with me, and in that way show your kindness and faithfulness to my master,” or “to be kind and faithful to my master by sending her with me,” 24:49 etr8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הַגִּ֣ידוּ לִ֑י וְאִם לֹ֕א הַגִּ֣ידוּ לִ֔י 1 It may be clearer or more natural to put this information near the beginning of the sentence and say, “So now, please tell me whether or not you are willing to let her come with me, and in that way show your kindness and faithfulness to my master,” or “So now, please tell me whether or not you are willing to be kind and faithful to my master by letting her come with me,” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “please tell me, or if you are not willing, tell me,” 24:49 rxq4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְאֶפְנֶ֥ה עַל יָמִ֖ין א֥וֹ עַל שְׂמֹֽאל 1 Consider whether your language has the same idiom that Hebrew has here, or a similar idiom, with the same meaning, or whether you need to say this without an idiom. Alternate translation: “so that I can know which way to turn” or “so that I can know what to do next.” 24:50 aqiu מֵיְהוָ֖ה יָצָ֣א הַדָּבָ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “We can clearly see that Yahweh has made all this happen,” or “It is obvious that all this is the will of Yahweh,” 24:50 mnf9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-dual לֹ֥א נוּכַ֛ל 1 Some languages have a dual pronoun that is used here. Alternate translation: “so it is not our right” or “so we have no right” 24:50 al8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom דַּבֵּ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יךָ רַ֥ע אוֹ טֽוֹב 1 Alternate translation: “to tell you anything different from what he has done” or “to decide anything against what he has decided.” 24:51 yfio הִנֵּֽה רִבְקָ֥ה לְפָנֶ֖יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “See Rebekah is in front of you.” 24:51 zx2t rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness קַ֣ח וָלֵ֑ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “You may take her with you and go home” 24:51 qwll כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהוָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “just as Yahweh has decided it should be.” 24:52 oase וַיְהִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁמַ֛ע עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶת דִּבְרֵיהֶ֑ם 1 The phrase **Then it happened** introduces the climax of the chapter, when the servant responds to hearing that Yahweh has fulfilled his prayer to find a wife for Isaac. Do what is natural in your language. 24:52 bfdt rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ אַ֖רְצָה לַֽיהוָֽה 1 See how you translated **bowed down** in verse 48. Notice that here in verse 52, the phrase **to the ground** is explicit and emphasized. Alternate translation: “he bowed low to the ground and praised Yahweh.” 24:53 l9ad וַיּוֹצֵ֨א הָעֶ֜בֶד 1 Alternate translation: “Then he brought out” 24:53 wbut כְּלֵי כֶ֨סֶף וּכְלֵ֤י זָהָב֙ וּבְגָדִ֔ים וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לְרִבְקָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “silver and gold jewelry and other expensive gifts, including beautiful clothing, and gave them to Rebekah.” or “valuable gifts, including silver and gold jewelry, and also beautiful clothing, and gave them to Rebekah.” 24:53 maat וּמִ֨גְדָּנֹ֔ת נָתַ֥ן 1 Alternate translation: “He also gave expensive gifts” 24:53 y6rd לְאָחִ֖יהָ וּלְאִמָּֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “to her mother and brother.” 24:54 v706 וַיֹּאכְל֣וּ וַיִּשְׁתּ֗וּ ה֛וּא וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֥ים אֲשֶׁר־עִמּ֖וֹ וַיָּלִ֑ינוּ 1 See how you translated **lodged** in verses 23, 25, and 31. 24:54 g7oe rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness שַׁלְּחֻ֥נִי לַֽאדֹנִֽי 1 Make sure that what Abraham’s servant says here sounds polite in your translation, not rude or demanding. Alternate translation: “Please let us return home now to my master.” 24:55 yfg9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness תֵּשֵׁ֨ב הַנַּעֲרָ֥ אִתָּ֛נוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Please let the young woman remain here with us” or “Please let Rebekah remain here with us” 24:55 fjfn יָמִ֖ים א֣וֹ עָשׂ֑וֹר 1 Alternate translation: “around ten more days.” 24:55 ai2c אַחַ֖ר תֵּלֵֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Then she can go with you.” or “Then you can leave and take her with you.” 24:56 qz8o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-dual וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ 1 Some languages have a dual pronoun that could be used here. However the servant is probably still addressing the whole family. 24:56 rm4v אַל תְּאַחֲר֣וּ אֹתִ֔י וַֽיהוָ֖ה הִצְלִ֣יחַ דַּרְכִּ֑י שַׁלְּח֕וּנִי 1 There are two different places where you could begin a new sentence here. Consider what is the most clear and natural way to do this in your language. Also, see how you translated “make my journey succeed” in verse 42. Alternate translation: “Please do not detain me. Since Yahweh has made me successful on my journey, send us off” or “Please do not detain me, now that Yahweh has given me success on my journey. Let us leave” 24:56 k32m וְאֵלְכָ֖ה לַֽאדֹנִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “so that I can go home to my master.” 24:57 thga rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ 1 Alternate translation: “They replied to him,” 24:57 oke9 נִקְרָ֣א לַֽנַּעֲרָ֑ 1 Consider again how you translated **young woman** in verses 14-16, 28, 43, 55, and 57, and see the note about this at verse 14. You may need to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. 24:57 zk0y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְנִשְׁאֲלָ֖ה אֶת פִּֽיהָ 1 Alternate translation: “and ask her to tell us what she wants to do.” or “and ask her if she is willing to go now.” 24:58 fccu rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּקְרְא֤וּ לְרִבְקָה֙ 1 Consider whether it is better to use a name or a pronoun to refer to Rebekah here in your language, especially considering how you referred to her in verses 53, 55, and 57. Alternate translation: “Then they summoned her” 24:58 dxyn הֲתֵלְכִ֖י עִם הָאִ֣ישׁ הַזֶּ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “Are you willing to go now with this man?” 24:58 m4bi אֵלֵֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Yes, I am willing to go now.” 24:59 l9ot rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֛וּ אֶת רִבְקָ֥ה אֲחֹתָ֖ם 1 Notice that Rebekah does not actually leave until verse 61. If this is not clear in your translation, you could include the implied information that they agreed or decided to send her with Abraham’s servant. Alternate translation: “So they decided to send their sister Rebekah” 24:59 st26 וְאֶת מֵנִקְתָּ֑הּ 1 The term **nurse** refers here to a servant woman who probably nursed Rebekah as a baby, took care of her as she was growing up, and still served her now. 24:59 qk50 וְאֶת עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְאֶת אֲנָשָֽׁיו 1 Alternate translation: “with Abraham's servant and his men” 24:60 itbw וַיְבָרֲכ֤וּ אֶת רִבְקָה֙ וַיֹּ֣אמְרוּ לָ֔הּ 1 Make sure your translation of “blessed … and said” refers to the same event, not two separate events. 24:60 thpj אֲחֹתֵ֕נוּ 1 This is a term of endearment that family members used to refer to Rebekah even though she was not the actual sister of all of them. This practice is common in many cultures. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Dear little sister,” 24:60 xde8 אַ֥תְּ הֲיִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “may you become the mother of” or “we pray that you will have” 24:60 njdw לְאַלְפֵ֣י רְבָבָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “thousands and thousands of descendants,” or “many thousands of descendants,” 24:60 v0h9 וְיִירַ֣שׁ זַרְעֵ֔ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “and we pray that your descendants will defeat” or “and we pray that God will help them defeat” 24:60 tvnp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֵ֖ת שַׁ֥עַר שֹׂנְאָֽיו 1 See how you translated the phrase **possess the gates** in Gen 22:17. Alternate translation: “the cities of all their enemies!” 24:61 oczw וַתָּ֨קָם רִבְקָ֜ה וְנַעֲרֹתֶ֗יהָ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Rebekah and her maids who were going with her got ready to go, and” or “After Rebekah and her maids who were going with her packed their things,” 24:61 aunz וַתֵּלַ֖כְנָה אַחֲרֵ֣י הָאִ֑ישׁ 1 Consider again how you translated **the man** in verses 21, 22, 26, 29, 30, 32, 61. See the note about this at verse 21. 24:61 susk וַיִּקַּ֥ח הָעֶ֛בֶד אֶת רִבְקָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “So he took her with him” 24:61 jk9n וַיֵּלַֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “and left to return home.” 24:62 ydke וְיִצְחָק֙ בָּ֣א מִבּ֔וֹא 1 Alternate translation: “While they were traveling, Isaac returned home from a trip he had made to” 24:62 u4oo rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בְּאֵ֥ר לַחַ֖י רֹאִ֑י 1 See how you translated the name of this place in Gen 16:14. Alternate translation: “the well called Beer Lahai Roi” 24:62 wadh וְה֥וּא יוֹשֵׁ֖ב 1 Alternate translation: “so he was back home where he lived” 24:62 bbo8 בְּאֶ֥רֶץ הַנֶּֽגֶב 1 See how you translated **the land of the Negev** in Gen 20:1, and **the Negev** in Gen 12:9; 13:1, 3. Alternate translation: “in the Negev Desert region” or “in the Negev Desert.” 24:63 zzgh וַיֵּצֵ֥א יִצְחָ֛ק לָשׂ֥וּחַ בַּשָּׂדֶ֖ה 1 What Isaac does in verse 63 happened sometime after he returned from Beer Lahai Roi, but the Hebrew text does not say exactly when. So introduce this new event in a general way that is not too specific. Alternate translation: “One day he went out in the field to pray” or “After he had returned home, one day he was meditating out in the fields” 24:63 j9u1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לִפְנ֣וֹת עָ֑רֶב 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this time phrase earlier in this sentence and say, “One day as it was becoming evening, Isaac/he went …” or “One evening, Isaac/he went …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “as it was becoming dusk” or “late in the afternoon” 24:63 ihv0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּשָּׂ֤א עֵינָיו֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 24:63 xzpf וַיַּ֔רְא וְהִנֵּ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “and saw in the distance that there were” 24:63 cpxq גְמַלִּ֖ים בָּאִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “some camels heading toward him.” or “some camels approaching him.” 24:64 gn7g וַתִּשָּׂ֤א רִבְקָה֙ אֶת עֵינֶ֔יהָ וַתֵּ֖רֶא אֶת יִצְחָ֑ק 1 Alternate translation: “Then Rebekah, as she looked ahead of her, saw Isaac.” 24:64 tffl וַתִּפֹּ֖ל 1 Alternate translation: “Then she quickly jumped down” 24:64 bh18 מֵעַ֥ל הַגָּמָֽל 1 Consider again how you translated **camel** throughout chapter 24. Alternate translation: “off the camel that she was riding,” 24:65 oiy6 מִֽי הָאִ֤ישׁ הַלָּזֶה֙ הַהֹלֵ֤ךְ בַּשָּׂדֶה֙ לִקְרָאתֵ֔נוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Who is that man walking towards us in the field?” 24:65 w0yx וַיֹּ֥אמֶר הָעֶ֖בֶד ה֣וּא אֲדֹנִ֑י 1 Abraham and Isaac were both the servant’s masters, especially since Abraham had already given Isaac all of his possessions (verse 36), which included his servants. Consider again how you translated “master/owner” throughout chapter 24. 24:65 u0fn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַתִּקַּ֥ח הַצָּעִ֖יף וַתִּתְכָּֽס 1 In that culture a bride-to-be wore a large veil to cover her entire body, especially her face, to show modesty and submission to her husband. Alternate translation: “So she took her veil and covered her face with it to show modesty.” or “So she covered herself with her veil to show modesty.” 24:66 m7o2 וַיְסַפֵּ֥ר הָעֶ֖בֶד לְיִצְחָ֑ק 1 Alternate translation: “When they reached Isaac, the servant told him” 24:66 nr4w אֵ֥ת כָּל הַדְּבָרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָֽׂה 1 Alternate translation: “all that he had done during the trip.” or “all that had happened on his journey.” 24:67 i3w0 וַיְבִאֶ֣הָ יִצְחָ֗ק 1 Alternate translation: “So Isaac took Rebekah” 24:67 bmk4 הָאֹ֨הֱלָה֙ שָׂרָ֣ה אִמּ֔וֹ 1 Make sure your translation of this phrase does not sound like Sarah still lived there; she had died three years previously (Gen 23:1-2). Alternate translation: “into the tent where his mother Sarah had lived before she died,” 24:67 p5q4 וַיֶּאֱהָבֶ֑הָ & יִצְחָ֖ק 1 Alternate translation: “Isaac loved Rebekah,” or “Isaac fell in love with her” 24:67 ed84 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיִּנָּחֵ֥ם 1 Alternate translation: “and he was consoled by her” or “and she made him happy again” 24:67 xqch rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אַחֲרֵ֥י אִמּֽוֹ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation here why Isaac needed comforting. 25:1 midz וַיֹּ֧סֶף אַבְרָהָ֛ם וַיִּקַּ֥ח אִשָּׁ֖ה וּשְׁמָ֥הּ קְטוּרָֽה 1 Abraham probably married Keturah after Sarah died (Gen 23:1-2) and after Isaac married Rebekah (Gen 24:67). Make sure your translation of this verse does not sound like Abraham had two wives named Keturah. Alternate translation: “Then Abraham married another woman, who was named Keturah.” 25:2 qyyg וַתֵּ֣לֶד ל֗וֹ 1 See how you translated **bore for him** in Gen 21:3; 24:47. Alternate translation: “Keturah gave birth to sons for him whose names were” or “She bore sons for him whom they named” or “They had sons together whom they named” 25:2 hpt0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶת זִמְרָן֙ וְאֶת יָקְשָׁ֔ן וְאֶת מְדָ֖ן וְאֶת מִדְיָ֑ן וְאֶת יִשְׁבָּ֖ק וְאֶת שֽׁוּחַ 1 See how you used commas and conjunctions in similar lists of names in Gen 22:22, 24. 25:3 iem3 וְיָקְשָׁ֣ן יָלַ֔ד 1 See how you translated **fathered** in Gen 11:27. Alternate translation: “Jokshan was the father of” 25:3 lxod rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶת שְׁבָ֖א וְאֶת דְּדָ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “sons whom they named Sheba and Dedan.” 25:3 n1zj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וּבְנֵ֣י דְדָ֔ן הָי֛וּ אַשּׁוּרִ֥ם וּלְטוּשִׁ֖ים וּלְאֻמִּֽים 1 See how you translated the names of people groups in Gen 10:4, 13-14, 16-18, and see the note about that at 10:4. 25:4 fzu6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases עֵיפָ֤ה וָעֵ֨פֶר֙ וַחֲנֹ֔ךְ וַאֲבִידָ֖ע וְאֶלְדָּעָ֑ה 1 Consider what is the best way to connect the names in this list in your language. 25:4 zpdj כָּל אֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֥י קְטוּרָֽה 1 This phrase refers back to all the people listed in verses 2-4, which includes Keturah’s six sons, seven grandsons and three great grandsons. Make sure you spelled **Keturah** consistently in verses 1-4. Alternate translation: “All those were the descendants of Keturah and Abraham.” 25:5 cgzs וַיִּתֵּ֧ן אַבְרָהָ֛ם אֶת כָּל אֲשֶׁר ל֖וֹ לְיִצְחָֽק 1 Some languages have a specific word such as “left” or “willed” that means to give something as an inheritance. In that time and culture, a father would give his children their inheritance before he died. Alternate translation: “Abraham willed everything that he owned to Isaac.” or “And Isaac inherited all that Abraham owned” 25:6 vn52 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְלִבְנֵ֤י הַפִּֽילַגְשִׁים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאַבְרָהָ֔ם נָתַ֥ן אַבְרָהָ֖ם מַתָּנֹ֑ת 1 See how you translated “concubine” in Gen 22:24. The word **gifts** in this clause is very general and can include domestic animals, servants, gold, silver, and other things. Alternate translation: “Abraham also gave valuable gifts to the sons he had with his concubines,” or “Abraham also gave (valuable gifts) to the sons that his servant wives had for him,” 25:6 bsqq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַֽיְשַׁלְּחֵ֞ם & בְּעוֹדֶ֣נּוּ חַ֔י קֵ֖דְמָה אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ קֶֽדֶם 1 The Hebrew word **Kedem** means “east” and refers to the region east of Canaan and the Dead Sea. Consider whether it is best in your language to transliterate (copy) the Hebrew name or to translate the meaning. Alternate translation: “then while he was still alive he sent them eastward to the region in the East” or “but after that he sent them to the east country” or “and after that he made them move away to the east country” 25:6 w2ek rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit מֵעַ֨ל יִצְחָ֤ק בְּנוֹ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “to be far away from his son Isaac.” or “so that they would be far away from his son Isaac.” 25:7 g7ic וְאֵ֗לֶּה יְמֵ֛י שְׁנֵֽי חַיֵּ֥י אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֲשֶׁר חָ֑י מְאַ֥ת שָׁנָ֛ה וְשִׁבְעִ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְחָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “Abraham lived a total of 175 years.” 25:8 spt5 וַיִּגְוַ֨ע & אַבְרָהָ֛ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then he breathed out for the last time” or “Then he took his final breath” 25:8 otow וַיָּ֧מָת & בְּשֵׂיבָ֥ה טוֹבָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “and died at a ripe old age,” or “and died when he was very old,” 25:8 x9ao rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom זָקֵ֣ן וְשָׂבֵ֑עַ 1 The idiom **full** refers to a long life that was blessed by God. Consider what is the best way to translate this idiom in your language. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “an old man who had lived a full life, and” or “After he had lived a long and blessed life,” 25:8 uf1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיֵּאָ֖סֶף אֶל 1 The phrase **gathered to his people** is a euphemism that refers to dying but also implies that God took his spirit to be with his ancestors who had already died. It is best to translate this phrase fairly literally since it teaches about life after death. Alternate translation: “he was taken by God to be with” or “God took his spirit to be with” 25:8 z547 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עַמָּֽיו 1 Make sure your translation of this phrase does not sound like these ancestors were still alive. They had already died before Abraham died. Alternate translation: “his relatives who had already died.” or “his ancestors who had gone before him.” or “his deceased relatives.” 25:9 ugpb וַיִּקְבְּר֨וּ אֹת֜וֹ יִצְחָ֤ק וְיִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ בָּנָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “His sons Isaac and Ishmael buried his body” 25:9 u4fz אֶל מְעָרַ֖ת הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֑ה 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 23:9, and see the note about that there. Also see how you translated similar phrases in Gen 23:17, 19. Alternate translation: “in the cave of the Machpelah area” 25:9 qu8c אֶל שְׂדֵ֞ה עֶפְרֹ֤ן בֶּן צֹ֨חַר֙ הַֽחִתִּ֔י 1 Ephron no longer owned the field (See: verse 10). 25:9 bi8r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל פְּנֵ֥י מַמְרֵֽא 1 For some languages it is clearer or more natural to put this phrase earlier in this verse. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **before Mamre** in Gen 23:17, 19. Alternate translation: “near the city of Mamre.” 25:10 ekpo מֵאֵ֣ת בְּנֵי חֵ֑ת 1 The Hebrew text has two different ways to refer to the Hittites; compare the phrase here with verse 9 where a single Hebrew word is used to refer to this people group. See how you translated **the sons of Heth** in Gen 23:20. 25:10 l4kk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit שָׁ֛מָּה קֻבַּ֥ר אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְשָׂרָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ 1 Abraham had already buried Sarah’s body in the cave (Gen 23:19). Make sure your translation of this sentence does not sound like Sarah was buried there a second time. Alternate translation: “Abraham was buried in that cave, where his wife Sarah had also been buried.” or “That is where Sarah had been buried, and they buried Abraham next to her.” 25:11 sza5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-order וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת יִצְחָ֣ק בְּנ֑וֹ 1 Use the phrase order in your language that is most natural in this context. 25:11 l10e וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב יִצְחָ֔ק עִם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “who settled near” or “Isaac lived in the region near” 25:11 uedu rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בְּאֵ֥ר לַחַ֖י רֹאִֽי 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Beer Lahai Roi** in Gen 24:62. Alternate translation: “the well called Beer Lahai Roi.” 25:12 d20j rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וְאֵ֛לֶּה תֹּלְדֹ֥ת 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to introduce the new topic that begins here. See how you translated this clause in Gen 11:10. Alternate translation: “Here is the genealogy of” or “Here is the list of the descendants of” or “What follows is the record of the descendants of” 25:13 u042 בִּשְׁמֹתָ֖ם לְתוֹלְדֹתָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “listed in the order that they were born:” 25:13 ocpk rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בְּכֹ֤ר יִשְׁמָעֵאל֙ נְבָיֹ֔ת 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “His oldest child was Nebaioth,” 25:13 twvo וְקֵדָ֥ר וְאַדְבְּאֵ֖ל וּמִבְשָֽׂם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “After him came Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam,” 25:15 r03w rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases חֲדַ֣ד וְתֵימָ֔א יְט֥וּר נָפִ֖ישׁ וָקֵֽדְמָה 1 See how you translated a similar list of names in verses 2-4. 25:16 jzrq וְאֵ֣לֶּה שְׁמֹתָ֔ם בְּחַצְרֵיהֶ֖ם וּבְטִֽירֹתָ֑ם שְׁנֵים עָשָׂ֥ר נְשִׂיאִ֖ם לְאֻמֹּתָֽם 1 The Hebrew words for **settlements** and **camps** overlap in meaning. Both refer to temporary or permanent places where people settled, surrounded by some sort of wall or fence. Also, many translations have “princes” here instead of “rulers,” but these Ishmaelite rulers were not actually sons of a king. See how you translated **rulers** in Gen 17:20. Alternate translation: “who became the rulers of twelve tribes that were named after them, and each tribe lived in its own settlements and camps” or “Each of them became the ruler of a tribe that was named after him, and each tribe had its own villages and tent settlements.” 25:17 ywtp וְאֵ֗לֶּה שְׁנֵי֙ חַיֵּ֣י יִשְׁמָעֵ֔אל מְאַ֥ת שָׁנָ֛ה וּשְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה וְשֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֑ים 1 See how you translated a similar sentence in verse 7. 25:17 ca85 וַיִּגְוַ֣ע וַיָּ֔מָת 1 See how you translated **exhaled** in verse 8. Alternate translation: “Then Ishmael breathed out for the last time and died,” or “Then Ishmael took his final breath and died,” 25:17 msza וַיֵּאָ֖סֶף אֶל 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 8. Alternate translation: “and he was taken by God to be with” or “and God took his spirit to be with the spirits of” 25:17 lgua rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עַמָּֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “his relatives who had already died.” or “his relatives who had gone before him.” or “his deceased relatives.” 25:18 w2v5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names מֵֽחֲוִילָ֜ה עַד שׁ֗וּר 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Havilah** in Gen 2:11; 10:7, 29 and **Shur** in Gen 16:7; 20:1. The name **Shur** means “wall”. The Wilderness of Shur may have been named after a city or fortification named Shur that was located near the eastern border of Egypt (Gen 16:7). Alternate translation: “throughout the area that extended from the region of Havilah to the desert of Shur” 25:18 c8ld אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל פְּנֵ֣י מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 Alternate translation: “that is east of the land of Egypt” 25:18 h1df בֹּאֲכָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “as you go from there” or “as one goes” 25:18 bm8n אַשּׁ֑וּרָה 1 Assyria and its capital city Asshur were far east of Shur. Consider again how you spelled **Asshur** in Gen 2:14; 10:11, 22, and 25:3, 18. Alternate translation: “to the city of Asshur in Assyria.” or “in the direction of the land of Assyria.” 25:18 wu16 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom עַל פְּנֵ֥י כָל אֶחָ֖יו נָפָֽל 1 The Hebrew text has an idiom here that is ambiguous in this context. It could mean: (1) “He/They lived in hostility toward/against all his/their brothers/relatives.” or “They lived as enemies against all their brothers/relatives.” See how you translated a different idiom in 16:12 that probably has this meaning. Or it could mean: (2) “They settled/lived in the presence of all their brothers/relatives.” or “They settled/lived among/near all their brothers/relatives.” or (3) “He/Ishmael died in the presence of all his brothers/relatives.” or “He/Ishmael died when/while all his brothers were still alive.” 25:19 ldvn וְאֵ֛לֶּה תּוֹלְדֹ֥ת יִצְחָ֖ק בֶּן אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 We have already heard about much of Isaac’s history in previous chapters; now we are told even more. See how you translated **these are the generations of** in verse 12 and Gen 6:9. 25:19 dw7d אַבְרָהָ֖ם הוֹלִ֥יד אֶת יִצְחָֽק 1 See how you translated **fathered** in verse 3. Alternate translation: “After Abraham had his son Isaac,” 25:20 cn5u וַיְהִ֤י יִצְחָק֙ בֶּן אַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה בְּקַחְתּ֣וֹ אֶת רִבְקָ֗ה & ל֥וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה 1 See how you translated “was a son of … years” in Gen 21:5. Alternate translation: “Isaac grew up and married Rebekah when he was 40 years old.” 25:20 bvzb בַּת בְּתוּאֵל֙ הָֽאֲרַמִּ֔י מִפַּדַּ֖ן אֲרָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “She was a daughter of Bethuel, who was an Aramean from the land of Paddan Aram,” 25:20 fxim אֲח֛וֹת לָבָ֥ן 1 Alternate translation: “and she was a sister of Laban” 25:21 kvb4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיֶּעְתַּ֨ר יִצְחָ֤ק לַֽיהוָה֙ לְנֹ֣כַח אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ כִּ֥י עֲקָרָ֖ה הִ֑וא 1 Isaac and Rebekah had been married for almost 20 years and they still had no children. See how you translated **barren** in Gen 11:30. Also, it may be clearer to change the order of the clauses in this sentence to put them in the order in which they happened. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Isaac prayed earnestly to Yahweh for his wife to have children because she was barren” or “But for many years Rebekah was not able to get pregnant, so Isaac prayed that Yahweh would give her children.” 25:21 jqwl וַיֵּעָ֤תֶר לוֹ֙ יְהוָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “Yahweh did what he prayed for,” 25:21 hevv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתַּ֖הַר רִבְקָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ 1 For some languages it is clearer to include here the fact that Rebekah was pregnant with two babies, rather than wait until verse 22. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “so that Rebekah became pregnant with twins.” 25:22 df89 וַיִּתְרֹֽצֲצ֤וּ הַבָּנִים֙ בְּקִרְבָּ֔הּ 1 Alternate translation: “And the two babies inside her kept pushing against each other,” or “After a while the twins wrestled with each other inside her,” 25:22 lde8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֣אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “so Rebekah asked,” 25:22 w08h אִם כֵּ֔ן לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֖ה אָנֹ֑כִי 1 Alternate translation: “What is happening inside me?” 25:22 fgoh וַתֵּ֖לֶךְ לִדְרֹ֥שׁ אֶת יְהוָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “Then she went to Yahweh to ask him what was happening.” or “Then she prayed to Yahweh about it.” 25:23 juqa rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוָ֜ה לָ֗הּ 1 Alternate translation: “He answered her,” 25:23 do4i שְׁנֵ֤י גוֹיִם֙ בְּבִטְנֵ֔ךְ 1 Many translations put Yahweh’s words in poetry format in this verse. If your translation team decides to do this, look at a Bible version that does this to know where to divide the clauses. Alternate translation: “Inside you are the ancestors of two people groups.” or “The two babies inside your womb will become the fathers of two nations.” 25:23 l1ey וּשְׁנֵ֣י לְאֻמִּ֔ים 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Those two people groups” or “Those two ancestors” 25:23 f208 יִפָּרֵ֑דוּ 1 Alternate translation: “will be hostile against each other” or “will be rivals” 25:23 josq מִמֵּעַ֖יִךְ 1 Alternate translation: “starting now even while they are still inside you.” 25:24 n0ji וַיִּמְלְא֥וּ יָמֶ֖יהָ לָלֶ֑דֶת 1 Alternate translation: “Later when it was time for her to give birth,” 25:24 x2dm וְהִנֵּ֥ה תוֹמִ֖ם בְּבִטְנָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “sure enough, there were twin sons inside her!” 25:25 xnz0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile וַיֵּצֵ֤א הָרִאשׁוֹן֙ אַדְמוֹנִ֔י כֻּלּ֖וֹ כְּאַדֶּ֣רֶת שֵׂעָ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “When the first baby came out, he was covered with thick red hair so that he was as hairy as a fur robe.” or “The first baby who was born was completely covered with thick red hair.” 25:25 kyoh וַיִּקְרְא֥וּ שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 The Hebrew text has **they** here, which probably refers to Esau’s parents and may include people in general after his parents named him. Alternate translation: “So he was named” 25:25 t2t0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names עֵשָֽׂו 1 Consider whether or not to include the meaning of Esau’s name in the text or in a footnote. 25:26 wm8b יָצָ֣א אָחִ֗יו 1 Some languages have a specific term for a younger brother that fits here. See what you did in Gen 4:2. 25:26 hoky וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 25 that probably has the same meaning. Alternate translation: “So they called him” or “So he was named” 25:26 lggz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 If you decide to include the meaning of Jacob’s name in the text or in a footnote, make sure it matches the way you translate **grabbing** earlier in this sentence. 25:26 uqny rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְיִצְחָ֛ק בֶּן שִׁשִּׁ֥ים שָׁנָ֖ה 1 See how you translated the idiom “was a son of … years” in verse 20. 25:26 d3d9 בְּלֶ֥דֶת אֹתָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “when Rebekah gave birth to them.” 25:27 kmym וַֽיִּגְדְּלוּ֙ הַנְּעָרִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “As the boys grew up” 25:27 q0d8 וַיְהִ֣י עֵשָׂ֗ו אִ֛ישׁ יֹדֵ֥עַ צַ֖יִד 1 See how you translated a similar phrase (“mighty hunter”) in Gen 10:9. Alternate translation: “Esau became a expert hunter,” or “Esau became good at hunting animals for food,” 25:27 qo31 אִ֣ישׁ שָׂדֶ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “and he preferred being in the open country,” or “and he was an outdoorsman,” 25:27 nj2e rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְיַעֲקֹב֙ אִ֣ישׁ תָּ֔ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, make sure that it is clear in your translation that Esau and Jacob are being contrasted. Alternate translation: “but Jacob was a quiet man” or “Jacob, on the other hand, had a mild-mannered personality” 25:27 t5f0 יֹשֵׁ֖ב אֹהָלִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “and worked close to home.” or “and liked to be at home.” 25:28 uzdf וַיֶּאֱהַ֥ב יִצְחָ֛ק אֶת עֵשָׂ֖ו 1 Your translation should not sound like Isaac and Rebekah did not love both of their sons. Rather, they each had their favorite son. Alternate translation: “Isaac loved Esau most,” 25:28 dwdz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּי צַ֣יִד בְּפִ֑יו 1 Make sure your translation of **he liked** refers here to Isaac, not Esau. For some languages it is clearer or more natural to put this clause first in this sentence and say, “Isaac liked to eat wild animal/deer meat, so his favorite son was Esau”. Do what is best your language. Alternate translation: “because he liked to eat the meat of wild deer that he hunted,” 25:28 gbyt וְרִבְקָ֖ה אֹהֶ֥בֶת אֶֽת יַעֲקֹֽב 1 See how you translated a similar clause earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “but Rebekah loved Jacob most.” 25:29 uzn3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיָּ֥זֶד יַעֲקֹ֖ב נָזִ֑יד 1 According to verse 34, this stew (or thick soup) was made out of lentils, which are a type of bean; it may also have had pieces of meat in it. Consider what is the best way in your language to introduce the first event in this episode (following the background information in verses 27-28). Alternate translation: “Once Jacob was making some stew” or “One day when Jacob was making some stew” 25:29 hj1w וַיָּבֹ֥א עֵשָׂ֛ו מִן הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה 1 See how you translated **field** in verse 27. Alternate translation: “Esau came home from working out in the fields” 25:29 wxqp וְה֥וּא עָיֵֽף 1 The Hebrew word for **exhausted** means Esau was very tired (perhaps even feeling faint) from his hunting or work, as well as hungry and thirsty from lack of food. Some languages have an idiom for this that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and he felt weak from hunger.” or “and he was weak and hungry.” or “very tired and hungry.” 25:30 tyd4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר עֵשָׂ֜ו אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֗ב 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to translate this quote margin. Alternate translation: “So Esau asked Jacob,” 25:30 f235 הַלְעִיטֵ֤נִי נָא֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Please let me eat” 25:30 whmu מִן הָאָדֹ֤ם הָאָדֹם֙ הַזֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “some of that dark red stew you are making” 25:30 r8j4 כִּ֥י עָיֵ֖ף אָנֹ֑כִי 1 See how you translated **exhausted** in verse 29. Alternate translation: “because I am weak from hunger!” or “because I am hungry and weak!” 25:30 u35r עַל כֵּ֥ן 1 Alternate translation: “Because he said that,” 25:30 ems1 קָרָֽא שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 Frequently in the Hebrew text, this phrase has a general meaning and does not refer to someone specific. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “he is also called” or “they called him” 25:30 q10m rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֱדֽוֹם 1 You could include the meaning of **Edom** in your translation or in a footnote so that it is clear why Esau was given that name. 25:31 lm42 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 Alternate translation: “But Jacob said to him,” 25:31 k63y כַיּ֛וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “Today right now” or “Right now” 25:31 r3pd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit מִכְרָ֥ה & אֶת בְּכֹֽרָתְךָ֖ לִֽי 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Jacob was offering the stew as payment for Esau’s birthright as the firstborn son. In Hebrew culture the firstborn son inherited twice as much as the rest of the children in the family (Deuteronomy 21:15-17). That information could be put in a footnote so that people understand what Esau was selling for a bowl of stew. Alternate translation: “give your birthright to me in exchange for some stew” or “trade your rights as the firstborn son to me for some stew then I will give you some.” 25:32 l21g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר עֵשָׂ֔ו 1 Alternate translation: “Esau said to him,” 25:32 zepf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole הִנֵּ֛ה אָנֹכִ֥י הוֹלֵ֖ךְ לָמ֑וּת 1 Esau is using hyperbole or exaggeration here to emphasize how hungry he is. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Listen, I am so hungry that I feel like I am going to die!” 25:32 hxqu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וְלָמָּה זֶּ֥ה לִ֖י בְּכֹרָֽה 1 Esau uses a rhetorical question to emphasize his point about how hungry he is. Consider whether or not a rhetorical question works well here in your language. Alternate translation: “So how will my birthright benefit me if I die?” or “So my birthright is of no benefit to me right now!” 25:33 gxm8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הִשָּׁ֤בְעָה לִּי֙ כַּיּ֔וֹם 1 See how you translated “swear to me by God” in Gen 21:23. Alternate translation: “First make an oath to me today before God that your rights are now mine!” or “You must first promise to me right now that you give your rights to me.” 25:33 d5gk וַיִּשָּׁבַ֖ע ל֑וֹ 1 Make sure the way you translate this clause fits well with what Jacob just said. Alternate translation: “So he vowed to him” or “So Esau made an unbreakable vow to him” 25:33 xdmk וַיִּמְכֹּ֥ר אֶת בְּכֹרָת֖וֹ לְיַעֲקֹֽב 1 See how you translated “sell your birthright” in verse 31. Also see how Hebrews 12:16 is translated, which refers to the same event. Alternate translation: “that he had sold his rights as the firstborn son to Jacob for the stew” or “that he was selling his firstborn-son-rights to him in exchange for the stew” 25:34 jfkm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וְיַעֲקֹ֞ב נָתַ֣ן לְעֵשָׂ֗ו לֶ֚חֶם וּנְזִ֣יד עֲדָשִׁ֔ים 1 Consider again how you translated “stew/soup” in verses 29 and 34. Lentils are small, round, flat, reddish-brown legume seeds that grow inside a pod (similar to peas or beans). If lentils are not known in your area, you could describe them as “a type of legume/bean called lentils”. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob gave Esau some bread and some of the lentil stew” or “Then Jacob gave Esau some of the lentil stew with some bread,” 25:34 l7h8 וַיֹּ֣אכַל וַיֵּ֔שְׁתְּ וַיָּ֖קָם וַיֵּלַ֑ךְ 1 Consider what is the most natural way to translate this series of actions that happened quickly one after the other and shows how carelessly Esau treated his birthright. Alternate translation: “and Esau ate, drank, stood up, and left.” or “and Esau hurriedly ate the meal and left.” 25:34 y8f5 וַיִּ֥בֶז עֵשָׂ֖ו אֶת הַבְּכֹרָֽה 1 See how you translated **birthright** in verses 31-33. Alternate translation: “So Esau showed that he did not value his rights as the firstborn son.” or “In that way, Esau treated his birthright flippantly as if it had little value.” 26:1 zr1w rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיְהִ֤י 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to begin this new episode. 26:1 my54 רָעָב֙ 1 See how you translated **famine** in Gen 12:10. Alternate translation: “another famine” or “another extreme lack of food” or “another time of severe food shortage” 26:1 ltfb מִלְּבַד֙ הָרָעָ֣ב הָרִאשׁ֔וֹן אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “in addition to the previous one that occurred” or “This was a different famine from the one that had happened years before,” 26:1 oa44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּ֧לֶךְ יִצְחָ֛ק 1 In your translation it should not sound like Isaac went alone to the city of Gerar; the rest of his family lived with him. 26:1 io2w אֶל אֲבִימֶּ֥לֶךְ מֶֽלֶךְ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים גְּרָֽרָה 1 Be consistent here with how you translated “the city of Gerar” in Gen 10:19; 20:1-2 and **Philistines** in Gen 10:14; 21:32, 34. Alternate translation: “went for help to the Philistine king Abimelech, who lived in the city of Gerar.” 26:2 gxel rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֵּרָ֤א אֵלָיו֙ יְהוָ֔ה 1 See how you translated **appeared** in Gen 12:7. Also consider whether it is more natural in your language to refer to Isaac here with his name or a pronoun. Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh came to Isaac” 26:2 d4sf rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to translate this quote margin. Alternate translation: “and said to him,” or “and told him,” 26:2 m265 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אַל תֵּרֵ֣ד 1 Egypt was lower in elevation and also south of the land of the Philistines. Many translations leave that information implied. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not go south” or “Do not travel” 26:2 zrjo מִצְרָ֑יְמָה 1 Alternate translation: “to the land of Egypt,” 26:2 ytdn שְׁכֹ֣ן בָּאָ֔רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֖ר אֹמַ֥ר אֵלֶֽיךָ 1 Alternate translation: “but rather live in the land wherever I tell you to live.” or “but rather live wherever I tell you to live.” 26:3 esom גּ֚וּר 1 See how you translated this term in Gen 12:10 and 19:9. You may need to translate it in slightly different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “You must live for a while” or “Stay temporarily as a foreigner” 26:3 a5hr וְאֶֽהְיֶ֥ה עִמְּךָ֖ 1 This clause means that God will guide, help, and protect Isaac and provide for his needs. Alternate translation: “and I will be right beside you” 26:3 rnp1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-keyterms וַאֲבָרְכֶ֑ךָּ 1 Alternate translation: “cause you and your family to prosper.” 26:3 dvmh rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases כִּֽי לְךָ֣ וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֗ אֶתֵּן֙ אֶת כָּל הָֽאֲרָצֹ֣ת הָאֵ֔ל 1 Starting here (and continuing through verse 4) Yahweh explains how he will bless Isaac. Begin this sentence in a way that makes that clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “In fact, I will give all the surrounding lands to you and your offspring” 26:3 lqx8 וַהֲקִֽמֹתִי֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and I will continue to fulfill” 26:3 nxyo אֶת הַשְּׁבֻעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּ֖עְתִּי לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם אָבִֽיךָ 1 Consider again how you translated **oath** in Gen 24:8. It may be necessary to translate this word differently in different contexts. Alternate translation: “the promise that I made to your father Abraham.” 26:4 g56u וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֤י 1 Verse 4 gives the details of the oath that is referred to in verse 3. Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the sentence from verse 3. Alternate translation: “Yes, I will multiply” or “that I will multiply” 26:4 w607 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile אֶֽת זַרְעֲךָ֙ כְּכוֹכְבֵ֣י 1 See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 22:17. Alternate translation: “increase the number of your offspring so that they are as numerous as” or “make your offspring as many as” or “give you so many offspring that they will be as numerous as” 26:4 z0k0 כְּכוֹכְבֵ֣י הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם 1 Alternate translation: “as the number of stars in the sky,” 26:4 yt1e וְנָתַתִּ֣י 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 26:4 mpz0 לְזַרְעֲךָ֔ 1 Alternate translation: “to your descendants” or “to them” 26:4 fn5g אֵ֥ת כָּל הָאֲרָצֹ֖ת הָאֵ֑ל 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 3. 26:4 ibhs בְזַרְעֲךָ֔ 1 See how you translated this phrase and the following clause in Gen 22:18. Alternate translation: “In fact, through your offspring” or “And because of your offspring” or “In fact, by means of your offspring” 26:4 gsf7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְהִתְבָּרֲכ֣וּ & כֹּ֖ל גּוֹיֵ֥י הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to translate this passive clause. Alternate translation: “all the people groups on earth will be blessed by me,” or “I will bless all the ethnic groups on the earth,” 26:5 yet9 עֵ֕קֶב אֲשֶׁר 1 Verse 5 gives the reason that Yahweh will do everything that he says in verses 3 and 4. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “all because” 26:5 wtdv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy שָׁמַ֥ע אַבְרָהָ֖ם בְּקֹלִ֑י 1 The phrase **my voice** stands for what Yahweh said to Abraham and also represents Yahweh himself. Alternate translation: “Abraham always did what I told him” 26:5 y9qm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַיִּשְׁמֹר֙ מִשְׁמַרְתִּ֔י מִצְוֺתַ֖י חֻקּוֹתַ֥י וְתוֹרֹתָֽי 1 This clause is another way of saying **obeyed my voice** (found in the previous clause), and emphasizes that Abraham always obeyed God in everything. Notice that the terms in this clause have much overlap in meaning. Alternate translation: “Yes, he kept all my requirements, including all my commands, decrees, and laws.” 26:6 mvz1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב יִצְחָ֖ק בִּגְרָֽר 1 In your translation it should not sound like Isaac lived alone; the rest of his family lived with him. Alternate translation: “So Isaac obeyed what God commanded and stayed with his family in the city of Gerar.” 26:7 iokv וַֽיִּשְׁאֲל֞וּ אַנְשֵׁ֤י הַמָּקוֹם֙ לְאִשְׁתּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “After a while the men from that place started asking him about Rebekah,” or “When the men from there started asking him about Rebekah,” 26:7 c8jy rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “he said to them” or “he deceived them by saying” 26:7 on1f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations אֲחֹ֣תִי הִ֑וא 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to use a direct quote or an indirect quote here. Alternate translation: “that she was his sister” 26:7 z3c2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations כִּ֤י יָרֵא֙ לֵאמֹ֣ר אִשְׁתִּ֔י 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also see how you handled the previous quote in this sentence. Alternate translation: “He was afraid to say that she was his wife,” 26:7 e48o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations פֶּן יַֽהַרְגֻ֜נִי אַנְשֵׁ֤י הַמָּקוֹם֙ 1 See how you translated **the men of the place** earlier in this verse. Also consider whether it is better in your language to use a direct or indirect quote here, and see what you did earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “He thought that the men of that city might kill him” or “He was afraid that the men in that place would kill him” 26:7 fozc עַל רִבְקָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “because of Rebekah,” or “so that they could take Rebekah,” 26:7 b01d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי טוֹבַ֥ת מַרְאֶ֖ה הִֽיא 1 For some languages it may be better to put this clause first in this verse and say, “Now Rebekah was very beautiful, so the men in that city started asking Isaac about her. Isaac was afraid they might kill him in order to take/have her, so he lied and told them she was his sister.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because she is very beautiful.” 26:8 zwls וַיְהִ֗י כִּ֣י אָֽרְכוּ ל֥וֹ שָׁם֙ הַיָּמִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “One day when he and his family had been there a long time,” 26:8 ymwh וַיַּשְׁקֵ֗ף אֲבִימֶ֨לֶךְ֙ מֶ֣לֶךְ פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “Abimelech who was king over the Philistines looked out” or “King Abimelech looked out” 26:8 vhn2 בְּעַ֖ד הַֽחַלּ֑וֹן 1 Alternate translation: “from a window of his house” 26:8 koto וַיַּ֗רְא וְהִנֵּ֤ה 1 In this context, **behold** means that King Abimelech was surprised at what he saw. Alternate translation: “and was surprised to see” 26:8 o4an יִצְחָק֙ מְצַחֵ֔ק אֵ֖ת רִבְקָ֥ה אִשְׁתּֽוֹ 1 There is a word play here in Hebrew (since **Isaac** and **laughing** come from the same root word). Isaac may have been laughing or flirting with Rebekah or physically touching her in an affectionate or intimate way, as a husband would do with his wife. Alternate translation: “that Isaac was flirting with his wife Rebekah.” 26:9 ziot וַיִּקְרָ֨א אֲבִימֶ֜לֶךְ לְיִצְחָ֗ק 1 King Abimelech probably sent a servant to tell Isaac to come talk to him. Alternate translation: “So King Abimelech summoned Isaac” or “Then King Abimelech sent someone to bring Isaac to him” 26:9 mblv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language. Alternate translation: “and said to him,” or “and scolded him by saying,” 26:9 vq6l rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-keyterms אַ֣ךְ הִנֵּ֤ה אִשְׁתְּךָ֙ הִ֔וא 1 The word “behold” emphasizes what follows it. Consider what is the best way in your language to translate this term in this context. Alternate translation: “It is clear that she is actually your wife!” 26:9 l4xt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וְאֵ֥יךְ אָמַ֖רְתָּ אֲחֹ֣תִי הִ֑וא 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded direct quote (**She is my sister**) as a direct or indirect quote. 26:9 j573 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ יִצְחָ֔ק 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to translate this quote margin. 26:9 kge5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes כִּ֣י אָמַ֔רְתִּי פֶּן אָמ֖וּת עָלֶֽיהָ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Because I thought that I might die because of her.” or “I said that because I was afraid that someone might kill me in order to take her as a wife.” 26:10 t8xc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language to fit this context. 26:10 t0lq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַה זֹּ֖את עָשִׂ֣יתָ לָּ֑נוּ 1 King Abimelech uses a rhetorical question here to show strong emotion and to emphasize that what Isaac did was wrong and should not have been done. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Why did you treat us this way?” or “You should not have done this to us!” 26:10 a431 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism כִּ֠מְעַט שָׁכַ֞ב אַחַ֤ד הָעָם֙ אֶת אִשְׁתֶּ֔ךָ 1 See how you translated the idiom “lay with” in Gen 19:32-35. It may be necessary to translate this in slightly different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “Sooner or later, one of the men whom I rule could have slept with your wife,” or “... had physical relations with your wife,” or “... committed adultery with your wife,” 26:10 q591 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive וְהֵבֵאתָ֥ עָלֵ֖ינוּ אָשָֽׁם 1 The pronoun **us** in this verse refers to King Abimelech and the Philistines whom he ruled; it does not include Isaac. Alternate translation: “with the result that you would have brought punishment on us!” 26:11 uhi8 וַיְצַ֣ו אֲבִימֶ֔לֶךְ אֶת כָּל הָעָ֖ם לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “Then King Abimelech told all his people,” 26:11 z2nk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הַנֹּגֵ֜עַ בָּאִ֥ישׁ הַזֶּ֛ה וּבְאִשְׁתּ֖וֹ מ֥וֹת יוּמָֽת 1 In this context **touches** is used as an idiom that means “harms in any way.” Many languages have a similar idiom that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “If anyone harms this man Isaac or his wife in any way, I will surely have that person executed!” or “I will surely execute anyone who harms Isaac or his wife in any way!” 26:12 okdv וַיִּזְרַ֤ע יִצְחָק֙ בָּאָ֣רֶץ הַהִ֔וא 1 The phrase “sow seeds” means to plant seeds by scattering them by hand on the ground in order to grow crops. If this method of planting is not known in your language area, you could translate this more generally and say, “planted seeds/crops” or “planted large fields with seeds/crops”. Alternate translation: “Isaac planted crops in that land” 26:12 rsw3 וַיִּמְצָ֛א בַּשָּׁנָ֥ה הַהִ֖וא מֵאָ֣ה שְׁעָרִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “and during that year he reaped a huge harvest that was a hundred times more than what he had planted” or “and that year he harvested a very large crop” 26:12 p8ak וַֽיְבָרֲכֵ֖הוּ יְהוָֽה 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here that continues into verse 13. Alternate translation: “because Yahweh blessed him.” 26:13 ly00 וַיִּגְדַּ֖ל הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ הָלוֹךְ֙ וְגָדֵ֔ל 1 Alternate translation: “In that way Isaac kept getting more and more wealthy” or “so that he grew richer and richer” 26:13 hg95 עַ֥ד כִּֽי גָדַ֖ל מְאֹֽד 1 Alternate translation: “until eventually he was very rich.” 26:14 avey וַֽיְהִי ל֤וֹ מִקְנֵה צֹאן֙ וּמִקְנֵ֣ה בָקָ֔ר 1 See how you translated **flocks** and **herds** in Gen 24:35. Alternate translation: “He had many flocks of sheep and herds of cattle” or “He had many sheep and cattle” 26:14 uq3c rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַעֲבֻדָּ֖ה רַבָּ֑ה 1 The same Hebrew word is used for both “servant” or “slave”. Slaves and servants were owned by their masters but often they were treated as respected members of the family. An example of this was Abraham’s head servant who was sent to find a wife for Isaac (Gen 24). Keep this information in mind as you translate **servants** into your language. Alternate translation: “and he also had many slaves.” or “He also had many slaves.” 26:14 qv2e rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result וַיְקַנְא֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים 1 Alternate translation: “Because of that, the Philistines envied him” or “As a result, the Philistines were envious of him” 26:15 b9xb וְכָל הַבְּאֵרֹ֗ת אֲשֶׁ֤ר חָֽפְרוּ֙ עַבְדֵ֣י אָבִ֔יו בִּימֵ֖י אַבְרָהָ֣ם אָבִ֑יו סִתְּמ֣וּם פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים וַיְמַלְא֖וּם עָפָֽר 1 See how you translated “well” in Gen 21:30-31. 26:16 z4zj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֲבִימֶ֖לֶךְ אֶל יִצְחָ֑ק 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language. Alternate translation: “Finally King Abimelech said to him,” 26:16 b5ab rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-politeness לֵ֚ךְ מֵֽעִמָּ֔נוּ 1 Although King Abimelech is asking Isaac to leave, he is still trying to be polite. Alternate translation: “We want you to move somewhere else away from us,” 26:16 ectv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי עָצַֽמְתָּ מִמֶּ֖נּוּ מְאֹֽד 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this quote and say, “You are so powerful that we are afraid of you and want you to move away from us.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because you are too powerful for us.” 26:17 lmkp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ מִשָּׁ֖ם יִצְחָ֑ק 1 In your translation it should not sound like Isaac moved by himself from the city of Gerar; his family moved with him. See what you did for similar cases in verses 1 and 6. Alternate translation: “So Isaac moved away from the city of Gerar with his family” 26:17 ybzy וַיִּ֥חַן 1 Alternate translation: “and set up his tents” 26:17 ndt1 בְּנַֽחַל גְּרָ֖ר 1 Alternate translation: “in the valley near Gerar” 26:17 leu6 וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב שָֽׁם 1 Alternate translation: “and lived there for a while.” 26:18 jra3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַיָּ֨שָׁב יִצְחָ֜ק וַיַּחְפֹּ֣ר אֶת בְּאֵרֹ֣ת הַמַּ֗יִם אֲשֶׁ֤ר חָֽפְרוּ֙ בִּימֵי֙ אַבְרָהָ֣ם אָבִ֔יו 1 Isaac had his servants re-dig the wells; he did not do that work by himself. 26:18 eqvq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיְסַתְּמ֣וּם פְּלִשְׁתִּ֔ים אַחֲרֵ֖י מ֣וֹת אַבְרָהָ֑ם 1 Be consistent with how you spelled or translated **Philistines** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 10:14; 21:32, 34; 26:1, 8, 14-15, 18. Alternate translation: “that the Philistines had plugged up with dirt after Abraham had died,” 26:18 h4so וַיִּקְרָ֤א לָהֶן֙ שֵׁמ֔וֹת כַּשֵּׁמֹ֕ת 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He gave those wells the same names” or “He named the wells with the same names” 26:18 uecx אֲשֶׁר קָרָ֥א לָהֶ֖ן אָבִֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “that his father had named them.” 26:19 eibf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּ֨מְצְאוּ שָׁ֔ם בְּאֵ֖ר מַ֥יִם חַיִּֽים 1 The phrase **living water** is an idiom that means the well was spring fed and was a source of continually flowing, fresh water to drink. Alternate translation: “and struck a spring of flowing water there.” 26:20 i62f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations לָ֣נוּ הַמָּ֑יִם 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to use a direct quote or an indirect quote here. Alternate translation: “That water is ours!” or “that the well belonged to them.” or “that they owned that water” 26:20 ffg3 וַיִּקְרָ֤א שֵֽׁם הַבְּאֵר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “So Isaac named that well” 26:20 opnl rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names עֵ֔שֶׂק 1 If you include the meaning of this well’s name in your translation text or in a footnote, make sure it fits with how you translate **disputed** in the next clause. This word is different from the word for **quarreled** used earlier in verse 20, but it has the same meaning. 26:20 hywb כִּ֥י הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ עִמּֽוֹ 1 The herdsmen from Gerar disputed with Isaac indirectly (verse 20b) when they quarreled with his herdsmen (verse 20a). Make sure in your translation that the two halves of this verse do not contradict each other. Alternate translation: “because they disputed with his herdsmen about it.” 26:21 ryzw וַיָּרִ֖יבוּ גַּם עָלֶ֑יהָ 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **quarreled** in the first part of verse 20. Alternate translation: “but once again the herdsmen from Gerar disputed with them about that well too,” 26:21 prjv וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמָ֖הּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “so he named it” or “So he named the well” 26:22 ndq5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיַּעְתֵּ֣ק מִשָּׁ֗ם 1 In your translation it should not sound like Isaac moved by himself. 26:22 za5m וַיַּחְפֹּר֙ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 18. Alternate translation: “and he had his men dig” or “and his servants dug” 26:22 mtdv בְּאֵ֣ר אַחֶ֔רֶת 1 Alternate translation: “a new well,” 26:22 ixst וְלֹ֥א רָב֖וּ עָלֶ֑יהָ 1 Alternate translation: “but this time the herdsmen of Gerar did not quarrel about it,” or “This time Gerar's herdsmen did not quarrel about it,” 26:22 ekhj וַיִּקְרָ֤א שְׁמָהּ֙ 1 See how you translated this clause in verses 20 and 21. Alternate translation: “so he named the well” or “so he gave it the name” 26:22 ggt9 רְחֹב֔וֹת 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Rehoboth** in Gen 10:11. 26:22 uq71 הִרְחִ֧יב & לָ֖נוּ 1 Alternate translation: “has provided room for us,” or “given my family enough room to live,” 26:22 z2q3 וּפָרִ֥ינוּ בָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “so that we will flourish here in this land.” 26:23 cbus וַיַּ֥עַל מִשָּׁ֖ם בְּאֵ֥ר שָֽׁבַע 1 The word **up** refers to the fact that Beersheba is higher in elevation from where they were; it is also south in direction. Some translations leave that information implied. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “From there he and his family moved south to the city of Beersheba.” or “One day he and his family moved from there to the city of Beersheba.” 26:24 ro9s וַיֵּרָ֨א אֵלָ֤יו יְהוָה֙ בַּלַּ֣יְלָה הַה֔וּא וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 See how you translated **Yahweh appeared to him** in verse 2. Alternate translation: “That night Yahweh came to him and said to him,” 26:24 kaqe אָנֹכִ֕י אֱלֹהֵ֖י אַבְרָהָ֣ם אָבִ֑יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “I am the God whom your father Abraham worships.” or “I am the God who takes care of your father Abraham.” 26:24 xp88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אַל תִּירָא֙ כִּֽי אִתְּךָ֣ אָנֹ֔כִי 1 Some languages can do as the Hebrew text does and put the result clause (“do not be afraid”) before the reason (**I am with you**). Other languages prefer to put the reason before the result. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “I will always be with you, so do not be afraid.” 26:24 k105 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וּבֵֽרַכְתִּ֨יךָ֙ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 3. Alternate translation: “I will prosper you” 26:24 n65z וְהִרְבֵּיתִ֣י אֶֽת זַרְעֲךָ֔ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 4. Alternate translation: “and multiply the number of your offspring” or “and make your offspring numerous” or “and give you many offspring” 26:24 s2lp בַּעֲב֖וּר 1 Alternate translation: “because of my promise to” or “in order to keep my promise to” 26:24 hirv אַבְרָהָ֥ם עַבְדִּֽי 1 Alternate translation: “my servant Abraham.” 26:25 qm2j וַיִּ֧בֶן שָׁ֣ם מִזְבֵּ֗חַ 1 See how you translated **altar** in Gen 22:9. Alternate translation: “Then Isaac built an altar there at Beersheba” 26:25 junf וַיִּקְרָא֙ בְּשֵׁ֣ם יְהוָ֔ה 1 Consider again how you translated the idiom **called on the name of Yahweh** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 4:26, 12:8, 13:4, 21:33, 26:25, and see the note about this at 4:26. Alternate translation: “and offered sacrifices on it to Yahweh as he worshiped him by name.” 26:25 kvmx וַיֶּט שָׁ֖ם אָהֳל֑וֹ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 17. Alternate translation: “He also set up his camp there,” 26:25 lfr5 וַיִּכְרוּ שָׁ֥ם עַבְדֵי יִצְחָ֖ק בְּאֵֽר 1 Notice that they did not finish digging this well until verse 32. Keep that in mind as you translate this clause. 26:26 nte9 וַאֲבִימֶ֕לֶךְ הָלַ֥ךְ אֵלָ֖יו מִגְּרָ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “Then King Abimelech came to him from the city of Gerar” 26:26 evv1 וַאֲחֻזַּת֙ מֵֽרֵעֵ֔הוּ 1 King Abimelech’s friend Ahuzzath was probably his adviser. 26:26 kkn7 וּפִיכֹ֖ל שַׂר צְבָאֽוֹ 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 21:22, 32. Alternate translation: “and his army captain Phicol.” 26:27 bwup rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַדּ֖וּעַ בָּאתֶ֣ם אֵלָ֑י 1 Isaac probably wants to know why King Abimelech and his men are there, but this may also be a rhetorical question that shows his strong emotion. Alternate translation: “Why did you come here,” 26:27 mx4e וְאַתֶּם֙ שְׂנֵאתֶ֣ם אֹתִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “especially since you have treated me hatefully” or “especially since you have been hateful toward me” 26:27 fv74 וַתְּשַׁלְּח֖וּנִי מֵאִתְּכֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “and forced me to go away from you!” 26:28 bu45 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ 1 Alternate translation: “They replied,” 26:28 m7us rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive רָא֣וֹ רָאִינוּ֮ 1 Make sure your translation of the pronoun **we** does not include Isaac here. Alternate translation: “It is very clear to us” 26:28 e5ty כִּֽי הָיָ֣ה יְהוָ֣ה עִמָּךְ֒ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verses 3 and 24. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh is with you and prospering you,” 26:28 rfk0 וַנֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “so we said to each other” or “so we decided” 26:28 f7p3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive תְּהִ֨י נָ֥א אָלָ֛ה בֵּינוֹתֵ֖ינוּ בֵּינֵ֣ינוּ וּבֵינֶ֑ךָ 1 In the Hebrew text, the first **us** in this sentence includes Isaac, but the second **us** excludes him. Notice that in the first two alternate translations, the pronouns **us** and **we** exclude him, but in the third alternate, the pronoun **we** includes him. Alternate translation: “that there should be an vow between us and you.” or “that we should make a vow to each other.” 26:28 o3r6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive וְנִכְרְתָ֥ה בְרִ֖ית 1 See how you translated **cut a covenant** in Gen 21:27, 32. Notice that the pronoun **us** in this phrase either excludes Isaac or includes him, depending on whether you use **with you** or “with each other” for the following phrase. Alternate translation: “So please let us make a peace agreement” 26:28 fcp0 עִמָּֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “with each other,” 26:29 x6xs אִם תַּעֲשֵׂ֨ה עִמָּ֜נוּ רָעָ֗ה 1 Verse 29 specifies the details of the covenant or treaty that they want Isaac to vow or promise. 26:29 xrwr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כַּאֲשֶׁר֙ לֹ֣א נְגַֽעֲנ֔וּךָ 1 See how you translated **touch** or “harm” in verse 11. Alternate translation: “just as we never harmed you in any way,” 26:29 uaog וְכַאֲשֶׁ֨ר עָשִׂ֤ינוּ עִמְּךָ֙ רַק ט֔וֹב 1 Alternate translation: “but only treated you kindly” 26:29 b6m3 וַנְּשַׁלֵּֽחֲךָ֖ בְּשָׁל֑וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “and sent you away peacefully.” or “and in a peaceful manner asked you to leave.” 26:29 noji אַתָּ֥ה עַתָּ֖ה בְּר֥וּךְ יְהוָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “Now because of that, Yahweh has greatly prospered you.” or “As a result, Yahweh has now greatly prospered you.” 26:30 ncvw וַיֹּאכְל֖וּ וַיִּשְׁתּֽוּ 1 In your translation it should not sound like the feast was only for King Abimelech and his men; Isaac ate with them. 26:31 ovmw וַיַּשְׁכִּ֣ימוּ בַבֹּ֔קֶר 1 See how you translated **got up early in the morning** in Gen 20:8; 21:14, 22:3. 26:31 e434 וַיִּשָּׁבְע֖וּ אִ֣ישׁ לְאָחִ֑יו 1 See how you translated **swore** in Gen 25:33. Also, if you make the implied information explicit, it should match the way you translate “covenant” or “treaty” in verse 28. Alternate translation: “and made unbreakable oaths to each other to keep their covenant” or “and made oaths to one another that they would keep their treaty” 26:31 dqn2 וַיְשַׁלְּחֵ֣ם יִצְחָ֔ק 1 Alternate translation: “Then Isaac told them goodbye,” 26:31 fbfb וַיֵּלְכ֥וּ מֵאִתּ֖וֹ בְּשָׁלֽוֹם 1 Alternate translation: “and they left him on peaceful terms and returned home.” 26:32 c721 וַיְהִ֣י בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא 1 Alternate translation: “On that same day” or “Later that same day” 26:32 n9yf עַל אֹד֥וֹת הַבְּאֵ֖ר אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָפָ֑רוּ 1 This is the same well that Isaac’s servants started digging in verse 25. 26:32 yrmy rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמְרוּ ל֖וֹ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this quote margin in your language. 26:32 e8ez מָצָ֥אנוּ מָֽיִם 1 See how you translated **found** in verse 19. Alternate translation: “We have reached water!” 26:33 ksjm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֹתָ֖הּ שִׁבְעָ֑ה 1 The name of this well can be spelled **Shibah** or “Shebah.” 26:33 rlw9 שֵׁם הָעִיר֙ בְּאֵ֣ר שֶׁ֔בַע עַ֖ד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה 1 See how you translated **Beersheba** and its meaning in Gen 21:31. 26:34 xghn וַיְהִ֤י עֵשָׂו֙ בֶּן אַרְבָּעִ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה 1 Consider again how you translated “a son of … years” in the book of Genesis. See 5:32; 11:10; 12:4; 16:16; 17:1, 17, 24-25; 25:20-21 and 26:34. Alternate translation: “Now Esau was 40 years old, and” or “When Esau was 40 years old,” 26:34 wv0p וַיִּקַּ֤ח אִשָּׁה֙ אֶת יְהוּדִ֔ית בַּת בְּאֵרִ֖י הַֽחִתִּ֑י וְאֶת בָּ֣שְׂמַ֔ת בַּת אֵילֹ֖ן הַֽחִתִּֽי 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Basemath was Esau’s second wife, not Beeri’s wife. Alternate translation: “he married a woman named Judith, who was the daughter of a Hittite man named Beeri, and he also married a woman named Basemath, who was the daughter of a Hittite man named Elon.” 26:35 hack rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתִּהְיֶ֖יןָ מֹ֣רַת ר֑וּחַ לְיִצְחָ֖ק וּלְרִבְקָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “Those foreign women caused Isaac and Rebekah to be very distressed” or “Isaac and Rebekah were very upset that their son had married foreign women rather than a woman from their own religion and people group.” 27:1 omqk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיְהִי֙ כִּֽי 1 The events in chapter 27 happened about 23 years after the end of chapter 26. Make sure your translation begins this verse in a way that fits with that fact. Alternate translation: “Now when” 27:1 nlqr זָקֵ֣ן יִצְחָ֔ק 1 Alternate translation: “Isaac was very old” 27:1 za37 וַתִּכְהֶ֥יןָ עֵינָ֖יו מֵרְאֹ֑ת 1 Isaac was either totally blind or so blind that he could not recognize people anymore (See: verses 18-27, 32-33). Alternate translation: “and his eyes were so weak that he could not see,” or “and he was almost blind,” 27:1 rinb וַיִּקְרָ֞א 1 Isaac probably told a servant to go and tell Esau to come to him. Alternate translation: “he called for” or “he summoned” 27:1 rtzv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖יו 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to translate this quote margin. Alternate translation: “Esau replied,” 27:1 gs77 הִנֵּֽנִי 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 22:1,7,11. Alternate translation: “Here I am.” or “Yes, sir what is it?” 27:2 ag4z rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to translate this quote margin. 27:2 kpyl הִנֵּה נָ֖א 1 Alternate translation: “Listen carefully, please:” or “Please listen carefully:” 27:2 fkcw זָקַ֑נְתִּי 1 See how you translated **old** or “an old man” in verse 1. Alternate translation: “I am very old” 27:2 a42u לֹ֥א יָדַ֖עְתִּי י֥וֹם מוֹתִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “and I might die soon.” or “and I might not live much longer.” 27:3 lnze שָׂא נָ֣א כֵלֶ֔יךָ תֶּלְיְךָ֖ וְקַשְׁתֶּ֑ךָ 1 Consider what is the most natural way to refer to a bow and arrows in your language. Alternate translation: “take your hunting gear, your quiver of arrows, and your bow,” or “take your bow and arrows” 27:3 x56a וְצֵא֙ 1 Alternate translation: “then go out” 27:3 i275 הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה 1 See how you translated **the field** in Gen 25:27. Alternate translation: “to the fields” or “to the open country” 27:3 lcqx וְצ֥וּדָה לִּ֖י צידה 1 See how you translated **game** in Gen 25:28. Alternate translation: “and hunt some wild animal meat for me.” or “and go hunting for me.” 27:4 lb4h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַעֲשֵׂה 1 For some languages it may be necessary to make explicit more of the steps that Esau needs to take to prepare the meal, so that it does not sound like the animal would be eaten alive or uncooked. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then use the meat to cook” or “Next butcher the deer and cook” 27:4 fnk4 לִ֨י מַטְעַמִּ֜ים 1 Alternate translation: “some tasty food for me” or “a tasty meal for me” 27:4 jc0b כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר אָהַ֛בְתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “the kind I like best,” or “just the way that I like it,” 27:4 m687 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche תְּבָרֶכְךָ֥ נַפְשִׁ֖י בְּטֶ֥רֶם אָמֽוּת 1 Isaac uses the phrase **my soul** to refer to himself. Alternate translation: “before I die I can ask God to prosper you.” 27:5 iw6n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְרִבְקָ֣ה שֹׁמַ֔עַת בְּדַבֵּ֣ר יִצְחָ֔ק אֶל עֵשָׂ֖ו בְּנ֑וֹ 1 The phrase **his son** probably recalls the fact that Esau was Isaac’s favorite son (Gen 25:28). However make sure that your translation of this phrase does not sound like Esau was not also Rebekah’s son. Alternate translation: “Rebekah overheard what Isaac said to their son Esau.” or “Now while Isaac was speaking to his son Esau, Rebekah was listening” 27:5 bdl8 וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ עֵשָׂו֙ הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה לָצ֥וּד צַ֖יִד לְהָבִֽיא 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here that continues into verse 6. Also see how you translated **the field** and **hunt game** in verse 3. Alternate translation: “So after Esau went out to the country to get wild animal meat,” or “So after Esau had left to go hunting in the open country,” 27:6 bx0k וְרִבְקָה֙ אָֽמְרָ֔ה אֶל יַעֲקֹ֥ב בְּנָ֖הּ לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 The phrase **her son** probably recalls the fact that Jacob was Rebekah’s favorite son (Gen 25:28). See how you translated “his son” in verse 5. Alternate translation: “Rebekah said to their son Jacob,” 27:6 tcc3 הִנֵּ֤ה 1 Alternate translation: “Listen to this:” 27:6 dksq שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי֙ אֶת אָבִ֔יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “I just heard your father” 27:6 cvsc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship מְדַבֵּ֛ר אֶל עֵשָׂ֥ו אָחִ֖יךָ לֵאמֹֽר 1 Some languages have a special term for “older brother” that is used here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “say to your brother Esau,” 27:7 d0l5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes הָבִ֨יאָה לִּ֥י צַ֛יִד 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to translate Rebekah’s quote of Isaac in verse 7 as a direct quote or an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “to bring him some wild deer meat” 27:7 juty וַעֲשֵׂה לִ֥י מַטְעַמִּ֖ים וְאֹכֵ֑לָה 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 4. Alternate translation: “and use it to cook a tasty meal for him to eat.” 27:7 bqb7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וַאֲבָרֶכְכָ֛ה לִפְנֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה לִפְנֵ֥י מוֹתִֽי 1 Be consistent in translating the parts of verse 7 as either a direct quote (using first person pronouns) or an indirect quote (using third person pronouns). Alternate translation: “Then before he dies, he will ask Yahweh to bless Esau.” 27:8 w8zu וְעַתָּ֥ה בְנִ֖י 1 See how you translated **So now** in verse 3. Also, make sure it is clear that Rebekah is no longer quoting Isaac’s words (whether directly or indirectly). If necessary, you could begin this verse with: “Rebekah continued,” or “Then Rebekah said to Jacob,” Alternate translation: “Now son,” 27:8 b2vw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy שְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֑י 1 See how you translated **my voice** in Gen 26:5. 27:8 lusi לַאֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲנִ֖י מְצַוָּ֥ה אֹתָֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “and obey me.” 27:9 lppq לֶךְ נָא֙ אֶל הַצֹּ֔אן 1 Alternate translation: “Go to our flock of goats” 27:9 n98a וְקַֽח לִ֣י מִשָּׁ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “and bring me” 27:9 p6eq שְׁנֵ֛י גְּדָיֵ֥י עִזִּ֖ים טֹבִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “two fine kid goats” or “two of our best kid goats” 27:9 rkva וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂ֨ה אֹתָ֧ם 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “so that I can use the meat from them to cook” or “I will use their meat to cook” 27:9 x89y מַטְעַמִּ֛ים לְאָבִ֖יךָ 1 See how you translated “prepare some tasty food for” in verses 4 and 7. Alternate translation: “some savory food for your father” or “a tasty meal for your father” 27:9 yxaa כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר אָהֵֽב 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 4. Alternate translation: “the kind he likes best” 27:10 ymlt וְהֵבֵאתָ֥ לְאָבִ֖יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “Then you can take the food to your father” 27:10 u9by וְאָכָ֑ל בַּעֲבֻ֛ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר יְבָרֶכְךָ֖ לִפְנֵ֥י מוֹתֽוֹ 1 See how you translated **will bless** in verses 4 and 7. Alternate translation: “so that he will eat it, and then before he dies, he will ask Yahweh to prosper you.” 27:11 cgim rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob replied” 27:11 msb6 אֶל רִבְקָ֖ה אִמּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “to her,” 27:11 r28w הֵ֣ן 1 Alternate translation: “Look” or “Remember that” 27:11 d7jp עֵשָׂ֤ו אָחִי֙ 1 See how you translated **brother** in verse 11. 27:11 i1x2 אִ֣ישׁ שָׂעִ֔ר 1 See how you talked about Esau’s hairy body in Gen 25:25. Alternate translation: “has a lot of hair on his body” 27:11 fy4c וְאָנֹכִ֖י אִ֥ישׁ חָלָֽק 1 Alternate translation: “but I have non-hairy skin.” or “but I am not hairy.” 27:12 hr6z אוּלַ֤י 1 Alternate translation: “What would happen if” or “I am afraid of what will happen if” 27:12 kr4s יְמֻשֵּׁ֨נִי֙ אָבִ֔י 1 If this sentence is translated as a statement, you could end it with a period or an exclamation point to show that Jacob is worried. Alternate translation: “my father feels my arms” 27:12 yk4h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo וְהָיִ֥יתִי בְעֵינָ֖יו כִּמְתַעְתֵּ֑עַ 1 Make sure that your translation of verse 12 describes a hypothetical situation, not something that had happened yet. Some languages have a special verb form (such as “would”) to communicate this. Alternate translation: “Certainly he would recognize me and know that I am trying to trick him.” 27:12 wq82 וְהֵבֵאתִ֥י עָלַ֛י קְלָלָ֖ה וְלֹ֥א בְרָכָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “Then I would cause myself to be cursed instead of blessed.” 27:13 g9dr rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ אִמּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “But his mother responded,” 27:13 sw3k עָלַ֥י קִלְלָתְךָ֖ בְּנִ֑י 1 Make sure that your translation of **your curse** refers to the curse Jacob fears his father might say against him and does not sound like Jacob cursed someone. Also, for some languages it is more natural to put an address like **my son** first in this quote. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “My son, if your father curses you, may that curse fall on me and not on you.” 27:13 oogm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אַ֛ךְ שְׁמַ֥ע בְּקֹלִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “Please just do what I say,” 27:13 dbke וְלֵ֥ךְ קַֽח לִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “and go and bring two goats to me.” 27:14 sjy7 וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “So Jacob went to their flock” 27:14 nj8o וַיִּקַּ֔ח 1 Alternate translation: “and got the goats” or “chose two goats” 27:14 rsoj וַיָּבֵ֖א לְאִמּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and brought them to her.” 27:14 xp8r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתַּ֤עַשׂ אִמּוֹ֙ 1 In some languages it is necessary to specify that the animal was killed and cut up before being cooked. Do what is best in your language. See what you did for a similar case in verse 4. Alternate translation: “Then she had them butchered and she made” or “Then she used the butchered meat from the goats to cook” 27:14 eza3 מַטְעַמִּ֔ים 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 4, 7 and 9. Alternate translation: “some savory food” or “a tasty meal” 27:14 qzmr כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר אָהֵ֥ב אָבִֽיו 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verses 4 and 9. Alternate translation: “just the way that his father liked it.” 27:15 ss0o וַתִּקַּ֣ח רִ֠בְקָה 1 Alternate translation: “She also took out” 27:15 iixo וַתַּלְבֵּ֥שׁ אֶֽת יַעֲקֹ֖ב בְּנָ֥הּ הַקָּטָֽן 1 Your translation should not sound like Rebekah dressed Jacob herself as if he were a little child. She probably gave him the clothes and asked him to put them on himself. Alternate translation: “and gave them to her younger son Jacob to put on.” 27:16 bv6u וְאֵ֗ת עֹרֹת֙ גְּדָיֵ֣י הָֽעִזִּ֔ים הִלְבִּ֖ישָׁה עַל יָדָ֑יו וְעַ֖ל 1 See how you translated **skins** in Gen 3:21. The skins still had the goat hair or fur on them. 27:16 gced חֶלְקַ֥ת צַוָּארָֽיו 1 See how you translated **smooth** in verse 11. Alternate translation: “the non-hairy part of his neck.” 27:17 xf7r וַתִּתֵּ֧ן אֶת הַמַּטְעַמִּ֛ים וְאֶת הַלֶּ֖חֶם אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֑תָה בְּיַ֖ד יַעֲקֹ֥ב בְּנָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Rebekah gave to him the savory goat meat dish and some bread she had made.” or “Then she gave the tasty food to him, including some bread that she had made.” 27:18 jlx7 וַיָּבֹ֥א אֶל אָבִ֖יו 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Jacob took the meal to his father” 27:18 qjbe rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אָבִ֑י וַיֹּ֣אמֶר 1 His father answered/replied,” 27:18 g6ty הִנֶּ֔נִּי מִ֥י אַתָּ֖ה בְּנִֽי 1 See how you translated **Behold me** in verse 1. It may be necessary to translate this in a different way here because the context is different. Alternate translation: “Here I am, my son. Who are you?” or “Yes? Which one of my sons are you?” 27:19 l516 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶל אָבִ֗יו 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob lied to his father,” 27:19 clmd rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms אָנֹכִי֙ עֵשָׂ֣ו בְּכֹרֶ֔ךָ 1 The term **firstborn** is a key term in the Bible because the firstborn son had special rights, including the fact that he inherited his father’s authority and the largest portion of his father’s estate. Jacob is claiming those rights by using this term. See how you translated this term in Gen 25:13. Alternate translation: “I am Esau, your firstborn son.” 27:19 vnm1 עָשִׂ֕יתִי כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתָּ אֵלָ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “I have done what you told me to do.” 27:19 ckg4 קֽוּם נָ֣א שְׁבָ֗ה וְאָכְלָה֙ מִצֵּידִ֔י 1 See how you translated “game meat” in verses 3, 5 and 7. Alternate translation: “So now, please sit up and eat some of the game meat that I have prepared for you,” 27:19 q51t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche בַּעֲב֖וּר תְּבָרֲכַ֥נִּי נַפְשֶֽׁךָ 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 4. 27:20 jc6p מַה זֶּ֛ה מִהַ֥רְתָּ לִמְצֹ֖א בְּנִ֑י 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to put the address **my son** first in this quote. Alternate translation: “How were you able to get the animal so quickly, my son?” 27:20 f38e וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob answered him,” 27:20 i5gl כִּ֥י & יְהוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “I was successful because Yahweh, the God you worship” 27:20 onx0 הִקְרָ֛ה & לְפָנָֽי 1 See how you translated this clause in Gen 24:12. Alternate translation: “helped me to hunt it.” or “brought it to me.” 27:21 l1al וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יִצְחָק֙ אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “But Isaac said to him,” 27:21 w851 גְּשָׁה נָּ֥א וַאֲמֻֽשְׁךָ֖ בְּנִ֑י 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to put the address **my son** first or earlier in this quote. Also see what you did in verses 13 and 20. Alternate translation: “Please come close to me, my son, so that I can touch you” or “My son, please come here so that I can touch you” 27:21 gb5v הַֽאַתָּ֥ה זֶ֛ה בְּנִ֥י עֵשָׂ֖ו אִם לֹֽא 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and be sure that you are really my son Esau.” or “I want to know for sure whether or not you really are my son Esau.” 27:22 tblg וַיִּגַּ֧שׁ יַעֲקֹ֛ב אֶל יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob came close to his father Isaac,” 27:22 g1m1 וַיְמֻשֵּׁ֑הוּ 1 See how you translated “touch” or “feel” in verses 12 and 21. Alternate translation: “and his father touched him” or “and his father felt his arms” 27:22 psb0 וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “and said to himself,” 27:22 k9zq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy הַקֹּל֙ ק֣וֹל יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “Hmm, he talks like Jacob,” 27:22 egzs וְהַיָּדַ֖יִם יְדֵ֥י עֵשָֽׂו 1 In Hebrew, the word for “hand” is the same word as for “arm”. Isaac probably felt Esau’s hands and arms. Alternate translation: “but he feels like Esau.” 27:23 rksk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְלֹ֣א הִכִּיר֔וֹ כִּֽי הָי֣וּ יָדָ֗יו כִּידֵ֛י עֵשָׂ֥ו אָחִ֖יו שְׂעִרֹ֑ת 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **hands** or “arms” in verses 16 and 22. Also consider whether it is more natural in your language to change the original order of clauses in this sentence, as in the second alternate translation above. 27:23 p730 וַֽיְבָרְכֵֽהוּ 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here that continues into verse 24. Alternate translation: “Then Isaac was prepared to bless him” or “Isaac was getting ready to bless him” 27:24 hfhw וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “But he still was not certain, so he asked him,” or “but first he wanted to be completely certain, so he asked him,” 27:24 bd4l אַתָּ֥ה זֶ֖ה בְּנִ֣י עֵשָׂ֑ו 1 Alternate translation: “Are you truly my son Esau?” 27:24 tbxk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob answered him,” 27:24 zqlr אָֽנִי 1 Alternate translation: “Yes, I am Esau.” or “Yes, Father I am.” 27:25 w7ds rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “So his father said to him,” 27:25 g2u7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-politeness הַגִּ֤שָׁה לִּי֙ 1 Your translation of Isaac’s request should sound polite, not rude or demanding. It should also not sound like he was begging or pleading. Alternate translation: “Please bring me the food” 27:25 p1h5 וְאֹֽכְלָה֙ מִצֵּ֣יד בְּנִ֔י לְמַ֥עַן תְּבָֽרֶכְךָ֖ נַפְשִׁ֑י 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 19. Alternate translation: “so that I can eat some of your wild animal meat and bless you.” 27:25 mns3 וַיַּגֶּשׁ לוֹ֙ וַיֹּאכַ֔ל 1 Alternate translation: “So Jacob brought the meal to his father, and he ate it.” 27:25 qy9x וַיָּ֧בֵא ל֦וֹ יַ֖יִן וַיֵּֽשְׁתְּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Also, see how you translated **wine** in Gen 19:32-35. Alternate translation: “Jacob also brought him wine, and he drank it.” 27:26 r2g9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖יו יִצְחָ֣ק אָבִ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then Isaac said to him” 27:26 hjsx גְּשָׁה נָּ֥א 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 21. Alternate translation: “Come near to me” 27:26 vy5c וּשְׁקָה לִּ֖י בְּנִֽי 1 It was a Hebrew custom for relatives and close friends to greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. Also consider whether it is more natural in your language to put the address **my son** first in this quote. 27:27 bkqc וַיִּגַּשׁ֙ 1 See how you translated **went close** in verse 22. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob came close to his father” 27:27 xtu4 וַיִּשַּׁק ל֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and kissed him on his cheek” 27:27 alts וַֽיְבָרֲכֵ֑הוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then he blessed him” 27:27 xnqs וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “by saying to him,” or “He said to him,” 27:27 lggs רְאֵה֙ רֵ֣יחַ בְּנִ֔י 1 Some translations put the words of Isaac’s blessing in poetry format (beginning here and through verse 29). Be consistent here with how your translation team decides to format passages like this. Alternate translation: “Ahh, my son smells” 27:27 jo64 כְּרֵ֣יחַ שָׂדֶ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “wonderful like the fragrance of a green field” or “wonderful the way a green field smells” 27:27 ejck אֲשֶׁ֥ר בֵּרֲכ֖וֹ יְהוָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “that Yahweh has caused to be very productive!” 27:28 dgyi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְיִֽתֶּן לְךָ֙ הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 In the Hebrew text, **you** is singular in verses 28-29 and refers to both Jacob and his descendants. If necessary, you could make that explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “May God give you and your descendants” or “I pray that God will give you and your descendants” 27:28 ca2c מִטַּל֙ הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם וּמִשְׁמַנֵּ֖י הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “plenty of dew from the heavens for your crops and animals and riches from the soil” or “plenty of rain and rich soil,” 27:28 va8w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְרֹ֥ב דָּגָ֖ן וְתִירֹֽשׁ 1 Alternate translation: “including an abundance of food and drink.” or “so that you have abundant food and much wine.” 27:29 mwtq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism יַֽעַבְד֣וּךָ עַמִּ֗ים וְיִֽשְׁתַּחֲו֤וּ לְךָ֙ לְאֻמִּ֔ים 1 If possible in your language, it is best to keep both halves of this parallelism, which is used to emphasize what Isaac is saying to Jacob. Alternate translation: “May people groups serve you and your descendants, and may they bow down to you in respect” 27:29 l535 הֱוֵ֤ה גְבִיר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “May you rule” or “You will even rule” 27:29 acg4 לְאַחֶ֔יךָ 1 Jacob only had one brother, so this phrase refers here to Esau and his descendants. Alternate translation: “over your brother and his descendants,” 27:29 o811 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְיִשְׁתַּחֲוּ֥וּ לְךָ֖ בְּנֵ֣י אִמֶּ֑ךָ 1 This clause is another way of referring to Jacob's authority over Esau and his descendants. Consider again how you translated the singular **you** in verses 28-29. You could use a plural **you** here or you could say “you and your descendants”. Alternate translation: “and they will bow down to you in submission.” or “Yes, they too will submit to you and bow down to you.” 27:29 nx79 אֹרְרֶ֣יךָ אָר֔וּר וּֽמְבָרֲכֶ֖יךָ בָּרֽוּךְ 1 See how you translated **curse** in Gen 12:3. Alternate translation: “Whoever curses you will be cursed by God, but whoever blesses you will be blessed by him.” or “I ask God to curse those who curse you, and I ask him to bless those who bless you.” 27:30 mtk3 וַיְהִ֗י כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר כִּלָּ֣ה יִצְחָק֮ לְבָרֵ֣ךְ אֶֽת יַעֲקֹב֒ 1 Alternate translation: “Just as Isaac finished blessing Jacob,” 27:30 jeia בָּ֖א מִצֵּידֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “came back from hunting.” 27:31 paor וַיַּ֤עַשׂ גַּם הוּא֙ מַטְעַמִּ֔ים 1 Consider again how you translated **prepared tasty food** in verses 4, 7, 9, 14, 31 and **tasty** in verse 17. Alternate translation: “Then Esau also cooked a tasty meal with the meat he had hunted,” 27:31 q82g וַיָּבֵ֖א לְאָבִ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “and he carried it to his father Isaac” 27:31 crso rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְאָבִ֗יו 1 Alternate translation: “and requested,” 27:31 bl51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness יָקֻ֤ם אָבִי֙ 1 Esau’s request to his father should sound polite in your translation, not rude or demanding. 27:31 i1dj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְיֹאכַל֙ מִצֵּ֣יד בְּנ֔וֹ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Esau is referring to himself in this phrase. Alternate translation: “and eat some of my wild animal meat” 27:31 u4oa בַּעֲב֖וּר תְּבָרֲכַ֥נִּי נַפְשֶֽׁךָ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verses 4, 19, 25 and 31. Alternate translation: “and then you can bless me.” 27:32 gv4p וַיֹּ֥אמֶר ל֛וֹ יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו 1 For some languages it is more natural to make **Isaac** explicit in verse 31 and leave it implied here in verse 32. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then his father asked him,” or “But his father exclaimed,” 27:32 ag39 מִי אָ֑תָּה 1 Isaac knew from what Esau just said in verse 31 that one of his sons was talking to him. Also, Isaac is very upset, so some translations add an exclamation point after the question mark to help communicate that. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Which of my sons are you?!” 27:32 si9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Esau answered him,” or “Esau replied,” 27:32 uum9 אֲנִ֛י בִּנְךָ֥ בְכֹֽרְךָ֖ עֵשָֽׂו 1 See how you translated **firstborn** in verse 19. Alternate translation: “I am your firstborn son Esau.” or “I am Esau, your oldest son.” 27:33 j7x3 וַיֶּחֱרַ֨ד יִצְחָ֣ק חֲרָדָה֮ גְּדֹלָ֣ה עַד מְאֹד֒ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Isaac became so upset that he shook very violently” or “Then Isaac was very upset, so that he began to shake all over,” 27:33 avi1 מִֽי אֵפ֡וֹא ה֣וּא 1 Alternate translation: “Then where is the one” 27:33 cs0r הַצָּֽד צַיִד֩ וַיָּ֨בֵא לִ֜י 1 Consider again how you translated **game** in Gen 27:3, 5, 7, 19, 25, 31 and 33. It may be necessary to translate it in slightly different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “who hunted game meat and brought a meal to me?” or “who brought to me a meal made from wild animal meat?” 27:33 edrl וָאֹכַ֥ל מִכֹּ֛ל בְּטֶ֥רֶם תָּב֖וֹא 1 Alternate translation: “Just before you came to me, I finished eating the meal” or “I finished eating it just before you came here” 27:33 vjq6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וָאֲבָרֲכֵ֑הוּ גַּם בָּר֖וּךְ יִהְיֶֽה 1 Consider where it is most natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and then I blessed him. And God will surely bless him.” or “Then I asked God to bless him, so God will definitely bless him.” 27:34 t3y5 כִּשְׁמֹ֤עַ עֵשָׂו֙ אֶת דִּבְרֵ֣י אָבִ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “When Esau heard what his father said to him,” 27:34 hlpe וַיִּצְעַ֣ק צְעָקָ֔ה גְּדֹלָ֥ה וּמָרָ֖ה עַד מְאֹ֑ד 1 Alternate translation: “he burst out with an extremely loud and bitter cry” or “he was so upset that he yelled out loudly” 27:34 yfg8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְאָבִ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “and begged him,” 27:34 aahx בָּרֲכֵ֥נִי גַם אָ֖נִי אָבִֽי 1 For some languages it is more natural to put the address “My father” or “Father” first in this sentence. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Father, please bless me too!” 27:35 a6oj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “But his father replied to him,” 27:35 m9v6 בָּ֥א אָחִ֖יךָ בְּמִרְמָ֑ה וַיִּקַּ֖ח בִּרְכָתֶֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “Your brother came to me and deceived me and stole the blessing that I was planning to give you.” or “Your brother deceived me so that I blessed him instead of you!” 27:36 r0d2 וַיֹּ֡אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Then Esau exclaimed angrily,” or “When Esau heard that, he said angrily,” 27:36 ychp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲכִי֩ קָרָ֨א שְׁמ֜וֹ יַעֲקֹ֗ב וַֽיַּעְקְבֵ֨נִי֙ זֶ֣ה פַעֲמַ֔יִם 1 Esau uses a rhetorical question here to show his strong emotion. Do what is most natural in your language. Also, in order to help readers understand why Esau said this about Jacob, some translations include a footnote like the following: The name **Jacob** means “heel-grabber” and can imply deception. He was given that name because when he was born, he was grabbing hold of Esau’s heel (Genesis 25:26). Alternate translation: “It is no wonder that he is called Jacob, since he has cheated me two times!” 27:36 us4x אֶת בְּכֹרָתִ֣י לָקָ֔ח וְהִנֵּ֥ה עַתָּ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “First he stole my rights as the oldest son, and now see what he has done:” or “Not only did he take my birthright, but now see what he has done:” 27:36 uoga לָקַ֣ח בִּרְכָתִ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “he has also stolen my blessing!” or “he has tricked you into blessing him instead of me!” 27:36 mtzq וַיֹּאמַ֕ר 1 Alternate translation: “Then he begged his father,” or “Then he pleaded with his father,” 27:36 lg00 הֲלֹא אָצַ֥לְתָּ לִּ֖י בְּרָכָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “Is there still some way you can ask God to bless me?” 27:37 qhtp וַיַּ֨עַן יִצְחָ֜ק וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְעֵשָׂ֗ו 1 Alternate translation: “Isaac replied to Esau” or “Isaac answered him,” 27:37 vpg2 הֵ֣ן גְּבִ֞יר שַׂמְתִּ֥יו לָךְ֙ 1 See how you translated **master** in verse 29. Alternate translation: “Look I have already appointed Jacob to be your master,” 27:37 aezg וְאֶת כָּל אֶחָ֗יו נָתַ֤תִּי לוֹ֙ לַעֲבָדִ֔ים 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, see how you translated **brothers** in verse 29. Alternate translation: “In fact, I said that you and all your descendants will serve him.” or “In fact, I have asked God to make it so that you and your descendants will serve him and his descendants.” 27:37 zpao rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְדָגָ֥ן וְתִירֹ֖שׁ סְמַכְתִּ֑יו 1 See how you translated **grain and wine** in verse 28. Alternate translation: “Besides that, I have also supplied him with abundant food and wine” or “I have also asked God to supply him with plenty of food and wine” 27:37 h7yn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וּלְכָ֣ה אֵפ֔וֹא מָ֥ה אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה בְּנִֽי 1 Isaac uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no blessing left for Esau. Alternate translation: “So my son, there is no blessing left for you!” 27:38 pyp3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר עֵשָׂ֜ו אֶל אָבִ֗יו 1 Alternate translation: “But Esau continued to beg his father and said,” or “But again Esau begged” 27:38 k87o הַֽבְרָכָ֨ה אַחַ֤ת הִֽוא לְךָ֙ אָבִ֔י 1 It may be more natural to put **my father** or “Father” first in this quote. See what you did in verse 34. 27:38 ezef בָּרֲכֵ֥נִי גַם אָ֖נִי אָבִ֑י 1 See how you translated this sentence in verse 34. Alternate translation: “Father, please bless me too!” 27:38 wtbr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּשָּׂ֥א עֵשָׂ֛ו קֹל֖וֹ וַיֵּֽבְךְּ 1 See how you translated “lifted … voice and sobbed” in Gen 21:16. Alternate translation: “Then Esau started sobbing loudly.” 27:39 teeo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיַּ֛עַן יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “So his father Isaac said to him,” or “His father replied,” 27:39 fckf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy הִנֵּ֞ה & יִהְיֶ֣ה מֽוֹשָׁבֶ֔ךָ 1 What Isaac says in verses 39-40 applies to Esau and his descendants. See what you did for a similar case in verses 28-29. 27:39 ch9s מִשְׁמַנֵּ֤י הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ & וּמִטַּ֥ל הַשָּׁמַ֖יִם מֵעָֽל 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “away from the fatness of the earth and away from the dew of the heavens from above.” or “in a place/region where the earth/land/ground is not rich/fertile and where there is very little dew/rain.” or “in a place/region where the land/soil is not good for farming and where there is not much rain.” or (2) “of the fatness of the earth and of the dew of the heavens from above.” or “in a place where the land is good/fertile for farming and where there is plenty of dew/rain.” See how you translated **fatness of the earth** and **dew of the heavens** in verse 28. 27:40 ky90 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְעַל חַרְבְּךָ֣ תִֽחְיֶ֔ה 1 The phrase **live by your sword** is an idiom that means Esau and his descendants will have violent conflict with others, often in order to survive. Alternate translation: “You and your descendants will survive by using your swords to protect yourselves,” or “You and your descendants will continually be fighting battles with other peoples” 27:40 j54i וְאֶת אָחִ֖יךָ תַּעֲבֹ֑ד 1 Alternate translation: “and you and your descendants will serve your brother and his descendants.” or “and you and your descendants will be servants for your brother and his descendants.” 27:40 u6t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְהָיָה֙ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר תָּרִ֔יד 1 Consider again how you translated the singular **you** in verses 39-40. You could use a plural **you** here or you could say “you and your descendants”. See what you did for a similar case in verses 28-29. Alternate translation: “But when you revolt against him” 27:40 uf7x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וּפָרַקְתָּ֥ עֻלּ֖וֹ מֵעַ֥ל צַוָּארֶֽךָ 1 The metaphor **break his yoke off of your neck** means Esau and his descendants will be free from the control of Jacob and his descendants. A yoke is a wooden collar that is placed around the necks of work animals to control them as they pull a plow or cart. Alternate translation: “you will get free from his rule over you.” or “you will no longer be under his rule.” 27:41 mp9g וַיִּשְׂטֹ֤ם עֵשָׂו֙ אֶֽת יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “After that, Esau held a grudge against Jacob” or “Esau continued to be very angry at Jacob” 27:41 phou rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms עַל הַ֨בְּרָכָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בֵּרֲכ֖וֹ אָבִ֑יו 1 Consider again how you translated the terms “bless” and **blessing** in chapter 27. See verses 4, 7, 10, 19, 23, 25, 27, 29-31, 33-36, 38 and 41. Alternate translation: “because his father had given his blessing to Jacob.” or “because their father had blessed Jacob instead of him.” 27:41 f51e rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר עֵשָׂ֜ו בְּלִבּ֗וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “So Esau said to himself,” 27:41 p7cg יִקְרְבוּ֙ יְמֵי֙ אֵ֣בֶל אָבִ֔י 1 In that culture, they had the custom of mourning the death of a loved one for a certain period of time, anywhere from a week to a month or more. See how you translated “mourn” in Gen 23:2. Alternate translation: “Soon my father will die, and we will have a time of mourning for him, then” 27:41 qxmf וְאַֽהַרְגָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “I am going to kill” or “I plan to kill” 27:42 i4en rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיֻּגַּ֣ד לְרִבְקָ֔ה אֶת דִּבְרֵ֥י עֵשָׂ֖ו בְּנָ֣הּ הַגָּדֹ֑ל 1 It was probably a servant who told Rebekah about Esau’s plan to kill Jacob. Alternate translation: “Then someone told Rebekah what Esau was saying so” or “Then Rebekah heard about what her older son Esau was planning, so” or “When Rebekah heard what Esau was planning to do,” 27:42 tgzk וַתִּשְׁלַ֞ח וַתִּקְרָ֤א לְיַעֲקֹב֙ בְּנָ֣הּ הַקָּטָ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “she sent for her younger son Jacob to come to her” or “she sent a messenger to tell Jacob to come to her” or “she summoned her son Jacob” 27:42 v1f8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “and warned him,” 27:42 vedn הִנֵּה֙ עֵשָׂ֣ו אָחִ֔יךָ מִתְנַחֵ֥ם לְךָ֖ לְהָרְגֶֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “Look your brother Esau is making himself feel better by planning to kill you.” 27:43 qa89 וְעַתָּ֥ה בְנִ֖י 1 See how you translated **So now** in verses 3 and 8. Alternate translation: “Now son,” 27:43 m7pp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy שְׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֑י 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 8 and 13. It may be necessary to translate it differently here because of the context. Alternate translation: “do what I tell you:” 27:43 s1bb וְק֧וּם בְּרַח לְךָ֛ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “get ready immediately and flee” or “Hurry and flee” or “Flee immediately” 27:43 al70 אֶל לָבָ֥ן אָחִ֖י חָרָֽנָה 1 For some languages, it is more natural to put the location (Haran) before the person who lives there (Laban). Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “to my brother Laban who lives in the city of Haran!” or “to the city of Haran, to the house of my brother Laban!” 27:44 ohym וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֥ עִמּ֖וֹ יָמִ֣ים אֲחָדִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “Stay with him for a short time” 27:44 jxy6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom עַ֥ד אֲשֶׁר תָּשׁ֖וּב חֲמַ֥ת אָחִֽיךָ 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to end this sentence here or to continue the sentence into verse 45. Also, the phrase **turns away** is used here as an idiom that means “becomes less” or “goes away”. Alternate translation: “until your brother is no longer furious with you” 27:45 s9be rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom עַד שׁ֨וּב אַף אָחִ֜יךָ מִמְּךָ֗ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, notice that the Hebrew word for **anger** here is different from the stronger word (“fury”) in verse 44. Alternate translation: “until his anger against you is gone” or “After a while, when your brother is no longer angry with you” 27:45 r7r3 וְשָׁכַח֙ אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁר עָשִׂ֣יתָ לּ֔וֹ 1 Rebekah is not saying that Esau would totally forget what Jacob did, but that at some point he would not hold it against him anymore. Alternate translation: “and he no longer thinks about what you did” 27:45 fq9m וְשָׁלַחְתִּ֖י וּלְקַחְתִּ֣יךָ מִשָּׁ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “I will send someone to tell you when it is safe to come back home.” 27:45 lv4a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָמָ֥ה אֶשְׁכַּ֛ל גַּם שְׁנֵיכֶ֖ם י֥וֹם אֶחָֽד 1 Rebekah knew that if Esau were to kill Jacob, he himself would have been killed for that crime. Consider whether it is best in your language to use a rhetorical question or an exclamation to emphasize Rebekah’s concern. Alternate translation: “I do not want both my sons to be killed!” 27:46 gusr rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֤אמֶר רִבְקָה֙ אֶל יִצְחָ֔ק 1 Alternate translation: “Soon after that, Rebekah said to Isaac,” 27:46 wp91 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole קַ֣צְתִּי בְחַיַּ֔י 1 Rebekah is exaggerating how she feels to influence Isaac to do what she wants. Alternate translation: “I do not enjoy living” or “I am very upset” 27:46 oa6h מִפְּנֵ֖י בְּנ֣וֹת חֵ֑ת 1 To show that Rebekah is speaking with strong emotion, you could use an exclamation point at the end of this sentence and the following one. Alternate translation: “because of the Hittite women whom Esau married!” 27:46 ahi7 אִם לֹקֵ֣חַ יַ֠עֲקֹב אִשָּׁ֨ה מִבְּנֽוֹת חֵ֤ת כָּאֵ֨לֶּה֙ מִבְּנ֣וֹת הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “If Jacob also marries a Hittite woman from around here,” 27:46 avta rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֥מָּה לִּ֖י חַיִּֽים 1 Rebekah uses a rhetorical question and hyperbole to emphasize how upset she would be if Jacob married a Hittite woman. Alternate translation: “my life will not be worth living!” 28:1 md9d וַיִּקְרָ֥א יִצְחָ֛ק אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֖ב 1 Alternate translation: “So Isaac sent for Jacob to come to him” or “Because of what Rebekah said, Isaac summoned Jacob” 28:1 u0pi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ אֹת֑וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, for some languages it may be necessary to make it explicit that Jacob arrived. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then he blessed him” or “After he came, Isaac blessed him” 28:1 vnsl rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיְצַוֵּ֨הוּ֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and instructed him,” 28:1 nbgz לֹֽא־תִקַּ֥ח אִשָּׁ֖ה מִבְּנ֥וֹת כְּנָֽעַן 1 If the word “woman” is used here in your translation, make sure it refers to a virgin woman who has never been married, or is general enough to include that. Alternate translation: “Do not marry a woman who is a descendant of Canaan.” or “You must not take a wife from among the Canaanite women.” or “Do not marry a Canaanite woman.” 28:2 c1no rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast ק֥וּם לֵךְ֙ 1 See how you translated “get up” in Gen 27:43. Alternate translation: “Rather get up and go” 28:2 c2p2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names פַּדֶּ֣נָֽה אֲרָ֔ם 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **Paddan Aram** in Gen 25:20. Alternate translation: “to the land of Paddan Aram,” 28:2 tvtv וְקַח לְךָ֤ מִשָּׁם֙ אִשָּׁ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “and find a woman from there to marry” 28:2 w2tm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship מִבְּנ֥וֹת לָבָ֖ן אֲחִ֥י אִמֶּֽךָ 1 Laban was Rebekah’s older brother. Some languages have a special term for this that is used here. 28:3 qw5u וְאֵ֤ל שַׁדַּי֙ יְבָרֵ֣ךְ אֹֽתְךָ֔ 1 Most translation teams translate the meaning of God’s title here (**God Almighty**). A few teams transliterate the title as “El Shaddai” as if it were a personal name (which it is not). See how you handled **God Almighty** in Gen 17:1. Alternate translation: “I pray that Almighty God will bless you” or “I ask God, who is all-powerful, to bless you” or “I pray that God, who is all-powerful, will prosper you” 28:3 fji8 וְיַפְרְךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “and enable you to have many children” 28:3 cjdb וְיַרְבֶּ֑ךָ 1 See how you translated **fruitful and multiply** in Gen 17:20. It may need to be translated in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “so that you have many descendants and” 28:3 klxv וְהָיִ֖יתָ לִקְהַ֥ל עַמִּֽים 1 Alternate translation: “so that you become the ancestor of many ethnic groups.” or “so that many people groups will descend from you.” or “so that they become many ethnic groups.” 28:4 ei4t וְיִֽתֶּן לְךָ֙ אֶת בִּרְכַּ֣ת אַבְרָהָ֔ם לְךָ֖ וּלְזַרְעֲךָ֣ אִתָּ֑ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “I also ask God to bless you and your descendants the same way that he blessed Abraham,” 28:4 pfi2 לְרִשְׁתְּךָ֙ אֶת אֶ֣רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “so that you will own the land” or “so that you will take possession of the land” 28:4 vo59 מְגֻרֶ֔יךָ 1 See how you translated **land of your sojournings** in Gen 17:8; it may be necessary to translate this differently here because of the different context. Alternate translation: “where you have been residing as a outsider,” or “where you and your ancestors have been living as outsiders,” 28:4 vgdh אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥ן אֱלֹהִ֖ים לְאַבְרָהָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “the same land which God promised to him.” 28:5 mnq0 וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח יִצְחָק֙ אֶֽת יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “Then Isaac said good-bye to Jacob,” 28:5 rx0u וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ 1 Make sure your translation of this phrase does not sound like Jacob had already arrived at Paddan Aram. Alternate translation: “and he left to go” or “and Jacob started traveling” 28:5 awgp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure פַּדֶּ֣נָֽה אֲרָ֑ם אֶל לָבָ֤ן 1 Consider whether is more natural in your language to refer to Paddan Aram first or to Laban first in this sentence. Also see how you translated **to Paddan Aram** in verses 2 and 5. Alternate translation: “to the land of Paddan Aram, to Laban” 28:5 ftm9 בֶּן בְּתוּאֵל֙ הָֽאֲרַמִּ֔י 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, be consistent with how you spelled the name **Bethuel** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 22:22-23; 24:15, 24, 47, 50; 25:20; 28:2, 5. Alternate translation: “who was the son of Bethuel the Aramean” 28:6 vuyi וַיַּ֣רְא עֵשָׂ֗ו כִּֽי בֵרַ֣ךְ יִצְחָק֮ אֶֽת יַעֲקֹב֒ וְשִׁלַּ֤ח אֹתוֹ֙ פַּדֶּ֣נָֽה אֲרָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Now Esau had observed Isaac bless Jacob and send him to the land of Paddan Aram” 28:6 s3jt לָקַֽחַת ל֥וֹ מִשָּׁ֖ם אִשָּׁ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “to marry a wife from among his relatives there” 28:6 j2pe בְּבָרֲכ֣וֹ אֹת֔וֹ וַיְצַ֤ו עָלָיו֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, see how you translated **commanded** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “and that as Isaac was blessing Jacob, he told him” or “As Isaac was blessing Jacob, Esau heard him tell him” 28:6 y1vo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations לֹֽא־תִקַּ֥ח אִשָּׁ֖ה מִבְּנ֥וֹת כְּנָֽעַן 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to translate this direct quote as an indirect quote. Alternate translation: “You must not take a woman who is a descendant of Canaan,” or “that he must not choose a wife from among the Canaanite women,” 28:7 y4m1 וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֶל־אָבִ֖יו וְאֶל־אִמּ֑וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and he also observed that Jacob obeyed his father and mother” or “Esau also noticed that Jacob obeyed his parents” 28:7 ddh3 וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ פַּדֶּ֥נָֽה אֲרָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “and immediately left to go to Paddan Aram.” 28:8 c389 וַיַּ֣רְא עֵשָׂ֔ו כִּ֥י 1 Alternate translation: “That is how Esau understood that” 28:8 krg7 רָע֖וֹת בְּנ֣וֹת כְּנָ֑עַן בְּעֵינֵ֖י יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “his father Isaac did not want his sons to marry Canaanite women.” 28:9 nd2l וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ עֵשָׂ֖ו אֶל יִשְׁמָעֵ֑אל 1 Most likely Ishmael was already dead by this time, so that Esau went to the region where Ishmael’s children and other descendants were living. Alternate translation: “Then Esau traveled to the clan of Ishmael” 28:9 vycn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship אֲח֧וֹת נְבָי֛וֹת 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Nebaioth** in Gen 25:13. Since Nebaioth was Ishmael’s oldest child, Mahalath was his younger sister, probably from the same mother. Use a kinship term here in your language for **sister** or “brother” that fits with those facts. Alternate translation: “and who was the younger sister of Nebaioth,” or “and whose older brother was Nebaioth,” 28:9 g3ii rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עַל נָשָׁ֖יו ל֥וֹ 1 For some languages it may be better to change the order of some of the clauses in this sentence and say, “So, in addition to the two wives he already had, Esau went to the family of Abraham’s son Ishmael and married Ishmael’s daughter Mahalath, whose brother was Nebaioth.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “besides the two wives he already had.” 28:10 n0gq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּצֵ֥א יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִבְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ 1 Verse 10 refers back to verse 5, where Jacob had left his parents’ home in Beersheba to go to Paddan Aram. Make sure your translation does not sound like he left a second time here in verse 10. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile Jacob had left the city of Beersheba and was traveling” 28:10 ctw0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit חָרָֽנָה 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Jacob was heading toward the same place that his father had told him to go to in verse 2. The author assumed here that his audience knew that Haran was a city located in the Paddan Aram region. It may be helpful to include a map in your translation that shows the locations of the city of Haran and the region of Paddan Aram. Alternate translation: “toward the city of Haran in the region of Paddan Aram.” 28:11 bo89 וַיִּפְגַּ֨ע בַּמָּק֜וֹם וַיָּ֤לֶן שָׁם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “That evening he reached a good place to camp so he stayed the night there” or “Late that evening he came to a place where he stayed for the night” 28:11 opfz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּי בָ֣א הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ 1 For some languages it is more natural to put the information in this clause first in this sentence and say, “After the sun went down, he reached a good place to camp/sleep, so he stopped/stayed there for the night.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because the sun had gone down.” 28:11 lmbe וַיִּקַּח֙ מֵאַבְנֵ֣י הַמָּק֔וֹם 1 The way you translate “stone” should refer to something that would be large enough to support Jacob’s head, but not so large that it would be too heavy for him to lift. For example in English, a pebble is too small and a boulder is too big. Alternate translation: “He picked out a large flat stone that he found there” 28:11 nd10 וַיָּ֖שֶׂם מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “and rested his head on it as a pillow,” or “and used it as a headrest” or “to use as a pillow,” 28:11 l8b0 וַיִּשְׁכַּ֖ב בַּמָּק֥וֹם הַהֽוּא 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “then he lay down there and went to sleep.” or “Then he lay down there on the ground and went to sleep.” or “then he went to sleep there.” 28:12 ph5p וַֽיַּחֲלֹ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “And as he dreamed,” or “As he slept, he had a dream and” 28:12 yc2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowns וְהִנֵּ֤ה סֻלָּם֙ מֻצָּ֣ב אַ֔רְצָה 1 This stairway was wide enough for there to be angels moving up and down on it at the same time. Alternate translation: “he saw a staircase whose base was resting on the ground” or “he saw a staircase. The base of the stairway was on the ground” 28:12 lw00 וְרֹאשׁ֖וֹ מַגִּ֣יעַ הַשָּׁמָ֑יְמָה 1 Alternate translation: “and the top of it went all the way up into the sky,” 28:12 d554 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וְהִנֵּה֙ מַלְאֲכֵ֣י אֱלֹהִ֔ים עֹלִ֥ים וְיֹרְדִ֖ים בּֽוֹ 1 See how you translated “angel” in Gen 24:7, 40. Alternate translation: “and there were angels of God who were going up and down on the stairway.” 28:13 imw1 וְהִנֵּ֨ה יְהוָ֜ה נִצָּ֣ב עָלָיו֮ 1 The phrase for **above it** in the Hebrew text is ambiguous. It could mean: (1) **above it** or “at the top of the stairway” or (2) “above/beside him/Jacob”. The interpretation that is not followed in your translation could be put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Then suddenly Yahweh was standing at the top of the stairway,” or “And Yahweh was also there, standing at the top of the stairway” 28:13 bvp0 אֱלֹהֵי֙ אַבְרָהָ֣ם אָבִ֔יךָ וֵאלֹהֵ֖י יִצְחָ֑ק 1 Abraham was Jacob’s grandfather and ancestor. Alternate translation: “the God whom your forefathers Abraham and Isaac serve” or “the God who takes care of your forefathers Abraham and Isaac.” 28:13 xkui rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֤ר אַתָּה֙ שֹׁכֵ֣ב עָלֶ֔יהָ לְךָ֥ אֶתְּנֶ֖נָּה וּלְזַרְעֶֽךָ 1 In the Hebrew text, “the land that you are lying on” comes first in this sentence in order to emphasize it and show its importance. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The land where you are lying I am giving to you and your descendants.” or “I will give you and your descendants this land that you are sleeping on.” 28:14 qvmn וְהָיָ֤ה זַרְעֲךָ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “And your descendants will be” or “You will have so many descendants that they will be” 28:14 vi8o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כַּעֲפַ֣ר הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 See how you translated **dust** in Gen 13:16. Alternate translation: “as many as the dust specks on the ground,” 28:14 fyzl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּפָרַצְתָּ֛ 1 In this clause **you** refers to Jacob’s descendants. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “and your people will spread out” or “so that they expand their territory” 28:14 y8nb יָ֥מָּה וָקֵ֖דְמָה וְצָפֹ֣נָה וָנֶ֑גְבָּה 1 See how you translated the names of the directions “west,” “east,” “north,” and **south** in Gen 13:14. Notice that they are in a different order there. Alternate translation: “to the west, east, north, and south.” or “to the north, south, east, and west.” 28:14 b4q4 בְךָ֛ & וּבְזַרְעֶֽךָ 1 Be consistent here with how you translated **your offspring** in Gen 22:18 and 26:4. Alternate translation: “In you and your offspring” or “Because of you and your offspring” or “By means of you and your offspring” 28:14 wjvf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְנִבְרֲכ֥וּ & כָּל מִשְׁפְּחֹ֥ת הָאֲדָמָ֖ה 1 For some languages it may be better to change the order of phrases in this sentence and say, “And I will bless all the families in the world through you and your offspring/descendants.” or “I will use you and your offspring/descendants to bless all the families on earth.” See how you translated similar Messianic blessings in Gen 12:3, 18:18, 22:18, and 26:4. Alternate translation: “all the families on the earth will be blessed by me.” or “I will bless all the clans in the world.” 28:15 spzs וְהִנֵּ֨ה 1 Alternate translation: “Listen to this:” 28:15 dpan אָנֹכִ֜י עִמָּ֗ךְ 1 See how you translated **I am with you** in Gen 26:24 and “I will be with you” in Gen 26:3. Alternate translation: “I will always stay with you.” or “I promise to always be with you and help you.” 28:15 d0fg וּשְׁמַרְתִּ֨יךָ֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I will guard you” or “I will take care of you” 28:15 wycj בְּכֹ֣ל אֲשֶׁר תֵּלֵ֔ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “everywhere that you go” or “wherever you live,” 28:15 k61k וַהֲשִׁ֣בֹתִ֔יךָ אֶל הָאֲדָמָ֖ה הַזֹּ֑את 1 Alternate translation: “and I will guide you back to this land.” 28:15 dsmr כִּ֚י לֹ֣א אֶֽעֱזָבְךָ֔ 1 Alternate translation: “In fact, I will never abandon you” 28:15 wg74 עַ֚ד אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִם־עָשִׂ֔יתִי אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי לָֽךְ 1 Make sure your translation of **until** does not sound like God will only be with Jacob up to the time that he fulfills his promises. Rather the focus is on the period of time between now when God is speaking to Jacob and the time later on when Jacob would see the fulfillment of God’s promises to him. 28:16 nta3 וַיִּיקַ֣ץ יַעֲקֹב֮ מִשְּׁנָתוֹ֒ וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Suddenly Jacob woke up from his dream and said to himself,” or “When Jacob woke up from his dream, he said to himself,” 28:16 mg0b אָכֵן֙ יֵ֣שׁ יְהוָ֔ה בַּמָּק֖וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “Certainly Yahweh is here in this place,” or “Yahweh definitely lives here,” 28:16 hkxb וְאָנֹכִ֖י לֹ֥א יָדָֽעְתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “but I did not realize it before now!” or “but I was not aware of that before!” 28:17 wkb2 וַיִּירָא֙ וַיֹּאמַ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “He was afraid, so he also said” 28:17 gktr מַה נּוֹרָ֖א הַמָּק֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה 1 The word **awesome** refers here to the terror that Jacob was feeling from being in the holy presence of Almighty God. Alternate translation: “This is an awesome place!” or “This place is terrifying!” 28:17 bjri אֵ֣ין זֶ֗ה כִּ֚י אִם בֵּ֣ית אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “It must be the house where God himself lives!” 28:17 rsyk וְזֶ֖ה שַׁ֥עַר הַשָּׁמָֽיִם 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “It can only be the gateway to heaven!” or “It must be the gateway to heaven!” 28:18 q3yf וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם יַעֲקֹ֜ב בַּבֹּ֗קֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob got up early the next morning,” 28:18 xzkg וַיִּקַּ֤ח אֶת הָאֶ֨בֶן֙ אֲשֶׁר שָׂ֣ם מְרַֽאֲשֹׁתָ֔יו 1 See how you translated **stone** and **under his head** in verse 11. Alternate translation: “took the stone that he had used as a headrest” 28:18 q0n2 וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֹתָ֖הּ 1 Alternate translation: “and stood it up on its end” 28:18 m9zc מַצֵּבָ֑ה 1 The word **pillar** refers here to a stone that is used to commemorate something. In this case, Jacob used a stone to mark and help him remember the place where God had appeared to him. Alternate translation: “as a marker,” or “as a memorial stone,” or “to mark that place where God had appeared to him.” 28:18 rd51 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּצֹ֥ק שֶׁ֖מֶן עַל רֹאשָֽׁהּ 1 In Bible times people poured olive oil on a person’s head or on objects (as here) to dedicate that person or object to God. Make sure that the way you translate **oil** does not refer to motor oil. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then he poured some olive oil on top of the pillar to dedicate the place to God.” 28:19 p2h7 וַיִּקְרָ֛א אֶת שֵֽׁם הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא בֵּֽית אֵ֑ל 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Bethel** in Gen 12:8 and 13:3. 28:19 a944 וְאוּלָ֛ם ל֥וּז שֵׁם הָעִ֖יר לָרִאשֹׁנָֽה 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “even though originally that town was called Luz.” or “Originally the name of that town had been Luz.” 28:20 rcyf וַיִּדַּ֥ר יַעֲקֹ֖ב נֶ֣דֶר לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 See how you translated a clause that has a similar meaning (“swear to …”) in Gen 21:23, 31. Alternate translation: “Then he made a pledge to God and said,” 28:20 rony rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אִם יִהְיֶ֨ה אֱלֹהִ֜ים עִמָּדִ֗י 1 Since Jacob is making this vow to God, for some languages it is more natural to address God directly (as “you”) throughout verses 20-22, rather than only in the last half of verse 22 (as the Hebrew text does). Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “God, if you will be with me” 28:20 lyjc וּשְׁמָרַ֨נִי֙ 1 See how you translated **watch over** in verse 15. Alternate translation: “and guard me” or “and take care of me” 28:20 dopf בַּדֶּ֤רֶךְ הַזֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָנֹכִ֣י הוֹלֵ֔ךְ 1 The way you translate this phrase should reflect that fact that Jacob’s journey from his home to the city of Haran was about 725 kilometers (450 miles) long. Alternate translation: “on this long journey I am taking” or “as I travel on this long journey” 28:20 gftj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְנָֽתַן לִ֥י לֶ֛חֶם לֶאֱכֹ֖ל וּבֶ֥גֶד לִלְבֹּֽשׁ 1 In this context **bread** refers to food in general, not just bread. Alternate translation: “and if you give me food to eat and clothes to wear,” or “and if you provide me with food and clothes,” 28:21 riwh וְשַׁבְתִּ֥י בְשָׁל֖וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “and if I come back safely” 28:21 jfhz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶל בֵּ֣ית אָבִ֑י 1 This phrase especially refers to Jacob's father's family members, not just the physical home. Alternate translation: “to my family,” 28:21 yyp2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְהָיָ֧ה יְהוָ֛ה לִ֖י לֵאלֹהִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “then Yahweh, you will be the God whom I worship,” or “then I will serve you Yahweh as my God,” 28:22 qeez וְהָאֶ֣בֶן הַזֹּ֗את אֲשֶׁר שַׂ֨מְתִּי֙ מַצֵּבָ֔ה יִהְיֶ֖ה בֵּ֣ית אֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 See how you translated **as a pillar** in verse 18. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “This stone that I have set up will be your house and will mark this place where you appeared to me,” or “and this memorial stone that I set up will remind people that you live here,” 28:22 qmie rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְכֹל֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תִּתֶּן לִ֔י עַשֵּׂ֖ר אֲעַשְּׂרֶ֥נּוּ לָֽךְ 1 Consider again how you translated the way Jacob refers to Yahweh in verses 20-22; see the note about this at verse 20. Also see how you translated **tithe** in Gen 14:20. Alternate translation: “and everything that you give to me, I will give a tenth of it back to you.” or “and I will give back to you ten percent of everything that you give to me.” 29:1 v7y6 וַיִּשָּׂ֥א יַעֲקֹ֖ב רַגְלָ֑יו וַיֵּ֖לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob continued traveling until he came” 29:1 wri0 אַ֥רְצָה בְנֵי קֶֽדֶם 1 This land was located east of the land of Canaan and included the region of Paddan Aram where Jacob’s uncle Laban lived in the city of Haran (Gen 27:43; 28:5). See how you translated **east** in Gen 28:14. Alternate translation: “to the land in the east where various ethnic groups lived.” or “to the region that was east of the land of Canaan where the eastern ethnic groups lived.” 29:2 ox8m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיַּ֞רְא 1 Jacob was now near the city of Haran (verse 4), which was in the land east of Canaan (verse 1). Alternate translation: “Then he looked around,” or “When he got there, he looked around,” or “When he arrived at a place near the city of Haran, he looked around,” 29:2 xzs6 וְהִנֵּ֧ה בְאֵ֣ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֗ה 1 The word **field** refers to an open area of land, not a fenced-in area. See how you translated this term in Gen 25:27, 29. Alternate translation: “and he saw a well in an open area” or “and there in an open field was a well” 29:2 f5dt וְהִנֵּה שָׁ֞ם שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עֶדְרֵי צֹאן֙ רֹבְצִ֣ים 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He saw three flocks of sheep that were lying down” or “There were three flocks of sheep lying down” 29:2 rel5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עָלֶ֔יהָ 1 Alternate translation: “beside it,” or “beside the well waiting for water,” 29:2 gzk1 כִּ֚י מִן הַבְּאֵ֣ר הַהִ֔וא יַשְׁק֖וּ הָעֲדָרִ֑ים 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “because that was the well where the shepherds got water for the flocks,” or “That was the well that sheep drank water from,” 29:2 nge7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וְהָאֶ֥בֶן גְּדֹלָ֖ה עַל פִּ֥י הַבְּאֵֽר 1 This stone would have been very large and heavy and probably had been cut into a circular shape to cover the round opening of the well. You could include here in your translation a picture of a well with a round, flat stone covering it. Alternate translation: “but the stone covering the top of the well was large and heavy.” or “but there was a heavy large stone over the opening of the well.” 29:3 zip2 וְנֶאֶסְפוּ שָׁ֣מָּה כָל הָעֲדָרִ֗ים וְגָלֲל֤וּ אֶת־הָאֶ֨בֶן֙ 1 Verse 3 tells what happened regularly every day. Consider what is the best way to communicate this in your language. Also, be consistent here with how you translated **stone** in verse 2. Alternate translation: “Every day shepherds would bring all their flocks of sheep there. They would work together to roll the stone” or “After all the shepherds brought their flocks there, together they would remove the stone” 29:3 ehgo מֵעַל֙ פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “off the top of the well” 29:3 nplo וְהִשְׁק֖וּ אֶת הַצֹּ֑אן 1 See how you translated “watered” in verse 2, and how you translated a different word that has a similar meaning (“draw water”) in Gen 24:19-20. Alternate translation: “and get water from it for the sheep to drink.” 29:3 kxfp וְהֵשִׁ֧יבוּ אֶת הָאֶ֛בֶן & לִמְקֹמָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then they would roll the stone back” 29:3 atj5 עַל־פִּ֥י הַבְּאֵ֖ר 1 Alternate translation: “over the opening of the well.” 29:4 clfe rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob greeted the shepherds,” 29:4 ipz9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַחַ֖י 1 This is a polite, friendly idiom used as a greeting; it does not mean that the shepherds were actually Jacob’s relatives. Many languages have a similar greeting. Alternate translation: “Friends,” 29:4 rgvw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ 1 Alternate translation: “They replied to him,” or “They answered him,” 29:4 ooyz מֵחָרָ֖ן אֲנָֽחְנוּ 1 Your translation should not sound like the city of Haran was far away from there; it was nearby. Alternate translation: “We live in the city of Haran.” 29:5 mz8d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֔ם 1 Consider what is the most natural way in your language to translate quote margins in a conversation that goes back and forth quickly like the one in verses 4-8. After the conversation gets started, it often sounds more life-like and natural to shorten the quote margins and leave implied some of the references to the people who are being talked to (as long as it is still clear who is talking to whom). 29:5 jju9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הַיְדַעְתֶּ֖ם אֶת לָבָ֣ן בֶּן נָח֑וֹר 1 Consider what is the best way to order this question in your language. 29:5 qynl rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ 1 Alternate translation: “They replied,” 29:5 o8s7 יָדָֽעְנוּ 1 Hebrew does not have a single word for “Yes”, but rather repeats words from what was asked. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Yes, we know him.” 29:6 oat9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָהֶ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob asked,” 29:6 wjxw הֲשָׁל֣וֹם ל֑וֹ 1 Jacob is asking about Laban’s general well-being, not just his health. Alternate translation: “Are things going well for him?” 29:6 cq6m שָׁל֔וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “Yes, things are good for him.” 29:7 s198 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob said to them,” 29:7 qywf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הֵ֥ן עוֹד֙ הַיּ֣וֹם גָּד֔וֹל 1 This is an idiom that means there are still many more hours of daytime left. Consider whether your language has an idiom for this. Alternate translation: “Look, it is still the middle of the day” or “Look, the sun is still high in the sky” or “There is still a lot of daylight left” 29:7 hpgk לֹא עֵ֖ת הֵאָסֵ֣ף הַמִּקְנֶ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “so it is too soon to gather the flocks for the night.” 29:7 xi00 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness הַשְׁק֥וּ הַצֹּ֖אן 1 For some languages it sounds too rude for Jacob to make a direct command here, so it is better to make this a suggestion or even a rhetorical question. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “You ought to get water for them” or “It seems like you should water your sheep” or “So why not water your sheep” 29:7 agiz וּלְכ֥וּ רְעֽוּ 1 Alternate translation: “then take them back out to the fields to graze some more.” or “then you can take them out to eat more grass.” 29:8 fc6m rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְרוּ֮ 1 Alternate translation: “But they said to him,” 29:8 ftk5 לֹ֣א נוּכַל֒ 1 Alternate translation: “We have to wait” 29:8 ujw5 עַ֣ד אֲשֶׁ֤ר יֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ כָּל הָ֣עֲדָרִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “until all the shepherds have brought their flocks here” 29:8 nl6y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְגָֽלֲלוּ֙ אֶת־הָאֶ֔בֶן 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that the ones who are talking here are also shepherds. See how you translated this phrase in verse 3.” Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and we all remove the stone” 29:8 rng7 מֵעַ֖ל פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֑ר 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 2 and 3. Alternate translation: “off the top of the well” 29:8 zdbb וְהִשְׁקִ֖ינוּ הַצֹּֽאן 1 Alternate translation: “and draw water for the flocks.” 29:9 aojv עוֹדֶ֖נּוּ מְדַבֵּ֣ר עִמָּ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “While Jacob was still talking to the shepherds,” 29:9 vyhm כִּ֥י רֹעָ֖ה הִֽוא 1 Alternate translation: “because she was the one who tended them.” 29:10 vpc8 וַיְהִ֡י כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ 1 Alternate translation: “When” 29:10 uktf וַיִּגַּ֣שׁ יַעֲקֹ֗ב 1 Alternate translation: “he went over to the well” 29:10 d0m7 וַיָּ֤גֶל אֶת הָאֶ֨בֶן֙ מֵעַל֙ פִּ֣י הַבְּאֵ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “and took the stone off the top of the well,” or “removed the stone that was covering it,” 29:10 i0po וַיַּ֕שְׁקְ 1 See how you translated **watered** in verses 2-3, 7-8, and in 24:14, 20. Alternate translation: “and got water for” 29:11 uwgl וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק יַעֲקֹ֖ב לְרָחֵ֑ל 1 In that culture it was common to greet a relative with a kiss on the cheek (or both cheeks). However, if it would be offensive in your culture for Jacob to kiss Rachel here, you could translate this more generally (See: the second alternate translation above). Also see how you translated “kiss” in Gen 27:26-27. Alternate translation: “Then he kissed Rachel on the cheek” or “Then he greeted Rachel enthusiastically as one of his relatives” 29:11 lylh וַיִּשָּׂ֥א אֶת קֹל֖וֹ וַיֵּֽבְךְּ 1 See how you translated the idiom **lifted his voice** in Gen 27:38. However, here Jacob is crying because he is happy, not upset. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “and he started crying loudly because he was so happy.” 29:12 ctrv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּגֵּ֨ד יַעֲקֹ֜ב לְרָחֵ֗ל 1 Consider what is the most natural way in your language to refer to Jacob and Rachel in this context. 29:12 b1ec rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations כִּ֣י אֲחִ֤י אָבִ֨יהָ֙ ה֔וּא וְכִ֥י בֶן רִבְקָ֖ה ה֑וּא 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to use an indirect quote here or a direct quote. Alternate translation: “that her father Laban was his uncle and that her aunt Rebekah was his mother.” 29:12 i8gv וַתָּ֖רָץ וַתַּגֵּ֥ד לְאָבִֽיהָ 1 Alternate translation: “Then she ran home and told her father the news.” or “So she ran home to her father and informed him about Jacob.” 29:13 w9df וַיְהִי֩ כִשְׁמֹ֨עַ לָבָ֜ן 1 Alternate translation: “When Laban found out” or “As soon as Laban heard” 29:13 t5i0 אֶת שֵׁ֣מַע יַעֲקֹ֣ב בֶּן אֲחֹת֗וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “that his nephew Jacob was there,” 29:13 qbmk וַיָּ֤רָץ לִקְרָאתוֹ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “he ran out to meet him.” 29:13 va3u וַיְחַבֶּק לוֹ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then he hugged Jacob” or “He gave him a hug” 29:13 qvlt וַיְנַשֶּׁק ל֔וֹ 1 See how you translated **kissed** in verse 11. Alternate translation: “and kissed him on his cheeks” or “and greeted him warmly as one of his relatives” 29:13 yeoh וַיְבִיאֵ֖הוּ אֶל בֵּית֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and took him back to his house.” or “and took him home.” 29:13 ik43 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיְסַפֵּ֣ר לְלָבָ֔ן אֵ֥ת כָּל הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה 1 Laban’s response in verse 14 implies that Jacob told him about himself here in verse 13. Alternate translation: “Then he told Laban about himself and everything that had happened,” 29:14 oa88 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ לָבָ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “and Laban responded” 29:14 awri rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַ֛ךְ עַצְמִ֥י וּבְשָׂרִ֖י אָ֑תָּה 1 This is an idiom that means Jacob is a close, biological relative of Laban. Consider whether your language has a similar idiom. Alternate translation: “You are definitely my own flesh and blood!” or “You are definitely my close relative!” 29:14 zl07 וַיֵּ֥שֶׁב עִמּ֖וֹ 1 Your choice here in verse 14 will determine whether or not this sentence continues into verse 15. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob stayed and served for Laban” 29:14 fe42 חֹ֥דֶשׁ יָמִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “for thirty days” 29:15 ja3r rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָבָן֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “Laban asked him,” 29:15 drle rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲכִי אָחִ֣י אַ֔תָּה וַעֲבַדְתַּ֖נִי חִנָּ֑ם 1 See how you translated **relative** in verse 12. This rhetorical question expects the implied answer “No, of course not!” Consider whether it is more natural in your language to use a statement here instead. Alternate translation: “Just because you are my nephew, does that mean that you should work for me without pay?” or “Even though you are my relative that does not mean that you should have to work for me for free!” or “You should not have to work for me for nothing just because you are my nephew!” 29:15 dy56 הַגִּ֥ידָה לִּ֖י מַה מַּשְׂכֻּרְתֶּֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “So tell me what your wages should be.” or “So tell me what you want me to pay you for your work.” 29:16 vbiz rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וּלְלָבָ֖ן שְׁתֵּ֣י בָנ֑וֹת 1 Verses 16-17 introduce background information for what happens in the verses that follow that. Translate this in a way that is natural and clear in your language. Alternate translation: “Now it so happened that Laban had two daughters:” 29:16 xkig שֵׁ֤ם הַגְּדֹלָה֙ לֵאָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַקְּטַנָּ֖ה רָחֵֽל 1 Alternate translation: “The name of the older daughter was Leah, and the younger daughter was Rachel.” or “The older one was named Leah and the younger daughter was named Rachel.” 29:17 chl6 וְעֵינֵ֥י לֵאָ֖ה רַכּ֑וֹת 1 The Hebrew word for **delicate** is ambiguous in this context. It can have: (1) a positive meaning of “pretty” or **lovely** or (2) a negative meaning of “weak”, which implies that Leah’s eyes were plain, dull, or unattractive. 29:17 xcjb וְרָחֵל֙ הָֽיְתָ֔ה יְפַת תֹּ֖אַר וִיפַ֥ת מַרְאֶֽה 1 Alternate translation: “whereas Rachel was extremely beautiful in every way.” 29:18 ml4f וַיֶּאֱהַ֥ב יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת רָחֵ֑ל 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob had fallen in love with Rachel,” 29:18 rnsu rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “so he responded to Laban,” 29:18 l9xb אֶֽעֱבָדְךָ֙ שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים 1 Jacob is offering seven years of work as the dowry or bride-price for Rachel. Translate this sentence in a way that reflects that. 29:18 cq1a בְּרָחֵ֥ל בִּתְּךָ֖ הַקְּטַנָּֽה 1 Alternate translation: “in exchange for your younger daughter Rachel as my wife.” or “if you will give me your younger daughter Rachel to be my wife.” 29:19 n9dn ט֚וֹב תִּתִּ֣י אֹתָ֣הּ לָ֔ךְ מִתִּתִּ֥י אֹתָ֖הּ לְאִ֣ישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “I agree to your terms. I would much rather give her to you to marry than give her to some other man.” 29:19 wbfu שְׁבָ֖ה עִמָּדִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “So stay and work with me.” 29:20 edqa וַיַּעֲבֹ֧ד יַעֲקֹ֛ב בְּרָחֵ֖ל שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob worked seven years for Laban so that he could have Rachel,” 29:20 kubz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּהְי֤וּ בְעֵינָיו֙ כְּיָמִ֣ים אֲחָדִ֔ים בְּאַהֲבָת֖וֹ אֹתָֽהּ 1 For some languages it is more natural to switch the order of the clauses in this sentence so that the cause is mentioned before the effect (See: the second alternate translation above). Do what is most clear and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but to him it seemed like only a few days had passed because he loved her so much.” or “but he loved her so much that to him the years seemed to pass quickly like only a few days.” 29:21 n2l9 וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֤ב אֶל לָבָן֙ 1 Alternate translation: “After that, Jacob requested of Laban,” 29:21 py3l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הָבָ֣ה אֶת אִשְׁתִּ֔י כִּ֥י מָלְא֖וּ יָמָ֑י וְאָב֖וֹאָה אֵלֶֽיהָ 1 Consider what is the best order for the clauses in this sentence in your language. Also make sure that Jacob’s request here sounds polite in your translation, not rude or demanding. It should also not sound like he was begging or pleading. Alternate translation: “Please let me marry your daughter Rachel now so that I can live with her as my wife, because I have finished my seven years of service for you.” or “I have fulfilled the seven years of service that we agreed on, so please let me have your daughter Rachel so that I can marry her and live with her.” 29:22 dfx2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ף לָבָ֛ן אֶת כָּל אַנְשֵׁ֥י הַמָּק֖וֹם וַיַּ֥עַשׂ מִשְׁתֶּֽה 1 Consider what is the best way to order these events in your language. Alternate translation: “Then Laban gathered all the local people and held a wedding feast.” or “Then Laban prepared a marriage feast and invited everyone who lived in town to attend.” 29:23 r0w3 וַיְהִ֣י בָעֶ֔רֶב 1 Alternate translation: “However this is what happened that evening:” 29:23 vaw0 וַיִּקַּח֙ אֶת לֵאָ֣ה בִתּ֔וֹ וַיָּבֵ֥א אֹתָ֖הּ אֵלָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “Laban took Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel,” 29:23 n4dv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיָּבֹ֖א 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that **he** refers here to Jacob, not Laban. Alternate translation: “so he” or “so that Jacob” 29:23 h5xc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיָּבֹ֖א אֵלֶֽיהָ 1 Make sure that your translation of **he** refers here to Jacob, not Laban. See how you translated the euphemism **went to** in Gen 16:4 (and “go to” in Gen 16:2 and 29:21). Translate this in a way that is natural, clear, and acceptable for reading in public. Alternate translation: “so that he had sexual relations with Leah.” or “so he slept with Leah.” or “spent the night with her” 29:24 zehs וַיִּתֵּ֤ן לָבָן֙ 1 It is not clear in the Hebrew text when Laban gave Zilpah to Leah, so it is probably best to keep it that way in your translation. Some translations say that Laban “had already given” Zilpah to Leah before the wedding night. However according to Jewish history (outside the Bible), it was on the wedding night that Laban did this as part of his plan to deceive Jacob: Zilpah was younger than Bilhah, so everyone would expect her to be given to Rachel as the younger sister; seeing Zilpah (instead of Bilhah) would help Jacob think that his veiled bride was Rachel. Since we do not know for sure which interpretation is right, it is probably best to be like the Hebrew text and not specify when Laban gave Zilpah to Leah. Some translations put this verse in parentheses because it seems to interrupt the telling of the main events. Alternate translation: “In addition, Laban gave” 29:24 wz5d לָ֔הּ אֶת זִלְפָּ֖ה שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ לְלֵאָ֥ה בִתּ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “to Leah a female servant named Zilpah” 29:24 gvpk שִׁפְחָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “to be her personal attendant.” or “to serve her.” or “to attend to her.” 29:25 flu2 וַיְהִ֣י בַבֹּ֔קֶר 1 Alternate translation: “The next morning” 29:25 wt9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְהִנֵּה הִ֖וא לֵאָ֑ה 1 Translate **behold** in a way that shows Jacob’s surprise at finding out that he had married Leah instead of Rachel. Also, make sure that your translation of **she** refers here to Leah, not Zilpah (who was mentioned in verse 24). Alternate translation: “Jacob saw that his new wife was Leah!” or “Jacob was shocked to discover that it was Leah he had married!” 29:25 qd1f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל לָבָ֗ן 1 Some languages use an honorific title such as “his father-in-law” here now that Jacob is married. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So he complained to his father-in-law Laban,” or “So he rebuked Laban and said,” 29:25 n8tv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַה זֹּאת֙ עָשִׂ֣יתָ לִּ֔י 1 In this verse, Jacob uses rhetorical questions to communicate how angry and upset he is. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Also see how you translated this question in Gen 12:18, 20:9, 26:10. Alternate translation: “Why have you treated me like this?” 29:25 sxpf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲלֹ֤א בְרָחֵל֙ עָבַ֣דְתִּי עִמָּ֔ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “You know very well that I worked for you in order to marry Rachel!” 29:25 giws וְלָ֖מָּה רִמִּיתָֽנִי 1 See how you translated a different word (“deceit”) that has a similar meaning in Gen 27:35. Alternate translation: “So why did you deceive me?” or “Tell me why you tricked me!” 29:26 ogbn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָבָ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “But Laban said to him,” or “Laban responded,” 29:26 y7mz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לֹא יֵעָשֶׂ֥ה כֵ֖ן בִּמְקוֹמֵ֑נוּ 1 For some languages it is necessary to say what the custom is, rather than what it is not. For example, you could say, “Our custom/practice here is to wait until the firstborn/oldest daughter is married before we let the younger daughters/ones get married.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “It is not customary In our land” or “It is not the custom here” 29:26 v8le לָתֵ֥ת הַצְּעִירָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “to give the younger daughter in marriage” or “to marry off the younger daughter” 29:26 jmo3 לִפְנֵ֥י הַבְּכִירָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “before the oldest one marries.” 29:27 b70a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit מַלֵּ֖א שְׁבֻ֣עַ זֹ֑את 1 For some languages it may be necessary to make explicit the fact that it is assumed that Leah would still remain his wife. Only make this information explicit if it is necessary to avoid wrong meaning. Alternate translation: “So then, complete this week of celebrating your wedding to my daughter Leah,” 29:27 w292 וְנִתְּנָ֨ה לְךָ֜ גַּם אֶת זֹ֗את 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then our family will also give you my other daughter to marry” or “Then you may also marry my other daughter” 29:27 ag84 בַּעֲבֹדָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּעֲבֹ֣ד עִמָּדִ֔י 1 See how you translated **serve** in verses 15, 18, 20, 21 and 25. Alternate translation: “in exchange for working for me” 29:27 dpm8 ע֖וֹד שֶֽׁבַע שָׁנִ֥ים אֲחֵרֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “for seven more years.” 29:28 q8t0 וַיַּ֤עַשׂ יַעֲקֹב֙ כֵּ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “So that is what Jacob did:” 29:28 h55y וַיְמַלֵּ֖א שְׁבֻ֣עַ זֹ֑את 1 See how you translated “fulfill” in verse 27. Alternate translation: “he completed his wedding week with Leah.” 29:28 n1p0 וַיִּתֶּן ל֛וֹ אֶת רָחֵ֥ל בִּתּ֖וֹ ל֥וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה 1 Alternate translation: “Then Laban gave Jacob his daughter Rachel to marry.” or “Then Laban gave his daughter Rachel to Jacob to be his wife.” 29:29 z1cm וַיִּתֵּ֤ן לָבָן֙ 1 See how you translated verse 24, which is similar to verse 29. Alternate translation: “he also gave” or “In addition, Laban gave” 29:29 it33 לְרָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֔וֹ אֶת בִּלְהָ֖ה שִׁפְחָת֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel” or “Rachel a female servant named Bilhah” 29:29 qtvb לָ֖הּ לְשִׁפְחָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “to be her personal servant.” or “to serve her.” 29:30 cieh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיָּבֹא֙ גַּ֣ם אֶל רָחֵ֔ל 1 See how you translated **went to** in verse 23. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob slept with Rachel,” 29:30 zq9a וַיַּעֲבֹ֣ד עִמּ֔וֹ 1 At this point Jacob begins another seven years of work, but he does not finish the work until Gen 30:25-26. Alternate translation: “Then he worked for Laban” 29:30 jqak ע֖וֹד שֶֽׁבַע שָׁנִ֥ים אֲחֵרֽוֹת 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 27. 29:31 dvs9 וַיַּ֤רְא יְהוָה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Meanwhile Yahweh knew” or “During that time, Yahweh saw” 29:31 f2r1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole כִּֽי שְׂנוּאָ֣ה לֵאָ֔ה 1 Jacob did not actually hate Leah. Rather, this is hyperbole that emphasizes how much he loved Rachel compared to Leah (verse 30). Alternate translation: “that Leah was loved less than Rachel,” or “that Jacob did not love Leah very much,” 29:31 kk6e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּפְתַּ֖ח אֶת רַחְמָ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: “so he made it so that she could conceive,” 29:31 c12i וְרָחֵ֖ל עֲקָרָֽה 1 See how you translated **barren** in Gen 11:30 and 25:21. Alternate translation: “but he did not enable Rachel to have children.” 29:32 kaw1 וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “and had a son” 29:32 grlg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ רְאוּבֵ֑ן 1 You could include the meaning of Reuben’s name in your translation (or in a footnote), so that people understand why Leah gave him that name. If you do that, make sure the meaning of Reuben’s name matches the way you translate “looked/seen” later in this verse. 29:32 zgx6 כִּ֣י אָֽמְרָ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “because when he was born she had said” 29:32 s4ig rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי רָאָ֤ה יְהוָה֙ בְּעָנְיִ֔י כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה יֶאֱהָבַ֥נִי אִישִֽׁי 1 Consider what is the best way to order these clauses in your language. Also see how you translated **misery** in Gen 16:11. Alternate translation: “Now that Yahweh has seen that I am suffering and has helped me, surely my husband will love me!” or “Surely my husband will love me now, since Yahweh has seen that I am suffering and has helped me.” 29:33 s35i וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּן֒ 1 Alternate translation: “and had another son” 29:33 tzjw וַתֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “so she exclaimed,” 29:33 i6wk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive כִּֽי שָׁמַ֤ע יְהוָה֙ כִּֽי שְׂנוּאָ֣ה אָנֹ֔כִי 1 See how you translated **hated** in verse 31. Also consider whether it is better in your language to use an active or passive verb here. Alternate translation: “Yahweh heard that I am not loved, so” 29:33 mfd3 וַיִּתֶּן לִ֖י גַּם אֶת זֶ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “he has given me this son too!” or “he has given me another son” 29:33 jxch וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “So she named that son” or “So she gave him the name” 29:33 dwxa rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names שִׁמְעֽוֹן 1 If you include the meaning of Simeon’s name in your translation (or in a footnote), make sure it matches the way you translated **heard** earlier in this verse. 29:34 ie6l וַתַּ֣הַר עוֹד֮ 1 Alternate translation: “Once again Leah became pregnant” 29:34 igl9 וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּן֒ 1 Alternate translation: “and had another son,” 29:34 zyi4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “She exclaimed,” 29:34 aosq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יִלָּוֶ֤ה & אֵלַ֔י 1 Many languages have an idiom that is similar to the Hebrew idiom and fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “will become attached to me” 29:34 iwal rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי יָלַ֥דְתִּי ל֖וֹ שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה בָנִ֑ים 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this quote and say, “I have born/had three sons for my husband, so now finally he will become attached to me.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because I have had three sons for him.” 29:34 xkw4 עַל כֵּ֥ן 1 Alternate translation: “Because she had said that,” 29:34 mgew קָרָֽא שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 Although this phrase could mean that Jacob named Levi, most translations translate this in a general or indefinite way that does not specify who named him. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “he was named” 29:34 imm1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names לֵוִֽי 1 If you include the meaning of Levi’s name in your translation (or in a footnote), make sure it matches the way you translated **be joined** earlier in this verse. 29:35 c2ga וַתַּ֨הַר ע֜וֹד 1 Alternate translation: “Then Leah became pregnant again” 29:35 v0xo וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֗ן 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 34. Alternate translation: “and had a son,” 29:35 t71u וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “She said” 29:35 jh48 הַפַּ֨עַם֙ אוֹדֶ֣ה אֶת יְהוָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “Now I will praise Yahweh for giving me this son!” 29:35 t2yu עַל כֵּ֛ן 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 34. You may need to translate it in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “Because she praised Yahweh,” 29:35 qanv קָרְאָ֥ה שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 33. Alternate translation: “she named that son” or “she gave him the name” 29:35 w7et rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names יְהוּדָ֑ה 1 See how you translated **praise** earlier in this verse. 29:35 zk7u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֖ד מִלֶּֽדֶת 1 Leah had more children at a later time. So it was only temporarily that she stopped having children. Alternate translation: “Then Leah stopped bearing babies for a while.” or “After that, Leah did not give birth to any more babies for a while.” 30:1 bp4d וַתֵּ֣רֶא רָחֵ֗ל כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָֽלְדָה֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “Now when Rachel saw that she was not able to have any children for Jacob,” 30:1 tqm2 וַתְּקַנֵּ֥א רָחֵ֖ל בַּאֲחֹתָ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: “she was envious of her sister Leah,” 30:1 f4yg rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֤אמֶר אֶֽל יַעֲקֹב֙ 1 Use a quote margin here in your language that fits the context well. Alternate translation: “and she pleaded with Jacob,” 30:1 sgby הָֽבָה לִּ֣י בָנִ֔ים וְאִם אַ֖יִן 1 Alternate translation: “Help me get pregnant! Otherwise” 30:1 dvs5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole מֵתָ֥ה אָנֹֽכִי 1 Rachel is using hyperbole (exaggeration) to show how desperate and deeply ashamed she feels about not having children. You could include a footnote here in your translation that explains how in that culture it was considered very shameful for a woman to be barren (See: Gen 30:23). Alternate translation: “I have no reason to live!” 30:2 ca4i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּֽחַר אַ֥ף יַעֲקֹ֖ב בְּרָחֵ֑ל וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Some languages have an idiom that is similar to the Hebrew idiom here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Jacob became very angry with Rachel and said” 30:2 cfsy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲתַ֤חַת אֱלֹהִים֙ אָנֹ֔כִי אֲשֶׁר מָנַ֥ע מִמֵּ֖ךְ פְּרִי בָֽטֶן 1 Jacob uses a rhetorical question here to show that he is upset with Rachel and to strongly emphasize his point. Do what is best in your language to communicate this. Alternate translation: “I am not in the place of God, who has kept you from having children!” or “I am not God! He is the one who has kept you from having children!” 30:3 r7eo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Rachel replied to him,” 30:3 zc3i הִנֵּ֛ה אֲמָתִ֥י בִלְהָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “Here is my servant woman Bilhah.” or “You can take my servant woman Bilhah as a wife.” 30:3 vrfr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism בֹּ֣א אֵלֶ֑יהָ 1 See how you translated this euphemism in Gen 16:2. Alternate translation: “Sleep with her” 30:3 bcga וְתֵלֵד֙ 1 Alternate translation: “so that she can give birth to children” or “so that she can have children” 30:3 x0yo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom עַל בִּרְכַּ֔י 1 The idiom **bear children on my knees** means that Bilhah’s children would be considered Rachel’s children. It may come from the custom of immediately putting a newborn child on the lap of the father and mother to symbolize that the child belonged to them. Alternate translation: “for me who will sit on my lap,” or “as my surrogate” 30:3 ezdx וְאִבָּנֶ֥ה גַם אָנֹכִ֖י מִמֶּֽנָּה 1 See how you translated **built up from her** in Gen 16:2. Alternate translation: “so that from her children I too can build a family.” or “so that I too can build a family.” 30:4 og2j וַתִּתֶּן ל֛וֹ אֶת בִּלְהָ֥ה שִׁפְחָתָ֖הּ 1 See how you translated **maidservant** in Gen 29:24, 29. Also see how you translated a different word (“servant woman”) in verse 3 that has the same meaning. Some translations use the same term in both verses to prevent confusion. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So Rachel gave Jacob her maid Bilhah” 30:4 vgw7 לְאִשָּׁ֑ה 1 Make sure your translation does not sound like Bilhah replaced Rachel as Jacob’s wife; Bilhah was an additional wife. Alternate translation: “as his wife,” or “to be a wife for him,” 30:4 pfg3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיָּבֹ֥א אֵלֶ֖יהָ יַעֲקֹֽב 1 See how you translated “go to” in verse 3 and **went to** in Gen 16:3. Alternate translation: “and Jacob slept with her.” 30:5 mz2c וַתֵּ֥לֶד לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב בֵּֽן 1 Alternate translation: “and gave birth to a son for Jacob” 30:6 pbso rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֤אמֶר רָחֵל֙ 1 Consider whether it is more natural here in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the sentence from verse 5. Alternate translation: “Then Rachel said” 30:6 uc2m דָּנַ֣נִּי אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 Some translations have “judged me” here. However, make sure your translation of this phrase has a positive meaning (making a decision in Rachel’s favor) and not a negative meaning (condemning her). 30:6 c8tv וְגַם֙ שָׁמַ֣ע בְּקֹלִ֔י וַיִּתֶּן לִ֖י בֵּ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “Yes indeed, he has heard my request and given me a son!” 30:6 fc14 עַל כֵּ֛ן 1 Alternate translation: “Because of that” 30:6 kpso קָרְאָ֥ה שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 Make sure it is clear here in your translation that Bilhah’s son is the one being named, not God (who was the subject of the previous sentence). See how you translated **called his name** in Gen 29:32. Alternate translation: “she called him” or “she gave him the name” or “she named her baby” 30:6 cf1v rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names דָּֽן 1 If you include the meaning of Dan’s name in your translation (or in a footnote), make sure it matches the way you translated “he has vindicated” earlier in this verse. 30:7 r1qq וַתַּ֣הַר ע֔וֹד & בִּלְהָ֖ה שִׁפְחַ֣ת רָחֵ֑ל 1 See how you translated verse 5 which is very similar to verse 7. 30:7 vrmg וַתֵּ֕לֶד & בֵּ֥ן שֵׁנִ֖י לְיַעֲקֹֽב 1 Alternate translation: “and gave birth to a second son for Jacob.” 30:8 qb38 וַתֹּ֣אמֶר רָחֵ֗ל 1 Alternate translation: “So Rachel exclaimed,” 30:8 fope נַפְתּוּלֵ֨י אֱלֹהִ֧ים נִפְתַּ֛לְתִּי עִם אֲחֹתִ֖י 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “I have had a mighty/difficult struggle/contest with my sister” or “I have struggled intensely/hard with/against my sister”. That would be the meaning if the Hebrew word “elohim” in this phrase is used as an adjective that means “mighty/powerful.” (2) “I have wrestled/struggled with God because of my sister”, which could refer to a struggle against her sister praying to God for children. That would be the meaning if the word “elohim” in this phrase means “God.” 30:8 i44p גַּם יָכֹ֑לְתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “and I have won!” or “but now I have defeated her!” or “but now I am winning!” 30:8 jb07 וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 See how you translated **called his name** in verse 6. Alternate translation: “So she called him” or “So she called that son” or “So she gave him the name” 30:8 l04h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names נַפְתָּלִֽי 1 As always, if you include the meaning of a name in your translation or in a footnote, make sure that it matches the text that the name is based on. 30:9 am38 וַתֵּ֣רֶא לֵאָ֔ה כִּ֥י עָמְדָ֖ה מִלֶּ֑דֶת 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 1. Alternate translation: “When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing children,” 30:9 nb9g וַתִּקַּח֙ אֶת זִלְפָּ֣ה שִׁפְחָתָ֔הּ 1 Alternate translation: “she took her servant Zilpah to Jacob” 30:9 gepy וַתִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֛הּ לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב לְאִשָּֽׁה 1 See how you translated “gave … as a wife” in verse 4. Alternate translation: “and gave her to him as his wife.” or “and gave her to Jacob to be another wife for him.” 30:10 izmk וַתֵּ֗לֶד זִלְפָּ֛ה שִׁפְחַ֥ת לֵאָ֖ה לְיַעֲקֹ֥ב בֵּֽן 1 See how you translated verses 5-8, which are very similar in structure to verses 10-13. 30:11 jeoa בגד 1 Alternate translation: “What good luck!” or “I am very lucky!” 30:11 nyan וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “So she called him” or “So she called him” or “So she gave him the name” 30:11 mlup rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names גָּֽד 1 If you include the meaning of Gad’s name in your translation or in a footnote, make sure it matches the way you translated **good fortune** earlier in this verse. 30:13 jwvp בְּאָשְׁרִ֕י 1 Although many translations have “happy” in this verse instead of “blessed,” the Hebrew noun (and the verb it is based on) is more general and has to do with a person’s blessed state (which results in joy and happiness). The same Hebrew word is used in Psalm 1:1, and the equivalent Greek word is used in Luke 1:48 and Matthew 5:3-11. Alternate translation: “I am truly blessed!” or “God has greatly blessed me!” 30:13 d2t9 כִּ֥י אִשְּׁר֖וּנִי בָּנ֑וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “Now other women will say that I am blessed by God.” or “Now other women will say that God has blessed me.” 30:13 lfbr וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “So she named him” or “So she gave him the name” 30:13 cadj rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אָשֵֽׁר 1 If you include the meaning of Asher’s name in your translation or in a footnote, make sure it matches the way you translated **blessed** earlier in this verse. 30:14 c2j2 וַיֵּ֨לֶךְ רְאוּבֵ֜ן בִּימֵ֣י קְצִיר־חִטִּ֗ים 1 Wheat is a type of grain that is ground into flour to make bread, which was one of the people’s main foods. The harvest time for wheat in that part of the world is in March and April. Alternate translation: “One day during …” 30:14 jiwp rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וַיִּמְצָ֤א דֽוּדָאִים֙ בַּשָּׂדֶ֔ה 1 The roots of mandrake plants were used to help people be more fertile. If mandrakes are not known in your language area, you could describe them as a kind of fertility plant. You could also put information about mandrakes in a footnote or glossary. Alternate translation: “and found some love plants called mandrakes in a field,” or “in a field and found some love plants there,” 30:14 b7ad וַיָּבֵ֣א אֹתָ֔ם אֶל לֵאָ֖ה אִמּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and he took them to his mother.” or “and he took the plants to his mother.” 30:14 qnic וַתֹּ֤אמֶר רָחֵל֙ אֶל לֵאָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “When Rachel found out about the plants, she asked Leah,” 30:14 h8o4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown תְּנִי נָ֣א לִ֔י מִדּוּדָאֵ֖י בְּנֵֽךְ 1 See how you translated **mandrakes** earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “Please give me some of the love plants that your son found.” 30:15 il2x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הַמְעַט֙ קַחְתֵּ֣ךְ אֶת אִישִׁ֔י 1 Leah uses two rhetorical questions in verse 15 to scold Rachel and show how upset she is with her. Consider whether or not rhetorical questions are the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “No! It was bad enough that you took my husband from me!” or “You already took my husband from me!” 30:15 dvad rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֣אמֶר רָחֵ֗ל 1 Alternate translation: “Rachel said to her” 30:15 glxw לָכֵן֙ 1 Rachel’s response shows that she realizes that even though Leah was scolding her, she was also bargaining with her. Alternate translation: “Very well,” 30:15 xaq3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism יִשְׁכַּ֤ב עִמָּךְ֙ הַלַּ֔יְלָה 1 Alternate translation: “I will let him stay with you tonight” or “Jacob can stay with you tonight” or “Jacob can spend tonight with you” 30:15 hm5f תַּ֖חַת דּוּדָאֵ֥י בְנֵֽךְ 1 See how you translated “in exchange for” in Gen 29:18. 30:16 uwud rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיָּבֹ֨א יַעֲקֹ֣ב מִן הַשָּׂדֶה֮ בָּעֶרֶב֒ 1 Consider where it is best in your language to put the time phrase in this clause. Also see how you translated **field** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “So as Jacob came back that evening from working in the fields,” or “That evening as Jacob was coming home from working in the fields,” 30:16 e94f וַתֵּצֵ֨א לֵאָ֜ה לִקְרָאת֗וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Leah came out to greet him” 30:16 l7hd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and she said to him,” 30:16 bcs6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism אֵלַ֣י תָּב֔וֹא 1 Alternate translation: “You must lie with me tonight,” or “You must spend tonight with me,” 30:16 ro5s כִּ֚י שָׂכֹ֣ר שְׂכַרְתִּ֔יךָ בְּדוּדָאֵ֖י בְּנִ֑י 1 See how you translated **mandrakes** in verses 14 and 15. 30:16 hp22 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב עִמָּ֖הּ בַּלַּ֥יְלָה הֽוּא 1 Alternate translation: “So that night Jacob slept with her” or “So Jacob spent that night with her” 30:17 bmy1 וַיִּשְׁמַ֥ע אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶל לֵאָ֑ה 1 See how you translated **listened to** in verse 6. Alternate translation: “God heard Leah and answered her prayers,” or “God did what Leah had been asking him to do,” 30:17 xdn0 וַתֵּ֥לֶד לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב בֵּ֥ן חֲמִישִֽׁי 1 Alternate translation: “and gave birth to a fifth son for Jacob.” 30:18 fb5b rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֣אמֶר לֵאָ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then she exclaimed,” 30:18 z46w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns נָתַ֤ן אֱלֹהִים֙ שְׂכָרִ֔י 1 Some languages must translate the noun **reward** as a verb. Do what is best in your language. 30:18 ab76 אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥תִּי שִׁפְחָתִ֖י לְאִישִׁ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “for giving my servant to my husband as another wife.” 30:18 ss6r וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 Make sure the way you translate **his name** refers here to Leah’s baby son, not to her husband or God (who were both mentioned earlier in this verse). Alternate translation: “So she called him” or “So she gave him the name” 30:18 oroa rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names יִשָּׂשכָֽר 1 See how you translated **reward** earlier in this verse. 30:19 ryhn וַתֵּ֥לֶד בֵּן שִׁשִּׁ֖י לְּיַעֲקֹֽב 1 Alternate translation: “and gave birth to a sixth son for Jacob.” 30:20 klb3 וַתֹּ֣אמֶר לֵאָ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then she exclaimed,” 30:20 biow זְבָדַ֨נִי אֱלֹהִ֥ים אֹתִי֮ זֵ֣בֶד טוֹב֒ 1 Alternate translation: “God has given me a precious gift” 30:20 zk5n הַפַּ֨עַם֙ יִזְבְּלֵ֣נִי אִישִׁ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “so now my husband will honor me” 30:20 q7rh כִּֽי יָלַ֥דְתִּי ל֖וֹ שִׁשָּׁ֣ה בָנִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “because I have given him six sons.” 30:20 mxru וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 Make sure the way you translate **his name** refers here to Leah’s baby son, not to her husband (who was mentioned in the previous sentence). Alternate translation: “So she called him” or “So she named that son” or “So she gave him the name” 30:20 aj41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names זְבֻלֽוּן 1 See how you translated **honor** earlier in this verse. 30:21 rvvm וְאַחַ֖ר 1 Alternate translation: “Sometime later” 30:21 hfmr יָ֣לְדָה בַּ֑ת 1 Alternate translation: “Leah gave birth to a daughter” or “she had a daughter” 30:21 xin3 וַתִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמָ֖הּ דִּינָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “and called her Dinah.” or “whom she named Dinah.” 30:22 zgp4 וַיִּזְכֹּ֥ר אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת רָחֵ֑ל 1 Make sure that your translation of this phrase does not imply that God forgot about Rachel. See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 8:1. Alternate translation: “God had kept Rachel in mind,” 30:22 aigs וַיִּשְׁמַ֤ע אֵלֶ֨יהָ֙ אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 See how you translated **listened to** in verses 6 and 17. Alternate translation: “so he heard her requests” or “so he did what she had been asking him to do” 30:22 gu2l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּפְתַּ֖ח אֶת רַחְמָֽהּ 1 See how you translated this idiom in Gen 29:31. Alternate translation: “and made it so that she could conceive.” 30:23 wisk וַתַּ֖הַר 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the sentence from verse 22. Alternate translation: “so that finally she conceived” or “So Rachel became pregnant” 30:23 e0bt וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “and gave birth to a son,” 30:23 h8n8 וַתֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then she said” 30:23 nxcu אָסַ֥ף אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת חֶרְפָּתִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “God has removed my shame” or “God has made it so that I am no longer barren and humiliated!” 30:24 m2mb וַתִּקְרָ֧א אֶת שְׁמ֛וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “She called her son” or “She gave him the name” 30:24 hdzd rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names יוֹסֵ֖ף 1 If you include the meaning of Joseph’s name here in your translation or in a footnote, make sure it matches the way you translate what Rachel says next. 30:24 ogv3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 For some languages it is more natural to put the last half of verse 24 first in the verse and say, “She also said, “May Yahweh add/give another son to me.” So she named that/her son Joseph, which means “may he add/give another.”” Do what is best in your language. 30:24 vyef יֹסֵ֧ף יְהוָ֛ה לִ֖י בֵּ֥ן אַחֵֽר 1 Alternate translation: “I ask that Yahweh will give me another son.” or “I ask Yahweh to give me another son.” 30:25 oxkt וַיְהִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר יָלְדָ֥ה רָחֵ֖ל אֶת יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Alternate translation: “Soon after Rachel gave birth to Joseph,” 30:25 nh79 וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל לָבָ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob went to Laban and said to him,” 30:25 r0t7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness שַׁלְּחֵ֨נִי֙ 1 Make sure that your translation of Jacob’s request here sounds polite, not rude or disrespectful. It should also not sound like he is begging or pleading. See how you translated the same request in Gen 24:54. Alternate translation: “Please send me on my way,” 30:25 q6wg וְאֵ֣לְכָ֔ה אֶל מְקוֹמִ֖י וּלְאַרְצִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “so that I may return to my own home in my own country.” or “so that I can go to my homeland.” 30:26 yb97 תְּנָ֞ה אֶת נָשַׁ֣י וְאֶת יְלָדַ֗י 1 Alternate translation: “Let me have my wives and my children” 30:26 ocvf אֲשֶׁ֨ר עָבַ֧דְתִּי אֹֽתְךָ֛ בָּהֵ֖ן 1 Alternate translation: “whom I have finished serving you for,” 30:26 m9jz וְאֵלֵ֑כָה 1 Alternate translation: “so that I may leave with them.” or “and let me go with them.” or “so that I can take them with me.” 30:26 ztkv כִּ֚י אַתָּ֣ה יָדַ֔עְתָּ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “because you yourself know” 30:26 o0s7 אֶת עֲבֹדָתִ֖י אֲשֶׁ֥ר עֲבַדְתִּֽיךָ 1 Alternate translation: “that I have served you well” or “how well I have served you.” or “how faithfully I have worked for you.” 30:27 vals rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֵלָיו֙ לָבָ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “But Laban responded to Jacob,” 30:27 s3ax rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אִם נָ֛א מָצָ֥אתִי חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֶ֑יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “If you are pleased with me, please stay,” or “Please be gracious to me and stay,” or “Please do me a favor and do not go,” 30:27 hsr3 נִחַ֕שְׁתִּי 1 The word **divination** refers to trying to find out information by looking at signs (omens) and interpreting them either by God’s power (Gen 44:5, 15) or by witchcraft and false gods (Ezekiel 21:21). Laban may have consulted his household gods (mentioned in Gen 31:19, 30). It could also be that Laban meant that he had figured this out simply by observing how God had blessed him through Jacob’s expert tending of his flocks. Alternate translation: “because I have learned from experience” 30:27 csrq וַיְבָרֲכֵ֥נִי יְהוָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “that Yahweh has caused me to prosper” 30:27 gbcy בִּגְלָלֶֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “because you have been working for me.” 30:28 b7cr rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Some translations delete this quote margin, since the same person is still speaking to the same person as in the previous verse. However it could be that there was a pause in the conversation, or the author may want to show that there is a change in topic or emphasize what is said next. So if possible, it is best to keep the quote margin here in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then he said to him,” or “Then Laban added,” 30:28 ci7k נָקְבָ֧ה שְׂכָרְךָ֛ עָלַ֖י וְאֶתֵּֽנָה 1 See how you translated **wages** in Gen 29:15. Alternate translation: “Tell me what you want your wages to be, and that is what I will give you.” or “Tell me what you want me to pay you, and I will give that to you.” or “Set your wages, and that is what they will be.” 30:29 efcn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob said to him” 30:29 vh3k אַתָּ֣ה יָדַ֔עְתָּ אֵ֖ת אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲבַדְתִּ֑יךָ 1 See how you translated “you yourself know” in verse 26. Alternate translation: “You yourself know how well I have worked for you” 30:29 gb7m וְאֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר הָיָ֥ה מִקְנְךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “and how well your flocks have fared” 30:29 ra7s אִתִּֽי 1 Alternate translation: “ever since I have been taking care of them.” or “while I have been tending them.” 30:30 sjrl כִּ֡י מְעַט֩ אֲשֶׁר הָיָ֨ה לְךָ֤ לְפָנַי֙ וַיִּפְרֹ֣ץ לָרֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “Before I came, you had very little wealth, but now you are prospering abundantly” or “The few animals that you owned before I came have increased greatly.” or “Before I worked for you, you owned very few animals, but now you have a huge number of animals.” 30:30 rig7 וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ יְהוָ֛ה אֹתְךָ֖ 1 See how you translated **blessed** in verse 27. Alternate translation: “That is how Yahweh has prospered you” or “Yes, Yahweh has prospered you” 30:30 izhx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְרַגְלִ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “because I am here.” or “because I have been working for you.” 30:30 kjib rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וְעַתָּ֗ה מָתַ֛י אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה גַם אָנֹכִ֖י לְבֵיתִֽי 1 Jacob uses a rhetorical question here to express his strong feelings. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “But now I need to also provide for my own household” 30:31 m4eg rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “So Laban asked Jacob,” or “Laban responded,” 30:31 vxeh מָ֣ה אֶתֶּן לָ֑ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “What do you want me to give you so that you will stay and work for me?” or “What can I give you to persuade you to stay here?” 30:31 wuxp rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob replied,” 30:31 jax2 לֹא תִתֶּן לִ֣י מְא֔וּמָה 1 Alternate translation: “Do not give me anything.” or “You do not need to give me anything.” 30:31 l8g9 אִם תַּֽעֲשֶׂה לִּי֙ הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “But if you will do this one thing for me,” 30:31 vxy0 אָשׁ֛וּבָה אֶרְעֶ֥ה צֹֽאנְךָ֖ אֶשְׁמֹֽר 1 See how you translated “watches over” in Gen 28:20. Alternate translation: “I will continue to tend and watch over your flocks:” or “I will keep taking care of your flocks:” 30:32 atgi אֶֽעֱבֹ֨ר בְּכָל צֹֽאנְךָ֜ הַיּ֗וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “Let me go through all your flocks today” or “Today I will go through all your sheep and goats” 30:32 c1ev הָסֵ֨ר מִשָּׁ֜ם 1 Alternate translation: “and take away from them” 30:32 sir5 כָּל שֶׂ֣ה נָקֹ֣ד וְטָל֗וּא וְכָל שֶׂה חוּם֙ בַּכְּשָׂבִ֔ים 1 The Hebrew word for **speckled** refers to small spots, whereas **spotted** refers to medium-sized and bigger spots. In that part of the world, most sheep were white and most goats were solid brown or black. So Jacob was asking for the irregular animals for himself, including white sheep with dark marks, dark-colored goats with light marks and dark-colored lambs. You could put some of this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “all the lambs that have speckles or spots, or that are dark-colored,” 30:32 zmbe וְטָל֥וּא וְנָקֹ֖ד בָּעִזִּ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “and all the kid goats that are spotted or speckled.” 30:32 u4ob וְהָיָ֖ה שְׂכָרִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “They will be my wages” or “Those animals will be my wages” 30:33 b07z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification וְעָֽנְתָה בִּ֤י צִדְקָתִי֙ בְּי֣וֹם מָחָ֔ר 1 The phrase **my righteousness** is referred to here as if it can testify like a person can. Some languages cannot personify righteousness like that. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Also, in the future you will know whether or not I am being honest” or “That way too, in the future it will be easy for everyone to know whether or not I am being honest” 30:33 ppfp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי תָב֥וֹא עַל שְׂכָרִ֖י לְפָנֶ֑יךָ 1 For some languages it is more natural to move this clause earlier in this sentence and say, “Also, in the future, whenever you check the animals you have paid/given me, you will know whether or not I am being honest.” Do what is best in your own language. Alternate translation: “whenever you check the animals you have given me.” 30:33 sw5u כֹּ֣ל אֲשֶׁר אֵינֶנּוּ֩ נָקֹ֨ד וְטָל֜וּא בָּֽעִזִּ֗ים וְחוּם֙ בַּכְּשָׂבִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “If you see that I have any sheep or goats that are not speckled or spotted or any sheep that are not dark-colored,” or “If you see any sheep or goats among my flocks that do not have speckles or spots or any sheep that are not dark-colored,” 30:33 pa6c גָּנ֥וּב ה֖וּא אִתִּֽי 1 Alternate translation: “it will be obvious that I stole them from you.” 30:34 bdlq rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר לָבָ֖ן 1 Alternate translation: “Laban said to him,” 30:34 mv46 הֵ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “Yes,” or “I agree with that;” 30:34 ujkw ל֖וּ יְהִ֥י כִדְבָרֶֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “we will do exactly what you have said” 30:35 r5ln rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַיָּ֣סַר בַּיּוֹם֩ הַה֨וּא 1 Make sure your translation of **he** in this clause refers to Laban, not Jacob (as verse 36 confirms). Also, what Laban does in verse 35 does not follow the agreement he just made with Jacob in verses 32-34. Alternate translation: “But that very day, he removed from his flocks” 30:35 c75v אֶת הַתְּיָשִׁ֜ים הָֽעֲקֻדִּ֣ים וְהַטְּלֻאִ֗ים וְאֵ֤ת כָּל הָֽעִזִּים֙ הַנְּקֻדּ֣וֹת וְהַטְּלֻאֹ֔ת 1 Alternate translation: “all the he-goats that had streaks or spots, and all the she-goats that had speckles or spots,” 30:35 fnxm כֹּ֤ל אֲשֶׁר לָבָן֙ בּ֔וֹ 1 The goats were normally dark brown or black, so if they had streaks or spots on them those marks would be white. In the Hebrew text, there is a pun (play-on-words) in verses 35 and 37: the name “Laban” means **white**, so verse 35 literally says that any goats with “Laban” (**white**) on them became Jacob’s. You could include that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “any that had any white marks on them,” 30:35 atss וְכָל ח֖וּם בַּכְּשָׂבִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “as well as all the lambs that were dark-colored.” 30:35 cm2l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּתֵּ֖ן בְּיַד בָּנָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “Then he had his sons tend them,” or “Then he put his sons in charge of them,” 30:36 r9y9 וַיָּ֗שֶׂם דֶּ֚רֶךְ שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֔ים בֵּינ֖וֹ וּבֵ֣ין יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 Alternate translation: “and he and his sons took those animals a three-day walking distance away from Jacob.” 30:36 ueil וְיַעֲקֹ֗ב רֹעֶ֛ה אֶת צֹ֥אן לָבָ֖ן הַנּוֹתָרֹֽת 1 See how you translated **tending** in verse 31 and Gen 13:7. 30:37 h28b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowns לִבְנֶ֛ה & וְל֣וּז וְעֶרְמ֑וֹן 1 If the three kinds of trees are not known in your language area, you could transliterate the names of the trees or be more general and leave out the names (if they are too distracting). Alternate translation: “from poplar trees, hazel trees, and plane trees,” or “from three different kinds of trees,” 30:37 b4o7 וַיְפַצֵּ֤ל בָּהֵן֙ פְּצָל֣וֹת לְבָנ֔וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “and peeled off long pieces of bark,” or “and made white stripes on them by stripping off long pieces of bark,” 30:37 l8bu מַחְשֹׂף֙ הַלָּבָ֔ן אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל הַמַּקְלֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “which showed the white wood under the bark.” or “so that the white wood that was inside the branches was exposed” 30:38 nguj וַיַּצֵּ֗ג אֶת הַמַּקְלוֹת֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר פִּצֵּ֔ל בָּרֳהָטִ֖ים בְּשִֽׁקֲת֣וֹת הַמָּ֑יִם 1 See how you translated “trough” in Gen 24:20. Alternate translation: “Then he set those striped branches in all the stone drinking tubs” 30:38 eo6s אֲשֶׁר֩ תָּבֹ֨אןָ הַצֹּ֤אן לִשְׁתּוֹת֙ 1 The way you translate this should allow for the fact that the animals came to the watering troughs repeatedly or regularly throughout the day, not just one time. 30:38 v4og לְנֹ֣כַח הַצֹּ֔אן 1 Alternate translation: “in front of them.” or “so that the flocks would see the branches there.” 30:38 owls וַיֵּחַ֖מְנָה בְּבֹאָ֥ן לִשְׁתּֽוֹת 1 The way you translate this clause will determine whether you begin the next verse with a conjunction (“and” or “so”) or without a conjunction. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “The flocks often mated when they came to the tubs to drink,” or “That way, whenever the animals that were ready to breed came to the tubs to drink,” 30:39 u4ep וַיֶּחֱמ֥וּ הַצֹּ֖אן אֶל הַמַּקְל֑וֹת 1 Make sure your translation of the verbs in this verse refers to a repeated or habitual activity, not a one-time event. Alternate translation: “so they would mate in front of the branches,” or “they would mate where they could see the branches,” or “they would see the branches as they were breeding,” 30:39 dcdv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַתֵּלַ֣דְןָ הַצֹּ֔אן עֲקֻדִּ֥ים נְקֻדִּ֖ים וּטְלֻאִֽים 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated **speckled** and **spotted** in verses 32-33 and 35. Also consider what is the most natural way in your language to refer to the flocks in verses 38 and 39. Alternate translation: “As a result, they would bear offspring that were streaked or speckled or spotted.” 30:40 gkje rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַ֠יִּתֵּן פְּנֵ֨י הַצֹּ֧אן אֶל 1 The Hebrew text uses an idiom here that means Jacob put the marked and unmarked animals together (so that they would mate). 30:40 m70y עָקֹ֛ד וְכָל ח֖וּם 1 See how you translated **streaked** in verses 35 and 39, and how you translated **dark-colored** in verses 32-33 and 35. Alternate translation: “all the striped animals and dark-colored animals” 30:40 ch5g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בְּצֹ֣אן לָבָ֑ן 1 You may need to make it explicit in your translation why Jacob put the unmarked sheep and goats with Laban’s streaked and spotted animals, so that people understand what Jacob was doing. 30:40 hpgv וַיָּֽשֶׁת ל֤וֹ עֲדָרִים֙ לְבַדּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “In that way, over time he made separate flocks of sheep and goats for himself” 30:41 q7lz וְהָיָ֗ה בְּכָל 1 This verse includes more details about what Jacob was doing on a regular basis. Alternate translation: “So whenever” 30:41 dqo7 הַצֹּ֣אן הַמְקֻשָּׁרוֹת֒ 1 Alternate translation: “the best female animals” or “the hardy female sheep and goats” 30:41 feod יַחֵם֮ 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 38. Alternate translation: “were ready to breed,” 30:41 ez3q וְשָׂ֨ם יַעֲקֹ֧ב אֶת הַמַּקְל֛וֹת & בָּרֳהָטִ֑ים 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 38. Alternate translation: “Jacob set the striped branches in the watering tubs” 30:41 wc1b rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-purpose לְעֵינֵ֥י הַצֹּ֖אן & לְיַחְמֵ֖נָּה בַּמַּקְלֽוֹת 1 See how you translated **mate** and **the branches** in verse 39. Alternate translation: “in front of those animals so that they would see the branches as they were breeding.” or “so that as they were mating, they would see the branches.” 30:42 cjoa rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וּבְהַעֲטִ֥יף הַצֹּ֖אן 1 Alternate translation: “But whenever the feeble female animals were ready to mate” 30:42 fave rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לֹ֣א יָשִׂ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob did not set the branches in the tubs.” 30:42 cfdt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הָעֲטֻפִים֙ 1 Alternate translation: “the young from the feeble animals” 30:42 e9iw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְהַקְּשֻׁרִ֖ים 1 See how you translated **strong** in verse 41. Alternate translation: “and the young from the hardy animals” 30:42 t112 לְיַעֲקֹֽב 1 Alternate translation: “went to Jacob,” 30:43 pyxq וַיִּפְרֹ֥ץ הָאִ֖ישׁ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, see how you translated **prospered** in verse 30. Alternate translation: “So Jacob became very wealthy” or “As a result, Jacob became very rich” 30:43 jzz1 וַֽיְהִי לוֹ֙ צֹ֣אן רַבּ֔וֹת 1 For some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and owned large flocks of sheep and goats,” or “He owned many sheep and goats,” 30:43 osfb וּשְׁפָחוֹת֙ וַעֲבָדִ֔ים וּגְמַלִּ֖ים וַחֲמֹרִֽים 1 See how you translated “maidservants,” “menservants,” “camels,” and **donkeys** in Gen 12:16 and 24:35. 31:1 y7ho וַיִּשְׁמַ֗ע 1 Alternate translation: “Then one day someone told Jacob” 31:1 wgio לָקַ֣ח יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֵ֖ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאָבִ֑ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob has taken for himself all that our father owned,” 31:1 v4h5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וּמֵאֲשֶׁ֣ר לְאָבִ֔ינוּ עָשָׂ֕ה אֵ֥ת כָּל הַכָּבֹ֖ד הַזֶּֽה 1 This clause forms a parallelism with the previous clause and emphasizes Laban’s sons’ complaint against Jacob. The phrase **all this wealth** especially refers to all the livestock that Jacob had gained during the years he worked for Laban. 31:2 kjjj וַיַּ֥רְא יַעֲקֹ֖ב 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob also saw” 31:2 iwy4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֶת פְּנֵ֣י לָבָ֑ן וְהִנֵּ֥ה אֵינֶ֛נּוּ עִמּ֖וֹ כִּתְמ֥וֹל שִׁלְשֽׁוֹם 1 The clause **he was not with him** is used here as an idiom that means Laban was no longer happy with Jacob or that he no longer liked him. Consider whether your language has a similar idiom that fits well here. Alternate translation: “that Laban no longer looked at him in a friendly way like he did previously” or “that Laban was no longer happy with him like he was previously” or “that Laban no longer acted kind toward him the way he did in the past.” 31:3 f1ff rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוָה֙ אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “Then Yahweh commanded Jacob,” 31:3 txcg שׁ֛וּב אֶל אֶ֥רֶץ אֲבוֹתֶ֖יךָ וּלְמוֹלַדְתֶּ֑ךָ 1 Alternate translation: “Return to the land where your ancestors lived and where your other relatives also live,” 31:3 nssb וְאֶֽהְיֶ֖ה עִמָּֽךְ 1 See how you translated this clause in Gen 26:3 and how you translated similar clauses in Gen 26:8, 24; 28:15. Alternate translation: “and I will stay with you and bless you.” 31:4 uryr וַיִּשְׁלַ֣ח יַעֲקֹ֔ב וַיִּקְרָ֖א לְרָחֵ֣ל וּלְלֵאָ֑ה הַשָּׂדֶ֖ה 1 See how you translated **sent and called for** in Gen 27:42. Alternate translation: “So Jacob sent for Rachel and Leah to come to the pasture” or “Then Jacob sent a message to Rachel and Leah that they should meet him in the pasture” 31:4 xk35 אֶל צֹאנֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “where he was tending his flocks of sheep and goats.” 31:5 zcua rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָהֶ֗ן 1 Consider whether in your language it is necessary to make explicit that Rachel and Leah had come to Jacob before he spoke to them. Alternate translation: “There he told them,” 31:5 gsb5 אֶת פְּנֵ֣י אֲבִיכֶ֔ן כִּֽי אֵינֶ֥נּוּ אֵלַ֖י כִּתְמֹ֣ל שִׁלְשֹׁ֑ם 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 2. Alternate translation: “that your father no longer looks at me in a kind way like he did in the past,” or “that your father is no longer happy with me as he was previously” or “that your father no longer acts friendly toward me the way he did before,” 31:5 hvoc וֵֽאלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֔י 1 See how you translated “the God of …” in Gen 28:13. Alternate translation: “but the God whom my father worships” or “but the God who takes care of my father” 31:5 ocbl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הָיָ֖ה עִמָּדִֽי 1 See how you translated the idiom “be with you” in verse 3. Alternate translation: “has stayed with me and has blessed me.” 31:6 qxli rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual וְאַתֵּ֖נָה יְדַעְתֶּ֑ן 1 In the Hebrew text, **you** is an emphatic pronoun. Also, some languages have a special dual pronoun that fits here well. Do what is best in your language. 31:6 pvt6 כִּ֚י בְּכָל כֹּחִ֔י עָבַ֖דְתִּי אֶת אֲבִיכֶֽן 1 Alternate translation: “that I have served your father with all my might” or “that I have tried as hard as I could to serve your father well,” or “how I have worked for your father as faithfully as I could,” 31:7 w4hj וַאֲבִיכֶן֙ הֵ֣תֶל בִּ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “but in spite of that, he has deceived me” or “but yet he has treated me unfairly” 31:7 umvt וְהֶחֱלִ֥ף אֶת מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּ֖י עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת מֹנִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “and ten times he has changed what he said that he would pay me.” 31:7 k1rd וְלֹֽא נְתָנ֣וֹ אֱלֹהִ֔ים לְהָרַ֖ע עִמָּדִֽי 1 In this context, **harm** especially refers to financial harm, but it can also include physical harm. Alternate translation: “However, God has not permitted him to harm me.” or “But God has kept him from hurting me.” or “But God has protected me so that he could not hurt me.” 31:8 q29t אִם כֹּ֣ה יֹאמַ֗ר 1 The examples Jacob is describing in verse 8 took place repeatedly (as verse 7 indicates). Alternate translation: “For example, if he told me” 31:8 wbtt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations נְקֻדִּים֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׂכָרֶ֔ךָ 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Also, see how you translated **speckled** in Gen 30:32, 33, 35, 39. Alternate translation: “that only the speckled animals would be my pay,” or “that he would pay me by giving me only the animals with speckles on them,” 31:8 m5nt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְיָלְד֥וּ כָל הַצֹּ֖אן 1 Alternate translation: “then all the female animals in the flocks gave birth to” or “then all the female sheep and goats gave birth to” 31:8 minm נְקֻדִּ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “speckled babies.” or “young that were speckled.” 31:8 qdhx וְאִם כֹּ֣ה יֹאמַ֗ר 1 Alternate translation: “But if he said to me” or “Then if he changed his mind and told me” 31:8 av4b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations עֲקֻדִּים֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׂכָרֶ֔ךָ 1 See how you translated **streaked** in Gen 30:35, 39, 40. Alternate translation: “that only the striped animals would be my pay,” or “that he would pay me by giving me only the animals with stripes on them,” 31:8 bhhl וְיָלְד֥וּ כָל־הַצֹּ֖אן 2 Alternate translation: “then all the females in the flocks gave birth to” or “then all the female sheep and goats had” 31:8 lrxh עֲקֻדִּֽים 1 Alternate translation: “striped young” or “young that had stripes on them.” 31:9 igfi אֶת מִקְנֵ֥ה אֲבִיכֶ֖ם 1 The term **livestock** usually includes all kinds of domestic animals, but in this context it refers to the sheep and goats that Jacob was taking care of for Laban. Alternate translation: “many of the animals that belonged to your father” 31:9 s89z וַיִּתֶּן לִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “and gave them to me instead.” 31:10 lj7l וַיְהִ֗י 1 Alternate translation: “One night” 31:10 oqna בְּעֵת֙ 1 Alternate translation: “during the time” or “during the time of year” 31:10 nw40 יַחֵ֣ם הַצֹּ֔אן 1 Alternate translation: “that the female sheep and goats were in heat,” or “that the flocks of sheep and goats were mating” 31:10 dbn3 וָאֶשָּׂ֥א עֵינַ֛י וָאֵ֖רֶא בַּחֲל֑וֹם וְהִנֵּ֤ה 1 The word **behold** emphasizes what Jacob saw and might also express that he was surprised at what he saw. Alternate translation: “I had a dream and in the dream I looked around and saw that” 31:10 un5t הָֽעַתֻּדִים֙ הָעֹלִ֣ים עַל הַצֹּ֔אן 1 Some languages have special terms for male and female goats or sheep. For example, billy goats and nanny goats (for male and female goats) and rams and ewes (for male and female sheep). Choose terms in your language that are natural and well-known. 31:10 gcp9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עֲקֻדִּ֥ים נְקֻדִּ֖ים וּבְרֻדִּֽים 1 It may be more natural to put this phrase earlier and say, “… saw that the male goats and sheep that were streaked, speckled, and spotted were the only ones that were mating with the female goats and sheep.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “were streaked speckled, or spotted” or “had a striped, speckled, or blotched pattern in their fur” 31:11 ttd5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֵלַ֜י מַלְאַ֧ךְ הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים בַּחֲל֖וֹם יַֽעֲקֹ֑ב 1 In some languages it is more natural to put **in the dream** earlier in this clause. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **an angel of God** in Gen 21:17. 31:11 l29s rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וָאֹמַ֖ר 1 Alternate translation: “and I responded,” 31:11 my6h הִנֵּֽנִי 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 22:1 and 27:11. Alternate translation: “Here I am!” or “Yes, sir?” or “Yes, I am listening.” 31:12 vn7z rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “The angel said” 31:12 cck2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom שָׂא נָ֨א עֵינֶ֤יךָ 1 See how you translated this idiom in Gen 22:13. Also see how you translated Gen 22:2, another passage where Yahweh uses **Please**. Alternate translation: “Look around you” or “Look carefully” 31:12 vsue וּרְאֵה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and observe that” 31:12 jhzz כָּל הָֽעַתֻּדִים֙ הָעֹלִ֣ים עַל הַצֹּ֔אן 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 10. 31:12 c8mt עֲקֻדִּ֥ים נְקֻדִּ֖ים וּבְרֻדִּ֑ים 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 8 and 10. Alternate translation: “are streaked speckled, or spotted” or “have a streaked speckled, or spotted pattern in their fur” 31:12 rsid rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כִּ֣י רָאִ֔יתִי 1 Sometimes an angel says **I** as God’s representative, but in this context, it seems to be Yahweh himself (in the form of an angel) who is speaking to Jacob (See verse 13). That information could be put in a footnote, and you could make “Yahweh” explicit in the text to make that clear. Alternate translation: “I, Yahweh, have caused that to happen, because I have observed” 31:12 iy7e אֵ֛ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָבָ֖ן עֹ֥שֶׂה לָּֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “all the wrong things that Laban has done to you.” or “all the ways that Laban has been treating you badly” 31:13 bfbx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction אֲשֶׁ֨ר מָשַׁ֤חְתָּ שָּׁם֙ מַצֵּבָ֔ה 1 See how you translated “poured oil on top of” in Gen 28:38 and **pillar** in Gen 28:18, 22. Alternate translation: “where you poured olive oil on top of a memorial pillar to dedicate the place to me,” 31:13 mbfn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-term אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָדַ֥רְתָּ לִּ֛י שָׁ֖ם נֶ֑דֶר 1 See how you translated **vowed a vow** in Gen 28:20. Alternate translation: “and where you made a vow to me.” 31:13 tfiv עַתָּ֗ה ק֥וּם צֵא֙ מִן הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את 1 The phrase **get up** means that Jacob should immediately get ready to go and then leave; see how you translated this phrase in Gen 27:43. Alternate translation: “So now get up and leave this region immediately,” or “Now go at once from this land” 31:13 pbq6 וְשׁ֖וּב אֶל 1 Alternate translation: “and travel back to” 31:13 l0op אֶ֥רֶץ מוֹלַדְתֶּֽךָ 1 The Hebrew word for **birth** in this phrase can also be translated as “relatives” here (as in verse 3). See how you translated this phrase in Gen 24:7. Alternate translation: “the land where you were born.” or “the land where your relatives live.” or “your native land.” 31:14 rws1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתַּ֤עַן רָחֵל֙ וְלֵאָ֔ה וַתֹּאמַ֖רְנָה ל֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Rachel and Leah responded to him” or “Rachel and Leah replied to him” 31:14 vutc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הַע֥וֹד לָ֛נוּ חֵ֥לֶק וְנַחֲלָ֖ה 1 This rhetorical question expects the answer “no.” It also expresses Rachel's and Leah’s strong emotion and emphasizes that there is nothing for them to inherit from their father. Consider whether or not a rhetorical question fits well here in your language. Alternate translation: “We no longer have any part in the inheritance” or “We will never inherit anything” 31:15 pz13 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲל֧וֹא & נֶחְשַׁ֥בְנוּ ל֖וֹ 1 This rhetorical question expects the answer “yes” and expresses Rachel's and Leah’s anger at how their father treats them. Consider whether or not it is natural in your language to use a rhetorical question here. Alternate translation: “It is obvious that he regards us” or “He obviously is treating us” 31:15 zdnp נָכְרִיּ֛וֹת 1 Make sure that the punctuation you use here fits with how you translate this rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “like outsiders and not family” or “as if we were foreigners instead of family” 31:15 xc1g כִּ֣י מְכָרָ֑נוּ 1 This sentence is an example of how Laban treated his daughters like foreigners. Alternate translation: “After all, he sold us to you,” 31:15 eovg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיֹּ֥אכַל גַּם אָכ֖וֹל 1 The phrase **eaten up** is used here as an idiom that means Laban had spent or kept for himself all the wealth he had gained from Jacob’s 14 years of working for him. Many languages have a similar idiom that could be used here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and then he used up all” 31:15 td0t rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown אֶת כַּסְפֵּֽנוּ 1 In that culture at that time, silver was a currency used to buy and sell things. Alternate translation: “the wealth that should have been ours.” or “the money that belonged to us.” 31:16 cytc כִּ֣י כָל הָעֹ֗שֶׁר אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִצִּ֤יל אֱלֹהִים֙ מֵֽאָבִ֔ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “In fact, all the abundance of flocks that God has taken from our father” or “In reality, all the flocks that made our father wealthy and that God has taken from him” 31:16 kbdk לָ֥נוּ ה֖וּא וּלְבָנֵ֑ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “actually belongs to us and our children.” or “should have been given to us and our children anyway.” 31:16 t00q וְעַתָּ֗ה & עֲשֵֽׂה 1 The words **So now** introduce Rachel and Leah’s conclusion that is based on what they just said. Do what is best in your language to communicate that. Alternate translation: “So go ahead and do” or “So we totally agree that you should do” 31:16 ixfc כֹּל֩ אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָמַ֧ר אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֵלֶ֖יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “everything God has commanded you to do.” or “exactly what God told you to do.” 31:17 jyen וַיָּ֖קָם יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 See how you translated “get up” in verse 13. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob immediately got packed for the journey” 31:17 zvsn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וַיִּשָּׂ֛א אֶת בָּנָ֥יו וְאֶת נָשָׁ֖יו עַל הַגְּמַלִּֽים 1 Jacob took all his children with him, not just his sons. Alternate translation: “and helped his wives and his sons mount up onto the camels.” 31:18 wyn3 וַיִּנְהַ֣ג 1 Alternate translation: “Then he led” or “Then he started driving” 31:18 u8ps אֶת כָּל מִקְנֵ֗הוּ וְאֶת כָּל רְכֻשׁוֹ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר רָכָ֔שׁ מִקְנֵה֙ קִנְיָנ֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָכַ֖שׁ 1 The word **livestock** is general here and includes all of Jacob’s animals. Alternate translation: “the camels and all his other livestock and along with them, he also took all the other possessions that he had acquired” 31:18 ci2u בְּפַדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם 1 Be consistent here with how you translated “the land/region of Paddan Aram” in Gen 25:20. Alternate translation: “while living in the land of Paddan Aram,” 31:18 wde1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לָב֛וֹא אֶל יִצְחָ֥ק אָבִ֖יו אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause earlier in this verse and say, “Then he started driving/herding the camels and all his other animals to/toward the land/region of Canaan where his father Isaac lived. He took with him all his possessions that he had accumulated, including all the livestock that he had acquired/accumulated while living in the land/region of Paddan Aram.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “to go to Canaan, to the home of his father Isaac.” or “to the land of Canaan, where his father Isaac lived.” 31:19 ilof rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְלָבָ֣ן 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that the events in verse 19 happened before Jacob and his family had left. Also, for some languages it is more natural to first make “the Aramean” explicit here in verse 19 rather than wait until verse 20. Do what is best in your language. 31:19 akjd הָלַ֔ךְ לִגְזֹ֖ז אֶת צֹאנ֑וֹ 1 In that culture, sheep wool was very important since it was used to make clothing and blankets. The process of shearing many sheep would have taken several days. You could include some of this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “had gone away for several days to cut the wool off his sheep” 31:19 zdy1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתִּגְנֹ֣ב רָחֵ֔ל 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “While he was gone, Rachel entered his tent and took” 31:19 vfcm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown אֶת הַתְּרָפִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְאָבִֽיהָ 1 These idols were statues made of wood or precious metals. They were small enough to be used in a private home. In this chapter these statues are referred to as **idols** (in verses 19, 34, 35 when the author refers to them) and “gods” (in quotes in verses 30 and 32 when Laban or Jacob talk about them). If it is confusing in your language to switch back and forth between these two terms, you could use “gods” throughout this chapter, since Laban would not have called them idols, and Jacob would not have used that term in his presence. However, if possible, it is best to translate the two terms the way the Hebrew text has them. Alternate translation: “his family gods,” or “the gods that he had” 31:20 p6en rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּגְנֹ֣ב יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֶת לֵ֥ב 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and Jacob tricked” or “At the same time, Jacob tricked” 31:20 rlvs לָבָ֖ן הָאֲרַמִּ֑י 1 If you used **Aramean** earlier (verse 19), it may not be natural here. Do what is best in your language. Also, see how you translated this phrase in Gen 25:20. 31:20 z6av rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עַל בְּלִי֙ הִגִּ֣יד ל֔וֹ כִּ֥י בֹרֵ֖חַ הֽוּא 1 Alternate translation: “by not telling him that he was fleeing” or “by leaving secretly without informing him that he was leaving.” 31:21 k7p0 וַיִּבְרַ֥ח הוּא֙ 1 This statement summarizes an event that already happened (See verses 18 and 20). Make sure your translation of this verse does not sound like Jacob left a second time. To make this clear you could say, “After Jacob and his family ran away with everything that they owned, they quickly crossed the Euphrates River and headed toward the hill country of Gilead.” Alternate translation: “So Jacob and his family ran away” 31:21 zuha וְכָל 1 Alternate translation: “with all” or “and took all” 31:21 els4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns אֲשֶׁר ל֔וֹ 1 Make sure that your choice of pronouns throughout this verse fits with how you translate the beginning of this sentence. Alternate translation: “that belonged to them.” or “that he had” 31:21 bsy0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיָּ֖קָם וַיַּעֲבֹ֣ר אֶת הַנָּהָ֑ר 1 The Euphrates River was also called **the River** because it was large and well-known. It was about 50 miles (80 kilometers) from Haran, where Laban lived. This information could be put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “He quickly crossed the Euphrates River” 31:21 bgnu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֶת פָּנָ֖יו 1 Alternate translation: “and went in the direction of” 31:21 ancy הַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could refer to: (1) mountains or hill country; or (2) a specific mountain (“Mount Gilead”). Alternate translation: “the mountain region called Gilead.” or “the hill country called Gilead.” 31:22 luj7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיֻּגַּ֥ד לְלָבָ֖ן בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “Three days after they had left, someone informed Laban” or “Three days later Laban found out” 31:22 pkx2 כִּ֥י בָרַ֖ח יַעֲקֹֽב 1 See how you translated “fleeing” and **fled** in verses 20-21. Alternate translation: “that Jacob and his family had run away.” 31:23 xoz7 וַיִּקַּ֤ח אֶת אֶחָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “So Laban gathered some of his relatives” 31:23 ffai וַיִּרְדֹּ֣ף אַחֲרָ֔יו דֶּ֖רֶךְ שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “and followed after Jacob and his household for seven days” 31:23 pvgt וַיַּדְבֵּ֥ק אֹת֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “until they overtook them” or “until they caught up with him” 31:23 sqte בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 21. Alternate translation: “in the mountain region called Gilead.” or “in the hill country called Gilead.” 31:24 t5xn וַיָּבֹ֧א אֱלֹהִ֛ים אֶל לָבָ֥ן הָאֲרַמִּ֖י בַּחֲלֹ֣ם הַלָּ֑יְלָה 1 See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 20:3. Also see how you translated **Laban the Aramean** in verse 20. Alternate translation: “Then that same night God appeared to Laban in a dream” or “That night Laban had a dream and in it God appeared to him” 31:24 gmya rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism הִשָּׁ֧מֶר לְךָ֛ פֶּן תְּדַבֵּ֥ר עִֽם יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִטּ֥וֹב עַד רָֽע 1 God is warning Laban not to say or do anything that would harm Jacob (See verse 29). Alternate translation: “Be careful that you do not say or do anything to Jacob to try to stop him from leaving.” or “Be sure that you do not harm Jacob in any way.” 31:25 vjma rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וַיַּשֵּׂ֥ג לָבָ֖ן אֶֽת יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 Make sure that the way you translate this clause does not sound like Laban overtook Jacob a second time. This is referring to what already happened in verse 23. See how you translated **overtook** there. Alternate translation: “So when Laban overtook Jacob,” 31:25 zquw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְיַעֲקֹ֗ב תָּקַ֤ע אֶֽת אָהֳלוֹ֙ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Jacob had already pitched his tents before Laban arrived. Also see how you translated “pitched his tent” in Gen 12:8 and 26:25. Alternate translation: “Jacob and his family had already put up his tents” or “Jacob and his family had already set up camp” 31:25 inxf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בָּהָ֔ר 1 For some languages it is clearer and more natural to make **Gilead** explicit here (rather than later in this verse). Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **mountains of Gilead** in verses 21 and 23. Alternate translation: “in the mountain region of Gilead,” 31:25 w9ff וְלָבָ֛ן & אֶת אֶחָ֖יו 1 Alternate translation: “so Laban and all his relatives that were with him” 31:25 mj7h תָּקַ֥ע 1 Alternate translation: “also put up their tents” or “also camped” 31:25 rxr5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בְּהַ֥ר הַגִּלְעָֽד 1 If you made **Gilead** explicit earlier in this verse in your translation, it may not be necessary to repeat it here. Do what is best in your language. 31:26 bzmi rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָבָן֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 See how you translated a similar quote margin in 29:25, when the roles were reversed and Jacob confronted Laban. Alternate translation: “Then the next day Laban came to Jacob and complained to Jacob” or “The next day Laban met with Jacob and rebuked Jacob and said to him,” 31:26 wmee rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מֶ֣ה עָשִׂ֔יתָ 1 Laban uses a rhetorical question here to express his anger at Jacob. Do what is best in your language to communicate that. Alternate translation: “Why have you done this?” or “What you have done is wrong!” 31:26 v8bo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַתִּגְנֹ֖ב אֶת לְבָבִ֑י 1 See how you translated the idiom “stole the heart of” in verse 20. Alternate translation: “You have tricked me” or “You have acted deceitfully toward me” 31:26 vx4d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole וַתְּנַהֵג֙ אֶת בְּנֹתַ֔י 1 Laban uses exaggeration to show he is angry and to try to make Jacob feel guilty for what he did. Alternate translation: “and dragged away my daughters with you” or “and forced my daughters to leave with you” 31:26 jaxz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כִּשְׁבֻי֖וֹת חָֽרֶב 1 Alternate translation: “as if you had captured them in battle!” 31:27 j32g לָ֤מָּה נַחְבֵּ֨אתָ֙ לִבְרֹ֔חַ וַתִּגְנֹ֖ב אֹתִ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “Why did you trick me and secretly run away” or “Why did you deceive me by secretly running away” 31:27 xjrc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וְלֹא הִגַּ֣דְתָּ לִּ֔י 1 Verse 27 is one long rhetorical question in the Hebrew text that expresses Laban’s anger at Jacob. For some languages it is better to break it up into two or more sentences. Do what is best in your language, and make sure that the punctuation fits well. Alternate translation: “without telling me you were leaving!” 31:27 fe1q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo וָֽאֲשַׁלֵּחֲךָ֛ בְּשִׂמְחָ֥ה וּבְשִׁרִ֖ים 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that the events in this clause are contrary-to-fact (hypothetical). Alternate translation: “If I had known, I would have held a feast and sent you on your way, singing joyful songs together,” or “If I had known, I could have sent you on your way by having a feast and singing joyful songs together,” 31:27 b246 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בְּתֹ֥ף וּבְכִנּֽוֹר 1 For some languages it may be better to change the order of the phrases in this sentence and say, “If I had known, we could have held a feast and sung joyful songs and danced together, with tambourines and lyres playing, before sending you on your way.” Do what is best in your language. Also, see how you translated “lyres/harps” in Gen 4:21. Alternate translation: “with tambourines and harps playing!” or “with the music of musical instruments!” 31:28 evu1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְלֹ֣א נְטַשְׁתַּ֔נִי לְנַשֵּׁ֥ק לְבָנַ֖י וְלִבְנֹתָ֑י 1 For some languages, it may be more natural to mention the daughters before the children. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **kiss** in Gen 27:26-27. Alternate translation: “You did not even let me kiss my daughters and my grandchildren goodbye before they left!” 31:28 xr6d עַתָּ֖ה הִסְכַּ֥לְתָּֽ עֲשֽׂוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “What you have done is very stupid!” or “You acted foolishly when you left secretly like that!” 31:29 qgvn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular יֶשׁ לְאֵ֣ל יָדִ֔י לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת עִמָּכֶ֖ם רָ֑ע 1 The pronoun **you** is plural here, so it probably refers to Jacob and everyone in his household. Alternate translation: “I and my men have the ability to harm all of you,” 31:29 u6cl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וֵֽאלֹהֵ֨י אֲבִיכֶ֜ם אֶ֣מֶשׁ 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this time phrase later and say “ … said to me in a dream last night”. Do what is best in your language. See how you translated a similar phrase (“the God of my father”) in verse 5. 31:29 x6h6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אָמַ֧ר אֵלַ֣י לֵאמֹ֗ר הִשָּׁ֧מֶר לְךָ֛ מִדַּבֵּ֥ר עִֽם יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִטּ֥וֹב עַד רָֽע 1 For some languages it is necessary to make this embedded quote an indirect quote. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated a similar quote in verse 24. Alternate translation: “warned me to not harm you in any way.” 31:30 wnvu rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וְעַתָּה֙ הָלֹ֣ךְ הָלַ֔כְתָּ 1 Begin this verse in a way which shows that Laban is introducing a new topic. Also notice that **you** shifts to singular here in verse 30. Alternate translation: “Now then, I know that you left” or “Now, I know that you ran away” 31:30 f603 כִּֽי נִכְסֹ֥ף נִכְסַ֖פְתָּה 1 Alternate translation: “because you longed so much” or “because you were very homesick” 31:30 gol4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy לְבֵ֣ית אָבִ֑יךָ 1 This phrase refers to the people in Jacob’s father’s household and other relatives living nearby. Alternate translation: “to return home to your father and other relatives,” 31:30 bjd9 לָ֥מָּה גָנַ֖בְתָּ אֶת אֱלֹהָֽי 1 Alternate translation: “but what is the reason that you stole my gods?” 31:31 zthk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיַּ֥עַן יַעֲקֹ֖ב וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְלָבָ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob answered him,” or “Then Jacob told Laban” 31:31 ch72 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כִּ֣י יָרֵ֔אתִי 1 Make sure it is clear here in your translation that Jacob is answering Laban’s question in verse 27, not his question in verse 30. 31:31 ozrq כִּ֣י אָמַ֔רְתִּי 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I told myself that if you knew,” 31:31 w1wz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo פֶּן תִּגְזֹ֥ל אֶת בְּנוֹתֶ֖יךָ מֵעִמִּֽי 1 Make sure you translate this sentence in a way that shows it is hypothetical. Also see how you translated “seized” in Gen 21:25. 31:32 mwqa עִ֠ם אֲשֶׁ֨ר תִּמְצָ֣א אֶת אֱלֹהֶיךָ֮ 1 See how you translated **gods** in verse 30. Alternate translation: “However we did not steal your gods. In fact, if you find your gods with anyone here,” 31:32 ouiu לֹ֣א יִֽחְיֶה֒ 1 Alternate translation: “that person will be put to death as punishment for stealing them!” 31:32 m3er rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive נֶ֣גֶד אַחֵ֧ינוּ 1 Make sure your translation of this phrase refers to both Jacob’s and Laban’s relatives. Alternate translation: “So with our relatives as witnesses,” 31:32 eyve הַֽכֶּר לְךָ֛ מָ֥ה עִמָּדִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “search for yourself what I have with me here” 31:32 oajl וְקַֽח לָ֑ךְ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and take whatever you find that is yours.” 31:32 ni0a rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְלֹֽא יָדַ֣ע יַעֲקֹ֔ב כִּ֥י רָחֵ֖ל גְּנָבָֽתַם 1 Translate this background information in a way that is clear and natural in your language. Also see how you translated “stole” in verses 19 and 30. 31:33 s81h וַיָּבֹ֨א לָבָ֜ן בְּאֹ֥הֶל יַעֲקֹ֣ב 1 See how you translated **tent** in verse 25. 31:33 i6vt וּבְאֹ֣הֶל לֵאָ֗ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 31:33 hcfu וּבְאֹ֛הֶל שְׁתֵּ֥י הָאֲמָהֹ֖ת 1 Consider again how you translated “slave/servant woman” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 20:17; 21:10, 12-13; 30:3; 31:33. Alternate translation: “and in the tent where the two maidservants lived,” 31:33 z7id וְלֹ֣א מָצָ֑א 1 Alternate translation: “but he did not find his gods.” 31:34 pn32 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְרָחֵ֞ל לָקְחָ֣ה אֶת הַתְּרָפִ֗ים וַתְּשִׂמֵ֛ם בְּכַ֥ר הַגָּמָ֖ל 1 This kind of saddle was used as a seat and also had compartments or bags for carrying things. Make sure it is clear in your translation that Rachel had hidden the idols before Laban entered her tent. Also see how you translated **idols** in verse 19. Alternate translation: “But Rachel had put the idols inside her camel saddlebag to hide them,” or “But Rachel had hidden the idols inside her camel saddlebag” 31:34 o2ev וַתֵּ֣שֶׁב עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and she was sitting on the gods” 31:34 rzfz וַיְמַשֵּׁ֥שׁ לָבָ֛ן אֶת כָּל הָאֹ֖הֶל 1 Alternate translation: “Laban rummaged through everything else in the tent, but” or “So when Laban searched everywhere else in her tent,” 31:34 av6e וְלֹ֥א מָצָֽא 1 For some languages, it may be better to change the order of the clauses in this sentence and say, “So Laban was not able to find them, even though he searched her tent thoroughly.” Alternate translation: “he could not find anything.” or “he did not find his idols” 31:35 ev0l rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֣אמֶר אֶל אָבִ֗יהָ 1 Alternate translation: “Rather Rachel had said to him,” 31:35 z6uu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics אַל יִ֨חַר֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י 1 Make sure you translate **my lord** in a way that is appropriate for a daughter to show respect to her father; it should not sound like she was Laban’s slave or servant. The word **burn** is used here as an idiom that means to be angry. Consider whether your language has a similar idiom that would work well here. Also see how you translated this idiom in Gen 30:2. Alternate translation: “Please do not be angry at me, sir” or “Sir please do not be angry at me” 31:35 qqhs כִּ֣י ל֤וֹא אוּכַל֙ לָק֣וּם מִפָּנֶ֔יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “that I am not able to stand up to greet you,” 31:35 jr45 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism כִּי דֶ֥רֶךְ נָשִׁ֖ים לִ֑י 1 Translate this in a way that will not offend or embarrass people when this is read aloud in public. Alternate translation: “because it is that time of the month when I feel weak.” or “because I am having my monthly cycle.” 31:36 ruop rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּ֥חַר לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב 1 See how you translated the idiom “burn” in verse 35. 31:36 ocyd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיָּ֣רֶב בְּלָבָ֑ן וַיַּ֤עַן יַעֲקֹב֙ וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְלָבָ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “and contended with him and said,” or “and rebuked him by saying to him,” 31:36 tk5y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַה פִּשְׁעִי֙ 1 Jacob’s rhetorical questions in this verse show that he was angry at Laban. Do what is best in your language to communicate his anger. Alternate translation: “Tell me what crime I have done” 31:36 cs49 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַ֣ה חַטָּאתִ֔י כִּ֥י דָלַ֖קְתָּ אַחֲרָֽי 1 Alternate translation: “How have I sinned against you so that you have a reason to pursue me so intensely” or “Tell me what sin I have committed against you that gives you the right to pursue after me!” 31:37 ywk5 כִּֽי מִשַּׁ֣שְׁתָּ אֶת כָּל כֵּלַ֗י 1 See how you translated **felt through** in verse 34. Alternate translation: “Now that you have felt through all my things” 31:37 x9qo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit מַה מָּצָ֨אתָ֙ מִכֹּ֣ל כְּלֵי בֵיתֶ֔ךָ שִׂ֣ים כֹּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “did you find anything that anyone took from your household? If so, bring it here” or “show us what you have found that belongs to you! If you found anything, put it here” 31:37 kayz נֶ֥גֶד אַחַ֖י וְאַחֶ֑יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “where all our relatives can see it,” 31:37 kjcm וְיוֹכִ֖יחוּ 1 Alternate translation: “so that they can judge whether you or I am right!” or “and they will judge which one of us is right!” 31:38 qvip זֶה֩ עֶשְׂרִ֨ים שָׁנָ֤ה אָנֹכִי֙ עִמָּ֔ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “For the past twenty years I have worked for you!” 31:38 k4xv רְחֵלֶ֥יךָ וְעִזֶּ֖יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “During those years your female sheep and goats” 31:38 ds9d לֹ֣א שִׁכֵּ֑לוּ 1 Alternate translation: “bore their young without any problems,” 31:38 fjxk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְאֵילֵ֥י צֹאנְךָ֖ לֹ֥א אָכָֽלְתִּי 1 Make sure your translation does not sound here like Jacob is talking about eating animals while they are still alive; the animals would be killed and cooked first. Alternate translation: “and I have never killed and eaten any rams from your flocks.” or “and I never took any animals from your flocks to eat.” 31:39 izu2 טְרֵפָה֙ לֹא הֵבֵ֣אתִי אֵלֶ֔יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “And whenever wild animals killed any of your animals, I never brought the dead animal to you to show I was innocent.” 31:39 ccqy אָנֹכִ֣י אֲחַטֶּ֔נָּה 1 Normally it was the owner of the flocks (not the shepherds) who took care of the expense when an animal was killed or stolen. You could put that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Rather I paid for that loss myself.” or “Rather I replaced them at my own expense.” 31:39 r3p8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom מִיָּדִ֖י תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑נָּה 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “You also made me pay for” 31:39 m07f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive גְּנֻֽבְתִ֣י י֔וֹם וּגְנֻֽבְתִ֖י לָֽיְלָה 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “any animals that got stolen by thieves, whether it happened in the day or at night.” 31:40 beew הָיִ֧יתִי 1 Alternate translation: “That is how it was for me!” or “That was my life” 31:40 kw5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification בַיּ֛וֹם אֲכָלַ֥נִי חֹ֖רֶב 1 Consider whether or not you can talk about heat and frost in your language as if they could harm Jacob the way a person could harm him. Alternate translation: “During the day the heat of the sun pounded me,” 31:40 w4mt וְקֶ֣רַח בַּלָּ֑יְלָה וַתִּדַּ֥ד 1 Alternate translation: “and at night I suffered from the cold, so that I could hardly sleep.” or “and during the nights it was so cold that I could hardly sleep.” 31:41 y13m זֶה לִּ֞י 1 Alternate translation: “That is what it was like for me” 31:41 xgae עֶשְׂרִ֣ים שָׁנָה֮ בְּבֵיתֶךָ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “for the twenty years that I worked for you.” 31:41 qcea עֲבַדְתִּ֜יךָ אַרְבַּֽע עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה שָׁנָה֙ בִּשְׁתֵּ֣י בְנֹתֶ֔יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “For fourteen years I worked for you in exchange for marrying your two daughters,” 31:41 rufm וְשֵׁ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים בְּצֹאנֶ֑ךָ 1 Alternate translation: “and for six more years I worked for you to earn flocks of sheep and goats from you,” 31:41 ujyn וַתַּחֲלֵ֥ף אֶת מַשְׂכֻּרְתִּ֖י עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת מֹנִֽים 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 7. Alternate translation: “even though you changed my wages ten times.” or “even though ten times you changed what you said you would pay me.” 31:42 canx לוּלֵ֡י אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִי֩ אֱלֹהֵ֨י אַבְרָהָ֜ם וּפַ֤חַד יִצְחָק֙ 1 The phrase **the Fear of Isaac** is a title for God that is ambiguous in Hebrew (and English). It could mean: (1) “the One/God whom Isaac fears/reveres” or (2) “Isaac’s God whom people/others are afraid/terrified of”. The interpretation that is not used in your translation could be put in a footnote. Make sure it is clear in your translation that Jacob is only talking about one God in this verse, not two or three. Also notice that **my father** and **Isaac** both refer to Jacob’s father Isaac, not two different people. Alternate translation: “If God, the Awesome One, whom my father Isaac and grandfather Abraham serve” or “If God, whom my ancestors Abraham and Isaac serve and fear” 31:42 o6jb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo לוּלֵ֡י & הָ֣יָה לִ֔י 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that the events in this sentence are contrary-to-fact (hypothetical) and imply that God actually had been with Jacob, so that Laban did not send him away empty-handed. Alternate translation: “had not been with me protecting me and guiding me,” 31:42 x6l8 כִּ֥י עַתָּ֖ה & שִׁלַּחְתָּ֑נִי 1 Alternate translation: “you would certainly be sending me away now” or “there is no question that I would now be leaving here” 31:42 qxqc רֵיקָ֣ם 1 Alternate translation: “without anything at all.” 31:42 gt2h אֶת עָנְיִ֞י & רָאָ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “But God knows how much I have suffered under you” or “But God knows how much you have oppressed me” 31:42 kibv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וְאֶת יְגִ֧יעַ כַּפַּ֛י 1 Alternate translation: “and the hard work I did with my hands for you,” 31:42 wm13 וַיּ֥וֹכַח אָֽמֶשׁ 1 See how you translated “judge” in verse 37. It may be necessary to translate this word in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “so last night he judged against you in my favor.” 31:43 j6mw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיַּ֨עַן לָבָ֜ן וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֗ב 1 Alternate translation: “Laban replied to Jacob,” 31:43 anon הַבָּנ֨וֹת בְּנֹתַ֜י וְהַבָּנִ֤ים בָּנַי֙ 1 Alternate translation: “These are my daughters and my grandchildren,” 31:43 c90y וְהַצֹּ֣אן צֹאנִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “and these flocks also belong to me.” 31:43 l7ol rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole וְכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר אַתָּ֥ה רֹאֶ֖ה לִי 1 Laban is lying or exaggerating here to make it sound like he was wronged, when actually he is the one who was dishonest in his dealings with Jacob. Alternate translation: “In fact, everything that you see here is mine!” or “Yes, everything that is here with you is actually mine!” 31:43 p48f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וְלִבְנֹתַ֞י מָֽה־אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֤ה לָאֵ֨לֶּה֙ הַיּ֔וֹם א֥וֹ לִבְנֵיהֶ֖ן אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָלָֽדוּ 1 Laban uses this rhetorical question to express his emotions and emphasize that there is nothing that he can do. Consider whether or not a rhetorical question fits well here in your language. Alternate translation: “But there is nothing I can do now to keep my daughters and grandchildren from leaving!” 31:44 qc32 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְעַתָּ֗ה לְכָ֛ה נִכְרְתָ֥ה בְרִ֖ית אֲנִ֣י וָאָ֑תָּה 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put **I** and **you** earlier in the sentence. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **So now** in verse 16 and **cut a covenant** in Gen 26:28. Alternate translation: “So then, you and I should make a peace covenant with each other,” or “So I invite you to make a covenant with me,” 31:44 e2ml וְהָיָ֥ה 1 The subject of the Hebrew verb in this phrase is masculine singular, so it cannot refer to “covenant,” which is feminine singular. It is probably best to translate this phrase in a general way. Alternate translation: “and let there be” 31:44 hw1b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive לְעֵ֖ד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֶֽךָ 1 If your language has a dual pronoun for **us**, you could use it in this verse. Also, if your language distinguishes exclusive and inclusive pronouns, you could use the inclusive form of **us** here. Alternate translation: “a memorial to remind us of our covenant” or “something to remind us to keep that covenant” 31:45 o8yl וַיִּקַּ֥ח יַעֲקֹ֖ב אָ֑בֶן 1 See how you translated **stone** in Gen 28:18. 31:45 szb8 וַיְרִימֶ֖הָ מַצֵּבָֽה 1 See how you translated **pillar** in verse 13 and **set it up as a pillar** in Gen 28:18, 22. Alternate translation: “and stood it up on its end as a monument to mark the place where they made their covenant” or “and set it up as a reminder stone to mark the place as special.” 31:46 d3ho וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֤ב לְאֶחָיו֙ 1 These relatives would have included Jacob’s sons, as well as Laban and his men who had come with him. See how you translated **relatives** in verses 23, 25, 32, 37. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob told his relatives,” 31:46 mwu1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-politeness לִקְט֣וּ אֲבָנִ֔ים 1 Make sure that your translation of Jacob’s request sounds polite here, not rude or demanding, but also not begging. Alternate translation: “Please gather some stones.” 31:46 a540 וַיִּקְח֥וּ אֲבָנִ֖ים וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ גָ֑ל 1 Alternate translation: “So they all brought stones and put them in a large pile” 31:46 wknz וַיֹּ֥אכְלוּ שָׁ֖ם 1 Make sure your translation does not sound like Jacob ate without Laban and his men. Alternate translation: “Then they ate a meal together there” 31:46 jxvp עַל הַגָּֽל 1 Alternate translation: “near the heap of stones.” or “next to the mound of stones.” 31:47 udxa וַיִּקְרָא ל֣וֹ לָבָ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “Laban gave the heap the Aramaic name” 31:47 by6e rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names יְגַ֖ר שָׂהֲדוּתָ֑א 1 If the meaning of **Jegar Sahadutha** and **Galeed** is included in your translation or in a footnote, be sure that it fits with how you translate “heap/pile/mound” in verses 46 and 48, and “witness” in verse 48. 31:47 tl0x וְיַֽעֲקֹ֔ב קָ֥רָא ל֖וֹ גַּלְעֵֽד 1 Alternate translation: “whereas Jacob gave it the Hebrew name Galeed, which has the same meaning.” 31:48 frxp rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לָבָ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “Then Laban said to Jacob” or “Laban said to Jacob,” 31:48 flop הַגַּ֨ל הַזֶּ֥ה עֵ֛ד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינְךָ֖ הַיּ֑וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “This pile of stones is to remind us to keep our peace covenant” or “Starting today, when we see this mound of stones, we will remember our peace covenant” 31:48 is6t עַל כֵּ֥ן 1 Alternate translation: “That is the reason” 31:48 ii9r קָרָֽא שְׁמ֖וֹ גַּלְעֵֽד 1 The phrase **he called its name** is used here in a general way that means “they/people call it”; the pronoun **he** does not refer here to Laban. Make sure that is clear in your language. Alternate translation: “they call it Galeed.” or “that place is called Galeed.” 31:49 f54v וְהַמִּצְפָּה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “It was also named Mizpah,” or “People also call the place, Mizpah,” 31:49 nyx4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָמַ֔ר 1 Make sure that your translation of **he** refers here to Laban. 31:49 c2yk יִ֥צֶף יְהוָ֖ה בֵּינִ֣י וּבֵינֶ֑ךָ 1 Alternate translation: “May Yahweh watch each of us” or “May Yahweh keep watch on us” 31:49 a4ls rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-dualpronoun כִּ֥י נִסָּתֵ֖ר אִ֥ישׁ מֵרֵעֵֽהוּ 1 The pronoun **we** is inclusive here and includes both Laban and Jacob. Some languages have a dual pronoun that fits here well. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to make sure we keep our covenant while we are away from each other.” 31:50 v7k5 אִם תְּעַנֶּ֣ה אֶת בְּנֹתַ֗י 1 See how you translated **afflict** in Gen 15:13 and 16:6, and how you translated a related word (“affliction”) in verse 42. Alternate translation: “If you oppress my daughters,” 31:50 khim וְאִם תִּקַּ֤ח נָשִׁים֙ עַל בְּנֹתַ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “or if you marry other women besides them,” 31:50 lk38 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-dual אֵ֥ין אִ֖ישׁ עִמָּ֑נוּ רְאֵ֕ה 1 See how you translated the pronoun “we” in verse 49. 31:50 yyv9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֱלֹהִ֥ים עֵ֖ד בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֶֽךָ 1 In his role as witness, God would also punish anyone who broke the covenant. You could make this information explicit in your translation or put it in a footnote. Alternate translation: “God always sees us and will punish us if we break our covenant” 31:51 kv6e הִנֵּ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “See” or “Look at” 31:51 ur69 הַגַּ֣ל הַזֶּ֗ה 1 See how you translated **heap** in verses 46 and 48. Alternate translation: “this mound of stones,” 31:51 ybdz וְהִנֵּה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and see” or “and look at” 31:51 nyh6 הַמַצֵּבָ֔ה 1 See how you translated **pillar** in verse 45. Alternate translation: “this memorial stone” 31:51 xaq8 אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָרִ֖יתִי בֵּינִ֥י וּבֵינֶֽךָ 1 Jacob set up the stone as a pillar, but Laban and Jacob, along with their relatives, worked together to make the pile of stones. Alternate translation: “which I helped set up between us to remind us to keep our peace treaty.” or “which we set up between us to remind us about our peace covenant” 31:52 wobp עֵ֚ד הַגַּ֣ל הַזֶּ֔ה וְעֵדָ֖ה הַמַּצֵּבָ֑ה 1 See how you translated **witness** in verses 44 and 48. Alternate translation: “This heap of stones is a reminder and this pillar is also a witness” or “This mound of stones and this memorial both remind us” 31:52 vhku אִם אָ֗נִי לֹֽא אֶֽעֱבֹ֤ר אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ אֶת הַגַּ֣ל הַזֶּ֔ה 1 Laban and Jacob could go to each other’s homes in peace but not to harm each other. Alternate translation: “that I will never go past this heap to harm you,” 31:52 v9lx וְאִם אַ֠תָּה לֹא תַעֲבֹ֨ר אֵלַ֜י אֶת הַגַּ֥ל הַזֶּ֛ה וְאֶת הַמַּצֵּבָ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לְרָעָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “and that you will never go past this pile and this memorial to harm me.” 31:53 cmza אֱלֹהֵ֨י אַבְרָהָ֜ם 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 28:13. Alternate translation: “May the God whom your grandfather Abraham served” 31:53 kg7k וֵֽאלֹהֵ֤י נָחוֹר֙ & אֱלֹהֵ֖י אֲבִיהֶ֑ם 1 Abraham trusted in Yahweh, the one and only true God (Gen 15:6). Terah worshiped other gods (Joshua 24:2), and so did Laban (verses 19, 30), which suggests that Nahor served the same gods that his father Terah served, and then taught his son Laban to do the same thing. In spite of that, many translations still capitalize **God** all three times here in verse 53. Be consistent with how you spelled **Nahor** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 11:22-25, 29; 12:26-27; 22:20, 24, 28; 24:9, 15, 24, 47; 29:5; 31:53. Alternate translation: “and the gods that my grandfather Nahor and his father Terah worshiped” 31:53 tqoy יִשְׁפְּט֣וּ בֵינֵ֔ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “judge between us and punish us if we break our covenant” 31:53 d5h9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-term וַיִּשָּׁבַ֣ע יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Jacob refused to swear by the gods of Nahor and Terah. See how you translated **swore** in Gen 26:31, and compare that to how you translated a related phrase (“vowed a vow”) in 31:13. Alternate translation: “But Jacob swore” or “But Jacob vowed a vow” 31:53 jtf2 בְּפַ֖חַד אָבִ֥יו יִצְחָֽק 1 See how you translated “the Fear of Isaac” in verse 42. Alternate translation: “by the God whom his father Isaac feared that he would keep their treaty,” or “with the Fear of his father Isaac as his witness” 31:54 j4i6 וַיִּזְבַּ֨ח יַעֲקֹ֥ב זֶ֨בַח֙ בָּהָ֔ר 1 Make sure your translation does not sound like Jacob burned the animal while it was still alive. Also see how you translated **sacrificed** in Gen 22:13. Alternate translation: “and he offered an animal sacrifice to God on an altar on a hill.” or “and Jacob burned the body of an animal on an altar as a sacrifice to God on a hill.” 31:54 xzn7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וַיִּקְרָ֥א לְאֶחָ֖יו לֶאֱכָל לָ֑חֶם 1 In the Bible, **bread** is often used as an idiom that refers to food in general. In this context, it was a meal that they shared together. Make sure that is clear in your translation. 31:54 lc58 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיֹּ֣אכְלוּ לֶ֔חֶם וַיָּלִ֖ינוּ בָּהָֽר 1 As in Genesis 26:30, eating together was an important part of the covenant or treaty process, since it shows unity and close relationship, as if they were part of the same family. Some of that information could be included in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Then after they had eaten the meal, they spent the night there on the hill.” 31:55 m83j וַיַּשְׁכֵּ֨ם לָבָ֜ן בַּבֹּ֗קֶר 1 See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 28:18. Alternate translation: “The next morning Laban got up early” 31:55 t8nb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיְנַשֵּׁ֧ק לְבָנָ֛יו וְלִבְנוֹתָ֖יו 1 It was a Hebrew custom for relatives and close friends to greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. Only make this information explicit here if it is necessary to prevent wrong meaning. Alternate translation: “said goodbye to his daughters and grandchildren and kissed them on the cheeks” 31:55 v5ei וַיֵּ֛לֶךְ וַיָּ֥שָׁב לָבָ֖ן לִמְקֹמֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Laban and his men left from there and returned home.” or “Then he left from there with his men and went back home.” 32:1 zb5z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְיַעֲקֹ֖ב הָלַ֣ךְ לְדַרְכּ֑וֹ 1 You can make implied information explicit in your translation if it is necessary to make the meaning accurate and clear. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile Jacob also left from there and continued on his journey home with his family,” 32:1 jfda וַיִּפְגְּעוּ ב֖וֹ מַלְאֲכֵ֥י אֱלֹהִֽים 1 Translate **met** in a way that allows for the fact that no conversation is recorded between the angels and Jacob and that the angels were probably not hostile; for example, they may have been sent by God to escort and protect him. Alternate translation: “and some angels from God encountered him.” 32:2 a5gq rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר רָאָ֔ם 1 Make sure that you refer to Jacob and the angels here in a way that is accurate and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “When Jacob saw the angels, he said in surprise,” 32:2 gvw1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּקְרָ֛א שֵֽׁם הַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא מַֽחֲנָֽיִם 1 If you include the meaning of the name **Mahanaim** in your translation or in a footnote, be sure it matches the way you translated **God’s camp** earlier in the verse so that it is clear why Jacob gave the place that name. Also see how you translated **he called the name of that place** in Gen 28:19. 32:3 egca וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח יַעֲקֹ֤ב מַלְאָכִים֙ לְפָנָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob sent some of his servants ahead of him to deliver a message to his brother Esau” 32:3 t1b9 אַ֥רְצָה שֵׂעִ֖יר 1 Alternate translation: “who was living in the land of Seir,” 32:3 bw1y שְׂדֵ֥ה אֱדֽוֹם 1 Alternate translation: “that is, the land of Edom.” or “which was also called the land of Edom.” 32:4 lz0b rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיְצַ֤ו אֹתָם֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “As they left, he instructed them,” 32:4 i7t8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics כֹּ֣ה תֹאמְר֔וּן לַֽאדֹנִ֖י לְעֵשָׂ֑ו 1 Jacob uses **my lord** and **your servant** in verse 4 and 5 to show his brother Esau great respect. Do this in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I want you to tell Esau whom I highly respect:” 32:4 iepc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes כֹּ֤ה אָמַר֙ עַבְדְּךָ֣ יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Verses 4 and 5 have two levels of embedded quotes. Some languages need to use indirect quotes for one or both of those levels; for example, “Your servant Jacob wants you to know that he has been sojourning/staying with your uncle Laban all this time.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “This is a message from Jacob who wants to serve you:” 32:4 qibe עִם לָבָ֣ן גַּ֔רְתִּי וָאֵחַ֖ר עַד עָֽתָּה 1 Alternate translation: “Since we last saw each other, I have been living with Uncle Laban.” 32:5 noe8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וַֽיְהִי לִי֙ 1 Consider whether it is more natural to use a direct or indirect quote here in your language. Alternate translation: “I now have” or “Also tell him that I own” 32:5 n5iq שׁ֣וֹר וַחֲמ֔וֹר צֹ֖אן 1 See how you translated **donkeys** and **flocks** in Gen 12:16. Alternate translation: “many cattle, donkeys, and flocks of sheep and goats,” 32:5 axuo וְעֶ֣בֶד וְשִׁפְחָ֑ה 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 12:16. Alternate translation: “as well as many men and women slaves” 32:5 ilz0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics וָֽאֶשְׁלְחָה֙ לְהַגִּ֣יד לַֽאדֹנִ֔י 1 If you use indirect quotes in this section, make sure each part fits with the other parts, especially in your choice of pronouns. It is helpful if you read your translation aloud to check for accuracy and naturalness. Alternate translation: “Sir, I sent these messengers to you,” 32:5 fagg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לִמְצֹא חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֶֽיךָ 1 See how you translated the idiom “found favor in your eyes” in Gen 30:27. Alternate translation: “hoping that you will be gracious to me when I arrive.” or “so that when we see each other you will be pleased with me and welcome me.” 32:6 dzpa rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “and said to him,” or “and informed him,” 32:6 d9jd בָּ֤אנוּ אֶל אָחִ֨יךָ֙ אֶל עֵשָׂ֔ו 1 Alternate translation: “We went to your brother Esau and told him your message.” or “We delivered the message to your brother Esau.” 32:6 makp וְגַם֙ הֹלֵ֣ךְ לִקְרָֽאתְךָ֔ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, notice that the word **meet** is neutral in this context and does not imply whether or not Esau had hostile intent against Jacob. Alternate translation: “and he is already headed here to meet you,” 32:6 o1mv וְאַרְבַּע מֵא֥וֹת אִ֖ישׁ עִמּֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and there are also 400 men coming with him!” or “and he has 400 men with him!” 32:7 dzyd וַיִּירָ֧א יַעֲקֹ֛ב מְאֹ֖ד 1 Alternate translation: “When Jacob heard the report, he was terrified” 32:7 y3ez וַיֵּ֣צֶר ל֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and very worried.” 32:7 qaj0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיַּ֜חַץ אֶת הָעָ֣ם אֲשֶׁר אִתּ֗וֹ וְאֶת הַצֹּ֧אן וְאֶת הַבָּקָ֛ר וְהַגְּמַלִּ֖ים לִשְׁנֵ֥י מַחֲנֽוֹת 1 Consider what phrase order for this sentence is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So he divided all the people and animals that were with him into two large camps including his family, his servants and all his flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle and camels.” 32:8 uh0t וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “He was thinking,” 32:8 f2z6 אִם יָב֥וֹא עֵשָׂ֛ו אֶל הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה הָאַחַ֖ת וְהִכָּ֑הוּ 1 Alternate translation: “If Esau and his men come and attack the people in one camp” 32:8 sr41 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo וְהָיָ֛ה הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה הַנִּשְׁאָ֖ר לִפְלֵיטָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “then the people in the other camp can escape.” or “then the other camp might be able to escape.” 32:9 rrh8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמֶר֮ יַעֲקֹב֒ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob prayed,” 32:9 nncu אֱלֹהֵי֙ אָבִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם וֵאלֹהֵ֖י אָבִ֣י יִצְחָ֑ק יְהוָ֞ה 1 Make sure that your translation of this address refers to only one God, not two or three different Gods. Also make sure it is clear that Jacob is talking directly to Yahweh, not talking about him. Alternate translation: “Dear Yahweh, the God whom my grandfather Abraham and my father Isaac worshiped,” 32:9 nl3n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes הָאֹמֵ֣ר אֵלַ֗י שׁ֧וּב לְאַרְצְךָ֛ וּלְמוֹלַדְתְּךָ֖ 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to use a direct or indirect quote here. Also see how you translated **land** and **relatives** in Gen 31:3. Alternate translation: “you told me to go back to my homeland where my relatives live,” 32:9 lbag rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וְאֵיטִ֥יבָה עִמָּֽךְ 1 Make sure your choice of **I** or **you** (for God) and **you** or **me** (for Jacob) in this clause fits with the way you translated the previous part of this quote. Alternate translation: “and that you would make things go well for me.” 32:10 n5k4 קָטֹ֜נְתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “I do not deserve” 32:10 rboa מִכֹּ֤ל הַחֲסָדִים֙ וּמִכָּל הָ֣אֱמֶ֔ת אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשִׂ֖יתָ אֶת עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ 1 Alternate translation: “the way you have always treated me so kindly and faithfully as your servant.” or “how kind and loyal you have always been to me as I have served you.” 32:10 kmdh כִּ֣י בְמַקְלִ֗י עָבַ֨רְתִּי֙ אֶת הַיַּרְדֵּ֣ן הַזֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “I crossed the Jordan River with only my staff,” or “When I first left home and crossed the Jordan River, all that I had was my walking stick,” 32:10 u2f9 וְעַתָּ֥ה הָיִ֖יתִי לִשְׁנֵ֥י מַחֲנֽוֹת 1 Alternate translation: “but now I have so many people in my household and so many possessions that there are two large camps” or “but now my family and belongings are enough to make two large groups.” 32:11 xjcf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy מִיַּ֥ד אָחִ֖י מִיַּ֣ד עֵשָׂ֑ו 1 Alternate translation: “from the power of my brother Esau,” 32:11 g3el כִּֽי יָרֵ֤א אָנֹכִי֙ אֹת֔וֹ פֶּן 1 Alternate translation: “I am very worried that” 32:11 le3k יָב֣וֹא וְהִכַּ֔נִי אֵ֖ם עַל־בָּנִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “he and his men will come and attack me as well as these mothers with their children!” or “he and his men will attack and kill us all, including these mothers with their children!” 32:12 w08q וְאַתָּ֣ה אָמַ֔רְתָּ 1 Alternate translation: “For you told me,” or “But remember that you promised me,” 32:12 ubq7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes הֵיטֵ֥ב אֵיטִ֖יב עִמָּ֑ךְ וְשַׂמְתִּ֤י אֶֽת זַרְעֲךָ֙ כְּח֣וֹל הַיָּ֔ם 1 For some languages it is more natural to use an indirect quote here, especially since Jacob is quoting the one he is talking to. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated “I will cause things to prosper with you” in verse 9 and how you translated **as the sand** in Gen 22:17. Alternate translation: “that you would surely prosper me, and that you would make my descendants as numerous as the grains of sand on the seashore,” 32:12 jpv3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁ֥ר לֹא יִסָּפֵ֖ר מֵרֹֽב 1 Alternate translation: “which cannot be counted because there are so many.” or “which are so many that no one can count them all.” 32:13 mu24 וַיִּקַּ֞ח מִן הַבָּ֧א בְיָד֛וֹ מִנְחָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “and during that time he selected many of his animals as gifts” or “and while he was there he picked out many of the animals he had with him” 32:14 iss7 עִזִּ֣ים מָאתַ֔יִם וּתְיָשִׁ֖ים עֶשְׂרִ֑ים רְחֵלִ֥ים מָאתַ֖יִם וְאֵילִ֥ים עֶשְׂרִֽים 1 Consider what is the most natural way in your language to list these animals, here and in verse 15. See how you translated **she-goats**, **he-goats**, **ewes** and **rams** in Gen 31:10. Alternate translation: “including 200 nanny goats and twenty billy goats, 200 female sheep and twenty male sheep,” or “including 200 nanny goats, twenty billy goats, 200 female sheep, twenty male sheep,” 32:15 u35q גְּמַלִּ֧ים מֵינִיק֛וֹת וּבְנֵיהֶ֖ם שְׁלֹשִׁ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “thirty mother camels with their young” 32:15 z6ix פָּר֤וֹת אַרְבָּעִים֙ וּפָרִ֣ים עֲשָׂרָ֔ה אֲתֹנֹ֣ת עֶשְׂרִ֔ים וַעְיָרִ֖ם עֲשָׂרָֽה 1 See how you translated **female donkeys** and **male donkeys** in Gen 12:16. Alternate translation: “forty cows, ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten male donkeys.” 32:16 gw9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּתֵּן֙ בְּיַד עֲבָדָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “He put his servants in charge of the animals,” 32:16 t090 עֵ֥דֶר עֵ֖דֶר לְבַדּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “with each kind of animal in a separate herd” or “and had them put the different kinds of animals in different groups.” 32:16 qnrm וַ֤יֹּאמֶר אֶל עֲבָדָיו֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then he told his servants,” 32:16 buc6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations עִבְר֣וּ לְפָנַ֔י וְרֶ֣וַח תָּשִׂ֔ימוּ בֵּ֥ין עֵ֖דֶר וּבֵ֥ין עֵֽדֶר 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use a direct or indirect quote here. Alternate translation: “Go ahead of me, one herd at a time, and keep some space between each herd of animals.” or “to go ahead of him, one herd at time, keeping some distance between each herd” 32:17 n87y וַיְצַ֥ו אֶת הָרִאשׁ֖וֹן לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “He also instructed the servant in charge of the first herd of animals,” 32:17 glbd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes לְמִי אַ֨תָּה֙ וְאָ֣נָה תֵלֵ֔ךְ 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to use a direct or indirect quote in verses 17-20a. Alternate translation: “who your master is and where you are going” 32:17 m07z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וּלְמִ֖י אֵ֥לֶּה לְפָנֶֽיךָ 1 Alternate translation: “and asks who owns the animals that you are herding,” 32:18 oh8m וְאָֽמַרְתָּ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “then you must tell him,” or “then you are to answer him,” 32:18 i1mc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics לְעַבְדְּךָ֣ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב מִנְחָ֥ה הִוא֙ שְׁלוּחָ֔ה לַֽאדֹנִ֖י לְעֵשָׂ֑ו 1 Also see how you translated **your servant** and **my lord** in verse 4. 32:18 j8h3 וְהִנֵּ֥ה גַם ה֖וּא אַחֲרֵֽינוּ 1 Notice that the pronoun **us** is exclusive here. 32:19 t364 וַיְצַ֞ו גַּ֣ם 1 See how you translated **commanded** in verse 17. Alternate translation: “In the same way, Jacob instructed” or “Jacob gave the same orders to” 32:19 o5nc אֶת הַשֵּׁנִ֗י גַּ֚ם אֶת הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “the servant in charge of the second herd and the servant in charge of the third group,” or “the servants who were in charge of the second and third herds of animals,” 32:19 ig25 גַּ֚ם אֶת כָּל הַהֹ֣לְכִ֔ים אַחֲרֵ֥י הָעֲדָרִ֖ים לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “as well as all the other servants who were in charge of the other herds” 32:19 b352 כַּדָּבָ֤ר הַזֶּה֙ תְּדַבְּר֣וּן אֶל עֵשָׂ֔ו בְּמֹצַאֲכֶ֖ם אֹתֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “When you meet Esau, you are to tell him the same thing that I told the first servant.” 32:20 ryl0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֕ם גַּ֗ם הִנֵּ֛ה עַבְדְּךָ֥ יַעֲקֹ֖ב אַחֲרֵ֑ינוּ 1 See how you translated **is behind us** in verse 18. 32:20 gglq כִּֽי אָמַ֞ר 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob did all that, because he said” 32:20 s0ro rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֲכַפְּרָ֣ה פָנָ֗יו בַּמִּנְחָה֙ 1 The idiom **cover his face** means to try to calm someone’s anger by doing something to please him. Consider whether your language has a similar idiom you could use here. Alternate translation: “I can pacify Esau by sending” or “Perhaps Esau will stop being angry at me if I send” 32:20 ne75 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בַּמִּנְחָה֙ הַהֹלֶ֣כֶת לְפָנָ֔י 1 For some languages it is more natural to use an indirect quote here and say, “because he thought that if he sent the gifts of animals ahead of himself to Esau, then Esau would stop being angry at him.” Notice that this alternate translation also changes the clause order. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “him this gift of animals ahead of me” or “this gift of animals to him ahead of me” 32:20 vaa1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וְאַחֲרֵי כֵן֙ אֶרְאֶ֣ה פָנָ֔יו אוּלַ֖י יִשָּׂ֥א פָנָֽי 1 Make sure that the way you translate this clause fits with how you translated the previous clauses as either a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “After that, perhaps he will forgive me and welcome me when we see each other face to face.” 32:21 r0gm וַתַּעֲבֹ֥ר הַמִּנְחָ֖ה עַל פָּנָ֑יו 1 See how you translated **gift** in verses 13, 18, 20. Alternate translation: “So the animal gifts for Esau were taken ahead of Jacob by his servants,” 32:21 bq6f וְה֛וּא לָ֥ן בַּלַּֽיְלָה הַה֖וּא בַּֽמַּחֲנֶֽה 1 Alternate translation: “but Jacob and his family stayed behind at the camp that night.” or “but Jacob himself slept for part of the night in the camp.” 32:22 kfyv וַיָּ֣קָם בַּלַּ֣יְלָה ה֗וּא 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that this is the same night that was referred to in verse 21. Also, the phrase **got up** often refers to initiating an action, but here it may also imply that Jacob got up out of bed after sleeping for a while. Alternate translation: “Later that same night Jacob woke up and took” or “Sometime during that night” 32:22 fc8d אֶת שְׁתֵּ֤י נָשָׁיו֙ וְאֶת שְׁתֵּ֣י שִׁפְחֹתָ֔יו וְאֶת אַחַ֥ד עָשָׂ֖ר יְלָדָ֑יו 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to list these people. See what you did for a similar list of people in Gen 7:13. Alternate translation: “his two wives, two concubines and eleven sons” 32:22 b3kt וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “and walked across” 32:22 e2wn אֵ֖ת מַעֲבַ֥ר יַבֹּֽק 1 A ford is a very shallow place in a stream that is fairly easy and safe for people and animals to walk across. The Jabbok Stream was a small river that flowed from east to west into the Jordan River about halfway between the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee. Jacob took his wives and children from the north side of the stream to the south side; his brother was coming towards them from further south. It might be helpful to include a map here in your translation that includes the places named in this chapter and shows where Jacob and Esau were coming from. Alternate translation: “a shallow place on the Jabbok River.” or “a place in the Jabbok Stream that was shallow.” 32:23 xi98 וַיִּקָּחֵ֔ם וַיַּֽעֲבִרֵ֖ם אֶת הַנָּ֑חַל 1 Verse 23 refers back to what already happened in verse 22. Make sure your translation does not sound like Jacob’s wives and children crossed the Jabbok Stream twice in verses 22-23. Alternate translation: “After he had taken them across the river,” or “After he did that,” 32:23 p97f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַֽיַּעֲבֵ֖ר אֶת אֲשֶׁר לוֹ 1 At some point, Jacob went back to the north side of the Jabbok Stream, while his family waited for him on the south side. His belongings included the animals that he had not sent ahead to Esau as well as all his other possessions. Alternate translation: “he went back and had his servants take everything that he owned across the river too.” or “he went back and had his servants take all his livestock and other possessions across the river too.” 32:24 vh2l וַיִּוָּתֵ֥ר יַעֲקֹ֖ב לְבַדּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “After that, Jacob was alone there for a while,” 32:24 fwnb rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics וַיֵּאָבֵ֥ק אִישׁ֙ עִמּ֔וֹ 1 At some point, Jacob realized that this man was Yahweh in the form of a man (verse 30), so translation teams that capitalize references to God will capitalize all the pronouns that refer to him in verses 24-29 and may or may not capitalize “Man” in these verses. See what you did for a similar case when Yahweh appeared as a man to Abraham in Gen 18. Alternate translation: “and then a man came and wrestled with him” 32:24 hyuk עַ֖ד עֲל֥וֹת הַשָּֽׁחַר 1 The word **dawn** refers to the time before sunrise when the sky begins to get light. Alternate translation: “until dawn” or “until daylight started to appear.” 32:25 ddzn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּ֗רְא כִּ֣י לֹ֤א יָכֹל֙ ל֔וֹ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who is being referred to in verses 25-29. Alternate translation: “Then the man realized that he could not defeat him so” or “When the man saw that he was not able to defeat him” 32:25 dhow rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּגַּ֖ע בְּכַף יְרֵכ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “he hit him on his hip,” 32:25 ddyo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַתֵּ֨קַע֙ כַּף־יֶ֣רֶךְ יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use an active or passive clause here. Also consider whether it is more natural in your language to use a noun phrase or a pronoun here to refer to Jacob’s hip joint. Alternate translation: “so that it was put out of place” or “and his hip joint went out of place” 32:25 mc3x בְּהֵֽאָבְק֖וֹ עִמּֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “as he fought with the man.” or “as they fought against each other.” 32:26 ymh4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Then the man said to Jacob,” or “Then the man demanded,” 32:26 c5o9 שַׁלְּחֵ֔נִי 1 Alternate translation: “You must let me go now,” 32:26 y2gk כִּ֥י עָלָ֖ה הַשָּׁ֑חַר 1 See how you translated “the dawn came up” in verse 24. Alternate translation: “because it is dawn” or “because daylight is beginning to come!” 32:26 suau rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “But Jacob said to him,” 32:26 p1he rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions לֹ֣א אֲשַֽׁלֵּחֲךָ֔ כִּ֖י אִם בֵּרַכְתָּֽנִי 1 Alternate translation: “No! First you must bless me, and then I will let you go!” or “I will let you go only if you bless me!” 32:27 as79 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then the man asked him” 32:27 etk9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations מַה שְּׁמֶ֑ךָ 1 Consider whether it is better to use a direct or indirect quote here in your language. Alternate translation: “Tell me your name.” or “what his name was.” 32:27 xvcd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר יַעֲקֹֽב 1 Make sure in your translation that Jacob’s reply sounds respectful. Also consider whether it is better to use a direct or indirect quote here in your language. 32:28 twx4 וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Then the man said to Jacob,” 32:28 uf7y לֹ֤א יַעֲקֹב֙ יֵאָמֵ֥ר עוֹד֙ שִׁמְךָ֔ 1 The wording here is similar to what God said when he changed Abram’s name to Abraham (Gen 17:5) and Sarai’s name to Sarah (17:15). After that, Abraham and Sarah were no longer called by their previous names. In the case of Jacob, he continues to be referred to by both of his names in this chapter (**Jacob** in verses 29-30, 32; **Israel** in verse 32) and throughout the rest of the Bible, including by God (Gen 46:2). It could be that although God was changing Jacob’s primary name to “Israel,” he was still known by his previous name too. You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “You will no longer be named Jacob,” 32:28 qbvn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names כִּ֖י אִם יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 1 If you include the meaning of the name **Israel** in your translation or in a footnote, make sure it fits with how you translate **struggled** in the following clause. 32:28 udk7 כִּֽי שָׂרִ֧יתָ עִם אֱלֹהִ֛ים וְעִם אֲנָשִׁ֖ים 1 The Hebrew word for **struggled** here is more general than the word for “wrestled” in verses 24 and 25. Alternate translation: “because you have struggled against both God and men” 32:28 yhdd וַתּוּכָֽל 1 See how you translated **prevailed** in verse 25 and Gen 30:8. It may be necessary to translate this term in slightly different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “and you have overcome.” 32:29 bkfv rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics וַיִּשְׁאַ֣ל יַעֲקֹ֗ב וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Consider again whether or not you have capitalized references to the man in verses 24-29. See the note about this at verse 24. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob asked him” 32:29 cidm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations הַגִּֽידָה נָּ֣א שְׁמֶ֔ךָ 1 Consider whether it is better to use a direct or indirect quote here in your language. Alternate translation: “What is your name?” or “what his name was.” 32:29 ct8s rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “But the man replied,” 32:29 otq0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֥מָּה זֶּ֖ה תִּשְׁאַ֣ל 1 This rhetorical question probably means that there was no need for Jacob to ask the man what his name was; he should have known without asking. Consider whether or not it is best to use a rhetorical question here in your language. Alternate translation: “You do not need to ask me” 32:29 gbbo לִשְׁמִ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “to tell you my name!” 32:30 fpdv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom רָאִ֤יתִי אֱלֹהִים֙ פָּנִ֣ים אֶל פָּנִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “I saw God in person here,” 32:30 qdf5 וַתִּנָּצֵ֖ל נַפְשִֽׁי 1 Jacob was amazed that he was still alive because, although there were exceptions (Exodus 33:11; Judges 13:22), normally people could not see God face to face and live (Exodus 33:20). You could put that information in a footnote so that readers understand why Jacob was surprised. Alternate translation: “but yet my life was spared by him!” or “but yet he has allowed me to live!” 32:31 s3cw וַיִּֽזְרַֽח ל֣וֹ הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ 1 Alternate translation: “The sun shined on Jacob” or “The sun was rising” 32:31 qtbh rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר עָבַ֖ר אֶת פְּנוּאֵ֑ל 1 Penuel is another name for the place that is called Peniel in verse 30. That information could be put in a footnote. Or you could use the same spelling in both verses to avoid confusion; **Penuel** is the spelling in the rest of the Old Testament. Alternate translation: “as he left Penuel and returned to his family.” 32:31 kp04 וְה֥וּא צֹלֵ֖עַ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “As he walked, he was limping” 32:31 uumw עַל יְרֵכֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “because his hip joint was injured” 32:32 adyk עַ֖ד הַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “even now” or “even in the present” 32:32 bw6k בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל 1 Alternate translation: “the descendants of Israel” or “the Israelites” 32:32 asw5 לֹֽא יֹאכְל֨וּ & אֶת גִּ֣יד הַנָּשֶׁ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “do not eat the tendon” 32:32 hbfm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֲשֶׁר֙ עַל־כַּ֣ף הַיָּרֵ֔ךְ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that this is talking about eating meat from an animal, not about cannibalism. 32:32 isj7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כִּ֤י נָגַע֙ בְּכַף יֶ֣רֶךְ יַעֲקֹ֔ב בְּגִ֖יד הַנָּשֶֽׁה 1 See how you translated the idiom **touched** in verse 25. 33:1 kz1u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּשָּׂ֨א יַעֲקֹ֜ב עֵינָ֗יו וַיַּרְא֙ 1 Make sure your translation of this idiom does not mean that Jacob looked straight up. Rather, he probably looked carefully to the south (the direction that his brother was coming from). Alternate translation: “Then Jacob looked up and saw” or “Then Jacob looked ahead of him and saw” 33:1 ilei וְהִנֵּ֣ה עֵשָׂ֣ו בָּ֔א 1 Esau was still a fair distance away, which gave Jacob time to do everything that he does in verses 1-3. Alternate translation: “that Esau was in the distance coming his way,” 33:1 ozjn וְעִמּ֕וֹ אַרְבַּ֥ע מֵא֖וֹת אִ֑ישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “with 400 men!” or “and that he had 400 men with him!” 33:1 eqom וַיַּ֣חַץ אֶת הַיְלָדִ֗ים עַל לֵאָה֙ וְעַל רָחֵ֔ל וְעַ֖ל שְׁתֵּ֥י הַשְּׁפָחֽוֹת 1 Each of the women had her own children with her (verse 2). See how you translated **divided** in Gen 32:7 and “his two maidservants” in Gen 32:22. Alternate translation: “So he quickly put his children into groups with their own mothers, Leah, Rachel and his two servant wives.” or “So he had his children quickly gather with their own mothers, so that Leah, Rachel and his two concubines were each with her own children.” 33:2 iser וַיָּ֧שֶׂם אֶת הַשְּׁפָח֛וֹת וְאֶת יַלְדֵיהֶ֖ן 1 See how you translated “his two maidservants” in Gen 32:22. Alternate translation: “He put his two servant wives with their children” or “He put the group that had his two servant wives and their children” 33:2 v7cd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure רִֽאשֹׁנָ֑ה 1 For some languages it is more natural to put phrases like **first** and **after them** at the beginning of their clauses and say, “First in line he put his two servant wives and/with their children. Behind them he put Leah and/with her children, and last of all he put Rachel and/with her son Joseph.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “in front of all the others,” 33:2 uagu וְאֶת לֵאָ֤ה וִֽילָדֶ֨יהָ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “then he put Leah and her children” 33:2 gp2r אַחֲרֹנִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “next,” 33:2 lcks וְאֶת רָחֵ֥ל וְאֶת יוֹסֵ֖ף 1 Alternate translation: “and he put Rachel and her son Joseph” 33:2 i5sj אַחֲרֹנִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “behind them all.” or “in the rear.” 33:3 ges4 וְה֖וּא עָבַ֣ר לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob himself walked ahead of them all toward his brother,” or “Then he started going toward his brother ahead of them all,” 33:3 d6w5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּשְׁתַּ֤חוּ אַ֨רְצָה֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פְּעָמִ֔ים עַד גִּשְׁתּ֖וֹ עַד אָחִֽיו 1 See how you translated “bow down” in Gen 27:29. Alternate translation: “and he bowed with his face to the ground seven times to show respect as he went closer to him” or “As he approached Esau, he prostrated himself with his face to the ground seven times to show respect.” 33:4 unbx rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַיָּ֨רָץ עֵשָׂ֤ו לִקְרָאתוֹ֙ וַֽיְחַבְּקֵ֔הוּ 1 This sentence shows a contrast between what Jacob was expecting and what actually happened. 33:4 tp65 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּפֹּ֥ל עַל צַוָּארָ֖ו וַׄיִּׄשָּׁׄקֵ֑ׄהׄוּׄ 1 See how you translated “hugged him … and kissed him on the cheek/cheeks” in Gen 29:13. Make sure that the way you translate **fell on his neck** does not imply that Esau accidentally fell. Rather, this is an idiom that means he embraced Jacob warmly, with much emotion. Alternate translation: “and he threw his arms around his shoulders and kissed him,” or “He held Jacob tightly and kissed him on the cheek” 33:4 nnax rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual וַיִּבְכּֽוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, some languages have a dual pronoun for **they** that could be used here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and they both cried for joy.” or “Both of them cried because they were so happy to see each other again.” 33:5 xxbt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּשָּׂ֣א אֶת עֵינָ֗יו 1 See how you translated the idiom “lifted … eyes” in verse 1 and Gen 31:10. It may be necessary to translate this idiom in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “Then Esau looked up” 33:5 bmzl וַיַּ֤רְא אֶת הַנָּשִׁים֙ וְאֶת הַיְלָדִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “and saw the women and children who were there with Jacob,” 33:5 oav9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “so he asked him” 33:5 isdl מִי אֵ֣לֶּה לָּ֑ךְ 1 Esau wants to know if these people are Jacob’s family members or his servants or someone else; he is not asking what their names are. Alternate translation: “How are these people related to you?” 33:5 y4y7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּאמַ֕ר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who is speaking to whom here. Alternate translation: “He answered him” 33:5 xgtu הַיְלָדִ֕ים 1 Alternate translation: “They are the children and the wives” or “They are my wives and my children” 33:5 mix3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁר חָנַ֥ן אֱלֹהִ֖ים אֶת עַבְדֶּֽךָ 1 Jacob uses the phrase **your servant** to be polite and show respect to Esau; he was not actually Esau’s servant. For some languages it is more natural to put the honorific title first in this sentence and say, “Sir, they are the wives and children whom God has graciously given to me.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “whom God has kindly given to me, your servant.” or “whom God has graciously given to me, sir.” 33:6 c9es וַתִּגַּ֧שְׁןָ הַשְּׁפָח֛וֹת הֵ֥נָּה וְיַלְדֵיהֶ֖ן 1 See how you translated **maidservants** in verses 1-2. Alternate translation: “Then the two maidservants came closer to Esau along with their children,” 33:6 lyhm rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַתִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽיןָ 1 See how you translated **bowed down** in verse 3. Alternate translation: “and they all bowed to the ground in front of him to show respect.” 33:7 m927 וַתִּגַּ֧שׁ גַּם לֵאָ֛ה וִילָדֶ֖יהָ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Leah also came closer to Esau along with her children” or “Next Leah and her children also came closer” 33:7 ptnv וְאַחַ֗ר נִגַּ֥שׁ יוֹסֵ֛ף וְרָחֵ֖ל 1 Alternate translation: “Then last of all, Joseph and his mother Rachel came closer” 33:7 dbwa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-theydual וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֽוּ 1 Some languages have a dual pronoun for **they** that fits here well. See what you did in verse 4. 33:8 yk8g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Then Esau said to Jacob,” 33:8 udu5 מִ֥י לְךָ֛ 1 Alternate translation: “What do you mean by” or “What is the purpose of” 33:8 cte9 כָּל הַמַּחֲנֶ֥ה הַזֶּ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “all those groups of livestock” 33:8 td8k אֲשֶׁ֣ר פָּגָ֑שְׁתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “that I saw on my way here?” or “that came to me on my way here?” 33:8 gyh6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 2 Alternate translation: “Jacob said to him,” 33:8 ag25 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לִמְצֹא חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי 1 See how you translated **my lord** and the idiom “find favor in … eyes” in Gen 32:5. Alternate translation: “I sent them so that you would be gracious to me, sir.” or “They are gifts for you so that you would be pleased with me, sir.” 33:9 b7wn rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר עֵשָׂ֖ו 1 What Esau says is in contrast to what Jacob said, but it may not be necessary to use a conjunction here at all. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Esau said to him,” 33:9 mkk0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure יֶשׁ לִ֣י רָ֑ב אָחִ֕י 1 For some languages it is more natural to put the address **my brother** first in this quote. Some languages also have a special term for “younger brother” that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “My brother, I already own enough livestock” 33:9 hmaj יְהִ֥י לְךָ֖ אֲשֶׁר לָֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Keep what you own for yourself.” or “so keep your livestock for yourself.” 33:10 vlw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֗ב 1 Alternate translation: “But Jacob responded to him,” 33:10 tfke אַל נָא֙ 1 In verses 10 and 11, Jacob speaks urgently to Esau, because in that culture if Esau accepts Jacob’s gift, he is committing himself to treat Jacob as a friend. Alternate translation: “No, I beg you.” 33:10 z182 אִם נָ֨א מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ 1 See how you translated the idiom “find/gain favor in your eyes” in verse 8. Alternate translation: “Rather, if you are pleased with me,” or “Rather, if you want to be gracious to me, then” 33:10 stzb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וְלָקַחְתָּ֥ מִנְחָתִ֖י מִיָּדִ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “please accept from me what I have given you.” 33:10 dnvd כִּ֣י עַל כֵּ֞ן 1 Alternate translation: “The fact is,” 33:10 ogvb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile רָאִ֣יתִי פָנֶ֗יךָ כִּרְאֹ֛ת פְּנֵ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים וַתִּרְצֵֽנִי 1 In Old Testament times it was terrifying for someone to see God in person, because normally people could not see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20). However, God had been gracious to Jacob and allowed him to live (Genesis 32:30). In the same way, it was a terrifying thing for Jacob to see Esau who had 400 men with him, but Esau was gracious to him (33:4). See how you translated a different Hebrew word that means “receive” or “welcome” in Gen 32:20. Alternate translation: “I thought you were still angry at me, so I was afraid of seeing you again in person, just as I would be afraid of meeting God in person, but you forgave me and welcomed me!” 33:11 zfgz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive קַח נָ֤א אֶת בִּרְכָתִי֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֻבָ֣את לָ֔ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “So please accept my gift of livestock that my servants brought to you,” or “So please accept the livestock from me that I sent to you,” 33:11 zhos כִּֽי חַנַּ֥נִי אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “because God has been generous to me,” or “because God has blessed me,” 33:11 toi0 וְכִ֣י יֶשׁ לִי כֹ֑ל 1 Alternate translation: “and he has given me everything that I need.” or “so that I own all that I need” 33:11 dx0h rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּפְצַר בּ֖וֹ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who and what is being referred to at every point in this sentence. Alternate translation: “He kept urging him to accept his gift” or “He kept insisting that he accept the livestock from him” 33:11 fs6g וַיִּקָּֽח 1 Alternate translation: “until finally Esau accepted it” 33:12 j0up וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Then Esau said to Jacob,” 33:12 zjf4 וְאֵלְכָ֖ה לְנֶגְדֶּֽךָ 1 Esau is suggesting that he would accompany or escort Jacob and his family, not that he would go far ahead of them. Alternate translation: “and I will lead you.” 33:13 hxkz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלָ֗יו 1 Alternate translation: “But he replied to him,” 33:13 ci2o אֲדֹנִ֤י יֹדֵ֨עַ֙ כִּֽי 1 See how you translated “my lord” in verse 8. Alternate translation: “Sir, you know that” 33:13 r0zl הַיְלָדִ֣ים רַכִּ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “my children are weak,” 33:13 xg08 וְהַצֹּ֥אן וְהַבָּקָ֖ר עָל֣וֹת עָלָ֑י 1 See how you translated “flocks and herds” in Gen 12:16. Alternate translation: “and some of my sheep and cattle are nursing their young.” 33:13 gbse וּדְפָקוּם֙ י֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד 1 Alternate translation: “If my men drive the livestock too hard in one day,” or “If I force the livestock to go too fast for even one day,” 33:13 c17q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole וָמֵ֖תוּ כָּל הַצֹּֽאן 1 This phrase especially refers to the sheep and cattle that were nursing, but Jacob is probably using hyperbole here (**all**) to emphasize that he does not want to travel too fast. Alternate translation: “then all the flocks and herds will die.” or “then all of them will die.” 33:14 g9ie rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics יַעֲבָר נָ֥א אֲדֹנִ֖י לִפְנֵ֣י עַבְדּ֑וֹ 1 See how you translated Jacob’s use of **my lord** (in verse 8) and **servant** (in verse 5) to show respect and deference to Esau. Here he uses both terms for emphasis. 33:14 qgdi וַאֲנִ֞י אֶֽתְנָהֲלָ֣ה לְאִטִּ֗י לְרֶ֨גֶל הַמְּלָאכָ֤ה אֲשֶׁר לְפָנַי֙ וּלְרֶ֣גֶל הַיְלָדִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “Then I will travel along slowly at a speed that is good for the livestock and children that are with me,” 33:14 lafk עַ֛ד אֲשֶׁר אָבֹ֥א אֶל אֲדֹנִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “until we reach you, sir,” or “We will catch up to you later, sir,” 33:14 tb57 שֵׂעִֽירָה 1 See how you translated “the land of Seir” in Gen 32:3. The land of Seir was a mountainous region southeast of the land of Canaan (and the Dead Sea) and was where Esau had settled. It was also called “Edom” (Gen 32:3), which was Esau’s nickname (Gen 25:30). You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “in the land of Seir.” 33:15 twql וַיֹּ֣אמֶר עֵשָׂ֔ו 1 Alternate translation: “Then Esau said to Jacob” 33:15 ku53 אַצִּֽיגָה נָּ֣א עִמְּךָ֔ מִן הָעָ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִתִּ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “Okay, then please let me leave you some of my men to escort you.” or “Okay, then may I leave some of my men with you to escort you?” 33:15 phvo rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Make sure the way you translate this quote margin fits with how you translate the previous and following sentences. Alternate translation: “Jacob said to him,” or “Jacob answered him,” 33:15 a29j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֣מָּה זֶּ֔ה 1 Jacob uses a rhetorical question here to emphasize that there is no need for Esau to leave any of his men with him. For some languages it is clearer and more natural to use a statement here instead. Do what is best in your language. 33:15 evmh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics אֶמְצָא חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי 1 Consider again how you translated **my lord** in verses 8,13-15. For some languages it is more natural to put this address earlier in this quote. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated the idiom **find favor in the eyes of** in verse 8. Alternate translation: “Just please continue to be gracious to me, sir.” or “Sir, please just continue to treat me kindly.” 33:16 r6yz וַיָּשָׁב֩ בַּיּ֨וֹם הַה֥וּא עֵשָׂ֛ו לְדַרְכּ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “So that very day Esau and his men started on their way back” or “So that very day Esau and his men left and headed back” 33:16 c592 שֵׂעִֽירָה 1 See how you translated **Seir** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “home to the region of Seir.” 33:17 moff rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְיַעֲקֹב֙ נָסַ֣ע סֻכֹּ֔תָה 1 Jacob went northwest to Succoth, instead of going south to the region of Seir as he had said he would do (verse 14). Also see how you translated “travel” in verse 12. Alternate translation: “But Jacob went to the town of Succoth instead,” or “Meanwhile, instead of going to Seir, Jacob and his family went to the town of Succoth,” 33:17 moyc וַיִּ֥בֶן ל֖וֹ בָּ֑יִת 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “There he and his servants built a house for himself and his family” or “where he and his men built a house for his family” 33:17 kw1x וּלְמִקְנֵ֨הוּ֙ עָשָׂ֣ה סֻכֹּ֔ת 1 The term **livestock** is general here and includes all of Jacob’s animals. Alternate translation: “and they also built some shelters for his livestock” or “and shelters for his animals.” 33:17 oyhe עַל כֵּ֛ן 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 32:32. Alternate translation: “Because of that,” 33:17 tv48 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names קָרָ֥א שֵׁם הַמָּק֖וֹם סֻכּֽוֹת 1 The phrase “he/they called” could refer to Jacob, or it could refer to people in general (as it often does in Genesis). If you include the meaning of the name Succoth in your translation or in a footnote, make sure it matches the way you translate **shelters** earlier in this verse. 33:18 uqlg וַיָּבֹא֩ יַעֲקֹ֨ב שָׁלֵ֜ם עִ֣יר שְׁכֶ֗ם אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן בְּבֹא֖וֹ מִפַּדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם 1 Jacob and his family had left Paddan Aram and had been traveling back to the land of his ancestors in Canaan (Gen 31:3, 13, 18). See how you translated **in peace** in Gen 28:21. Alternate translation: “Later Jacob and his family arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan, as he continued traveling home from the region of Paddan Aram,” or “After that, Jacob and his family continued their journey home from the region of Paddan Aram, until eventually they arrived safely at the city of Shechem in the land of Canaan,” 33:18 q3jx וַיִּ֖חַן 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated **camped** in Gen 26:17. Alternate translation: “and he set up camp in a field” or “Then he set up his tents in a field” 33:18 a1lz אֶת פְּנֵ֥י הָעִֽיר 1 Alternate translation: “near the city.” or “on the edge of the city.” 33:19 dg43 וַיִּ֜קֶן אֶת חֶלְקַ֣ת הַשָּׂדֶ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then he bought the plot of land” 33:19 gedk אֲשֶׁ֤ר נָֽטָה־שָׁם֙ אָהֳל֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “where they had set up their camp” or “where he were camping” 33:19 esul rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown מִיַּ֥ד בְּנֵֽי חֲמ֖וֹר אֲבִ֣י שְׁכֶ֑ם בְּמֵאָ֖ה קְשִׂיטָֽה 1 The weight and value of a hundred kesitahs of silver is not known. Some ancient translations (including the LXX and Latin Vulgate) have “a hundred lambs” here, but most modern translations have “a hundred pieces of silver/money”. Alternate translation: “for one hundred pieces of money from the sons of Hamor who was the father of Shechem.” 33:20 lob7 וַיַּצֶּב שָׁ֖ם מִזְבֵּ֑חַ 1 See how you translated **altar** in Gen 26:25. Alternate translation: “On that land Jacob also built a stone altar,” or “Jacob also made an altar out of stones on that land,” 33:20 e6k2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּ֨קְרָא ל֔וֹ אֵ֖ל אֱלֹהֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 The name **El Elohe Israel** could also mean “Powerful/Mighty is the God of Israel,” because the Hebrew word “el” can mean “God” or “powerful.” You could put that information in a footnote. 34:1 xwzi rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַתֵּצֵ֤א דִינָה֙ בַּת־לֵאָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָלְדָ֖ה לְיַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 These events took place at an unspecified time after Jacob and his family set up their camp beside the city of Shechem (Gen 33:18). Consider what is the best way to introduce a new event in your language. Also be consistent here with how you spelled **Dinah** in Gen 30:21. Alternate translation: “Now one day Dinah, who was the daughter whom Leah had for Jacob, went out” or “One day, Dinah, who was the daughter of Jacob and Leah, went to the city” 34:1 da5z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לִרְא֖וֹת 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. The verb **to see** could mean: (1) “to visit with”; many languages have a similar idiom. (2) “to see/observe” the local women, for example, how they dressed and what jewelry they wore. 34:1 xo8b בִּבְנ֥וֹת הָאָֽרֶץ 1 See how you translated **daughters of the land** in Gen 27:46, and how you translated a similar phrase (“people of the land”) in Gen 23:7, 12. Alternate translation: “some of the women who were native to that area” or “some of the native women.” 34:2 kd4e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיַּ֨רְא & שְׁכֶ֧ם בֶּן חֲמ֛וֹר הַֽחִוִּ֖י נְשִׂ֣יא הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Consider which order of phrases is best here in your language. Also see how you translated “Hivites” in Gen 10:17 and **ruler** in Gen 25:16. Alternate translation: “Then Shechem, who was the son of the Hivite named Hamor who ruled that region, saw” or “Now the ruler of that region was a Hivite named Hamor. His son Shechem saw” 34:2 ht9l אֹתָ֜הּ & וַיִּקַּ֥ח אֹתָ֛הּ 1 Alternate translation: “Dinah, and he grabbed hold of her” or “how beautiful Dinah was, so he took hold of her” 34:2 ptfl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיִּשְׁכַּ֥ב אֹתָ֖הּ וַיְעַנֶּֽהָ 1 This is a euphemistic way of saying that Shechem forced Dinah to have sex with him. Translate this in a way that will not offend or embarrass people, especially when hearing your translation read aloud. Alternate translation: “and forced her to go to bed with him.” 34:3 l9qg וַתִּדְבַּ֣ק נַפְשׁ֔וֹ בְּדִינָ֖ה בַּֽת יַעֲקֹ֑ב וַיֶּֽאֱהַב֙ 1 Alternate translation: “He admired her so much that he fell in love with her” 34:3 nd16 וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר עַל לֵ֥ב הַֽנַּעֲרָֽ 1 See how you translated **young woman** in Gen 24:14, and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “and spoke tenderly to her to try to persuade her.” or “and tried to win her heart by speaking kindly to her.” 34:4 q2v0 וַיֹּ֣אמֶר שְׁכֶ֔ם אֶל חֲמ֥וֹר אָבִ֖יו לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “Then Shechem went to his father Hamor and requested” 34:4 u0r8 קַֽח לִ֛י אֶת הַיַּלְדָּ֥ה הַזֹּ֖את לְאִשָּֽׁה 1 At that time it was normal for parents to negotiate with another family to get a spouse for their child. The negotiations would include a bride-price and other details. You could put some of that information in a footnote. The term **girl** that Shechem uses here is less respectful than the term “young woman” that is used in verses 3 and 12. 34:5 ern7 וְיַעֲקֹ֣ב שָׁמַ֗ע כִּ֤י 1 Alternate translation: “When Jacob was told by someone that” 34:5 iqjy טִמֵּא֙ אֶת דִּינָ֣ה בִתּ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Shechem had disgraced his daughter Dinah,” or “his daughter Dinah had been disgraced by Shechem,” 34:5 ikpl וּבָנָ֛יו הָי֥וּ אֶת מִקְנֵ֖הוּ בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “his sons were still tending his livestock out in the fields,” or “his sons were still out in the fields taking care of his livestock” 34:5 b462 וְהֶחֱרִ֥שׁ יַעֲקֹ֖ב 1 Make sure your translation of this phrase does not mean that Jacob was totally silent. Rather, it means he did not speak about what Shechem had done to Dinah. 34:5 vahs עַד בֹּאָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “until they came back home.” 34:6 huzm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּצֵ֛א חֲמ֥וֹר אֲבִֽי שְׁכֶ֖ם 1 For some languages it is more natural to introduce Shechem here, rather than wait and have him appear too suddenly in verse 11. Do what is best in your language. 34:6 fxey אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֑ב לְדַבֵּ֖ר אִתּֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “to talk with Jacob.” 34:7 ydmu כְּשָׁמְעָ֔ם 1 Many translations put “when they heard” with the previous sentence. However, unless someone else told Jacob’s sons the news of what happened, that interpretation contradicts verse 5, which says that Jacob kept quiet about it until his sons got home. Alternate translation: “When they heard that Shechem had raped their sister,” 34:7 cnrm וַיִּֽתְעַצְּבוּ֙ הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֔ים 1 See how you translated **grieved** in Gen 6:6. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “they were very shocked” 34:7 m7g2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּ֥חַר לָהֶ֖ם מְאֹ֑ד 1 See how you translated the idiom “it/anger burned within …” in Gen 32:36. Alternate translation: “and filled with anger,” 34:7 csph כִּֽי נְבָלָ֞ה עָשָׂ֣ה בְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל 1 Notice in this verse that the Hebrew text has both of Jacob’s names, **Jacob** and “Israel,” to emphasize that Shechem had sinned against Jacob and all of his descendants (the people of Israel). You could put that information in a footnote. Make sure that your translation of **Israel** does not refer here to a place, since Israel was not yet a country or a territory. Alternate translation: “that Shechem had disgraced the family of Israel” 34:7 wf5f וְכֵ֖ן לֹ֥א יֵעָשֶֽׂה 1 Alternate translation: “Such a wicked thing should never be done by anyone!” or “No one should ever do such a wicked crime!” 34:8 omfw וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר חֲמ֖וֹר אִתָּ֣ם לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “But Hamor pleaded with Jacob and his sons and said,” or “But Hamor begged Jacob and his sons,” 34:8 ma3r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular בְּבִתְּכֶ֔ם 1 The pronoun **your** is plural here, which shows that Hamor is addressing not only Jacob but also his sons. Alternate translation: “My son Shechem has fallen completely in love with your daughter and sister.” 34:8 sx6u תְּנ֨וּ נָ֥א אֹתָ֛הּ ל֖וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה 1 The way **give** and “take” are used in verses 8, 9, 12, 16 and 21 reflects the culture at that time, when parents or families arranged marriages for their daughters. Also see the note about this at verse 4. Alternate translation: “So please permit him to marry her.” 34:9 fum0 בְּנֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ תִּתְּנוּ לָ֔נוּ וְאֶת בְּנֹתֵ֖ינוּ תִּקְח֥וּ לָכֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “so that your daughters will marry our young men and your young men will marry our daughters.” or “so that you allow our young men to marry your daughters and we allow your young men to marry our daughters.” 34:10 rrpa וְאִתָּ֖נוּ תֵּשֵׁ֑בוּ 1 Alternate translation: “You can also live among us.” or “We also invite you to live among us.” 34:10 x3fi וְהָאָ֨רֶץ֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם שְׁבוּ֙ וּסְחָר֔וּהָ 1 Normally foreigners were not allowed to own land or to move around in the land to trade freely. So that is why Hamor is offering this in exchange for Jacob allowing his family to intermarry with the Hivites. Alternate translation: “The land is available for you to choose what you want; settle in it wherever you want. You can also trade freely here,” or “You can settle wherever you want in the land. You can also do business buying and selling things wherever you want,” 34:10 b00z וְהֵֽאָחֲז֖וּ בָּֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “and you can buy your own property” 34:11 i9w3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אֶמְצָא חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינֵיכֶ֑ם 1 See how you translated the idiom “Let me find favor in the eyes of …” in Gen 33:15. Alternate translation: “Please be gracious to me and let me marry Dinah,” 34:11 mqgb וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר תֹּאמְר֛וּ אֵלַ֖י אֶתֵּֽן 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then I will give you whatever you ask from me for her.” 34:12 l9mr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown הַרְבּ֨וּ עָלַ֤י מְאֹד֙ מֹ֣הַר וּמַתָּ֔ן 1 The **dowry** was the payment that a groom (and his family) had to give to the bride’s family. It could include things like money, land, and livestock. The term **gift** probably refers to additional gifts given to the bride and her family members (as in Gen 24:53). If the custom of paying a dowry is not known in your culture, you could include an explanation in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Set the dowry and wedding gifts that I must pay to marry her as high as you want,” 34:12 zoy5 וְאֶ֨תְּנָ֔ה כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר תֹּאמְר֖וּ אֵלָ֑י 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 11. Alternate translation: “and I will give you whatever you ask from me.” 34:12 hr5l וּתְנוּ לִ֥י אֶת הַֽנַּעֲרָ֖ לְאִשָּֽׁה 1 See how you translated **young woman** in verse 3. Alternate translation: “Only please let me marry the young woman.” 34:13 vyae rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁ֣ר טִמֵּ֔א אֵ֖ת דִּינָ֥ה אֲחֹתָֽם 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “But because/since Shechem had defiled/dishonored their sister Dinah, the sons of Jacob deceived/tricked Shechem and his father Hamor 14 by saying to them,” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because he had disgraced their sister Dinah.” or “because he had done a shameful thing to their sister Dinah.” 34:14 qc19 וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֲלֵיהֶ֗ם 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the sentence that started in verse 13. Alternate translation: “and said to them,” 34:14 fyu7 לֹ֤א נוּכַל֙ לַעֲשׂוֹת֙ הַדָּבָ֣ר הַזֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “We are not able to do such a thing as” or “It would be not be right for us” 34:14 va2y rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism לָתֵת֙ אֶת אֲחֹתֵ֔נוּ לְאִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁר ל֣וֹ עָרְלָ֑ה 1 Translate **who has a foreskin** in a way that will not offend or embarrass people, especially when hearing your translation read aloud. Alternate translation: “to let our sister marry a man like you who has not had his foreskin removed,” or “to allow a man like you who is not circumcised to marry our sister,” 34:14 guat כִּֽי חֶרְפָּ֥ה הִ֖וא לָֽנוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “because that would humiliate our family!” or “That would cause great shame to our family!” 34:15 xfgc אַךְ בְּזֹ֖את נֵא֣וֹת לָכֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “The only way that we will agree with your proposal is” or “We will do what you ask only if you do this one thing:” 34:15 u2iz אִ֚ם תִּהְי֣וּ כָמֹ֔נוּ 1 Alternate translation: “You and your people must first become like us” 34:15 w4wh rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms לְהִמֹּ֥ל לָכֶ֖ם כָּל זָכָֽר 1 See how you translated **circumcised** in Gen 17:10. Alternate translation: “by circumcising all your males.” 34:16 i0ty rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive וְנָתַ֤נּוּ אֶת בְּנֹתֵ֨ינוּ֙ לָכֶ֔ם וְאֶת בְּנֹתֵיכֶ֖ם נִֽקַּֽח לָ֑נוּ 1 The pronouns “we,” “our,” and **us** are exclusive in verses 14-17 except for the last **we** in verse 16. Also see how you translated “give … daughters … take … daughters …” in verse 9. Alternate translation: “Then we will let our daughters marry your young men, and our young men will marry your daughters.” or “After you do that, then we will allow your young men to marry our daughters, and we will allow your daughters to marry our young men.” 34:16 v17p וְיָשַׁ֣בְנוּ אִתְּכֶ֔ם 1 See how you translated **settle with** in verse 10. Alternate translation: “We will also settle among you in this land,” 34:16 ijuu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive וְהָיִ֖ינוּ לְעַ֥ם אֶחָֽד 1 Here the **we** is inclusive because Jacob’s sons are including Shechem and Hamor’s people. If you have an inclusive form of this pronoun in your language, you could use it here. Alternate translation: “and as a result we will all be one ethnic group.” 34:17 p6xy וְאִם לֹ֧א תִשְׁמְע֛וּ אֵלֵ֖ינוּ לְהִמּ֑וֹל 1 Alternate translation: “But if you refuse to agree with our requirement that you circumcise your males,” or “But if you do not circumcise your males as we say,” 34:17 o476 וְלָקַ֥חְנוּ אֶת בִּתֵּ֖נוּ וְהָלָֽכְנוּ 1 The phrase **our daughter** reflects the fact that Jacob’s sons are using their father’s perspective and authority here. If that is confusing, you could say “our sister” instead. See how you translated “our family’s daughter” in verse 8. Alternate translation: “then we will leave and take our sister with us.” 34:18 jvuw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּֽיטְב֥וּ דִבְרֵיהֶ֖ם בְּעֵינֵ֣י חֲמ֑וֹר וּבְעֵינֵ֖י שְׁכֶ֥ם בֶּן חֲמֽוֹר 1 See how you translated the idiom “good in … eyes” in Gen 19:8. It may need to be translated in different ways, depending on the context. 34:19 hx5y וְלֹֽא אֵחַ֤ר הַנַּ֨עַר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “So Shechem immediately started” or “So right away Shechem took action” 34:19 xq4h לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת הַדָּבָ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “to do what they proposed,” or “to do their requirement,” 34:19 p3wu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְה֣וּא נִכְבָּ֔ד מִכֹּ֖ל בֵּ֥ית אָבִֽיו 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause earlier in this sentence and say, “So right away Shechem, who was the most respected member in his father’s household/family, started to do what they required, because he was thrilled with Jacob’s daughter.” Do what is best in your language. 34:20 cgfe וַֽיְדַבְּר֛וּ אֶל אַנְשֵׁ֥י עִירָ֖ם לֵאמֹֽר 1 In that culture the leaders of a city held their meetings at the main city gates (as in Gen 23:3). Cities were surrounded by walls (that had gates) for protection. You could put some of that information in a footnote so that people understand what was happening. Alternate translation: “and they spoke to the city elders who had gathered there. They said,” or “and they told the leaders of their city about Jacob and his sons,” 34:21 mxq8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive הָאֲנָשִׁ֨ים הָאֵ֜לֶּה שְֽׁלֵמִ֧ים הֵ֣ם אִתָּ֗נוּ 1 Here **us** includes Hamor, Shechem and the men they are talking to. Alternate translation: “Jacob and his family are at peace with us,” 34:21 abis וְיֵשְׁב֤וּ בָאָ֨רֶץ֙ 1 See how you translated **settle** in verse 10. Alternate translation: “so we should let them live in our land” 34:21 r5i3 וְיִסְחֲר֣וּ אֹתָ֔הּ 1 See how you translated **trade in it** in verse 10. Alternate translation: “and let them buy and sell things wherever they want.” 34:21 eq9e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְהָאָ֛רֶץ הִנֵּ֥ה רַֽחֲבַת יָדַ֖יִם לִפְנֵיהֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Look, there is enough land to support them and us.” or “After all, there is more than enough room in this land for them too.” 34:21 p1ah אֶת בְּנֹתָם֙ נִקַּֽח לָ֣נוּ לְנָשִׁ֔ים וְאֶת בְּנֹתֵ֖ינוּ נִתֵּ֥ן לָהֶֽם 1 See how you translated similar clauses in verses 9 and 16. It may be necessary to translate these in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “That way too, we can choose their daughters to be our wives, and we can let their young men marry our daughters.” 34:22 hf95 אַךְ בְּ֠זֹאת יֵאֹ֨תוּ לָ֤נוּ הָאֲנָשִׁים֙ לָשֶׁ֣בֶת אִתָּ֔נוּ 1 See how you began verse 15, which is very similar to verse 22. Alternate translation: “There is just one requirement: They will only agree to settle among us” or “But they will only consent to live among us” 34:22 r3ez לִהְי֖וֹת לְעַ֣ם אֶחָ֑ד 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 16. 34:22 yesq בְּהִמּ֥וֹל לָ֨נוּ֙ כָּל זָכָ֔ר 1 See how you translated “every male among … circumcised” in verse 15. Alternate translation: “if all our males are circumcised” 34:22 kv8j כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר הֵ֥ם נִמֹּלִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “as their males are.” 34:23 w2up מִקְנֵהֶ֤ם וְקִנְיָנָם֙ וְכָל בְּהֶמְתָּ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then all their livestock and animals, and all their other property” or “But if we do that, all their possessions, including their livestock and all their other animals” 34:23 bstj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲל֥וֹא לָ֖נוּ הֵ֑ם 1 This rhetorical question emphasizes that all of Jacob’s livestock and property will belong to the people of Shechem. If a rhetorical question does not fit here in your language, you could make this a statement. Alternate translation: “will be ours!” 34:23 cpgv אַ֚ךְ נֵא֣וֹתָה לָהֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “So we should just do what they propose” 34:23 bcto וְיֵשְׁב֖וּ אִתָּֽנוּ 1 See how you translated **settle with us** in verses 10 and 22. Alternate translation: “so that they will settle among us!” 34:24 kgkn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ & כָּל יֹצְאֵ֖י שַׁ֣עַר עִיר֑וֹ 1 Make sure that your translation of this idiom refers here to the same men who had gathered at the city gates in verse 20. Alternate translation: “All the men who were elders of the city” or “All the men who were there at the city gate” 34:24 qqoa וַיִּשְׁמְע֤וּ אֶל חֲמוֹר֙ וְאֶל שְׁכֶ֣ם בְּנ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “agreed to do what Hamor and his son Shechem said,” 34:24 l5xq וַיִּמֹּ֨לוּ֙ כָּל זָכָ֔ר כָּל יֹצְאֵ֖י שַׁ֥עַר עִירֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “so all of them and all the other males in the city were circumcised.” 34:25 xbss וַיְהִי֩ בַיּ֨וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֜י 1 Alternate translation: “On the third day after that,” 34:25 x8wa בִּֽהְיוֹתָ֣ם כֹּֽאֲבִ֗ים 1 Alternate translation: “when it was still painful for the men of the city to move” 34:25 abi8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וַיִּקְח֣וּ שְׁנֵֽי בְנֵי יַ֠עֲקֹב שִׁמְע֨וֹן וְלֵוִ֜י אֲחֵ֤י דִינָה֙ אִ֣ישׁ 1 These brothers had the same father and mother as Dinah. Some languages have a special term for this. Do what is best in your language. 34:25 nk02 חַרְבּ֔וֹ וַיָּבֹ֥אוּ עַל הָעִ֖יר בֶּ֑טַח 1 See how you translated **sword** in Gen 27:40. Alternate translation: “their swords and attacked the city, with no one resisting them.” 34:25 g5z3 וַיַּֽהַרְג֖וּ כָּל זָכָֽר 1 The children who were males were probably not killed, since later (verse 29) it says that all the children were captured. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here that continues into verse 26. Alternate translation: “They killed all the males there” 34:26 hiyf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual וְאֶת חֲמוֹר֙ וְאֶת שְׁכֶ֣ם בְּנ֔וֹ הָרְג֖וּ לְפִי חָ֑רֶב 1 Some languages have dual pronouns for **they** and “you” that can be used in verses 25-26 and 30-31 to refer to Simeon and Levi. Do what is best in your language. 34:26 wgh0 וַיֵּצֵֽאוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and returned home.” 34:27 cym6 בְּנֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֗ב בָּ֚אוּ עַל הַ֣חֲלָלִ֔ים וַיָּבֹ֖זּוּ הָעִ֑יר 1 All of Jacob’s sons probably joined Simeon and Levi in plundering the city, after those two had killed all the men there (verse 25). 34:27 iggu אֲשֶׁ֥ר טִמְּא֖וּ אֲחוֹתָֽם 1 See how you translated **defiled** in verses 5 and 13. Even though Shechem was the one who actually defiled Dinah (verses 2, 5, 7, 13), Jacob’s sons held everyone in the city responsible for the crime that their ruler’s son had committed (verses 25-29). If that is not clear, you could put that information in a footnote. Make sure that your translation of **they** does not refer to Jacob’s sons. Alternate translation: “They did that because that was where Shechem had disgraced their sister.” or “to get revenge for the shameful thing that had been done to their sister there.” 34:28 u9bb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֶת צֹאנָ֥ם וְאֶת בְּקָרָ֖ם וְאֶת חֲמֹרֵיהֶּ֑ם וְאֵ֧ת אֲשֶׁר בָּעִ֛יר וְאֶת אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּשָּׂדֶ֖ה לָקָֽחוּ 1 See how you translated **donkeys** in Gen 32:15. 34:29 ulo0 וְאֶת כָּל חֵילָ֤ם וְאֶת כָּל טַפָּם֙ וְאֶת נְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם שָׁב֖וּ וַיָּבֹ֑זּוּ וְאֵ֖ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֥ר בַּבָּֽיִת 1 See how you translated **plundered** in verse 27. Alternate translation: “They carried away all the valuable things the people of Shechem had owned, including everything that was in their houses. They also captured all their women and children.” or “They took away everything that was valuable and also captured all the children and women. They seized and took away everything that was in the houses.” 34:30 orqa וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶל־שִׁמְע֣וֹן וְאֶל־לֵוִי֮ 1 Alternate translation: “Later when they came home, Jacob scolded Simeon and Levi by saying,” 34:30 cqxl עֲכַרְתֶּ֣ם אֹתִי֒ 1 Alternate translation: “You have caused me serious problems” or “You have put me in great danger” 34:30 wstm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְהַבְאִישֵׁ֨נִי֙ בְּיֹשֵׁ֣ב הָאָ֔רֶץ בַּֽכְּנַעֲנִ֖י וּבַפְּרִזִּ֑י 1 The idiom **making me stink** means Jacob’s sons had caused him to have a very bad reputation, so that people would hate him and his family. Some languages have a similar idiom that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **the Canaanites** and **the Perizzites** in Gen 13:7; 15:20-21. There were other people groups also living in the land, but these two groups are the ones being emphasized here. Alternate translation: “by causing the people who live in this land to despise us, including the Canaanites and Perizzites!” or “by causing the Canaanites and Perizzites who live in this land to hate me” 34:30 sth0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וַאֲנִי֙ מְתֵ֣י מִסְפָּ֔ר 1 The words “I,” “me,” and **my** refer in this verse to all of Jacob’s family; he uses these pronouns because he is the leader of his family. Alternate translation: “We only have a few men to defend us,” 34:30 wg65 וְנֶאֶסְפ֤וּ עָלַי֙ וְהִכּ֔וּנִי 1 Make sure your use of the pronouns **me** or “us” fits with the way you translate the rest of this sentence. Alternate translation: “so if they all join forces against me and attack me” 34:30 qov1 וְנִשְׁמַדְתִּ֖י אֲנִ֥י וּבֵיתִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “then I and my family will be killed!” or “they will kill us and the rest of my household!” 34:31 unw5 וַיֹּאמְר֑וּ 1 Alternate translation: “But Simeon and Levi replied angrily,” 34:31 rcxi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הַכְזוֹנָ֕ה יַעֲשֶׂ֖ה אֶת אֲחוֹתֵֽנוּ 1 This rhetorical question shows Simeon and Levi’s anger and emphasizes that Shechem was wrong to do what he did and implies that he (and his city) deserved justice. Some languages have an idiom for this. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “He should not have treated our sister as a prostitute” 35:1 b2k5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Translate this quote margin in a way that is natural in your language and that fits with what God says. Alternate translation: “Then God told Jacob,” 35:1 divn ק֛וּם 1 Alternate translation: “Get packed” 35:1 j11q עֲלֵ֥ה בֵֽית אֵ֖ל וְשֶׁב שָׁ֑ם 1 The verb **go up** reflects the fact that the town of Bethel is higher in elevation than the city of Shechem; it does not refer to the direction they were going, which was south. Many translations leave **up** implied (to prevent confusion). Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and travel to the town of Bethel and live there.” 35:1 a8t3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַעֲשֵׂה שָׁ֣ם מִזְבֵּ֔חַ 1 See how you translated **altar** in Gen 33:20. 35:1 auxm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לָאֵל֙ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that God is referring to himself as he speaks here to Jacob. Alternate translation: “to me as the God” or “to me, the God” 35:1 b1zx הַנִּרְאֶ֣ה אֵלֶ֔יךָ 1 See how you translated **appeared** in Gen 26:2, 24. Alternate translation: “who came to you there” or “who introduced myself to you there” 35:1 valf בְּבָרְחֲךָ֔ 1 See how you translated “flee” in Gen 31:20-21, 27. 35:1 w50x מִפְּנֵ֖י עֵשָׂ֥ו אָחִֽיךָ 1 Alternate translation: “from the anger of your brother Esau.” 35:2 k4x7 וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל בֵּית֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “So Jacob told the members of his family” 35:2 uugi וְאֶ֖ל כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר עִמּ֑וֹ 1 This included Jacob’s servants and the people (women and children) whom his sons had just captured from the city of Shechem (Gen 34:29). You could put some of that information in a footnote. 35:2 ftw0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms הָסִ֜רוּ אֶת אֱלֹהֵ֤י הַנֵּכָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּתֹכְכֶ֔ם 1 See how you translated “idols” and **gods** in Gen 31:19, 30, 32. Alternate translation: “Get rid of the idols you have that pagan ethnic groups worship.” or “Give up the idols that you have from foreigners” 35:2 ajs7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וְהִֽטַּהֲר֔וּ 1 They were to make themselves physically clean as a sign that they were preparing themselves mentally and spiritually to worship God (as their only God) at Bethel, which was a holy place where God had met with Jacob before. Some languages may have a special word for **purify** that communicates this. Do what is best in your language. Also consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and cleanse yourselves” 35:2 fg8j וְהַחֲלִ֖יפוּ שִׂמְלֹתֵיכֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “and get on clean clothes.” 35:3 nuyn וְנָק֥וּמָה 1 See how you translated **get up** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “Then we must pack up our things” or “Then we must leave here” 35:3 yauk וְנַעֲלֶ֖ה בֵּֽית אֵ֑ל 1 See how you translated **go up** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “and go to the town of Bethel,” 35:3 jdob וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה שָּׁ֣ם מִזְבֵּ֗חַ לָאֵ֞ל 1 The Hebrew text has **I** here, but probably also implies that others in Jacob’s household would help him build the altar. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also see how you translated **make an altar** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “where I will build an altar to worship God,” or “There I will build an altar and worship God,” 35:3 kf5y הָעֹנֶ֤ה אֹתִי֙ 1 Alternate translation: “because he answered me” or “who granted my prayers for help” 35:3 qw4q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּי֣וֹם צָֽרָתִ֔י 1 The phrase “In the day of” is used here as an idiom that could refer to the time when Jacob was fleeing from Esau, or it could be more general and also include other times when Jacob was suffering, such as the years he worked for Laban. Alternate translation: “during the days when I was in trouble.” 35:3 mk28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיְהִי֙ עִמָּדִ֔י 1 See how you translated the idiom **with me** in Gen 31:5, where it also means that God is not only present with him but also helps him and takes care of him. Alternate translation: “He has always stayed with me and taken care of me” 35:3 gaoi בַּדֶּ֖רֶךְ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָלָֽכְתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “everywhere that I have gone” 35:4 a2y2 וַיִּתְּנ֣וּ אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֗ב 1 Alternate translation: “Then they gave Jacob” or “Then they turned over to Jacob” 35:4 trzi אֵ֣ת כָּל אֱלֹהֵ֤י הַנֵּכָר֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּיָדָ֔ם 1 See how you translated **foreign gods** in verse 2. You could translate this differently here since this is the second time they are mentioned in this paragraph. Alternate translation: “all the pagan gods that they had with them” 35:4 emli וְאֶת הַנְּזָמִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּאָזְנֵיהֶ֑ם 1 These earrings seem to have been part of their idol worship and may have had images of their idols on them. You could include that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “and the earrings they wore on their ears.” 35:4 mkvs וַיִּטְמֹ֤ן אֹתָם֙ יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob hid everything in the ground” or “Then Jacob hid all those things in the ground” 35:4 ppcd תַּ֥חַת 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Jacob buried these things in the ground beside the tree, not directly under the trunk of the tree. Alternate translation: “beside” or “at the foot of” 35:4 qkq2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown הָאֵלָ֖ה 1 Although this phrase refers to a terebinth tree, many translations have “oak tree” instead, or some other type of large, strong tree that is well known. See how you translated a different Hebrew word that is also translated **terebinth tree** or “oak tree” in Gen 12:6; 13:18; 14:13; 18:1. Another Hebrew word in Gen 35:8 is also translated as “oak.” Alternate translation: “a oak tree” 35:5 w4f2 וַיִּסָּ֑עוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then they all left there and started traveling,” 35:5 bc7c וַיְהִ֣י חִתַּ֣ת אֱלֹהִ֗ים עַל הֶֽעָרִים֙ אֲשֶׁר֙ סְבִיבֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם וְלֹ֣א 1 The Hebrew word “Elohim” probably means **God** in this phrase (as it usually does in the Bible); most English versions translate it that way here. Or it could be an adjective that modifies “dread/terror” and means “great/deep dread/terror” (similar to Gen 23:6, 30:8). See how you translated **dread** in Gen 9:2. Alternate translation: “and God caused the people in the nearby cities to be afraid, so that” or “and God made the people in the nearby cities so afraid that” 35:5 xxat וְלֹ֣א רָֽדְפ֔וּ אַחֲרֵ֖י 1 Make sure your translation of **they** refers here to the people in the surrounding towns, not Jacob’s sons. Alternate translation: “no one attacked” or “none of them came after” 35:5 g7og rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בְּנֵ֥י יַעֲקֹֽב 1 Jacob’s sons are mentioned here since they are in focus as the ones who just plundered the city of Shechem; Jacob and the rest of his family were there with his sons and were also in danger. Alternate translation: “them.” or “Jacob and his family.” 35:6 r8n3 וַיָּבֹ֨א יַעֲקֹ֜ב ל֗וּזָה 1 Be consistent in this verse with how you spelled **Luz** and **Bethel** in Gen 28:19. Alternate translation: “Soon Jacob arrived at the town of Luz,” 35:6 zpbn הִ֖וא בֵּֽית אֵ֑ל 1 See how you translated **which is** in Gen 23:2, 19. Alternate translation: “which is also called Bethel,” or “that is, Bethel,” or “which now has the name Bethel,” 35:6 e1f7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן 1 Since Shechem (verse 4) and Bethel were both in the land or region of Canaan, for some languages it is clearer or more natural to put this location phrase earlier in the verse and say, “Jacob/He and his family continued traveling in the land/region of Canaan and arrived at the town of Luz, which also/now has the name Bethel,” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “which is also in Canaan,” 35:6 rsay rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure ה֖וּא וְכָל הָעָ֥ם אֲשֶׁר עִמּֽוֹ 1 For some languages it is clearer or more natural to put this phrase near the beginning of this verse. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “he and his whole family.” 35:7 iybt rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַיִּ֤בֶן שָׁם֙ מִזְבֵּ֔חַ 1 Consider again how you translated **altar** throughout the book of Genesis. See Gen 8:20; 12:7-8; 13:4, 18; 22:9; 26:25; 33:20; 35:1, 3, 7. Alternate translation: “There he built an altar,” or “Then he built an altar there,” 35:7 n4aj וַיִּקְרָא֙ לַמָּק֔וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “and he named that place” or “and he named it” 35:7 acaa כִּ֣י שָׁ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “because it was at Bethel that” 35:7 njqv נִגְל֤וּ אֵלָיו֙ הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 Compare how you translated a different Hebrew word that has a similar meaning (“appeared”) in verses 1 and 9. Alternate translation: “God had first introduced himself to him” or “God had first appeared to Jacob” 35:7 l3rr בְּבָרְח֖וֹ 1 See how you translated **fleeing** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “while he was running away” 35:7 ww7q מִפְּנֵ֥י אָחִֽיו 1 See how you translated **from the presence of** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “from the anger of his brother.” 35:8 psgk וַתָּ֤מָת דְּבֹרָה֙ מֵינֶ֣קֶת רִבְקָ֔ה 1 See how you translated **nurse** in Gen 24:59. 35:8 cnph וַתִּקָּבֵ֛ר 1 Alternate translation: “and her body was buried by Jacob in the ground” or “They buried her body in the ground” 35:8 gwdm מִתַּ֥חַת לְבֵֽית אֵ֖ל 1 The town of Bethel was built on a hill, so the phrase **below Bethel** means that Deborah was buried near Bethel, in a valley or place that was lower in elevation than the town, and possibly to the south of it. Alternate translation: “in the valley below the town of Bethel,” or “at a place south of the town of Bethel,” 35:8 h6bn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure תַּ֣חַת הָֽאַלּ֑וֹן 1 See how you translated a similar phrase (“under the terebinth/oak tree”) in verse 4. Many translations translate this phrase the same way in both places (“under an oak tree”), even though different Hebrew words are used for the type of tree. Also, for some languages it is more natural to put this phrase before the previous phrase and say, “at the base of an oak tree, below/near the town of Bethel.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “beside an oak tree” or “at the foot of an oak tree.” 35:8 eqj9 וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) that people in general called the tree or place Allon Bacuth; or (2) that Jacob was the one who named the place. See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 31:38. Alternate translation: “So he named the tree” or “That is why the place is known as” 35:8 iar1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אַלּ֥וֹן בָּכֽוּת 1 If you include the meaning of this name in your translation text or in a footnote, make sure it fits with how you translated **oak tree** in the previous sentence. 35:9 tchm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיֵּרָ֨א אֱלֹהִ֤ים אֶֽל יַעֲקֹב֙ ע֔וֹד בְּבֹא֖וֹ מִפַּדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Now that Jacob had come from the land of Paddan Aram, God appeared to him at Bethel again” or “Now that Jacob had returned to Bethel from the land of Paddan Aram, God appeared to him there again” 35:9 w0t6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וַיְבָ֖רֶךְ אֹתֽוֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and blessed him” or “and showed his goodness toward him” 35:10 q9rk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּֽאמֶר ל֥וֹ אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 What God says to Jacob in verses 10-12 is the blessing. So make sure your translation of “blessed” (verse 9) and **said** (verse 10) refers to the same event, not two separate events. See how you translated “blessed … and said” in Gen 1:28. Alternate translation: “by saying to him,” 35:10 bpj9 שִׁמְךָ֣ יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 Make sure your translation of this clause does not sound like God was telling Jacob something he did not know. 35:10 qyzi לֹֽא יִקָּרֵא֩ שִׁמְךָ֨ ע֜וֹד יַעֲקֹ֗ב 1 Notice that Jacob is referred to by both of his names in this chapter (**Jacob** in verses 11-20, 22-29; **Israel** in verses 10 and 21). You could put that information in a footnote. Also see how you translated this clause in Gen 32:28, and see the note about Jacob’s names there. Alternate translation: “that will no longer be your only name,” or “it will no longer be that,” 35:10 nvm1 כִּ֤י אִם יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ יִהְיֶ֣ה שְׁמֶ֔ךָ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Rather, your name will also be Israel!” or “Rather, you will also have the name Israel!” 35:10 kx9b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 This was not the first time God had given Jacob the name Israel (See: Gen 32:28). To make that clear, you could make “once again” explicit here. 35:11 ni4y rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמֶר֩ ל֨וֹ אֱלֹהִ֜ים 1 In verse 11, God continues the blessing that he started in verse 10, perhaps after a pause. Alternate translation: “Then God also said to him” or “Then God also blessed him by saying,” or “God continued blessing him by saying to him,” 35:11 k8l5 אֲנִ֨י אֵ֤ל שַׁדַּי֙ 1 See how you translated the title **God Almighty** in Gen 17:1 and 28:3. Alternate translation: “I am God who is all-powerful.” 35:11 mdi4 פְּרֵ֣ה 1 Consider again how you translated **Be fruitful and multiply** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 1:22, 28; 8:17; 9:1, 7; 35:11. It may be necessary to translate this phrase in different ways, depending on the context. 35:11 ko42 וּרְבֵ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “and increase in number.” or “so that you and your descendants become very many.” 35:11 uzb9 גּ֛וֹי וּקְהַ֥ל גּוֹיִ֖ם יִהְיֶ֣ה מִמֶּ֑ךָּ 1 Compare how you translated a similar phrase (“a multitude of nations”) in Gen 17:4-5 and another similar phrase (“a community of peoples”) in Gen 28:3. Alternate translation: “Your descendants will become a large people group. In fact, many ethnic groups will descend from you,” or “Your descendants will become many ethnic groups,” 35:11 ztcs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וּמְלָכִ֖ים מֵחֲלָצֶ֥יךָ יֵצֵֽאוּ 1 The phrase **come from your loins** is an idiom that refers to having children, grandchildren and other descendants. Consider whether you have a similar idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “and kings will descend from you.” 35:12 wfzz וְאֶת הָאָ֗רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נָתַ֛תִּי לְאַבְרָהָ֥ם וּלְיִצְחָ֖ק לְךָ֣ אֶתְּנֶ֑נָּה וּֽלְזַרְעֲךָ֥ אַחֲרֶ֖יךָ אֶתֵּ֥ן אֶת הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “Also, I am giving to you the land that I gave to Abraham and Isaac, and I will also give it to your descendants who live after you.” 35:13 jeht rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיַּ֥עַל מֵעָלָ֖יו אֱלֹהִ֑ים בַּמָּק֖וֹם אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ 1 See how you translated **went up from** in Gen 17:22. Alternate translation: “Then God left Jacob there where he had been speaking to him.” 35:14 apyn וַיַּצֵּ֨ב יַעֲקֹ֜ב מַצֵּבָ֗ה 1 See how you translated a similar passage in Gen 28:18 about Jacob setting up a memorial stone pillar. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob set a large stone up on its end” or “Then Jacob chose a large stone that was there and set it up on its end” 35:14 vufy בַּמָּק֛וֹם אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֥ר אִתּ֖וֹ מַצֶּ֣בֶת אָ֑בֶן 1 Alternate translation: “at the place where God had spoken to him, to mark the place as special.” or “as a memorial stone to remember the place where God had talked to him.” 35:14 bs34 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיַּסֵּ֤ךְ עָלֶ֨יהָ֙ נֶ֔סֶךְ וַיִּצֹ֥ק עָלֶ֖יהָ שָֽׁמֶן 1 A drink offering was probably wine that Jacob poured on the stone as a sacrifice to God, to worship and thank him. See how you translated “poured oil on …” in Gen 28:18. Alternate translation: “Then he poured some wine and some olive oil on the stone pillar to thank God and dedicate the place to him.” 35:15 r8mu וַיִּקְרָ֨א יַעֲקֹ֜ב אֶת שֵׁ֣ם הַמָּק֗וֹם אֲשֶׁר֩ דִּבֶּ֨ר אִתּ֥וֹ שָׁ֛ם אֱלֹהִ֖ים בֵּֽית אֵֽל 1 See how you translated “called the name of that place Bethel” in Gen 28:19. 35:16 zgdt וַיִּסְעוּ֙ מִבֵּ֣ית אֵ֔ל 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Bethel** throughout the book of Genesis and whether you refer to it as a town or a city. See Gen 12:8; 13:3; 28:19; 31:13; 35:1, 3, 7, 15, 16. Alternate translation: “Then they left the town of Bethel” or “Later Jacob and his family moved on from the town of Bethel” 35:16 pluk וַֽיְהִי ע֥וֹד כִּבְרַת הָאָ֖רֶץ לָב֣וֹא אֶפְרָ֑תָה 1 The phrase **a distance of land** is very general, but your translation should not make it sound like the distance was too far, because Rachel’s grave is about two kilometers (one mile) from Ephrath (Bethlehem). Alternate translation: “and started heading toward the town of Ephrath. But while they were still a distance away from there,” 35:16 hid6 וַתְּקַ֥שׁ בְּלִדְתָּֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “but she was having a very difficult time delivering the baby.” 35:17 lkqs וַיְהִ֥י בְהַקְשֹׁתָ֖הּ בְּלִדְתָּ֑הּ 1 The phrase **hard labor** refers to when childbirth contractions are close together and very painful, often right before a baby is born. Alternate translation: “Then when she was at the most difficult time in her labor,” or “Then when her childbirth pains were the most severe,” 35:17 ojel וַתֹּ֨אמֶר לָ֤הּ הַמְיַלֶּ֨דֶת֙ 1 Alternate translation: “the midwife told her,” or “the baby was born and the midwife who was helping her deliver exclaimed to her,” 35:17 infx אַל תִּ֣ירְאִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “Do not worry” 35:17 uww0 כִּֽי גַם זֶ֥ה לָ֖ךְ בֵּֽן 1 Alternate translation: “You now have another boy!” or “You just gave birth to another son” 35:18 ob0k וַיְהִ֞י בְּצֵ֤את נַפְשָׁהּ֙ כִּ֣י מֵ֔תָה 1 Some translations use an idiom here, for example, “as she was taking her last breath” or “as her life was slipping/fading away”, but it is best to translate this in a way that preserves the biblical teaching that at death the soul or spirit leaves the body. Alternate translation: “But Rachel was dying, and as her soul was leaving her body,” or “But in fact Rachel was about to die, and just before her soul left her,” 35:18 lpc6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַתִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ בֶּן אוֹנִ֑י 1 The meaning of this name could imply that the child caused Rachel’s death. In the Hebrew text this name is two words connected with a dash (**Ben-oni**). Many translations write it that way or as one word (“Benoni”), and a few translations write it as “Ben Oni.” Any of these spellings is fine. 35:18 yl7o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְאָבִ֖יו 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that this phrase refers to Jacob. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 35:18 qoiz rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names קָֽרָא ל֥וֹ בִנְיָמִֽין 1 The phrase “son of my right hand” is an idiom that means “favored son” or “son of strength.” Alternate translation: “named him Benjamin instead.” 35:19 z9dg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַתָּ֖מָת רָחֵ֑ל וַתִּקָּבֵר֙ 1 See how you translated **was buried** in verse 8. Alternate translation: “After Rachel died, her body was buried by Jacob” or “After Rachel died, Jacob buried her body” 35:19 u8c3 בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ אֶפְרָ֔תָה 1 Alternate translation: “beside the road that goes to the town of Ephrath,” 35:19 v561 הִ֖וא בֵּ֥ית לָֽחֶם 1 See how you translated a similar phrase (“which is Bethel”) in verse 6. Alternate translation: “which is also called Bethlehem.” or “that is, Bethlehem.” 35:20 zolc וַיַּצֵּ֧ב יַעֲקֹ֛ב מַצֵּבָ֖ה 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 14. Also consider again how you translated **set up** and **pillar** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 28:18, 22; 31:13, 45, 51, 52; 35:14, 20. Alternate translation: “Jacob set a large stone up on its end” 35:20 tkgx עַל קְבֻרָתָ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: “over her burial place to show where it was.” or “to show where her tomb was.” or “to mark the place where he had buried her body.” 35:20 r7ta עַד הַיּֽוֹם 1 The phrase **to this day** refers to the time when the author (Moses) was living. Even in modern times, Rachel’s grave is still marked beside the road about eight kilometers (five miles) south of Jerusalem and two kilometers (one mile) north of Bethlehem. Alternate translation: “in the present day.” or “now.” 35:21 e4g9 וַיִּסַּ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation or in a footnote that **Israel** (verses 21-22) and “Jacob” (verses 20, 22) refer to the same person, not two different people. Alternate translation: “Then Israel that is, Jacob, and his family moved on from there” or “Then Israel and his family started traveling again” 35:21 sykf וַיֵּ֣ט אָֽהֳלֹ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “and put up his tents” 35:21 fueh מֵהָ֖לְאָה 1 This phrase reflects the perspective of Jacob, who was traveling south. Alternate translation: “on the other side of” 35:21 txka rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names לְמִגְדַּל עֵֽדֶר 1 Many translations transliterate **Migdal Eder** (like most other names). Many others translate the meaning of **Migdal** as “the tower” and transliterate “Eder.” A few translate the meaning of the entire name as “the Tower of the Flock.” This was apparently a place near Bethlehem where sheep were raised (Micah 4:8); shepherds may have watched over their flocks from the tower. Alternate translation: “Eder Tower.” 35:22 ls6b וַיְהִ֗י בִּשְׁכֹּ֤ן יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ 1 Alternate translation: “While Israel and his family were still living” or “During the time that they were living” 35:22 ym5y בָּאָ֣רֶץ הַהִ֔וא 1 Alternate translation: “in that region,” or “there,” 35:22 oswk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ רְאוּבֵ֔ן וַיִּשְׁכַּב֙ אֶת 1 Translate this idiom in a way that will not offend or embarrass people, especially when read aloud in public. See how you translated “lain with” in Gen 26:10. 35:22 vn3i וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל 1 See how you translated **heard** in Gen 34:5, 7. Alternate translation: “but Israel found out about it.” or “and Israel was told by someone about it.” 35:22 d6jc וַיִּֽהְי֥וּ בְנֵֽי יַעֲקֹ֖ב שְׁנֵ֥ים עָשָֽׂר 1 Alternate translation: “After the birth of Benjamin, Jacob now had a total of twelve sons.” 35:23 fjpl בְּנֵ֣י לֵאָ֔ה 1 Throughout verses 23-26, many translations have a colon (:) instead of **were**. Do what is best in your language. See what you did in chapter 10. Alternate translation: “The sons he had with his wife Leah were” or “These are the names of the sons he had with his wife Leah:” 35:24 poyp בְּנֵ֣י רָחֵ֔ל יוֹסֵ֖ף וּבִנְיָמִֽן 1 Alternate translation: “The sons Jacob had with Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin.” or “These are the names of the sons that Jacob had with his wife Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin.” 35:26 uv07 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms וּבְנֵ֥י זִלְפָּ֛ה שִׁפְחַ֥ת לֵאָ֖ה גָּ֣ד וְאָשֵׁ֑ר 1 Consider again how you translated **maidservant** throughout the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:16, 16:1-3, 5-6, 8; 20:14; 24:35; 25:12; 29:24, 29; 30:4, 7, 9-10, 12, 18, 43; 32:5, 22; 33:1-2, 6; 35:25-26. It may be necessary to translate this word in slightly different ways, depending on the context. Compare that to how you translated a different Hebrew word that has a similar meaning (“slave/servant woman”); see Gen 31:33 for a list of where this word occurs in Genesis. 35:26 f1fu אֵ֚לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֔ב אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֻלַּד ל֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “All those were the sons Jacob had” 35:26 cmuu בְּפַדַּ֥ן אֲרָֽם 1 Jacob started having children during the time he was living with Laban in Paddan Aram, but his last son Benjamin was not born until after they had left there (verse 18). Translate this in a way that allows for that. 35:27 qidz וַיָּבֹ֤א יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל יִצְחָ֣ק אָבִ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob came home to his father Isaac who was living” or “Then Jacob continued traveling and came to where his father Isaac was living” 35:27 dzkr rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names מַמְרֵ֖א 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Mamre** in Gen 23:17, 19. 35:27 b5zj קִרְיַ֣ת הָֽאַרְבַּ֑ע הִ֣וא חֶבְר֔וֹן 1 See how you translated Gen 23:2, which says that Kiriath Arba (where Sarah died) was also known as Hebron. Alternate translation: “which is now called Kiriath Arba, that is, Hebron,” or “which is also known as Kiriath Arba or Hebron,” 35:27 j8e6 אֲשֶׁר גָּֽר־שָׁ֥ם אַבְרָהָ֖ם וְיִצְחָֽק 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “where Abraham and Isaac and their families had stayed for a while as outsiders.” or “That is where Isaac and his family had been staying for a while as foreigners and where his father Abraham had also stayed for a while.” 35:28 z6ol וַיִּֽהְי֖וּ יְמֵ֣י יִצְחָ֑ק מְאַ֥ת שָׁנָ֖ה וּשְׁמֹנִ֥ים שָׁנָֽה 1 See how you translated **the days of** in Gen 5:4-31 and 11:32. 35:29 ei54 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיִּגְוַ֨ע יִצְחָ֤ק וַיָּ֨מָת֙ 1 See how you translated **exhaled** in Gen 25:8 and 17. Alternate translation: “Then he breathed out for the last time and died,” or “Then he took his final breath and died,” 35:29 e7q5 וַיֵּאָ֣סֶף אֶל 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 25:8 and 17. Alternate translation: “and he was taken by God to be with” or “and God took his spirit to be with” 35:29 hm56 עַמָּ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “his relatives who had already died.” or “his relatives who had gone before him.” or “his deceased relatives.” 35:29 csuc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure זָקֵ֖ן וּשְׂבַ֣ע יָמִ֑ים 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this phrase earlier in this sentence and say, “Then, after living a long, full life, he breathed/took his last breath, died and joined his ancestors/relatives who had died before him.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “He was very old and had lived a long, full life.” 35:29 wmi4 וַיִּקְבְּר֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ עֵשָׂ֥ו וְיַעֲקֹ֖ב בָּנָֽיו 1 See how you translated “his sons … buried him” in Gen 25:9. 36:1 mor4 וְאֵ֛לֶּה תֹּלְד֥וֹת עֵשָׂ֖ו 1 See how you translated **the generations of** in 25:12, 19. Alternate translation: “Now this is the family-line of Esau,” or “These are the descendants of Esau,” or “Here is the history about the family of Esau,” 36:1 r16h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit ה֥וּא אֱדֽוֹם 1 The name Edom means “red” and is the nickname that Esau got for trading his birthright to Jacob for some reddish-colored stew (Genesis 25:29-34). The region of Edom and the Edomites were named after Esau, which is probably why this chapter repeatedly mentions that Esau is Edom. Alternate translation: “who was also called Edom.” or “that is, Edom.” 36:2 guw8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עֵשָׂ֛ו לָקַ֥ח אֶת נָשָׁ֖יו מִבְּנ֣וֹת כְּנָ֑עַן 1 Only the first two wives mentioned in this chapter were Canaanites; see the comment about Basemath at verse 3. The Canaanites were the descendants of Noah’s grandson Canaan (Ham’s son) and included the Hittites and Hivites (verse 2; Genesis 10:15-18) and several other people groups. You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Esau had chosen two of his wives from among the Canaanite women:” or “Esau had married two women who were descendants of Canaan” 36:2 ox2j אֶת עָדָ֗ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “whose names were Adah,” 36:2 fkwx rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בַּת אֵילוֹן֙ הַֽחִתִּ֔י 1 Make sure your translation does not sound like Elon was the only Hittite. See how you translated “Hittites” in Gen 27:46. Alternate translation: “whose father was Elon, who was a descendant of Heth,” or “the daughter of a man named Elon, who was a member of the Heth people group,” 36:2 y896 וְאֶת אָהֳלִֽיבָמָה֙ 1 Notice that the names of Esau’s two Canaanite wives here are different from the names of his wives mentioned in Gen 26:34. It could be that they each had two names, or these may be different wives that he married later. Alternate translation: “and also Oholibamah,” or “as well as Oholibamah,” 36:2 eq37 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בַּת עֲנָ֔ה בַּת 1 Notice that Elon, Anah, and Zibeon are the names of men here, not women. 36:2 evi6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names צִבְע֖וֹן הַֽחִוִּֽי 1 Make sure that your translation of this phrase does not sound like Zibeon was the only Hivite. Consider again how you translated “Hivites” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 10:17; 34:2; 36:2. Alternate translation: “Zibeon who was a descendant of Hivi.” or “Zibeon who was a member of the Hivi people group.” 36:3 x22q וְאֶת בָּשְׂמַ֥ת 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Since this Basemath was a daughter of Ishmael (who was a descendant of Noah’s son Shem), she was not a Canaanite, in contrast to Esau’s first two wives (verse 2). She was also known as Mahalath (Gen 28:9); you could include some of that information in a footnote. Be consistent here with how you spelled Basemath (a different woman with the same name) in Gen 26:34. 36:3 sd2v rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship בַּת יִשְׁמָעֵ֖אל אֲח֥וֹת נְבָיֽוֹת 1 Since Nebaioth was Ishmael’s oldest child (Gen 25:13), Basemath (Mahalath) was his younger sister, probably from the same mother. Use a kinship term here in your language that fits with those facts. See how you translated **the sister of Nebaioth** in Gen 28:9. Alternate translation: “whose father was Ishmael and whose older brother was Nebaioth.” 36:4 iwl0 וַתֵּ֧לֶד עָדָ֛ה לְעֵשָׂ֖ו אֶת אֱלִיפָ֑ז 1 Alternate translation: “Adah had a son for Esau whom they named Eliphaz,” 36:4 jp5s וּבָ֣שְׂמַ֔ת יָלְדָ֖ה אֶת רְעוּאֵֽל 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to break this long sentence into two or more shorter sentences. Alternate translation: “while his wife Basemath bore a son named Reuel,” 36:5 j4b4 אֶת יעיש וְאֶת יַעְלָ֖ם וְאֶת קֹ֑רַח 1 Alternate translation: “sons whom they named Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.” 36:6 a0so וַיִּקַּ֣ח עֵשָׂ֡ו אֶת נָ֠שָׁיו וְאֶת בָּנָ֣יו וְאֶת בְּנֹתָיו֮ 1 Alternate translation: “Later Esau took his wives, his sons, his daughters,” 36:6 dk3y וְאֶת כָּל נַפְשׁ֣וֹת בֵּיתוֹ֒ 1 This phrase refers to other relatives (besides Esau’s wife and children), as well as servants or slaves who lived with him. 36:6 r7h5 וְאֶת מִקְנֵ֣הוּ וְאֶת כָּל בְּהֶמְתּ֗וֹ וְאֵת֙ כָּל קִנְיָנ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “as well as his livestock and all the rest of his animals and all the other possessions” 36:6 agv2 אֲשֶׁ֥ר רָכַ֖שׁ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 See how you translated **acquired** and **land of Canaan** in Gen 12:5 and 31:18. Alternate translation: “that he had gotten while they lived in the land of Canaan,” 36:6 efkm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיֵּ֣לֶךְ אֶל אֶ֔רֶץ מִפְּנֵ֖י יַעֲקֹ֥ב אָחִֽיו 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause at the beginning of this verse and say, “Then/Later Esau moved to a land that was away from his brother Jacob. He took with him his wives …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and he moved to an area that was away from his brother Jacob.” or “and he traveled to a different region and settled there, away from where his brother Jacob was living.” 36:7 pq8b כִּֽי 1 Alternate translation: “He did that because” or “The reason Esau moved away is that” 36:7 keey rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche הָיָ֧ה רְכוּשָׁ֛ם רָ֖ב מִשֶּׁ֣בֶת יַחְדָּ֑ו 1 The phrase **their possessions** is general, but here it refers primarily to livestock. Make sure your translation of this phrase refers to both Esau and Jacob’s livestock, not just Esau’s. Alternate translation: “he and Jacob both owned so many livestock that they could no longer live near each other.” or “they both owned so many livestock that they could not live together in the same area” 36:7 zea4 אֶ֤רֶץ מְגֽוּרֵיהֶם֙ 1 See how you translated Gen 13:6, which is similar in content to this verse. Alternate translation: “The land where they were living” 36:7 ul7p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge וְלֹ֨א יָֽכְלָ֜ה & לָשֵׂ֣את אֹתָ֔ם מִפְּנֵ֖י מִקְנֵיהֶֽם 1 For some languages it is necessary to switch the order of verses 6 and 7, and say, “After a while, Esau and Jacob had so many animals and other possessions that the land was not able to support both their families. So Esau took his wives …” If you do this in your translation, you should label these verses as “6-7”. Alternate translation: “was just not big enough to feed them all because they owned so many animals.” or “did not have enough grazing areas or water to support all the livestock that both families owned” 36:8 lcin וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב עֵשָׂו֙ 1 Alternate translation: “That is why Esau and his family” or “That is the reason Esau took his family and” 36:8 hjo1 בְּהַ֣ר שֵׂעִ֔יר 1 Esau had already been living in the region of Seir (Genesis 32:3, 33:16). Here he moves to the part of that region that had mountains. To make that clear, you could put that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “moved to the hill-country in the land of Seir.” or “went to live in the Seir Mountains.” 36:8 z9jc עֵשָׂ֖ו 1 Alternate translation: “That is the history about Esau,” 36:8 mu0g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure ה֥וּא אֱדֽוֹם 1 Some translations put this phrase earlier in this verse and say, “So Esau, that is, Edom, moved with his family to the mountains of Seir and settled there.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “who was also known as Edom.” or “who was also called Edom.” 36:9 fw7b וְאֵ֛לֶּה תֹּלְד֥וֹת עֵשָׂ֖ו 1 Consider again how you translated **generations** in the book of Genesis when it is followed by a genealogy (list of names). See Gen 5:1, 10:1, 11:10, 25:12, 36:9. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “What follows is more of the history of Esau,” or “This is a more detailed genealogy about the descendants of Esau,” 36:9 j31a אֲבִ֣י אֱד֑וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “who was the ancestor of the Edom people group” 36:9 lojs rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms בְּהַ֖ר שֵׂעִֽיר 1 Consider again how you translated **mountains** or “hill country” throughout the book of Genesis. See Gen 10:30; 12:8; 14:6, 10; 19:17, 19, 30; 22:2, 14; 31:21, 23, 25, 54; 36:8-9, and see the note about this at 10:30. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “who live in the Seir Hills.” or “who live in the hill-country of Seir.” 36:10 g0nv אֵ֖לֶּה שְׁמ֣וֹת בְּנֵֽי עֵשָׂ֑ו 1 Only two of Esau’s many sons are listed in verse 10. 36:10 ayjo אֱלִיפַ֗ז בֶּן עָדָה֙ אֵ֣שֶׁת עֵשָׂ֔ו 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Eliphaz** and **Adah** in verse 4. Alternate translation: “Eliphaz, who was the son of his wife Adah,” or “Eliphaz, whom Esau had with his wife Adah,” 36:10 ki4y רְעוּאֵ֕ל בֶּן בָּשְׂמַ֖ת אֵ֥שֶׁת עֵשָֽׂו 1 See how you spelled **Basemath** and **Reuel** in verse 4. Alternate translation: “and Reuel, who was the son of his wife Basemath.” or “and Reuel, whom Esau had with his wife Basemath.” 36:11 hfga וַיִּהְי֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י אֱלִיפָ֑ז 1 Alternate translation: “The sons of Eliphaz and his wife were” 36:12 h320 וְתִמְנַ֣ע הָיְתָ֣ה פִילֶ֗גֶשׁ לֶֽאֱלִיפַז֙ בֶּן עֵשָׂ֔ו וַתֵּ֥לֶד לֶאֱלִיפַ֖ז אֶת עֲמָלֵ֑ק 1 See how you translated **concubine** in Gen 22:24, 25:6; 35:22. Alternate translation: “Eliphaz also had a servant-wife named Timna, and she had a son with him named Amalek.” or “Eliphaz and his concubine Timna had a son they named Amalek.” 36:12 e8n9 אֵ֕לֶּה בְּנֵ֥י 1 Alternate translation: “All those sons of Eliphaz were grandsons of” 36:12 i5ld rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עָדָ֖ה אֵ֥שֶׁת עֵשָֽׂו 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Adah’s grandsons were also Esau’s grandsons. 36:13 kpue וְאֵ֨לֶּה֙ בְּנֵ֣י רְעוּאֵ֔ל 1 Alternate translation: “The sons of Reuel were named” or “Reuel and his wife had these sons:” 36:13 v77t אֵ֣לֶּ֣ה הָי֔וּ בְּנֵ֥י 1 Alternate translation: “Those sons of Reuel were grandsons of” 36:13 u8u8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בָשְׂמַ֖ת אֵ֥שֶׁת עֵשָֽׂו 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Basemath’s grandsons were also Esau’s grandsons. See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 12. 36:14 bjd3 וְאֵ֣לֶּה הָי֗וּ בְּנֵ֨י אָהֳלִיבָמָ֧ה & אֵ֣שֶׁת עֵשָׂ֑ו 1 Alternate translation: “Here are the sons that Esau had with his wife Oholibamah,” 36:14 v1bu בַת עֲנָ֛ה בַּת צִבְע֖וֹן 1 See how you translated these phrases in verse 2. Alternate translation: “whose father was Anah and whose grandfather was Zibeon:” 36:14 wqql rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַתֵּ֣לֶד לְעֵשָׂ֔ו אֶת יעיש וְאֶת יַעְלָ֖ם וְאֶת קֹֽרַח 1 For some languages it is clearer or more natural to change the order of clauses in this sentence and say, “Esau and his wife Oholibamah had sons whom they named Jeush, Jalam, and Korah. Oholibamah was the daughter of Anah and the granddaughter of Zibeon.” or “The sons that Oholibamah had with Esau were Jesush, Jalam, and Korah. She was the daughter of …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “She had sons whom they named Jeush, Jalam, and Korah.” 36:15 lses אֵ֖לֶּה 1 Alternate translation: “Here is a list of” or “The following are” 36:15 vgf5 אַלּ֤וּף תֵּימָן֙ אַלּ֣וּף אוֹמָ֔ר אַלּ֥וּף צְפ֖וֹ אַלּ֥וּף קְנַֽז 1 Alternate translation: “who became chiefs were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz,” or “who became tribal leaders were Teman, Omar, Zepho, Kenaz,” 36:16 jfsv אַלּֽוּף קֹ֛רַח אַלּ֥וּף גַּעְתָּ֖ם אַלּ֣וּף עֲמָלֵ֑ק 1 Make sure you are consistent in whether or not you use the title **Chief** in verses 15-16. 36:16 u5tu אֵ֣לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֤י אֱלִיפַז֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ אֱד֔וֹם 1 Be consistent with how you spelled **Eliphaz** throughout this chapter; see verses 4, 10-12, 15-16. Alternate translation: “Those are the chiefs who descended from Eliphaz and lived in the region called Edom.” or “All those sons of Eliphaz were tribal leaders who lived in the region of Edom.” 36:16 ohhn אֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵ֥י 1 Alternate translation: “They were the grandsons of” 36:16 h41g עָדָֽה 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Adah’s grandsons were also Esau’s grandsons. Also, be consistent with how you spelled **Adah** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 4:19-20, 23; 36:2, 4, 10, 12, 16. 36:17 w9uu אֵ֣לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֤י רְעוּאֵל֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ אֱד֔וֹם 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 16. Also be consistent with how you spelled **Reuel** throughout this chapter; see verses 4, 10, 13, 17. Alternate translation: “They were the chiefs who descended from Reuel and lived in the region called Edom.” or “All those sons of Reuel were clan leaders who lived in the region of Edom.” 36:17 yke6 אֵ֕לֶּה בְּנֵ֥י 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 12, 13 and 16. Alternate translation: “All those sons of Reuel were grandsons of” 36:17 rbdd בָשְׂמַ֖ת אֵ֥שֶׁת עֵשָֽׂו 1 See how translated this phrase in verse 13 and a similar phrase in verse 12. Also be consistent with how you spelled **Basemath** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 26:34-35; 36:3-4, 10, 13, 17. 36:18 dt9z אֵ֣לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֞י אָֽהֳלִיבָמָ֛ה & אֵ֥שֶׁת עֵשָֽׂו 1 Alternate translation: “They were the chiefs who descended from Esau and his wife Oholibamah,” or “They were the tribal leaders …” 36:19 ahn8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure ה֥וּא אֱדֽוֹם 1 Some translations put this phrase earlier in this verse and say, “All those chiefs were the descendants of Esau, that is, Edom, and each one led his own family group.” Do what is best in your language. See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 8. Alternate translation: “Esau was also known as Edom.” or “Esau was also called Edom.” or “That is the record about Edom.” 36:20 zesq אֵ֤לֶּה בְנֵֽי שֵׂעִיר֙ הַחֹרִ֔י יֹשְׁבֵ֖י הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 The name “Horites” is an alternate name for the Hivites (verse 2). Also, this genealogy is mentioned here because Seir was the ancestor of Esau’s Canaanite wife Oholibamah (verse 25) and the Seir mountains where Esau was living (verse 8) were probably named after Seir. You could put some of that information in a footnote. See how you translated “Horites” in Gen 14:6. Alternate translation: “Here is a list of the descendants of Seir the Horite who were also living in that land:” or “The sons of Seir the Horite who were also living in that land were” 36:21 jmpu אֵ֣לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֧י הַחֹרִ֛י בְּנֵ֥י שֵׂעִ֖יר 1 See how you translated the names of people groups in verses 2. Alternate translation: “Those descendants of Seir became the chiefs of the Horites” or “They were the descendants of Seir who became tribal leaders for the Horites” 36:21 oacg בְּאֶ֥רֶץ אֱדֽוֹם 1 Alternate translation: “who were living in the region of Edom.” 36:22 mt6k וַיִּהְי֥וּ בְנֵי לוֹטָ֖ן חֹרִ֣י וְהֵימָ֑ם 1 Some translations spell the name **Hemam** as “Heman” or “Homam.” You could use any of these spellings in your translation. 36:22 exa7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וַאֲח֥וֹת לוֹטָ֖ן תִּמְנָֽע 1 Timna became a concubine of Esau’s son Eliphaz (verse 12). This genealogy (verses 20-22) also shows that she was the daughter of Chief Seir (since her brother Lotan was the son of Chief Seir). You could put some of that information in a footnote. Also, according to Jewish history outside the Bible, Timna was Lotan’s younger sister. If your language has a special term for “younger sister” or “older brother,” you could use one of those here. Alternate translation: “and the name of his sister was Timna.” 36:23 dq1q עַלְוָ֥ן וּמָנַ֖חַת וְעֵיבָ֑ל שְׁפ֖וֹ וְאוֹנָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “Alvan, Manahath, Ebal, Shepho, and Onam.” 36:24 n2x1 ה֣וּא עֲנָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר מָצָ֤א 1 Alternate translation: “He is the same Anah who found” or “Anah is the one who found” 36:24 zp5r אֶת הַיֵּמִם֙ 1 The term used here in the Hebrew text occurs only once in the Bible and its meaning is not certain. Most translations have either **hot springs** or “water.” Alternate translation: “water” 36:24 my7v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר בִּרְעֹת֥וֹ אֶת הַחֲמֹרִ֖ים לְצִבְע֥וֹן אָבִֽיו 1 See how you translated “pasture” in Gen 29:7. 36:26 bdm5 חֶמְדָּ֥ן וְאֶשְׁבָּ֖ן וְיִתְרָ֥ן וּכְרָֽן 1 The Hebrew name **Keran** can also be spelled “Cheran.” Each of these spellings is found in many translations. Be consistent here with how you spelled **Dishon** in verse 21. 36:27 im1i אֵ֖לֶּה בְּנֵי אֵ֑צֶר בִּלְהָ֥ן וְזַעֲוָ֖ן וַעֲקָֽן 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Ezer** in verses 20-21. 36:29 afna אֵ֖לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֣י הַחֹרִ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “The leaders over the Horite clans were” or “The Horites who became chiefs were” 36:29 rn9n אַלּ֤וּף לוֹטָן֙ אַלּ֣וּף שׁוֹבָ֔ל אַלּ֥וּף צִבְע֖וֹן אַלּ֥וּף עֲנָֽה 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Lotan** and **Shobal** in verse 20, how you spelled **Zibeon** in verses 2, 14, 20, 24, 29, and how you spelled **Anah** in verses 2, 14, 18, 20, 24-25, 29. 36:30 vkr8 אַלּ֥וּף דִּשֹׁ֛ן אַלּ֥וּף אֵ֖צֶר אַלּ֣וּף דִּישָׁ֑ן 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Dishon** in verses 21, 25-26, how you spelled **Ezer** in verses 21, 27, 30, and how you spelled **Dishan** in verses 21, 28, 30. 36:30 n6gm אֵ֣לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֧י הַחֹרִ֛י לְאַלֻּפֵיהֶ֖ם 1 Be consistent with how you translated **Horites** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 14:6; 36:20-21, 29-30. Alternate translation: “Those were the Horite chiefs. They had their own family groups” or “Those were the tribal leaders for the Horites. They had their own tribes” 36:30 pd9g בְּאֶ֥רֶץ שֵׂעִֽיר 1 Be consistent with how you spelled **Seir** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 14:6; 32:3; 33:14, 16; 36:8-9, 20-21, 30. Alternate translation: “and lived in the region of Seir.” or “who were living in the region of Seir.” 36:31 nihl וְאֵ֨לֶּה֙ הַמְּלָכִ֔ים 1 See how you translated **kings** in Gen 17:6 and 35:11. Be sure to distinguish **kings** (verses 31-39) from “chiefs” (verses 15-19, 21, 28, 40-43) in your translation of this chapter. Alternate translation: “These are the names of the kings” or “This is a history about the kings” 36:31 k12n אֲשֶׁ֥ר מָלְכ֖וּ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ אֱד֑וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “who ruled over the people of the region of Edom” 36:31 htsi לִפְנֵ֥י מְלָךְ מֶ֖לֶךְ לִבְנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 See how you translated **the sons of Israel** in Gen 32:3. Alternate translation: “before there were any kings ruling over the descendants of Israel.” or “during the time period when the Israelites did not yet have their own king.” 36:32 h5uy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּמְלֹ֣ךְ בֶּאֱד֔וֹם בֶּ֖לַע בֶּן בְּע֑וֹר 1 Alternate translation: “Bela, who was the son of Beor, was the first king to rule over the people of the region of Edom.” or “The first king to reign over the people of the region of Edom was Bela, the son of Beor.” 36:32 q7cf וְשֵׁ֥ם עִיר֖וֹ דִּנְהָֽבָה 1 Dinhabah was probably King Bela’s hometown and his capital city that he ruled the land of Edom from. Alternate translation: “His capital city that he ruled from was Dinhabah.” 36:33 yfl1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּמְלֹ֣ךְ תַּחְתָּ֔יו יוֹבָ֥ב בֶּן זֶ֖רַח מִבָּצְרָֽה 1 The phrase **from Bozrah** probably means this was Jobab’s hometown, which he ruled from, much like the meaning of “his city” in verses 32, 35, and 39. Alternate translation: “Jobab, who was the son of Zerah, succeeded Bela as king and ruled from his hometown of Bozrah.” 36:34 e0l8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּמְלֹ֣ךְ תַּחְתָּ֔יו חֻשָׁ֖ם מֵאֶ֥רֶץ הַתֵּימָנִֽי 1 King Husham may have been a descendant of Esau’s grandson Teman (verse 11). You could put that information in a footnote. Also compare how you translated verse 33. Alternate translation: “Husham succeeded Jobab as king and reigned from his hometown, which was in the region where the Temanites lived.” 36:35 obr8 וַיִּמְלֹ֨ךְ תַּחְתָּ֜יו 1 Alternate translation: “succeeded him as king.” 36:35 l08f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הַמַּכֶּ֤ה אֶת מִדְיָן֙ 1 See how you translated the idiom **struck** in Gen 14:5, 7. Alternate translation: “King Hadad is the one who defeated the Midianites in war” 36:35 bdtf בִּשְׂדֵ֣ה מוֹאָ֔ב 1 Moab was a large region located to the east of the Dead Sea. This battle probably took place in the countryside or an unpopulated area (a **field**) within this region. Alternate translation: “in a field in the region of Moab.” or “in the country of Moab.” 36:35 cp8l וְשֵׁ֥ם עִיר֖וֹ עֲוִֽית 1 See how you translated a similar sentence in verse 32. Alternate translation: “His capital city that he ruled from was Avith.” 36:36 a8in rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּמְלֹ֣ךְ תַּחְתָּ֔יו שַׂמְלָ֖ה מִמַּשְׂרֵקָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “Samlah succeeded Hadad as king and ruled from his hometown of Masrekah.” 36:37 cre0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּמְלֹ֣ךְ תַּחְתָּ֔יו שָׁא֖וּל מֵרְחֹב֥וֹת הַנָּהָֽר 1 See how you translated similar sentences in verses 33, 34 and 36. Alternate translation: “Shaul succeeded him as king and ruled from his hometown of Rehoboth, which was beside the Euphrates River.” 36:38 f6jn וַיָּ֖מָת שָׁא֑וּל וַיִּמְלֹ֣ךְ תַּחְתָּ֔יו בַּ֥עַל חָנָ֖ן בֶּן־עַכְבּֽוֹר 1 Alternate translation: “When King Shaul died, Baal-Hanan, who was the son of Acbor, took his place as king.” or “… succeeded him as king.” 36:39 crdu rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיָּמָת֮ בַּ֣עַל חָנָ֣ן בֶּן עַכְבּוֹר֒ וַיִּמְלֹ֤ךְ & הֲדַ֔ר 1 Most translations follow the Hebrew text and have **Hadar** here. Some translations (and ancient versions such as SP, LXX, Syriac, and Vulgate) have “Hadad” here instead, in order to spell this name the same way it is spelled in 1 Chronicles 1:50-51. However, that could cause confusion, because “Hadad” is also the name of a different king in verses 35-36 above. 36:39 aq30 וַיִּמְלֹ֤ךְ תַּחְתָּיו֙ 1 Consider again how you translated this phrase in verses 33-39. Alternate translation: “took his place as king” or “succeeded him as king” 36:39 c1u5 וְשֵׁ֥ם עִיר֖וֹ פָּ֑עוּ 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also see how you translated a similar clause in verses 32 and 35. Alternate translation: “His capital city that he ruled from was Pau.” 36:39 rpz8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names בַּת מַטְרֵ֔ד בַּ֖ת מֵ֥י זָהָֽב 1 Notice that **Matred** and **Me-Zahab** are the names of men. See how you translated similar phrases in verses 2 and 14. Alternate translation: “whose father was Matred and whose grandfather was Me-Zahab.” 36:40 h2o5 וְ֠אֵלֶּה שְׁמ֞וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “The following list of names includes” 36:40 w1jt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אַלּוּפֵ֤י עֵשָׂו֙ לְמִשְׁפְּחֹתָ֔ם לִמְקֹמֹתָ֖ם בִּשְׁמֹתָ֑ם 1 Notice that the chiefs listed below are different from those listed in the verses above, except for Kenaz and Teman (verse 15). Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to break up this long sentence into two shorter sentences. Alternate translation: “more of the chiefs who descended from Esau. These chiefs led their own family groups in their own territories, which were named after them:” or “more of the descendants of Esau who were tribal leaders; the tribes and the regions where they lived were named after them:” 36:40 ynzj אַלּ֥וּף תִּמְנָ֛ע אַלּ֥וּף עַֽלְוָ֖ה אַלּ֥וּף יְתֵֽת 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. (1) Most translations treat all the names in verses 40-43 as the names of chiefs (as in the ULT and UST of these verses). (2) However, some scholars think that all the names in verses 40-43 are the names of regions or clans and say, “These are/were the names of the clans/tribes that descended from Esau. Each clan/tribe lived in the land of Edom in its own region that was named after that clan/tribe. The names of the clans/tribes were TImna, Alvan … Iram. Those were the names of the clans/tribes of the Edomites. Each of the clans/tribes lived in their own part of the land of Edom that they owned …” 36:41 mpl5 אַלּ֧וּף אָהֳלִיבָמָ֛ה אַלּ֥וּף אֵלָ֖ה אַלּ֥וּף פִּינֹֽן 1 Make sure that the way you translate verses 41-43 fits with the interpretation you followed in verse 40. 36:43 on4r אַלּ֥וּף מַגְדִּיאֵ֖ל אַלּ֣וּף עִירָ֑ם 1 Make sure you are consistent in whether or not you use the title **Chief** in verses 40-43. 36:43 f7rs אֵ֣לֶּה אַלּוּפֵ֣י 1 Consider again how you translated “chief” throughout this chapter; see verses 15-19, 21, 29-30, 40-43. Alternate translation: “Those were the names of more of the chiefs over” or “All of those were chiefs over” or “Those were more of the clan leaders of” 36:43 d0oc אֱד֗וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “the Edom people group;” 36:43 blbb לְמֹֽשְׁבֹתָם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “each of them led their own tribes in the places where they lived” 36:43 u7eq בְּאֶ֣רֶץ אֲחֻזָּתָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “in the land that they owned” 36:43 aa5c ה֥וּא עֵשָׂ֖ו 1 Alternate translation: “That was the record about Esau,” or “This concludes the history about Esau,” 36:43 vois אֲבִ֥י אֱדֽוֹם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 9. Also compare how you translated the names of other people groups in this chapter, including “Hittite” and “Hivite” in verse 2; **Edomites** in verse 9; “Horite/Horites” in verses 20, 21, 29, 30; “Temanites” in verse 34; and “Midianites” in verse 35. Alternate translation: “who was the ancestor of the Edom people group.” 37:1 r483 וַיֵּ֣שֶׁב יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Chapter 37 continues the history about Jacob that left off at the end of chapter 35. Begin this chapter in a way that is natural in your language. Make sure the way you translate **lived** allows for the fact that Jacob was already living in Canaan and had settled near the city of Hebron, where his father and grandfather had lived previously (Gen 35:27). Alternate translation: “Now Jacob was still living” 37:1 u237 בְּאֶ֖רֶץ מְגוּרֵ֣י אָבִ֑יו בְּאֶ֖רֶץ כְּנָֽעַן 1 See how you translated “sojourned” in Gen 35:27 and **the land of Canaan** in Gen 35:6. Alternate translation: “in the land of Canaan where his father Isaac had lived for a while as a outsider.” 37:2 iyds אֵ֣לֶּה תֹּלְד֣וֹת יַעֲקֹ֗ב 1 Consider again how you translated **These are the generations of** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 2:4; 6:9; 11:27; 25:19; 36:1; 37:2, where what follows is a narrative or history of events. Compare that to Gen 5:1; 10:1; 11:10; 25:12; 36:9, where what follows is more of a genealogy (list of names). It may be necessary to translate this phrase in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “This is more of the history about Jacob and his family:” or “What follows tells more about Jacob and his family:” 37:2 hh9m יוֹסֵ֞ף בֶּן שְׁבַֽע עֶשְׂרֵ֤ה שָׁנָה֙ 1 This verse may be referring to a single incident or it may be referring to what happened regularly. 37:2 wtc2 הָיָ֨ה רֹעֶ֤ה & בַּצֹּ֔אן 1 See how you translated **flocks** in Gen 4:2. 37:2 xjuz אֶת אֶחָיו֙ & וְה֣וּא נַ֗עַר אֶת 1 As the youngest of these brothers, Joseph was their helper as they took care of their father’s flocks. Alternate translation: “as an helper for his brothers who were” 37:2 ilb3 בְּנֵ֥י בִלְהָ֛ה וְאֶת בְּנֵ֥י זִלְפָּ֖ה נְשֵׁ֣י אָבִ֑יו 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Bilhah** in Gen 29:29 and **Zilpah** in 29:24. 37:2 i0ck rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיָּבֵ֥א יוֹסֵ֛ף אֶת דִּבָּתָ֥ם רָעָ֖ה אֶל אֲבִיהֶֽם 1 The Hebrew text does not specify what Joseph’s brothers had done wrong, so neither should your translation. Also, make sure your translation of **their father** does not sound like the sons of Bilhah and Zilpah had a different father than Joseph had. Alternate translation: “and he told his father about the bad things they were doing.” or “and he gave bad reports to his father about them.” 37:3 tws4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְיִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל 1 This verse introduces background information for the events that happen next. Consider what is the best way to begin this sentence in your language. Make sure it is clear in your translation or in a footnote that Jacob (verse 1) and Israel (verse 3) refer to the same person, not two separate people. For a note about this, see Gen 35:10. Alternate translation: “Now Jacob, whose other name was Israel,” 37:3 e4ha rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי בֶן זְקֻנִ֥ים ה֖וּא ל֑וֹ 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “Now Joseph was born to Israel when he was old, so he/Israel loved him more than all the rest of his sons.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because Joseph was born to him when he was old.” 37:3 ruov rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וְעָ֥שָׂה ל֖וֹ כְּתֹ֥נֶת פַּסִּֽים 1 The meaning of the Hebrew text is not certain here. Many translations (including the Greek Septuagint and Latin Vulgate) say that the tunic or robe was **multicolored** or “colorful.” This **tunic** was probably full-length to the ankles and had long sleeves that reached to the hands. Alternate translation: “So he made a beautiful tunic for him that had many colors.” or “So he made a special colorful robe for him” 37:4 gxph rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיִּשְׂנְא֖וּ אֹת֑וֹ וְלֹ֥א יָכְל֖וּ דַּבְּר֥וֹ לְשָׁלֹֽם 1 Make sure it is clear here in your translation that the brothers hated Joseph, not their father. Alternate translation: “they despised Joseph so much that they could not speak to him kindly” or “… they refused to speak to him in a kind way.” or “… they always spoke unkindly to him.” 37:5 nqa3 וַיַּחֲלֹ֤ם יוֹסֵף֙ חֲל֔וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “Then one night Joseph had a dream” 37:5 fwbb וַיַּגֵּ֖ד לְאֶחָ֑יו 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The next day he told his brothers what he dreamed” 37:5 np9k וַיּוֹסִ֥פוּ ע֖וֹד שְׂנֹ֥א אֹתֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and they became even more hateful toward him.” or “That made them despise him even more than before.” 37:6 o9bp וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “He told them,” 37:6 tjgv שִׁמְעוּ נָ֕א הַחֲל֥וֹם הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר חָלָֽמְתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “Please listen to me tell about this dream that I had:” or “I had a dream that I want to tell you about. Please listen to me tell it.” 37:7 ighe וְ֠הִנֵּה 1 Alternate translation: “In my dream I saw” 37:7 kj3d אֲנַ֜חְנוּ מְאַלְּמִ֤ים אֲלֻמִּים֙ בְּת֣וֹךְ הַשָּׂדֶ֔ה 1 A sheaf of grain is a bunch of grain stalks that have been cut and tied together in a bundle, with the heads of grain at the top. Wheat and barley were the grains that were common in this region at that time, not corn or oats. Alternate translation: “that we all were out in the middle of a field cutting stalks of grain and tying the stalks into sheaves” or “us working together out in a field cutting and tying sheaves of wheat stalks.” 37:7 hdur וְהִנֵּ֛ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 37:7 i9yf אֲלֻמָּתִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “my sheaf of grain” or “the sheaf that I had made” 37:7 t8q7 קָ֥מָה & וְגַם נִצָּ֑בָה 1 Alternate translation: “stood up on its end” 37:7 zuav וְהִנֵּ֤ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then behold” 37:7 vhvx אֲלֻמֹּ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “your sheaves of grain” or “the bundles that you had made” 37:7 ugk0 תְסֻבֶּ֨ינָה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “stood around my sheaf” or “stood in a circle around my bundle” 37:7 kbp0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַתִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖יןָ לַאֲלֻמָּתִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “and bowed down to the ground to my sheaf to show submission.” or “and bowed respectfully to my sheaf” or “and bowed down in front of it in respect.” 37:8 erk9 וַיֹּ֤אמְרוּ לוֹ֙ אֶחָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “His brothers retorted angrily,” 37:8 l93b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲמָלֹ֤ךְ 1 The brothers use two rhetorical questions in this verse to express their disagreement with Joseph and to emphasize that they are not happy with him. Do what is best in your language. 37:8 r10j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive תִּמְלֹךְ֙ עָלֵ֔ינוּ 1 For languages that mark inclusive and exclusive pronouns, **us** excludes Joseph in this sentence. Alternate translation: “reign over us!” 37:8 xn5l וַיּוֹסִ֤פוּ עוֹד֙ שְׂנֹ֣א אֹת֔וֹ 1 Consider again how you translated **hate** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 24:60; 26:27; 29:31, 33; 37:4-5, 8. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “So they despised him even more strongly than they did before” 37:8 hwgw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עַל חֲלֹמֹתָ֖יו וְעַל דְּבָרָֽיו 1 For some languages, it is more natural to switch the order of clauses in this sentence and say, “So because of what he/Joseph had told them about his dreams, his brothers hated him even more strongly/intensely than they did before.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “for his dreams and for what he told them about the dreams.” 37:9 rdj8 וַיַּחֲלֹ֥ם עוֹד֙ חֲל֣וֹם אַחֵ֔ר וַיְסַפֵּ֥ר אֹת֖וֹ לְאֶחָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “Sometime after that, Joseph told his brothers about another dream that he had.” 37:9 cm0q וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Here is what he said:” 37:9 tpor וְהִנֵּ֧ה 1 Alternate translation: “and amazingly in this dream” 37:9 utc0 מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִ֖ים 1 See how you translated “bowed down” in verse 7. Alternate translation: “were bowing down to the ground” 37:9 qq77 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction לִֽי 1 Bowing down to someone was a way of showing respect and honor to that person. If that is not clear in your culture, you could make that information explicit in your translation or in a footnote. If it is understood, you can leave it implied (as the Hebrew text does). Alternate translation: “to me to show respect.” or “in front of me to honor me.” 37:10 sa4l וַיְסַפֵּ֣ר אֶל אָבִיו֮ וְאֶל אֶחָיו֒ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. Verse 10 could refer to: (1) a second time that Joseph told his dream; for example, “Then/Later Joseph told the same dream to both his father and his brothers, but his father …” or (2) the same time that he told this dream to his brothers in verse 9; for example, “When Joseph related/told the dream to his father and his brothers, his father …” 37:10 l2eq rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיִּגְעַר בּ֣וֹ אָבִ֔יו וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔וֹ 1 Your translation of this quote margin should not sound like two separate events; the verbs **rebuked** and **said** refer to the same event. Alternate translation: “but his father rebuked him by saying,” 37:10 epfz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מָ֛ה הַחֲל֥וֹם הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָלָ֑מְתָּ 1 Jacob uses a rhetorical question here to show that he is not happy about Joseph’s dream. Decide the best way to translate this in your language. Alternate translation: “Your dream is ridiculous” 37:10 mxwh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲב֣וֹא & אֲנִי֙ וְאִמְּךָ֣ וְאַחֶ֔יךָ 1 See how you translated a similar rhetorical question in verse 8. Alternate translation: “Your mother and I and your brothers will never” 37:10 octg נָב֗וֹא & לְהִשְׁתַּחֲוֺ֥ת & אָֽרְצָה 1 See how you translated **bow down** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “come to you and bow down to the ground” 37:10 yp2m לְךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “in front of you” 37:11 qwst וַיְקַנְאוּ ב֖וֹ אֶחָ֑יו 1 See how you translated **envied** in Gen 26:14; 30:1. 37:11 b3wy וְאָבִ֖יו שָׁמַ֥ר אֶת הַדָּבָֽר 1 Alternate translation: “but his father continued to wonder about what it all could mean.” or “but his father kept thinking about the dreams and wondered what they meant.” 37:12 vlrw בִּשְׁכֶֽם 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Shechem** in Gen 35:4. 37:13 vl3c וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶל יוֹסֵ֗ף 1 Alternate translation: “So one day Israel said to Joseph,” 37:13 upf3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲל֤וֹא אַחֶ֨יךָ֙ רֹעִ֣ים 1 Israel uses a rhetorical question to remind Joseph of something he already knows and to introduce what he wants Joseph to do. Decide the best way to communicate this in your language. Alternate translation: “As you know, your brothers are pasturing our flocks” 37:13 vka6 בִּשְׁכֶ֔ם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 12. 37:13 o27h וַיֹּ֥אמֶר ל֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “He responded,” or “He answered him,” 37:13 nrit הִנֵּֽנִי 1 Alternate translation: “Yes, sir.” 37:14 qlxr וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֗וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Israel told Joseph,” 37:14 wbsm לֶךְ נָ֨א רְאֵ֜ה 1 Alternate translation: “Please go find out” 37:14 kwpr אֶת שְׁל֤וֹם אַחֶ֨יךָ֙ וְאֶת שְׁל֣וֹם הַצֹּ֔אן 1 Alternate translation: “whether or not things are going well for your brothers and the flocks,” 37:14 dz4q וַהֲשִׁבֵ֖נִי דָּבָ֑ר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then come tell me how they are doing.” 37:14 b5jc וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֨הוּ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “So Israel sent Joseph on his way” 37:14 opy9 מֵעֵ֣מֶק חֶבְר֔וֹן 1 Be consistent in how you spell **Hebron** throughout the book of Genesis. See Gen 13:18; 23:2, 19; 35:27; 37:14. 37:14 jkus וַיָּבֹ֖א שְׁכֶֽמָה 1 The trip from the city of Hebron to the city of Shechem was about 100 kilometers (60 miles). Alternate translation: “and he went to the city of Shechem.” 37:15 oywm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּמְצָאֵ֣הוּ אִ֔ישׁ וְהִנֵּ֥ה 1 In this context **found** means the man happened to meet Joseph as Joseph was walking around looking for his brothers; the man was not intentionally looking for him. Also, for some languages it is clearer or more natural to change the order of the clauses in this sentence and say, “He started wandering around searching in the fields near there, where/and he met a man who asked …” or “As he was wandering around searching in the fields near there, he met a man who asked …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “There he met a man who had seen him” 37:15 syph תֹעֶ֖ה בַּשָּׂדֶ֑ה וַיִּשְׁאָלֵ֧הוּ הָאִ֛ישׁ לֵאמֹ֖ר 1 The word **fields** refers here to large, open places with no fences and few trees, where sheep and goats could easily graze. Alternate translation: “searching around in the nearby countryside and asked him” 37:15 fnn5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations מַה תְּבַקֵּֽשׁ 1 Consider whether it is better to use a direct or an indirect quote here in your language. Alternate translation: “Who are you looking for?” or “what he was looking for.” 37:16 rdbq הַגִּֽידָה נָּ֣א לִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “Do you know” 37:16 tg3s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֵיפֹ֖ה הֵ֥ם רֹעִֽים 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause earlier in the verse and say, “I am looking for my brothers who were somewhere around here shepherding/pasturing/tending their flocks. Do you know where they are now?” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “where they are pasturing their flocks?” 37:17 elkg rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר הָאִישׁ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “The man answered him,” or “The man replied,” 37:17 tgoq נָסְע֣וּ מִזֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “I saw them, but then they left from here” 37:17 lggu כִּ֤י שָׁמַ֨עְתִּי֙ אֹֽמְרִ֔ים 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “In fact, I heard them say to each other” or “but I overheard them say to each other” 37:17 va7d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations נֵלְכָ֖ה דֹּתָ֑יְנָה 1 Consider whether it is better to use a direct or indirect quote here in your translation. 37:17 jp2k וַיֵּ֤לֶךְ יוֹסֵף֙ אַחַ֣ר אֶחָ֔יו וַיִּמְצָאֵ֖ם בְּדֹתָֽן 1 Alternate translation: “So Joseph went to the town of Dothan and found his brothers near there.” 37:18 bcke וַיִּרְא֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ מֵרָחֹ֑ק 1 Alternate translation: “While he was still some distance away from them, they saw him,” 37:18 mv7y וּבְטֶ֨רֶם֙ יִקְרַ֣ב אֲלֵיהֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “and before he got close to where they were,” 37:18 c9yp וַיִּֽתְנַכְּל֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ לַהֲמִיתֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “they plotted to kill him.” 37:19 xisw הִנֵּ֗ה בַּ֛עַל הַחֲלֹמ֥וֹת הַלָּזֶ֖ה בָּֽא 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Joseph’s brothers are being sarcastic and disrespectful here as they make fun of Joseph. Alternate translation: “Look here comes that master dreamer!” 37:20 q28u rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown בְּאַחַ֣ד הַבֹּר֔וֹת 1 A cistern was a large hole or pit that had been dug in the ground to catch rain water and store it there. It was wide at the bottom and had a small opening at the top. The sides of the hole were covered with plaster so that it would hold water. Alternate translation: “into one of the empty pits here.” 37:20 takb וְאָמַ֕רְנוּ חַיָּ֥ה רָעָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then we will tell people that a ferocious wild animal” 37:20 pkdz אֲכָלָ֑תְהוּ 1 Alternate translation: “has eaten him,” or “ate him down,” 37:20 d69r וְנִרְאֶ֕ה 1 Alternate translation: “and everyone will see” 37:20 jm0y מַה יִּהְי֖וּ חֲלֹמֹתָֽיו 1 Joseph’s brothers are speaking here in a disdainful way, continuing to mock him. Alternate translation: “what will become of his dreams!” or “what happens to his great dreams!” or “if his great dreams come true!” 37:21 vz3w וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע רְאוּבֵ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “When Reuben heard what they were planning,” 37:21 sgyv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche וַיַּצִּלֵ֖הוּ מִיָּדָ֑ם 1 The phrase **their hands** refers to Joseph’s brothers and their power to harm him. Consider whether you have a similar figure of speech in your language. Alternate translation: “he tried to save Joseph from them” 37:21 pj3n rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “and said to them,” 37:21 arpw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לֹ֥א נַכֶּ֖נּוּ נָֽפֶשׁ 1 Consider again how you translated the idiom **strike** in Gen 4:15; 34:30; 37:21. Alternate translation: “We must not take his life.” or “We must not kill him.” 37:22 qril rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֣ם רְאוּבֵן֮ 1 Some translations do not include this phrase, possibly because Reuben is still speaking to the same people. However, he may have paused between verses 21 and 22 to see the effect of what he said in verse 21. Also, the repeated quote margin helps emphasize what he says in verse 22. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then he added,” 37:22 t1mz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַל תִּשְׁפְּכוּ דָם֒ 1 See how you translated the idiom **shed blood** in Gen 9:6. Alternate translation: “Do not kill him.” 37:22 r99s הַשְׁלִ֣יכוּ אֹת֗וֹ אֶל הַבּ֤וֹר הַזֶּה֙ 1 See how you translated **cistern** in verse 20. Alternate translation: “Instead put him into this dry well” 37:22 bqz5 אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּמִּדְבָּ֔ר 1 Consider again how you translated **wilderness** or “desert” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 14:6 (and note); 16:7; 21:14, 20-21; 36:24; 37:22. Also see when it occurs as implied information in Gen 12:9-10; 13:1, 3; 20:1; 24:62. Alternate translation: “here in the wilderness” 37:22 lhby וְיָ֖ד אַל תִּשְׁלְחוּ ב֑וֹ 1 The phrase **lay a hand on** is an idiom that emphasizes that they are not to harm him at all, not even in the smallest way. Alternate translation: “but you must not harm him in any way.” 37:22 bqvz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche לְמַ֗עַן הַצִּ֤יל אֹתוֹ֙ מִיָּדָ֔ם 1 See how you translated “rescued him from their hands” in verse 21. Alternate translation: “Reuben was planning to save him from them” or “He said that in order to save him from being killed by them” 37:22 lqa5 לַהֲשִׁיב֖וֹ אֶל אָבִֽיו 1 Make sure your translation of **his father** does not sound like Joseph had a different father than his brothers had. Alternate translation: “so that he could return him safely to his father.” or “and take him back home to his father.” 37:23 k46f וַֽיְהִ֕י כַּֽאֲשֶׁר בָּ֥א יוֹסֵ֖ף אֶל אֶחָ֑יו 1 As usual, the phrase **Then it happened** introduces and emphasizes an important set of events. Many translations leave it implied. Do what is natural in your language. 37:23 nae9 וַיַּפְשִׁ֤יטוּ אֶת יוֹסֵף֙ אֶת כֻּתָּנְתּ֔וֹ אֶת כְּתֹ֥נֶת הַפַּסִּ֖ים 1 See how you translated **multicolored tunic** in verse 3. Alternate translation: “they grabbed hold of him and tore off his colorful robe” 37:23 ye3c אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָלָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “he had on.” 37:24 h7mu וַיִּ֨קָּחֻ֔הוּ 1 If the phrase “grabbed/took hold of him” is made explicit in your translation in verse 23, it can be left implied here in verse 24. 37:24 nbwf וַיַּשְׁלִ֥כוּ אֹת֖וֹ הַבֹּ֑רָה 1 See how you translated “throw him” and **cistern** in verse 20. Alternate translation: “and put him into the well.” 37:24 za8r וְהַבּ֣וֹר רֵ֔ק אֵ֥ין בּ֖וֹ מָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “Now the well was empty; it had no water in it.” or “The well was empty and completely dry inside.” 37:25 h666 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּשְׁבוּ֮ לֶֽאֱכָל לֶחֶם֒ 1 It is clear from verse 29 that Reuben was not there when his brothers made the plan to sell Joseph to the traders. 37:25 gl5v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּשְׂא֤וּ עֵֽינֵיהֶם֙ וַיִּרְא֔וּ 1 See how you translated the idiom “lifted … eyes” in Gen 22:13. Alternate translation: “and while they were eating, they looked around” 37:25 de55 וְהִנֵּה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and saw that” or “and they saw that” 37:25 yfo8 אֹרְחַ֣ת 1 A **caravan** is a large group of people who are traveling together. Alternate translation: “a large company of” 37:25 ztmn יִשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים 1 See how you translated the names of other people groups in Gen 15:19-21. Alternate translation: “Ishmaelite merchants” or “traders from the Ishmael people group” or “traders who were descendants of Ishmael” 37:25 klhu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בָּאָ֖ה מִגִּלְעָ֑ד 1 For some languages it may be clearer to change the order of some of the implied information in this sentence and say, “… and saw/noticed that headed their way/direction was a large group of Ishmaelite traders/merchants that was coming/traveling from the region of Gilead.” Do what is best in your language. Also, be consistent here with how you spelled **Gilead** in Gen 31:21, 23, 25. Alternate translation: “was coming toward them from the region of Gilead.” or “was traveling from the region of Gilead and was headed their way.” 37:25 mpjz וּגְמַלֵּיהֶ֣ם נֹֽשְׂאִ֗ים 1 Consider again how you translated “camel” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:16 (and note); 24:10-11, 14, 19-20, 22, 25, 30-32, 35, 44, 46, 61, 63-64; 30:43; 31:17, 18, 34; 32:7, 15; 37:25. 37:25 duc4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowns נְכֹאת֙ וּצְרִ֣י וָלֹ֔ט 1 Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River that was famous as a source of balm (or balsam), which was a rare tree resin that was used for perfume and for medicine. Myrrh was another type of tree resin that was used as incense and as medicine. You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “expensive spices, healing resin and incense” 37:25 ogiz הוֹלְכִ֖ים לְהוֹרִ֥יד מִצְרָֽיְמָה 1 Alternate translation: “that they were transporting down to the country of Egypt to sell there.” or “that they were taking to sell in the country of Egypt.” 37:26 kjnl וַיֹּ֥אמֶר יְהוּדָ֖ה אֶל אֶחָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then Judah asked his brothers,” 37:26 ubh1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַה בֶּ֗צַע 1 Judah uses a rhetorical question here to emphasize his point. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “What will we gain” 37:26 byyb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כִּ֤י נַהֲרֹג֙ אֶת אָחִ֔ינוּ וְכִסִּ֖ינוּ אֶת דָּמֽוֹ 1 The phrase **cover up** is an idiom that means to prevent people from knowing about something evil that was done. Also, the phrase **his blood** is an idiom that refers to Joseph’s death. Alternate translation: “if we kill our brother and try to keep people from finding out about it” 37:27 trsv לְכ֞וּ וְנִמְכְּרֶ֣נּוּ 1 See how you translated “come and” in verse 20. Alternate translation: “Instead, we should sell him” 37:27 d1rs לַיִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֗ים 1 See how you translated **Ishmaelites** in verse 25. Alternate translation: “to those Ishmaelites over there” or “to those Ishmaelite merchants over there” 37:27 ink7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְיָדֵ֨נוּ֙ אַל תְּהִי ב֔וֹ 1 Translate this idiom in a way that is natural and clear in your language. Alternate translation: “so that we do not harm him.” 37:27 llb2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כִּֽי אָחִ֥ינוּ בְשָׂרֵ֖נוּ ה֑וּא 1 The phrase **our flesh** refers to the fact that they are closely related biologically. See how you translated a similar idiom (“my bone and my flesh”) in Gen 29:14. Alternate translation: “After all, as our brother, he is member of our family.” 37:27 pxd0 וַֽיִּשְׁמְע֖וּ אֶחָֽיו 1 See how you translated **listened** in Gen 34:24. 37:28 z0bz וַיַּֽעַבְרוּ֩ אֲנָשִׁ֨ים מִדְיָנִ֜ים סֹֽחֲרִ֗ים 1 The Ishmaelites (verses 25, 27-28; 39:1) and Midianites (verses 28 and 36) were the descendants of Abraham’s sons Ishmael and Midian (16:15; 25:1-2). However, sometimes (as here) the names of those people groups are used interchangeably for the same people (also see Judges 8:22, 24, 26). Perhaps that was because the two people groups had intermarried. Or there may have been merchants from the two people groups in this caravan who bought and sold Joseph together. You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “So as the Midianite (that is, Ishmaelite) merchants came by them,” or “So when the Ishmaelite traders who were also called Midianites were going by them,” 37:28 v0x8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַֽיִּמְשְׁכוּ֙ וַיַּֽעֲל֤וּ אֶת יוֹסֵף֙ מִן הַבּ֔וֹר 1 Not all of Joseph’s brothers were there, because we know from the next verse that at least Reuben was somewhere else when they sold Joseph. 37:28 ayg7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney וַיִּמְכְּר֧וּ אֶת יוֹסֵ֛ף לַיִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֖ים בְּעֶשְׂרִ֣ים כָּ֑סֶף 1 See the note about shekels at Gen 20:16. Twenty shekels of silver was equal to about one-fourth of a kilo (half a pound) and was the average price for a slave. You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “and sold him to the Ishmaelite traders for twenty pieces of silver.” 37:29 zb09 וַיָּ֤שָׁב רְאוּבֵן֙ אֶל הַבּ֔וֹר 1 Consider again how you translated **cistern** in verses 20, 22, 24, 28-29. Alternate translation: “Later Reuben who had been gone for a while returned to the well,” or “Then Reuben went back to the well to get Joseph,” 37:29 jkit וְהִנֵּ֥ה אֵין יוֹסֵ֖ף בַּבּ֑וֹר 1 Alternate translation: “but to his surprise Joseph was gone!” 37:29 l17h rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּקְרַ֖ע אֶת בְּגָדָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “So he tore his clothes to show grief.” or “Then he was so grieved that he tore his clothes.” 37:30 cbe8 וַיָּ֥שָׁב אֶל אֶחָ֖יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then he went back to where his brothers were” 37:30 hwt6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “and said to them,” 37:30 hksj הַיֶּ֣לֶד 1 Joseph was seventeen years old (verse 2), so this phrase should be translated in a way that is appropriate for his older brother to refer to him here. See how you translated a different word that has a similar meaning in Gen 21:12. Alternate translation: “The lad” or “Our younger brother” 37:30 hm3x אֵינֶ֔נּוּ 1 Alternate translation: “is missing!” 37:30 de6v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וַאֲנִ֖י אָ֥נָה אֲנִי בָֽא 1 Reuben uses a rhetorical question here to express how distressed he is and to emphasize that he does not know what to do. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Now what can I do?” 37:31 vk4u וַיִּקְח֖וּ 1 Alternate translation: “So they” 37:31 cjzw וַיִּקְח֖וּ אֶת כְּתֹ֣נֶת יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Alternate translation: “took his robe,” or “picked up his tunic” 37:31 hybm וַֽיִּשְׁחֲטוּ֙ שְׂעִ֣יר עִזִּ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “killed a male goat” 37:31 h4kn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּטְבְּל֥וּ אֶת הַכֻּתֹּ֖נֶת בַּדָּֽם 1 For some languages it is more natural to switch the order of clauses in this verse and say, “Then/So Joseph’s brothers killed a young goat, took Joseph’s/his tunic/robe, and dipped it in the goat’s blood.” or “Then/So Joseph’s brothers killed a young goat and dipped Joseph’s/his tunic/robe in the goat’s blood.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and dipped the robe in its blood.” 37:32 igsh וַֽיְשַׁלְּח֞וּ אֶת כְּתֹ֣נֶת הַפַּסִּ֗ים וַיָּבִ֨יאוּ֙ אֶל אֲבִיהֶ֔ם וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ 1 Consider again how you translated “multicolored/colorful tunic/robe” in verses 3, 23, 32. Alternate translation: “Then they had someone bring the colorful tunic back to their father and say to him for them,” 37:32 cghp זֹ֣את מָצָ֑אנוּ הַכֶּר נָ֗א 1 See how you translated **examine** in Gen 31:32. Alternate translation: “We found this tunic Please look at it to see” 37:33 nule וַיַּכִּירָ֤הּ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob examined the robe and exclaimed,” 37:33 ifzw כְּתֹ֣נֶת בְּנִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “This robe belongs to my son Joseph!” 37:33 mjef חַיָּ֥ה רָעָ֖ה אֲכָלָ֑תְהוּ טָרֹ֥ף טֹרַ֖ף יוֹסֵֽף 1 See how you translated “an evil animal devoured him” in verse 20. Alternate translation: “Surely a fierce wild animal has torn Joseph to pieces and eaten him up!” 37:34 ix46 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּקְרַ֤ע יַעֲקֹב֙ שִׂמְלֹתָ֔יו 1 See how you translated **tore his clothes** in verse 29. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob tore his clothes in sorrow,” or “Jacob was so grieved that he tore his clothes,” 37:34 d98k rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וַיָּ֥שֶׂם שַׂ֖ק בְּמָתְנָ֑יו 1 It was a Hebrew custom to wear sackcloth, which was a rough/coarse garment made/woven from black goats’ hair, to show that the person was mourning for someone’s death. If this custom is not familiar in your culture, you could put that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “put on sackcloth,” 37:34 a63b וַיִּתְאַבֵּ֥ל עַל בְּנ֖וֹ יָמִ֥ים רַבִּֽים 1 See how you translated “mourn” in Gen 27:41. Alternate translation: “and for many days he grieved that his son had died.” or “and for a very long time he grieved because his son was gone.” 37:35 yjk7 וַיְמָאֵן֙ לְהִתְנַחֵ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “but he did not want to be consoled” or “but he did not let them console him” 37:35 re6d וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 37:35 wdyn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown כִּֽי אֵרֵ֧ד אֶל בְּנִ֛י אָבֵ֖ל שְׁאֹ֑לָה 1 Sheol is the Hebrew name for the world of the dead, that is, the place where the spirits of dead people lived. You could put that information in a footnote. Your translation of **Sheol** should not refer to hell or a place of punishment. Some translations have “the grave” here, but that leaves out the idea of an afterlife that this sentence implies. Alternate translation: “No, I will continue to mourn until I die and join my son down in Sheol.” 37:36 j9zi וְהַ֨מְּדָנִ֔ים מָכְר֥וּ אֹת֖וֹ אֶל מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 The event in verse 36 occurred during the time that the events in verses 29-35 happened. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile, when the Midianite traders got to the country of Egypt, they sold Joseph” 37:36 ng42 לְפֽוֹטִיפַר֙ סְרִ֣יס פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 See how you translated **Pharaoh** in Gen 12:15-20. Alternate translation: “to Potiphar, who was an official under Pharaoh the king over Egypt;” 37:36 hd6f שַׂ֖ר הַטַּבָּחִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “he was the captain over the royal guards.” or “he was the leader of the soldiers who guarded the king.” 38:1 vktj rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַֽיְהִי֙ בָּעֵ֣ת הַהִ֔וא 1 The phrase **And it happened** introduces a new episode here. Some translations leave it implied. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile,” or “At this time,” 38:1 qqqe וַיֵּ֥רֶד יְהוּדָ֖ה מֵאֵ֣ת אֶחָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “Judah left his brothers and traveled down” 38:1 ptef וַיֵּ֛ט עַד אִ֥ישׁ עֲדֻלָּמִ֖י 1 The word **Adullamite** refers to the fact that Hirah was from the town of Adullam; it is not the name of a people group. The town of Adullam was about 19 kilometers (12 miles) northwest of the city of Hebron (37:14), and was lower in elevation, which is why the text says that Judah **went down** to get there. Alternate translation: “and lived in the town of Adullam near the home of a man from there” or “to the town of Adullam and lived near the home of a man from there” 38:2 f34u וַיַּרְא־שָׁ֧ם יְהוּדָ֛ה בַּת אִ֥ישׁ כְּנַעֲנִ֖י וּשְׁמ֣וֹ שׁ֑וּעַ 1 Alternate translation: “While he was living there, Judah met the daughter of a Canaanite man named Shua,” or “While he was living there, Judah met a Canaanite woman whose father was Shua,” 38:2 n4av rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּקָּחֶ֖הָ 1 See how you translated a similar idiom (“took a wife”) in Gen 25:1. Alternate translation: “and he took her as his wife.” 38:2 c9qf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיָּבֹ֥א אֵלֶֽיהָ 1 See how you translated the idiom **went to** in Gen 6:4. Alternate translation: “Then he lay with her,” or “Then he had sexual relations with her,” 38:3 i5xh וַתֵּ֣לֶד בֵּ֑ן 1 Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “and gave birth to a son,” 38:3 tjg5 וַיִּקְרָ֥א אֶת שְׁמ֖וֹ עֵֽר 1 Throughout Genesis, sometimes the father, sometimes the mother, and sometimes both are said to give their child his name. Alternate translation: “whom he named Er.” 38:4 a0s1 וַתַּ֥הַר ע֖וֹד 1 See how you translated verse 3, which is similar to verse 4. 38:5 rsf9 וַתֹּ֤סֶף עוֹד֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then she conceived again” 38:5 l4tz וְהָיָ֥ה בִכְזִ֖יב בְּלִדְתָּ֥הּ אֹתֽוֹ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “He/Judah was in/at the town of Kezib when she gave birth to Shelah.” or “When she gave birth to Shelah, Judah was in the town of Kezib.” or (2) “It was in the town of Kezib that she gave birth to him/Shelah.” or “She was in Kezib when she gave birth to him/Shelah.” 38:6 pv6j וַיִּקַּ֧ח יְהוּדָ֛ה אִשָּׁ֖ה לְעֵ֣ר בְּכוֹר֑וֹ וּשְׁמָ֖הּ תָּמָֽר 1 See how you translated the phrase **took a wife for** in Gen 21:21. Alternate translation: “Years later, Judah chose a wife named Tamar for his firstborn son Er.” 38:7 roio וַיְהִ֗י עֵ֚ר בְּכ֣וֹר יְהוּדָ֔ה 1 Some languages leave **the firstborn of Judah** implied here since Er was already called the firstborn in verse 6. The Hebrew text repeats that information here to emphasize Er’s relationship to Judah in the following events. Do what is best in your language. 38:7 unv4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיְהִ֗י & רַ֖ע בְּעֵינֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה 1 The Hebrew text does not specify what Er had done wrong, so neither should your translation. See how you translated the idiom **in the eyes of Yahweh** in Gen 6:8. Alternate translation: “did something that Yahweh judged to be evil” 38:7 gnk5 וַיְמִתֵ֖הוּ יְהוָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “so Yahweh took his life.” 38:8 id8g בֹּ֛א אֶל אֵ֥שֶׁת אָחִ֖יךָ 1 The Israelites practiced the custom of Levirate marriage, which meant that if a man died without any children, it was his oldest brother’s duty to marry his widow so that together they could have a son who would carry on the deceased man’s family line and inherit his estate (See: [Deuteronomy 25:5-6](../deu/25/05.md)). You could put some of that information in a footnote. 38:8 oq0f וְיַבֵּ֣ם אֹתָ֑הּ 1 Alternate translation: “so that you fulfill your duty to her as her brother-in-law” 38:8 xpyj וְהָקֵ֥ם זֶ֖רַע 1 Alternate translation: “and produce children with her” 38:8 xkri לְאָחִֽיךָ 1 Alternate translation: “to carry on the name of your brother Er.” 38:9 ks40 וַיֵּ֣דַע אוֹנָ֔ן כִּ֛י לֹּ֥א ל֖וֹ יִהְיֶ֣ה הַזָּ֑רַע 1 Alternate translation: “But Onan knew that the children they would have together would not belong to him.” 38:9 h91i וְהָיָ֞ה אִם 1 Alternate translation: “So every time” 38:9 jx50 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism בָּ֨א אֶל 1 Alternate translation: “he lay with” or “he had physical relations with” 38:9 s7mu וְשִׁחֵ֣ת אַ֔רְצָה 1 Translate this clause in a way that is polite and will not shame or embarrass people when this verse is read aloud in public. Make sure it is clear that Onan did something to keep Tamar from getting pregnant. Alternate translation: “he let his semen to go on the ground” 38:9 totl לְבִלְתִּ֥י נְתָן זֶ֖רַע לְאָחִֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “so that he would not have offspring for his brother.” or “to keep her from getting pregnant and having any offspring for his brother.” 38:10 nhk4 וַיֵּ֛רַע בְּעֵינֵ֥י יְהוָ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר עָשָׂ֑ה 1 See how you translated **evil in the eyes of Yahweh** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “Yahweh judged what he did to be evil” 38:10 umq7 וַיָּ֖מֶת גַּם אֹתֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “so he took his life too” or “so Yahweh caused him to die too.” 38:12 uu5v וַיִּרְבּוּ֙ הַיָּמִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “Many years later,” or “Years went by and then” 38:12 fy0d וַתָּ֖מָת בַּת שׁ֣וּעַ אֵֽשֶׁת יְהוּדָ֑ה 1 Notice that Shua was the father of Judah’s wife. Be consistent here with how you spelled his name in verse 2. 38:12 na0r וַיִּנָּ֣חֶם יְהוּדָ֗ה 1 See how you translated **comforted** in Gen 37:35. Alternate translation: “After Judah finished grieving for her, one day” or “After Judah had completed the customary time of mourning for her,” 38:12 sdjz וַיַּ֜עַל & תִּמְנָֽתָה 1 Make sure your translation of this clause does not sound like Judah had already arrived at Timnah, because he does not actually reach there until verse 19. His trip from the town of Adullam (verse 1) to the town of Timnah was about 13 kilometers (8 miles). 38:12 fh0g עַל גֹּֽזֲזֵ֤י צֹאנוֹ֙ 1 See how you translated “shear his sheep” in Gen 31:19 and see the note about that there. Alternate translation: “where his men were shearing his sheep for him.” 38:12 en0e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure ה֗וּא וְחִירָ֛ה רֵעֵ֥הוּ הָעֲדֻלָּמִ֖י 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this clause earlier in this verse and say, “… and he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite went up to the town of Timnah where men were shearing Judah’s sheep for him.” Do what is best in your language. Also, be consistent here with how you spelled **Hirah** and how you translated **Adullamite** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “His friend Hirah the Adullamite went with him.” 38:13 cja8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיֻּגַּ֥ד לְתָמָ֖ר לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “Then someone told Tamar,” 38:13 o1kb עֹלֶ֥ה תִמְנָ֖תָה לָגֹ֥ז צֹאנֽוֹ 1 See how you translated “shearing his sheep” in verse 12. Alternate translation: “is on his way to shear his sheep in the town of Timnah.” 38:14 bmnn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתָּסַר֩ בִּגְדֵ֨י אַלְמְנוּתָ֜הּ מֵֽעָלֶ֗יהָ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Tamar did not just take off her widow’s clothes, but that she also put different clothes on. Alternate translation: “So she changed into different clothes from the kind of clothes that widows wear” 38:14 vpxr וַתְּכַ֤ס בַּצָּעִיף֙ 1 A veil was a large piece of thin cloth that was used to cover the face and/or the body. See how you translated **veil** in Gen 24:65. Alternate translation: “and covered herself with a large veil” or “and covered her face with a thin veil” 38:14 d0cf וַתִּתְעַלָּ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “and disguised herself as a prostitute.” or “to disguise herself.” 38:14 fx7e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתֵּ֨שֶׁב֙ בְּפֶ֣תַח עֵינַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל דֶּ֣רֶךְ תִּמְנָ֑תָה 1 Some languages need to specify that Tamar traveled to Enaim before she sat down there. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then she sat by the gateway to the town of Enaim, which was on the way to the town of Timnah,” or “Then she went toward the town of Timnah and sat down at the entrance of the town of Enaim, which was along the way.” 38:14 f4by כִּ֤י רָאֲתָה֙ כִּֽי גָדַ֣ל שֵׁלָ֔ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 38:14 pc3c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְהִ֕וא לֹֽא נִתְּנָ֥ה ל֖וֹ לְאִשָּֽׁה 1 For some languages it is more natural to change the order of clauses in this sentence and say, “Tamar had seen/noticed that Shelah was now grown up, but Judah had not given her to him to marry as he was supposed/required to do. So she changed from her widow’s clothes …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “but Judah had not given her to Shelah to marry as he was required to do.” 38:15 bpro rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַֽיַּחְשְׁבֶ֖הָ לְזוֹנָ֑ה כִּ֥י כִסְּתָ֖ה פָּנֶֽיהָ 1 See how you translated **prostitute** in Gen 34:31 and **covered her face** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “but since she had covered her face with a veil he could not see who she was and he thought that she was a prostitute.” 38:16 rkdo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּ֨ט אֵלֶ֜יהָ אֶל הַדֶּ֗רֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “So he went over to where she was sitting by the road” 38:16 p4cl וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and propositioned her by saying,” or “and requested,” 38:16 m30g rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism הָֽבָה נָּא֙ אָב֣וֹא אֵלַ֔יִךְ 1 Alternate translation: “Let me lie with you.” or “Let me have relations with you.” 38:16 p7ts כִּ֚י לֹ֣א יָדַ֔ע כִּ֥י כַלָּת֖וֹ הִ֑וא 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this sentence and say, “He did not realize that she was his daughter-in-law Tamar, so he went over to her beside the road and said …” Alternate translation: “He said that because he did not realize that she was his daughter-in-law Tamar.” 38:16 q0h1 מַה תִּתֶּן לִּ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “What will you give me in exchange” 38:16 e4ov כִּ֥י תָב֖וֹא 1 Alternate translation: “if I allow you to” 38:16 hg0t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom תָב֖וֹא אֵלָֽי 1 See how you translated the idiom **come to** earlier in this verse. Alternate translation: “lie with me?” or “have relations with me?” or “do that?” 38:17 ex73 אָנֹכִ֛י אֲשַׁלַּ֥ח גְּדִֽי עִזִּ֖ים מִן הַצֹּ֑אן 1 See how you translated **kid goat** in Gen 27:9, 16. 38:17 g37n אִם תִּתֵּ֥ן עֵרָב֖וֹן 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “Ok, if you will give me a pledge/deposit …” or “I will agree, if you give me something valuable of yours to keep …” or (2) “Will you give me a pledge/deposit …?” 38:17 o8kc עַ֥ד שָׁלְחֶֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “until you send the goat to me.” 38:18 zusm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “So Judah asked her,” 38:18 op2q מָ֣ה הָֽעֵרָבוֹן֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶתֶּן לָּךְ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “What should I give to you as a pledge” 38:18 rr3x rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown חֹתָֽמְךָ֙ וּפְתִילֶ֔ךָ 1 A **signet** or “identification seal” was a ring or small cylinder-shaped object that had the owner’s name engraved on it and was worn around his neck on a cord. It was used to prove his identity and to sign documents that were written on clay tablets, by rolling the cylinder over the soft clay. If people in your culture are not familiar with these things, you could put some of this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Give me your signature thing with its string that you wear around your neck,” 38:18 n7cn וּמַטְּךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “and your cane” 38:18 z9bt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיָּבֹ֥א אֵלֶ֖יהָ 1 Consider again how you translated the idiom **went to** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 6:4 (See: note); 16:2, 4; 19:31; 30:3-4; 38:2, 8-9, 16, 18. It may be necessary to translate this phrase in different ways, depending on the context; for example, the relationship in Gen 38:16, 18 was outside of marriage. Alternate translation: “Then he lay with her,” 38:18 gw3h וַתַּ֥הַר לֽוֹ 1 Consider again how you translated “conceive” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 4:1, 17; 16:4-5; 19:36; 21:2; 25:21; 29:32-35; 30:5, 7, 17, 19, 23; 38:3-4, 18. Alternate translation: “and she became pregnant by him.” or “and he caused her to become pregnant.” 38:19 liio וַתָּ֣קָם וַתֵּ֔לֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “After that, Tamar left Judah and went home” or “After Tamar left Judah, she went home” 38:19 pbgh וַתָּ֥סַר צְעִיפָ֖הּ מֵעָלֶ֑יהָ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated **veil** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “took off her shawl” or “Then she took her veil off” 38:19 a54x וַתִּלְבַּ֖שׁ בִּגְדֵ֥י אַלְמְנוּתָֽהּ 1 See how you translated **widow’s clothes** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “and put back on her clothes that showed she was a widow.” or “and put back on the kind of clothes that widows wear.” 38:20 sd35 וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח יְהוּדָ֜ה אֶת־גְּדִ֣י הָֽעִזִּ֗ים בְּיַד֙ רֵעֵ֣הוּ הָֽעֲדֻלָּמִ֔י 1 See how you translated “his friend … the Adullamite” in verse 12 and **kid goat** in verse 17. Alternate translation: “After that, Judah sent his friend Hirah the Adullamite with a young goat” 38:20 o4m5 לָקַ֥חַת הָעֵרָב֖וֹן מִיַּ֣ד הָאִשָּׁ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “to retrieve his things from the woman whom he had given them to.” or “to exchange it for the things he had left with the woman” or “to get back from the woman the things he had left with her.” 38:20 i3ar וְלֹ֖א מְצָאָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “but Hirah could not find her.” 38:21 jp7z וַיִּשְׁאַ֞ל אֶת אַנְשֵׁ֤י מְקֹמָהּ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “So Hirah asked some men who lived near the place where she had been,” 38:21 vr5k אַיֵּ֧ה הַקְּדֵשָׁ֛ה הִ֥וא בָעֵינַ֖יִם עַל הַדָּ֑רֶךְ 1 Pagan religions had fertility rites at their temples or shrines that included professional prostitutes. Make sure your translation of **temple prostitute** does not refer to any temple built by the Israelites. Also be consistent here with how you translated **Enaim** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “Where is the shrine prostitute who was sitting beside the road near the town of Enaim?” 38:21 hfg6 לֹא הָיְתָ֥ה & קְדֵשָֽׁה 1 Alternate translation: “There has never been a shrine prostitute” or “No shrine prostitute has ever been” 38:21 dzj8 בָזֶ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “in this town.” 38:22 x8tr וַיָּ֨שָׁב֙ אֶל יְהוּדָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “So Hirah came back to Judah” 38:22 cfc0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “and said to him,” or “and informed him,” 38:22 q9on לֹ֣א מְצָאתִ֑יהָ 1 Alternate translation: “I was not able to find the woman” 38:22 jxz6 וְגַ֨ם 1 Alternate translation: “And besides that,” 38:22 pr0d אַנְשֵׁ֤י הַמָּקוֹם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “the men who live around there” or “the men who live in that town” 38:22 ehox rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations אָֽמְר֔וּ לֹא הָיְתָ֥ה בָזֶ֖ה קְדֵשָֽׁה 1 See how you translated this same quote in verse 21. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to translate this as an indirect quote here in verse 22. Alternate translation: “say that there has never been a shrine prostitute near there.” 38:23 zc7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יְהוּדָה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Judah said to him,” or “Judah replied,” 38:23 m5kc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive פֶּ֖ן נִהְיֶ֣ה לָב֑וּז 1 The pronouns **we** and “us” are inclusive here because Judah is including Hirah; some languages might use a dual pronoun. Use the pronouns that are best in your language in this context. Alternate translation: “so that people do not laugh at us.” or “so that we are not publicly shamed.” 38:23 jh42 הִנֵּ֤ה 1 Alternate translation: “After all,” 38:23 zuhk שָׁלַ֨חְתִּי֙ הַגְּדִ֣י הַזֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “I did try to deliver this goat to her,” or “I sent you to deliver this goat to her,” 38:23 t312 וְאַתָּ֖ה לֹ֥א מְצָאתָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “but you could not find her.” 38:24 u2di וַיְהִ֣י כְּמִשְׁלֹ֣שׁ חֳדָשִׁ֗ים 1 The phrase **Then it happened** introduces an important part of the story and helps create suspense or anticipation, so that it leaves the audience wondering what will happen next. Some translations leave it implied. Do what is best in your language. 38:24 s76q rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֻּגַּ֨ד לִֽיהוּדָ֤ה לֵֽאמֹר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “someone said to Judah,” or “someone informed Judah,” 38:24 m7xn תָּמָ֣ר כַּלָּתֶ֔ךָ 1 Consider again how you translated **daughter-in-law** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 11:31; 38:11, 16, 24. 38:24 bbh3 זָֽנְתָה֙ 1 Some languages have an idiom for this phrase. Do what is best in your language. See how you translated “prostitute” in Gen 34:31, 38:15 and “temple prostitute” in verses 21-22. Alternate translation: “has acted as a prostitute.” 38:24 o1fu וְגַ֛ם הִנֵּ֥ה הָרָ֖ה לִזְנוּנִ֑ים 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “In fact, as a result of her immoral behavior she has become pregnant!” or “and even worse, she is now pregnant because of that!” 38:24 ysut rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוּדָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “Judah said angrily,” 38:24 nens rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הוֹצִיא֖וּהָ 1 Executions were normally done outside of the city walls. 38:24 yehf וְתִשָּׂרֵֽף 1 Alternate translation: “and punish her by burning her to death!” 38:25 ep9v הִ֣וא מוּצֵ֗את 1 Alternate translation: “So they went to get Tamar, but as they were taking her out of the town,” 38:25 zsbg וְהִ֨יא שָׁלְחָ֤ה אֶל חָמִ֨יהָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 See how you translated **father-in-law** in verse 13. 38:25 mpys rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ הַכֶּר נָ֔א לְמִ֞י הַחֹתֶ֧מֶת וְהַפְּתִילִ֛ים וְהַמַּטֶּ֖ה הָאֵֽלֶּה 1 For some languages it is more natural to omit the quote margin here, since what follows is a continuation of the message Tamar is sending to Judah. Do what is best in your language. See how you translated **signet** and “cord” and **staff** in verse 18. Alternate translation: “Please identify the man who owns this name thing with its string and this walking stick.” or “Please look at this name seal with its cord and this walking stick. Do you know who they belong to?” 38:26 l5y7 וַיַּכֵּ֣ר יְהוּדָ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “Judah saw that the things she had were his” 38:26 q7tg וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and admitted,” 38:26 vv8s צָֽדְקָ֣ה מִמֶּ֔נִּי 1 Alternate translation: “She is right, and I am wrong,” 38:26 zlor כִּֽי־עַל־כֵּ֥ן לֹא־נְתַתִּ֖יהָ לְשֵׁלָ֣ה בְנִ֑י 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Shelah** in verses 5, 11, 14. Alternate translation: “because I refused to have my son Shelah marry her as I was required to!” or “because I did not let her marry my son Shelah as I was required to!” 38:26 w29m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וְלֹֽא יָסַ֥ף ע֖וֹד לְדַעְתָּֽה 1 Consider again how you translated the idiom “knew” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 4:1 (and note), 17, 25; 19:8; 24:16; 38:26. It may be necessary to translate 38:26 differently, since the relationship in this verse was outside of marriage. Compare how you translated a related idiom (“went to”) in verse 18. Alternate translation: “So they released her and after that he never again slept with her” or “… never had sexual relations with Tamar again.” 38:27 taw4 וַיְהִ֖י בְּעֵ֣ת לִדְתָּ֑הּ 1 See how you translated **Then it happened** in verse 24. The same phrase occurs three times in verses 27-29 to draw attention to the peak of this chapter, the birth of Perez, who was the ancestor of King David and the Messiah. 38:27 krwk וְהִנֵּ֥ה תְאוֹמִ֖ים בְּבִטְנָֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “amazingly there were twins inside her!” or “they saw that there were twins inside her!” or “it turned out that she was going to have twins!” 38:28 qivh וַיְהִ֥י בְלִדְתָּ֖הּ 1 See how you translated **giving birth** in Gen 35:16. This may need to be translated differently here because of the different context. Alternate translation: “As she was starting to deliver her babies,” 38:28 olds וַיִּתֶּן יָ֑ד 1 Alternate translation: “one of the twins put out his hand” 38:28 lm3k וַתִּקַּ֣ח הַמְיַלֶּ֗דֶת וַתִּקְשֹׁ֨ר עַל־יָד֤וֹ שָׁנִי֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 The midwife did this because it was her responsibility to identify which baby was the firstborn. See how you translated **midwife** in Gen 35:17. Alternate translation: “Then the midwife who was there tied a bright red thread on his wrist and said,” or “So the midwife who was helping her …” 38:28 hg4j זֶ֖ה יָצָ֥א רִאשֹׁנָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “This one was born first.” 38:29 t36m וַיְהִ֣י כְּמֵשִׁ֣יב יָד֗וֹ וְהִנֵּה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “But then that baby pulled his hand back inside, and suddenly” 38:29 h16n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit יָצָ֣א אָחִ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “his brother came out first instead.” 38:29 q6iz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “So the midwife said to the baby,” 38:29 bk1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַה פָּרַ֖צְתָּ עָלֶ֣יךָ פָּ֑רֶץ 1 The midwife uses a rhetorical question here to emphasize how surprised she is that Perez was born first. Decide the best way to communicate this in your language. Alternate translation: “How did you burst yourself out like that?” or “What a powerful way for you to burst out!” or “Just look at how you have forced your way out!” 38:29 fwgm וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 Although this phrase could mean that Judah (Perez’s father) named Perez, most translations translate this in a general or indefinite way that does not specify who named him. See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 29:34. Alternate translation: “So they named him” 38:29 k9rb rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names פָּֽרֶץ 1 If you include the meaning of Perez’ name in your translation or in a footnote, make sure it fits with how you translated the previous sentence. 38:30 bcqr וְאַחַר֙ & אָחִ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “After that, his twin brother” 38:30 r266 יָצָ֣א 1 Alternate translation: “was born” 38:30 vde7 אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל יָד֖וֹ הַשָּׁנִ֑י 1 See how you translated **scarlet thread** in verse 28. Alternate translation: “who had the bright red thread on his wrist.” or “with the bright red string on his wrist.” 38:30 f1uo וַיִּקְרָ֥א שְׁמ֖וֹ 1 See how you translated **he called his name** in verse 29. Alternate translation: “So they named him” 39:1 nu80 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְיוֹסֵ֖ף הוּרַ֣ד מִצְרָ֑יְמָה 1 Chapter 39 picks up where 37:36 left off and repeats some events (that happened in chapter 37) to remind readers of what happened before chapter 38 interrupted the narrative. Make sure your translation does not sound like Joseph was taken to Egypt twice or sold to Potiphar twice. Alternate translation: “Now as you know, Ishmaelite merchants had brought Joseph down to the country of Egypt,” or “Returning now to Joseph: Remember that he had been taken down to the country of Egypt by Ishmaelite traders” 39:1 p905 פּוֹטִיפַר֩ סְרִ֨יס פַּרְעֹ֜ה שַׂ֤ר הַטַּבָּחִים֙ אִ֣ישׁ מִצְרִ֔י 1 See how you translated **an official of Pharaoh, the chief of the guards** in Gen 37:36. 39:1 zeo9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּקְנֵ֡הוּ & מִיַּד֙ הַיִּשְׁמְעֵאלִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר הוֹרִדֻ֖הוּ שָֽׁמָּה 1 For some languages it is clearer and more natural to change the order of clauses in this verse and say, “Now as you know, some Ishmaelite traders had taken/brought Joseph down to the country of Egypt, and an Egyptian named Potiphar had bought him as a slave/servant from them. Potiphar was one of Pharaoh’s officials/officers, the captain over the king’s personal guards.” Do what is best in your language. See how you translated **Ishmaelites** in Gen 37:25, 27-28. Alternate translation: “had bought him as a slave from the Ishmaelites who had brought him there.” 39:2 qfkq וַיְהִ֤י יְהוָה֙ אֶת יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 See how you translated **was with** in Gen 21:20; 26:28. Alternate translation: “But Yahweh was with Joseph and helped him,” 39:2 yfoq וַיְהִ֖י אִ֣ישׁ מַצְלִ֑יחַ 1 Alternate translation: “so that he succeeded in what he did” or “so that he did everything very well” 39:2 au6r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיְהִ֕י בְּבֵ֥ית אֲדֹנָ֖יו הַמִּצְרִֽי 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “As Joseph worked in his Egyptian master/owner’s house, Yahweh was with him/Joseph and helped/blessed him, so that he succeeded in everything he did.” Do what is best in your language. 39:3 eyfg וַיַּ֣רְא אֲדֹנָ֔יו כִּ֥י יְהוָ֖ה אִתּ֑וֹ 1 In verses 2 through 20, Potiphar is referred to as Joseph’s master (verses 2-3, 7-8, 16, 19-20) and “the Egyptian” (verse 5); he is no longer mentioned by his name in the Hebrew text. Some translations continue to use Potiphar’s name occasionally in verses 2 through 20 to prevent confusion and make it clear that all of these references refer to the same person, not two or three different people. Do what is best in your language. See how you translated **master** or “owner” in Gen 24:9-10. 39:3 o1le וְכֹל֙ אֲשֶׁר ה֣וּא עֹשֶׂ֔ה יְהוָ֖ה מַצְלִ֥יחַ בְּיָדֽוֹ 1 See how you translated **successful** in verse 2. Alternate translation: “and was helping Joseph to prosper in everything that he did.” or “and was helping Joseph to do everything very well.” 39:4 t5me rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּמְצָ֨א יוֹסֵ֥ף חֵ֛ן בְּעֵינָ֖יו וַיְשָׁ֣רֶת אֹת֑וֹ 1 Make sure that your translation of **in his eyes** refers here to Joseph’s master, not Yahweh. Also, see how you translated the idiom “found favor in … eyes” in Gen 6:8. Alternate translation: “So he was pleased with him and made him his personal servant” 39:4 jhry rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּפְקִדֵ֨הוּ֙ עַל בֵּית֔וֹ וְכָל־יֶשׁ־ל֖וֹ נָתַ֥ן בְּיָדֽוֹ 1 Make sure your translation of the pronouns (“he,” “him,” and **his**) in verses 2 through 6 refers to the correct person at each point in the text. Also see how you translated the idiom “gave … into the hand of” in Gen 32:16. Alternate translation: “He also put Joseph in charge of managing his household and taking care of everything else that he owned.” or “He also appointed him as the overseer of his entire household and entrusted into his care everything that belonged to him.” 39:5 vi9e וַיְהִ֡י מֵאָז֩ 1 Alternate translation: “Beginning from the time that” 39:5 slwg הִפְקִ֨יד אֹת֜וֹ בְּבֵית֗וֹ וְעַל֙ כָּל אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶשׁ ל֔וֹ 1 See how you translated “put him in charge … his house and … everything that was his” in verse 4. It is repeated in verse 5 in the Hebrew text to emphasize the authority that Joseph was given. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he put him in charge of managing everything that belonged to him,” 39:5 p5qi וַיְבָ֧רֶךְ יְהוָ֛ה אֶת בֵּ֥ית הַמִּצְרִ֖י 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation of this chapter that “Egyptian,” “master,” and “Potiphar” all refer to the same person, not two or three different people. 39:5 djhx בִּגְלַ֣ל יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Alternate translation: “because Joseph was working for him.” 39:5 nobj וַיְהִ֞י בִּרְכַּ֤ת יְהוָה֙ בְּכָל אֲשֶׁ֣ר יֶשׁ ל֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Yahweh blessed everything that belonged to him,” or “He caused everything that he owned to prosper,” 39:5 iqqn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בַּבַּ֖יִת וּבַשָּׂדֶֽה 1 In this context, **house** especially refers to the people in the house and **fields** refers to what is in the fields. Alternate translation: “including everything in his household and in his fields.” or “including his family and servants in his household, as well as the crops and livestock in his fields.” 39:6 l7xx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיַּעֲזֹ֣ב כָּל אֲשֶׁר לוֹ֮ בְּיַד יוֹסֵף֒ 1 See how you translated a similar idiom (“gave into his hand”) in verse 4. Alternate translation: “In fact, he gave Joseph the responsibility of managing everything that he had, so that” 39:6 ywhg rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions וְלֹא יָדַ֤ע אִתּוֹ֙ מְא֔וּמָה כִּ֥י אִם הַלֶּ֖חֶם אֲשֶׁר ה֣וּא אוֹכֵ֑ל 1 For some languages, it is more natural to put the exception clause first in the sentence. Do what is best in your language. Also, Potiphar did more than decide what to eat; that was just one example of personal decisions which were all he had to concern himself with. Alternate translation: “he did not need to concern himself with anything in his household except for personal things like deciding what kind of food he wanted to eat.” or “the only thing he needed to decide about in his household was personal things like what food he wanted to eat.” 39:6 zuu5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וַיְהִ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף יְפֵה תֹ֖אַר וִיפֵ֥ה מַרְאֶֽה 1 Some languages have a conjunction such as **Now** that introduces background information and a change of topic. For other languages a paragraph break is enough (without a conjunction). Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Joseph was muscular and good-looking.” or “Now Joseph was a very handsome young man.” 39:7 ysar וַיְהִ֗י אַחַר֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה 1 The phrase **And it happened** introduces and emphasizes an important event. Many English translations do not include this phrase. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “After he had been there for a while,” 39:7 nv2x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַתִּשָּׂ֧א אֵֽשֶׁת־אֲדֹנָ֛יו אֶת־עֵינֶ֖יהָ אֶל־יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Many languages have a similar idiom that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. 39:7 x36f rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Translate this quote introduction in a way that fits well with what Potiphar’s wife says to Joseph. Alternate translation: “and said to him,” or “and demanded him,” 39:7 g6dw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism שִׁכְבָ֥ה עִמִּֽי 1 See how you translated the idiom “lie with” in Gen 19:32. Alternate translation: “Sleep with me!” 39:8 ep8r וַיְמָאֵ֓ן 1 Alternate translation: “But he rejected her demand” 39:8 g2v4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל אֵ֣שֶׁת אֲדֹנָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “and told her,” 39:8 owob הֵ֣ן 1 Alternate translation: “Look” or “Notice that” 39:8 evap אִתִּ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “with me in charge,” or “since I am working here,” 39:8 rjl4 אֲדֹנִ֔י לֹא יָדַ֥ע 1 Alternate translation: “my owner does not need to worry about” or “my owner does not need to concern himself with” 39:8 bede מַה בַּבָּ֑יִת 1 Alternate translation: “managing anything in his household,” 39:8 y97a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְכֹ֥ל אֲשֶׁר יֶשׁ ל֖וֹ נָתַ֥ן בְּיָדִֽי 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated the idiom “gave into … hand” in verse 4. Alternate translation: “In fact, everything that he owns he has entrusted to my care” or “In fact, he has put me in charge of everything that he has” 39:9 zepl אֵינֶ֨נּוּ גָד֜וֹל בַּבַּ֣יִת הַזֶּה֮ מִמֶּנִּי֒ 1 As Joseph’s master, Potiphar still had more authority than Joseph. But he had given Joseph authority to act in his place over everything in his household. Try to make that clear in your translation. Also, consider whether it is more natural in your language to begin verse 9 with a new sentence or to continue the sentence from verse 8. Alternate translation: “As a result, even he does not exercise more authority in his household than I do” 39:9 vvmi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes וְלֹֽא חָשַׂ֤ךְ מִמֶּ֨נִּי֙ מְא֔וּמָה כִּ֥י אִם אוֹתָ֖ךְ בַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר אַתְּ אִשְׁתּ֑וֹ 1 The phrase **has not withheld** is a litotes that emphasizes the freedom that Potiphar had given Joseph. Some languages must translate this in a way that does not use a negative word such as **not**. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and he has given me freedom with everything in his household, except you, of course, because you are his wife.” or “He allows me to do anything in his household, except with you, his wife.” 39:9 py3p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וְאֵ֨יךְ אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֜ה הָרָעָ֤ה הַגְּדֹלָה֙ הַזֹּ֔את וְחָטָ֖אתִי לֵֽאלֹהִֽים 1 Joseph uses this rhetorical question to emphasize why he will not do what Potiphar’s wife wants. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So I refuse to do such an evil thing, which would be a terrible sin against God!” 39:10 zye2 וַיְהִ֕י כְּדַבְּרָ֥הּ אֶל יוֹסֵ֖ף י֣וֹם י֑וֹם 1 The phrase “Then/And it happened” is used several times in this chapter (verses 5, 7, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 19) to introduce and emphasize important events and to increase suspense so that the audience wonders what the outcome will be. Many English translations have omitted this phrase, possibly for reasons of naturalness. Consider whether you have an expression like this that is natural in your language. 39:10 lu95 וְלֹא שָׁמַ֥ע אֵלֶ֛יהָ לִשְׁכַּ֥ב אֶצְלָ֖הּ 1 Alternate translation: “he did not do what she wanted, but refused to lie with her,” or “he refused her demands” 39:10 nept לִהְי֥וֹת עִמָּֽהּ 1 Alternate translation: “and he stayed away from her.” or “and would not even go near her.” 39:11 mdad וַיְהִי֙ כְּהַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “But then on a day like that,” or “But one such day” or “But one day” 39:11 vnms וְאֵ֨ין אִ֜ישׁ מֵאַנְשֵׁ֥י הַבַּ֛יִת שָׁ֖ם בַּבָּֽיִת 1 Alternate translation: “none of the other household menservants were there.” 39:12 jkr9 וַתִּתְפְּשֵׂ֧הוּ בְּבִגְד֛וֹ 1 The word **garment** is very general and probably refers to an outer article of clothing, such as a robe or tunic. 39:12 it2z rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations לֵאמֹ֖ר 1 See how you translated this quote introduction in verse 7. Alternate translation: “and said to him,” or “and said” 39:12 zgtp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism שִׁכְבָ֣ה עִמִּ֑י 1 See how you translated this quote in verse 7. Alternate translation: “Sleep with me!” 39:12 bhip וַיַּעֲזֹ֤ב בִּגְדוֹ֙ בְּיָדָ֔הּ וַיָּ֖נָס וַיֵּצֵ֥א הַחֽוּצָה 1 Make sure your translation does not sound here like Joseph put his garment in her hands. Rather, it came off in her hands as he was fleeing. Alternate translation: “But immediately he fled and left his tunic behind in her hands as he ran outside” or “But he immediately got away from her and fled outdoors, leaving his tunic behind in her hands.” 39:13 nwnq וַיְהִי֙ כִּרְאוֹתָ֔הּ 1 Alternate translation: “After she saw” 39:13 bsy8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי עָזַ֥ב בִּגְד֖וֹ בְּיָדָ֑הּ וַיָּ֖נָס הַחֽוּצָה 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 12. Alternate translation: “that Joseph had left his tunic behind in her hands as he ran outside,” or “that Joseph had fled outside and left his tunic behind in her hands,” 39:14 tq92 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַתִּקְרָ֞א לְאַנְשֵׁ֣י בֵיתָ֗הּ 1 See how you translated “men of the house” in verse 11. Alternate translation: “she called out for the other household menservants to come to her” or “she summoned the other menservants of her household to come” 39:14 tibm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַתֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “Then when they came, she exclaimed to them,” 39:14 jd8u rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit רְא֗וּ 1 As Potiphar’s wife speaks, she is probably showing the servants Joseph’s garment in her hands. Alternate translation: “Look at this!” or “See what happened!” 39:14 bl9l rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns הֵ֥בִיא לָ֛נוּ אִ֥ישׁ עִבְרִ֖י 1 Make sure that your translation of **He brought** refers here to Potiphar (as verse 17 confirms), not Joseph. Alternate translation: “My husband brought this Hebrew slave here to us” 39:14 r8rm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive לְצַ֣חֶק בָּ֑נוּ 1 In this context, **us** is general and includes Potiphar’s wife and the people she is talking to. Alternate translation: “to mock us!” 39:14 wqqd בָּ֤א אֵלַי֙ 1 Make sure your translation of **He came** refers here to Joseph, not Potiphar (who was the subject of the previous sentence in the Hebrew text). Alternate translation: “That man came here to me” 39:14 tyjv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לִשְׁכַּ֣ב עִמִּ֔י 1 Consider again how you translated the idiom **lie with** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 19:32-35; 26:10; 30:15-16; 34:2, 7; 35:22; 39:7, 10, 12, 14. It may be necessary to translate this in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “to force me to lie with him,” 39:14 xzcf וָאֶקְרָ֖א בְּק֥וֹל גָּדֽוֹל 1 Alternate translation: “but I cried out for help!” or “but I shouted loudly for help!” 39:15 p2ka וַיְהִ֣י כְשָׁמְע֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Then when” 39:15 h3hc וַיְהִ֣י כְשָׁמְע֔וֹ כִּֽי הֲרִימֹ֥תִי קוֹלִ֖י וָאֶקְרָ֑א 1 Alternate translation: “Then when he heard me cry out loudly,” or “Then as soon as he heard me shout like that,” 39:15 nxmk וַיַּעֲזֹ֤ב בִּגְדוֹ֙ אֶצְלִ֔י וַיָּ֖נָס וַיֵּצֵ֥א הַחֽוּצָה 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verses 12 and 13. Alternate translation: “he left his tunic with me and fled outside” or “he immediately fled outdoors and he left his tunic behind!” 39:16 xlz9 וַתַּנַּ֥ח 1 Alternate translation: “So she kept” 39:16 cz5n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עַד & אֲדֹנָ֖יו 1 Make sure that your translation of this phrase does not sound like her husband and Joseph’s master were two different people. Do what is best in your language. 39:16 uclh בּ֥וֹא & אֶל בֵּיתֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “came back to his home.” or “came home.” 39:17 b9yo וַתְּדַבֵּ֣ר אֵלָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then when he arrived, she told him” 39:17 g1fk כַּדְּבָרִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה 1 Alternate translation: “the same thing she had told the others.” 39:17 pbw6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “This is what she said:” 39:17 njvs הָעֶ֧בֶד הָֽעִבְרִ֛י אֲשֶׁר הֵבֵ֥אתָ 1 Alternate translation: “That Hebrew slave whom you brought” 39:17 cubv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive לָּ֖נוּ 1 Here the pronoun **us** includes Potiphar, his wife and their household. Alternate translation: “to work for us” 39:17 jhz0 בָּֽא אֵלַ֞י & לְצַ֥חֶק בִּֽי 1 See how you translated **laugh at** in verse 14. Alternate translation: “just now came to me to mock me!” 39:18 z8jd וַיְהִ֕י כַּהֲרִימִ֥י קוֹלִ֖י וָאֶקְרָ֑א 1 See how you translated verse 15, which is similar to verse 18. Alternate translation: “But as soon as I shouted loudly,” or “But when I shouted for help,” 39:18 ev5k וַיַּעֲזֹ֥ב בִּגְד֛וֹ אֶצְלִ֖י וַיָּ֥נָס הַחֽוּצָה 1 Consider again how you translated **garment** in verses 12-13, 15-16, 18. Alternate translation: “he left his tunic beside me and ran outside” 39:19 nkgh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations אֶת דִּבְרֵ֣י אִשְׁתּ֗וֹ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבְּרָ֤ה אֵלָיו֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר כַּדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה עָ֥שָׂהּ לִ֖י עַבְדֶּ֑ךָ 1 Make sure that your translation of **his** refers to Joseph’s master here, not Joseph. Also, consider whether it is better in your language to use a direct or indirect quote here. 39:19 rnlk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּ֖חַר אַפּֽוֹ 1 Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom that would fit well here. Alternate translation: “he burned with anger.” 39:20 x4x6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּקַּח֩ אֲדֹנֵ֨י יוֹסֵ֜ף אֹת֗וֹ וַֽיִּתְּנֵ֨הוּ֙ אֶל בֵּ֣ית הַסֹּ֔הַר 1 Potiphar probably had soldiers arrest Joseph for him, since he had the authority to do that as the captain of the guards. Consider again how you referred to Joseph and Joseph’s master, Potiphar, in verses 1-20. As usual, after you finish translating a section like this, it is a good practice to read the section aloud at a normal pace and listen carefully to make sure you refer to everyone accurately and naturally at each point in the text. Alternate translation: “Then he had Joseph arrested and put in the jail” or “And he had soldiers arrest Joseph and put him in the jail” 39:20 y8ve מְק֕וֹם אֲשֶׁר אסורי הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ אֲסוּרִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “where they imprisoned people who had committed crimes against the king.” 39:20 z4kd וַֽיְהִי שָׁ֖ם בְּבֵ֥ית הַסֹּֽהַר 1 Alternate translation: “So Joseph was there in the prison,” 39:21 yb0v וַיֵּ֥ט אֵלָ֖יו חָ֑סֶד 1 See how you translated “show kindness” in Gen 24:12. Alternate translation: “and was gracious to him” 39:21 wgy9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּתֵּ֣ן חִנּ֔וֹ בְּעֵינֵ֖י שַׂ֥ר בֵּית הַסֹּֽהַר 1 See how you translated a similar phrase (“favor in … eyes”) in verse 4. Alternate translation: “and caused the prison warden to be pleased with him, so that he treated him favorably” 39:22 kpq1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּתֵּ֞ן שַׂ֤ר בֵּית־הַסֹּ֨הַר֙ בְּיַד־יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “Soon the warden of the prison gave Joseph the responsibility for taking care of” 39:22 a9xb אֵ֚ת כָּל הָ֣אֲסִירִ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּבֵ֣ית הַסֹּ֑הַר 1 Alternate translation: “all the other prisoners who were in the prison,” 39:22 uh31 וְאֵ֨ת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֤ר עֹשִׂים֙ שָׁ֔ם ה֖וּא הָיָ֥ה עֹשֶֽׂה 1 Alternate translation: “so that he was in charge of everything that was done there.” 39:23 zhrl rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result שַׂ֣ר בֵּית הַסֹּ֗הַר 1 Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So the warden” or “As a result the jail warden” 39:23 tz9t אֵ֣ין & רֹאֶ֤ה אֶֽת־כָּל־מְא֨וּמָה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “did not need to supervise anything” 39:23 z5fc בְּיָד֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “that Joseph was managing,” 39:23 lwk7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר יְהוָ֖ה אִתּ֑וֹ 1 For some languages, it is more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “Because/Since Yahweh was with Joseph and helped him to succeed in whatever he did, the warden did not need to supervise/oversee anything that Joseph was in charge of.” Do what is best in your language. 39:23 pxbg וַֽאֲשֶׁר ה֥וּא עֹשֶׂ֖ה יְהוָ֥ה מַצְלִֽיחַ 1 See how you translated a similar clause (“Yahweh made all that he was doing successful”) in verse 3. Alternate translation: “and gave him success in whatever he did.” or “and helped him to succeed at everything he did.” 40:1 z1xg וַיְהִ֗י אַחַר֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה 1 Alternate translation: “After some time, one day” 40:1 q3qj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit מַשְׁקֵ֥ה מֶֽלֶךְ מִצְרַ֖יִם וְהָאֹפֶ֑ה 1 The chief cupbearer was one of Pharaoh’s most trusted servants. He was in charge of serving Pharaoh anything that he wanted to drink, especially wine. It was his job to test the drink before Pharaoh had some, to make sure it was high quality and not poisoned. Some of that information could be put in a footnote. Also, it may be more natural to include here in verse 1 the fact that these were the head officials in these jobs, rather than wait until verse 2 to introduce that. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “the chief wine-server and the chief baker for the king over Egypt” or “the man who was in charge of those who served wine to the king over Egypt and the man who was in charge of those who baked bread for the king” 40:1 d5ug rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms חָֽטְא֛וּ 1 The text does not say what the officials did wrong that angered Pharaoh. They may have done their jobs poorly in some way. Translate this phrase in a way that fits this context well in your language. Alternate translation: “displeased” or “offended” 40:1 qmtw לַאֲדֹנֵיהֶ֖ם לְמֶ֥לֶךְ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 For some languages it is more natural to include here in verse 1 the fact that the king of Egypt was Pharaoh, rather than wait until verse 2 to introduce that. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “their master, who was Pharaoh the king over Egypt.” 40:2 yt3s rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וַיִּקְצֹ֣ף פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Pharaoh (verse 2) is the same person as the king of Egypt (verse 1). See how you translated **Pharaoh** in Gen 12:15, and see the important note about this there. Alternate translation: “So he” or “So the king” 40:2 npau rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּקְצֹ֣ף פַּרְעֹ֔ה עַ֖ל 1 Consider whether or not your language has an idiom similar to **broke out in anger** that fits well here. Alternate translation: “was very angry at” 40:2 scrt rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge שְׁנֵ֣י סָרִיסָ֑יו עַ֚ל שַׂ֣ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֔ים וְעַ֖ל שַׂ֥ר הָאוֹפִֽים 1 It may be more natural to combine verses 1 and 2 and say, “Sometime after that, Pharaoh, the king of Egypt, became very angry at two of his officials, his chief wine-server and chief baker, because they had displeased him.” In this case, you would also combine the verse numbers (1-2) to show it is a verse bridge combining two verses. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “the official in charge of serving wine to him and the official in charge of baking bread for him” or “his head wine-server and head baker” or “those two officials” 40:3 sdsb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיִּתֵּ֨ן אֹתָ֜ם 1 Often in the Bible (as here), when it says that a king (or someone else with authority) did something, it is implied that he had people who were under his authority actually do it. See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 39:20. Alternate translation: “So he had them arrested and put” 40:3 dfne בְּמִשְׁמַ֗ר 1 Alternate translation: “under guard” 40:3 e6e3 בֵּ֛ית שַׂ֥ר הַטַבָּחִ֖ים 1 Apparently the round-house prison was part of the house where the chief of the guards lived and worked, perhaps a lower part (See: Joseph’s use of the word “pit” in verse 15 to refer to this prison). See how you translated “chief/captain of the guards” in Gen 37:36 and 39:1. Alternate translation: “in the house of the captain of the guards,” 40:3 yw2r אֶל בֵּ֣ית הַסֹּ֑הַר מְק֕וֹם אֲשֶׁ֥ר יוֹסֵ֖ף אָס֥וּר 1 See how you translated **bound** in Gen 39:20. Alternate translation: “that is, in the round-house jail, the same prison where Joseph was imprisoned” 40:4 a7gm וַ֠יִּפְקֹד שַׂ֣ר הַטַּבָּחִ֧ים אֶת יוֹסֵ֛ף אִתָּ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “There the captain of the guards assigned Joseph to take care of them,” 40:4 g6hd וַיְשָׁ֣רֶת אֹתָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and so he waited on them,” 40:4 gdaa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיִּהְי֥וּ & בְּמִשְׁמָֽר 1 Some translations begin a new paragraph and sentence here that continues into verse 5 and say, “After they had been in prison for a while, 5 one night the king’s head wine-server and head baker dreamed …” Alternate translation: “and they were kept in custody” or “and they remained in custody” 40:4 zjgp יָמִ֖ים 1 The phrase **for days** is a general expression that refers to an unspecified length of time. Alternate translation: “for some days” or “for a while,” 40:5 uu76 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיַּֽחַלְמוּ֩ חֲל֨וֹם שְׁנֵיהֶ֜ם אִ֤ישׁ חֲלֹמוֹ֙ בְּלַ֣יְלָה אֶחָ֔ד 1 Alternate translation: “Then one night the two of them each had a dream,” or “One night they both had a dream,” 40:5 g1sc אִ֖ישׁ כְּפִתְר֣וֹן חֲלֹמ֑וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and each of the dreams had its own meaning.” or “each with its own meaning.” 40:5 enle rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הַמַּשְׁקֶ֣ה וְהָאֹפֶ֗ה אֲשֶׁר֙ לְמֶ֣לֶךְ מִצְרַ֔יִם אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲסוּרִ֖ים בְּבֵ֥ית הַסֹּֽהַר 1 Many translations leave this sentence implied because it repeats information from the previous verses and may sound too repetitive. Or you could put this sentence earlier in this verse and say, “One night, the king of Egypt’s wine server and baker each had a dream while they were in prison, and each man’s/one’s dream had its own interpretation/meaning.” Make sure it is clear in your translation that the cupbearer and baker in verse 5 are the same officials as those in verses 2-4. Alternate translation: “This is talking about the wine-server and the baker, who had served the king of Egypt but were in prison.” 40:6 iztc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיָּבֹ֧א אֲלֵיהֶ֛ם יוֹסֵ֖ף בַּבֹּ֑קֶר וַיַּ֣רְא אֹתָ֔ם וְהִנָּ֖ם 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to have the time phrase **in the morning** first this verse. Alternate translation: “In the morning, Joseph came to serve them and was surprised to see that” or “The next morning, when Joseph came to serve them, he saw that” 40:6 nu31 זֹעֲפִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “they were troubled.” or “they looked distressed” 40:7 qzjb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּשְׁאַ֞ל אֶת סְרִיסֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר אִתּ֧וֹ בְמִשְׁמַ֛ר בֵּ֥ית אֲדֹנָ֖יו לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “And he asked them,” 40:7 cnrb מַדּ֛וּעַ פְּנֵיכֶ֥ם רָעִ֖ים הַיּֽוֹם 1 Some languages have an idiom that fits well here. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Why do your faces look so downcast today?” or “Why do you look so sad today?” 40:8 jhim rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “They replied,” 40:8 zi62 חֲל֣וֹם חָלַ֔מְנוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Last night we each had a dream,” 40:8 whpq וּפֹתֵ֖ר אֵ֣ין אֹת֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “but we do not have anyone here to explain them for us.” 40:8 k75i rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֜ם יוֹסֵ֗ף 1 Alternate translation: “So Joseph replied,” 40:8 lmb2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲל֤וֹא לֵֽאלֹהִים֙ פִּתְרֹנִ֔ים 1 Joseph uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that God is the only one who interprets dreams. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “God is the only one who can explain the meaning of dreams.” or “God is the only one who gives people the ability to interpret the meaning of dreams.” 40:8 sy5s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit סַפְּרוּ נָ֖א לִֽי 1 Make sure that your translation of the last two sentences in this verse does not sound like Joseph is claiming to be God. Rather, he is saying that if the two officials tell their dreams to him, God will enable him to interpret the dreams. Alternate translation: “Please tell your dreams to me and God will reveal to me what they mean.” 40:9 qax1 וַיְסַפֵּ֧ר שַֽׂר הַמַּשְׁקִ֛ים אֶת־חֲלֹמ֖וֹ לְיוֹסֵ֑ף 1 See how you translated **chief of the cupbearers** in verse 2. Alternate translation: “So the head wine-server told Joseph what was in his dream” or “So the officer who was in charge over the wine-servers described to Joseph what he had seen in his dream” 40:9 rkoh וַיֹּ֣אמֶר ל֔וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “by saying,” or “This is what he said:” 40:9 clc3 בַּחֲלוֹמִ֕י וְהִנֵּה גֶ֖פֶן 1 If grapevines and grapes are not known in your area, you could be more general in verses 9-11 and say “vine” and “fruit”. See how you translated “vineyard” in Gen 9:20. Alternate translation: “In my dream there was a vine” or “While I was dreaming, I saw a grapevine” 40:10 o07v וּבַגֶּ֖פֶן שְׁלֹשָׁ֣ה שָׂרִיגִ֑ם 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “The vine had three branches.” 40:10 yoiw וְהִ֤יא כְפֹרַ֨חַת֙ 1 Alternate translation: “As soon as it started budding,” or “Soon buds started forming on the vine Then” 40:10 vyyj עָלְתָ֣ה נִצָּ֔הּ 1 Alternate translation: “suddenly there were flowers,” or “the buds became blossoms” 40:10 ckld הִבְשִׁ֥ילוּ אַשְׁכְּלֹתֶ֖יהָ עֲנָבִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “and its clusters of flowers became clusters of ripe fruit.” or “and the flowers became clusters of ripe fruit.” 40:11 lo6m וָאֶקַּ֣ח אֶת הָֽעֲנָבִ֗ים 1 Alternate translation: “so I picked some fruit from the vine” 40:11 vjbq וָֽאֶשְׂחַ֤ט אֹתָם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and squeezed them so that the juice went” 40:11 xxtf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וָאֶתֵּ֥ן אֶת הַכּ֖וֹס עַל כַּ֥ף פַּרְעֹֽה 1 Alternate translation: “Then I gave the cup to Pharaoh and he drank from it.” 40:12 qt8h וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph told him,” 40:12 kkp9 זֶ֖ה פִּתְרֹנ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “This is the meaning of your dream:” or “Here is what your dream means:” 40:12 pbdv שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙ הַשָּׂ֣רִגִ֔ים שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “The three branches symbolize three days.” 40:13 z5ed בְּע֣וֹד שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים 1 Alternate translation: “In three more days” or “Three days from now” 40:13 sjgu rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics פַרְעֹה֙ 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Pharaoh here in your language. Some languages need to include an honorific title with his name more often than other languages. Alternate translation: “the king” 40:13 lyie rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יִשָּׂ֤א & אֶת רֹאשֶׁ֔ךָ 1 The idiom **lift up your head** means that the wine-server will be summoned or brought out from the lowly or shameful place where he had been staying. Alternate translation: “will have you brought up out of prison” 40:13 m440 וַהֲשִֽׁיבְךָ֖ עַל כַּנֶּ֑ךָ 1 Alternate translation: “and reappoint you to your previous work,” or “and give you back your status,” 40:13 ucsm וְנָתַתָּ֤ כוֹס פַּרְעֹה֙ בְּיָד֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “so that you will again serve wine to Pharaoh” or “so that you will again have the duty of serving him his cup of wine,” 40:13 ty9j כַּמִּשְׁפָּט֙ הָֽרִאשׁ֔וֹן אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיִ֖יתָ מַשְׁקֵֽהוּ 1 Alternate translation: “as you used to do when you were his cupbearer” or “the way you did before as his cupbearer” 40:14 ykbt כִּ֧י אִם זְכַרְתַּ֣נִי אִתְּךָ֗ כַּאֲשֶׁר֙ יִ֣יטַב לָ֔ךְ 1 Alternate translation: “When you are out of prison and everything is going well for you, remember that I was here with you,” or “Also, when you get out of prison and your life is good, remember how well I served you,” 40:14 o7we וְעָשִֽׂיתָ נָּ֥א עִמָּדִ֖י חָ֑סֶד 1 See how you translated “showed kindness to” in Gen 39:21. It may be necessary to translate this phrase in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “and please be gracious to me,” or “and please do me a favor,” 40:14 dy24 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics וְהִזְכַּרְתַּ֨נִי֙ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Make sure that the way Joseph refers to King Pharaoh sounds respectful in your translation. Alternate translation: “and tell King Pharaoh about me and how I was falsely accused,” 40:14 pu81 וְהוֹצֵאתַ֖נִי מִן הַבַּ֥יִת הַזֶּֽה 1 Alternate translation: “so that I can get out of this prison.” or “so that he frees me from this prison.” 40:15 gdgr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive כִּֽי גֻנֹּ֣ב גֻּנַּ֔בְתִּי 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language to emphasize Joseph. Alternate translation: “Surely I was taken by force” 40:15 ks7h מֵאֶ֖רֶץ הָעִבְרִ֑ים 1 The Hebrew people were the descendants of Abraham (See: note at Gen 14:13), and Joseph’s people were known as **Hebrews** in Egypt (Gen 39:14, 17). Their land, which God gave them, was the land of Canaan (Gen 13:12, 14-15; 17:8, 23:19; 37:1). Some of that information could be put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “from the land where the Hebrew people live.” 40:15 w9ex rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְגַם פֹּה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “And while I have been here in Egypt,” 40:15 jg01 לֹא עָשִׂ֣יתִֽי מְא֔וּמָה 1 Alternate translation: “I have not done anything wrong” 40:15 qsdn כִּֽי שָׂמ֥וּ אֹתִ֖י בַּבּֽוֹר 1 Alternate translation: “to be put into this prison.” or “to deserve being in a prison.” 40:16 k4k0 וַיַּ֥רְא שַׂר הָאֹפִ֖ים כִּ֣י ט֣וֹב פָּתָ֑ר 1 See how you translated a related word (“interpreter”) in verse 8. Alternate translation: “When the head baker heard Joseph explain that dream in a positive way,” or “When the head baker heard the positive interpretation that Joseph gave for the first dream,” 40:16 kcvz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “he said to him,” 40:16 oaqk אַף אֲנִי֙ בַּחֲלוֹמִ֔י וְהִנֵּ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “I also had a dream, and in it there were” 40:16 a1qs שְׁלֹשָׁ֛ה סַלֵּ֥י חֹרִ֖י 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “three baskets full of white/fine bread/cakes” or “three bread baskets” or (2) “three white/wicker baskets”. These baskets were open on top and were probably woven out of flexible strips of cane or willow branches. 40:16 olwu עַל רֹאשִֽׁי 1 These baskets would have been carried on the head, each one above the other. Alternate translation: “stacked on top of each other on my head.” 40:17 lf58 וּבַסַּ֣ל הָֽעֶלְי֔וֹן מִכֹּ֛ל 1 Alternate translation: “The top basket was full of” 40:17 v0e7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-honorifics מִכֹּ֛ל מַאֲכַ֥ל פַּרְעֹ֖ה מַעֲשֵׂ֣ה אֹפֶ֑ה 1 Make sure that the way the chief baker refers to King Pharaoh sounds respectful in your translation. Alternate translation: “all kinds of baked goods for King Pharaoh to eat,” or “many kinds of special bread and cakes that had been made for King Pharaoh to eat,” 40:17 ijtu וְהָע֗וֹף אֹכֵ֥ל אֹתָ֛ם מִן הַסַּ֖ל מֵעַ֥ל רֹאשִֽׁי 1 Alternate translation: “but some birds were eating everything up from the basket.” or “but instead, some birds came and devoured all the food in the basket on my head.” 40:18 d2ov rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיַּ֤עַן יוֹסֵף֙ וַיֹּ֔אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph told the baker,” 40:18 otya זֶ֖ה פִּתְרֹנ֑וֹ 1 See how you translated this in verse 12. Alternate translation: “This is the meaning of your dream:” or “Here is what your dream means:” 40:18 otf3 שְׁלֹ֨שֶׁת֙ הַסַּלִּ֔ים שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִ֖ים 1 See how you translated a similar sentence in verse 12. Alternate translation: “The three baskets symbolize three days.” 40:19 c527 בְּע֣וֹד שְׁלֹ֣שֶׁת יָמִ֗ים 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 13. Alternate translation: “Three days from now” 40:19 si3y פַרְעֹ֤ה 1 Alternate translation: “the king” 40:19 yvta יִשָּׂ֨א & אֶת רֹֽאשְׁךָ֙ מֵֽעָלֶ֔יךָ 1 This phrase seems to have a literal meaning here (of having the baker beheaded) in contrast to the meaning of **lift up your head** in verse 13 (where it means to summon from a lowly or shameful place). Make sure your translation of this phrase is accurate and clear in both contexts. Alternate translation: “will have his soldiers cut off your head” or “will have you beheaded” 40:19 sm0z וְתָלָ֥ה אוֹתְךָ֖ עַל עֵ֑ץ 1 Alternate translation: “and hang your body on a stake,” 40:19 qtz2 וְאָכַ֥ל הָע֛וֹף אֶת־בְּשָׂרְךָ֖ מֵעָלֶֽיךָ 1 These were birds such as vultures, buzzards, or condors, which eat carrion (dead animals); these were not birds that eat seeds or hunt live prey. You could use the name of a type of bird that is well-known in your language area. See how you translated “eating” in verse 17. Alternate translation: “and birds will eat all your flesh off your bones.” 40:20 e75l וַיְהִ֣י בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֗י י֚וֹם הֻלֶּ֣דֶת אֶת פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 The phrase **Then it happened** introduces and emphasizes a set of important events. Do what is natural in your language. 40:20 xdmx וַיַּ֥עַשׂ מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה לְכָל עֲבָדָ֑יו 1 See how you translated **feast** or “banquet” in Gen 21:8. Alternate translation: “he held a banquet for all of his officials to attend.” or “he invited all his officials to attend a birthday feast” 40:20 n9n0 וַיִּשָּׂ֞א אֶת רֹ֣אשׁ שַׂ֣ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֗ים וְאֶת רֹ֛אשׁ שַׂ֥ר הָאֹפִ֖ים 1 See how you translated similar clauses in verses 3 (See: note), 13, and 19, where Pharaoh had his soldiers do something. Also see how you translated “lifted up your head” in verse 13, where it has a similar meaning. Alternate translation: “During the feast he had soldiers bring his chief wine-server and chief baker out of prison to the banquet” 40:20 qchm בְּת֥וֹךְ עֲבָדָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “in front of all his other officials” or “where all his other officers were.” 40:21 ehc4 וַיָּ֛שֶׁב 1 See how you translated “restore … to … position” in verse 13. Alternate translation: “Then he reappointed” 40:21 iuza אֶת שַׂ֥ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֖ים עַל מַשְׁקֵ֑הוּ 1 Alternate translation: “the chief wine-server to his previous work,” 40:21 lrle וַיִּתֵּ֥ן הַכּ֖וֹס עַל כַּ֥ף פַּרְעֹֽה 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 13. Alternate translation: “so that once again he served wine to him.” or “so that once again he had the duty of serving him his cup of wine.” 40:22 n0d9 וְאֵ֛ת שַׂ֥ר הָאֹפִ֖ים תָּלָ֑ה 1 It is implied here that the baker was beheaded before his body was impaled on a stake (verse 19). Also, notice that **the chief of the bakers** is at the beginning of this clause in the Hebrew text to emphasize him and contrast him with what happened to the chief cupbearer. Do what is natural in your language. See how you translated “hang … on a tree” in verse 19. Alternate translation: “But as for the chief baker, Pharaoh had him executed and hanged on a tree” or “But Pharaoh had his soldiers behead the head baker and impale his body on a pole” 40:22 s6xh כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר פָּתַ֛ר לָהֶ֖ם יוֹסֵֽף 1 Alternate translation: “Everything happened exactly the way Joseph had interpreted their dreams to them.” or “which was exactly what Joseph had said would happen.” 40:23 z4vm וְלֹֽא־זָכַ֧ר שַֽׂר הַמַּשְׁקִ֛ים אֶת־יוֹסֵ֖ף וַיִּשְׁכָּחֵֽהוּ 1 Alternate translation: “But the chief cupbearer did not remember to tell Pharaoh about Joseph, but instead, he forgot about him.” or “… completely forgot about Joseph and did not remember to tell Pharaoh about him.” 41:1 r8s5 וַיְהִ֕י מִקֵּ֖ץ שְׁנָתַ֣יִם יָמִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “After two full years had passed,” or “Two complete years later,” 41:1 ydjn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names וּפַרְעֹ֣ה חֹלֵ֔ם וְהִנֵּ֖ה עֹמֵ֥ד 1 See how you translated **Pharaoh** in Gen 40:2. Alternate translation: “King Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing” 41:1 a5ep rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עַל הַיְאֹֽר 1 This phrase usually refers to the Nile River, which was the most important river in Egypt and was so well known by everyone there that it was referred to as **the river**. See how you translated a different Hebrew word for **river** in Gen 36:37. 41:2 oe0t וְהִנֵּ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then suddenly,” or “Then he saw that” 41:2 f6tt מִן הַיְאֹ֗ר עֹלֹת֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פָּר֔וֹת יְפ֥וֹת מַרְאֶ֖ה וּבְרִיאֹ֣ת בָּשָׂ֑ר 1 Make sure your translation does not sound like the cows rose up out of the water into the air. Also see how you translated **cows** in Gen 32:15. Alternate translation: “seven cows that were healthy-looking and well-fed came up out of the river onto the bank” or “seven healthy-looking, well-fed cows came up out of the river onto the bank” 41:2 s1lh וַתִּרְעֶ֖ינָה בָּאָֽחוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and started grazing on the grass that was there.” or “and started eating the marsh grass beside the river.” 41:3 ud6q וְהִנֵּ֞ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then suddenly,” or “Then he saw that” 41:3 vh9f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure שֶׁ֧בַע פָּר֣וֹת אֲחֵר֗וֹת עֹל֤וֹת אַחֲרֵיהֶן֙ מִן הַיְאֹ֔ר רָע֥וֹת מַרְאֶ֖ה וְדַקּ֣וֹת בָּשָׂ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “seven cows that were sickly-looking and skinny walked up out of the river” or “seven sickly-looking, skinny cows came up out of the river” 41:3 ndip וַֽתַּעֲמֹ֛דְנָה אֵ֥צֶל הַפָּר֖וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “and stood next to the healthy cows” 41:3 gq8x עַל שְׂפַ֥ת הַיְאֹֽר 1 Consider again how you refer to **the river** in verses 1-3. If you refer to it as “the Nile River” in verse 1, it may be more natural to refer to it as **the river** after that. Do what is best in your language. 41:4 vd7n וַתֹּאכַ֣לְנָה הַפָּר֗וֹת רָע֤וֹת הַמַּרְאֶה֙ וְדַקֹּ֣ת הַבָּשָׂ֔ר 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 3. Alternate translation: “Then the sickly-looking, skinny cows devoured” or “Then the cows that were sickly-looking and scrawny ate down” 41:4 efl8 אֵ֚ת שֶׁ֣בַע הַפָּר֔וֹת יְפֹ֥ת הַמַּרְאֶ֖ה וְהַבְּרִיאֹ֑ת 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 2. Alternate translation: “the seven healthy-looking, well-fed cows.” or “the seven cows that were healthy-looking and fat” 41:4 gisj וַיִּיקַ֖ץ פַּרְעֹֽה 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Pharaoh at each point/occurrence in this chapter. Alternate translation: “Just then King Pharaoh woke up.” or “After that, the king woke up.” 41:5 saus וַיִּישָׁ֕ן 1 Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh” or “Then the king” 41:5 e3h1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּישָׁ֕ן 1 Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh went to sleep again” or “The the king went back to sleep” 41:5 jet9 וַֽיַּחֲלֹ֖ם שֵׁנִ֑ית 1 Alternate translation: “and started dreaming again.” 41:5 fi6m וְהִנֵּ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “In this dream there were” 41:5 a6fl שֶׁ֣בַע שִׁבֳּלִ֗ים עֹל֛וֹת בְּקָנֶ֥ה אֶחָ֖ד בְּרִיא֥וֹת וְטֹבֽוֹת 1 The phrase **heads of grain** is one word in the Hebrew text. Consider whether it is better in your language to use a word or phrase to translate this. Alternate translation: “seven big beautiful heads of grain growing on the same stem” 41:6 bjff וְהִנֵּה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then suddenly,” or “Next he saw that” 41:6 tev5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit שֶׁ֣בַע שִׁבֳּלִ֔ים דַּקּ֖וֹת וּשְׁדוּפֹ֣ת קָדִ֑ים 1 This wind was from the desert in the east, so it was hot and dry. Alternate translation: “seven shriveled heads of grain that were dried out by the hot east wind” or “seven shriveled heads of grain that the hot east wind had dried out” 41:6 ehdi צֹמְח֖וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “grew up” or “were growing” 41:6 gzvd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns אַחֲרֵיהֶֽן 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to refer to the first heads here with a pronoun (**them**) or a noun phrase. Alternate translation: “next to them on the same stalk” or “on the same stalk beside the well-formed heads.” 41:7 cjek וַתִּבְלַ֨עְנָה֙ הַשִּׁבֳּלִ֣ים הַדַּקּ֔וֹת 1 See how you translated **thin** in verse 6 and **heads of grain** in verses 5-6. Alternate translation: “Next, the shriveled heads of grain devoured” or “... ate up” 41:7 xx65 אֵ֚ת שֶׁ֣בַע הַֽשִּׁבֳּלִ֔ים הַבְּרִיא֖וֹת וְהַמְּלֵא֑וֹת 1 The word **full** here describes heads of grain that have many seeds in them. See how you translated **fat** in verse 5. Alternate translation: “the seven plump, well-formed heads.” 41:7 tpgd וַיִּיקַ֥ץ פַּרְעֹ֖ה 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 4. Alternate translation: “Just then Pharaoh woke up” or “After that, Pharaoh woke up” 41:7 i9vq וְהִנֵּ֥ה חֲלֽוֹם 1 Alternate translation: “and suddenly knew that he had been dreaming.” 41:8 a4cy וַיְהִ֤י בַבֹּ֨קֶר֙ 1 The phrase **Then it happened** introduces and emphasizes an important event. It also increases suspense so that the audience wonders what the outcome will be. Many English translations do not include this phrase, possibly for reasons of naturalness. Do what is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “In the morning” 41:8 w9at וַתִּפָּ֣עֶם רוּח֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Pharaoh felt upset about the dreams,” 41:8 f6a8 וַיִּשְׁלַ֗ח וַיִּקְרָ֛א 1 Alternate translation: “so he sent servants to summon” or “so he had messengers summon” 41:8 h004 אֶת כָּל חַרְטֻמֵּ֥י מִצְרַ֖יִם וְאֶת כָּל חֲכָמֶ֑יהָ 1 Magicians were some of the wise men whom Pharaoh regularly consulted for advice. They had power from demons to do miracles (Exodus 7:11, 22; 8:7) and to communicate with the spirits of people who had died. They may have also been astrologers or Egyptian priests who were skilled in sacred writings. Some of that information could be put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “all the magicians and other wise men in the country of Egypt to come to him.” 41:8 c1g0 וַיְסַפֵּ֨ר פַּרְעֹ֤ה לָהֶם֙ אֶת חֲלֹמ֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “When they arrived, Pharaoh told them what he had dreamed,” or “Then he related to them what he had seen in his dreams,” 41:8 bzb7 וְאֵין 1 Alternate translation: “but none of those men” 41:8 cdwb פּוֹתֵ֥ר אוֹתָ֖ם לְפַרְעֹֽה 1 Alternate translation: “could tell him what the dreams meant.” 41:9 sjxn שַׂ֣ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֔ים 1 Consider again how you translated **chief of the cupbearers** and “cupbearer” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 40:1-2, 5, 9, 13, 20-21, 23; 41:9. Alternate translation: “But the head wine-server” 41:9 gu4f rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיְדַבֵּר֙ שַׂ֣ר הַמַּשְׁקִ֔ים אֶת־פַּרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Consider again how you translated **chief of the cupbearers** and “cupbearer” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 40:1-2, 5, 9, 13, 20-21, 23; 41:9. Alternate translation: “But the head wine-server spoke up and said to Pharaoh,” or “But the head wine-server said to Pharaoh,” 41:9 qree rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics אֲנִ֖י מַזְכִּ֥יר הַיּֽוֹם 1 For many languages, it is necessary to use a respectful title to address a person of high status like Pharaoh. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Your Majesty I now remember” 41:9 lq2t אֶת חֲטָאַ֕י 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “the time when I offended/displeased/wronged you.” or (2) “something important I failed/forgot to do.” The second interpretation refers to the cupbearer forgetting to tell Pharaoh about Joseph. Alternate translation: “my sins” 41:10 lbfc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit פַּרְעֹ֖ה קָצַ֣ף עַל 1 The events in verses 10-13 had happened two years earlier (verse 1); chapter 40 gives the details about those events. See how you translated the idiom **broke out in anger against** in Gen 40:2. Alternate translation: “Some time ago, King Pharaoh, you were very angry at” 41:10 ttw7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person עֲבָדָ֑יו 1 In verses 10 and 13, the cupbearer uses third person (“Pharaoh … his … he…”) to show respect for Pharaoh. For some languages, it is confusing to do that, so second person (“you … your …you …”) must be used instead. Some languages have an honorific such as “your Majesty/Honor” that could be used occasionally in these verses instead of third person. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “his officers,” 41:10 hhkv וַיִּתֵּ֨ן אֹתִ֜י בְּמִשְׁמַ֗ר בֵּ֚ית שַׂ֣ר הַטַּבָּחִ֔ים אֹתִ֕י וְאֵ֖ת שַׂ֥ר הָאֹפִֽים 1 See how you translated “put … in custody in the house of the chief of the guards” in Gen 40:3. Also consider again how you translated **chief of the bakers** and “baker” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 40:1-2, 4-5, 16-17, 20, 22; 41:10, 13. Alternate translation: “and he put the head baker and me in the prison that is in the house of the captain of the guards.” 41:11 ntkz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive וַנַּֽחַלְמָ֥ה חֲל֛וֹם בְּלַ֥יְלָה אֶחָ֖ד אֲנִ֣י וָה֑וּא 1 See how you translated a similar sentence in Gen 40:5. In verses 11-13, the pronouns **we** and **us** exclude Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “One time while we were there, we each dreamed a dream during the same night,” 41:11 vxuz אִ֛ישׁ כְּפִתְר֥וֹן חֲלֹמ֖וֹ חָלָֽמְנוּ 1 Consider again how you translated **interpretation** in Gen 40:5, 8, 12, 18; 41:11 and the related verb “interpret” in Gen 40:16, 22. Alternate translation: “and each of our dreams had its own meaning.” 41:12 sn9g וְשָׁ֨ם אִתָּ֜נוּ נַ֣עַר עִבְרִ֗י 1 Translate “young … man” in a way that fits with the fact that Joseph was 30 years old (verse 46) and was not yet married. 41:12 lpw0 עֶ֚בֶד לְשַׂ֣ר הַטַּבָּחִ֔ים 1 Consider again how you translated **chief of the guards** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 37:36; 39:1; 40:3-4; 41:10, 12. Alternate translation: “who was a servant for the captain of the guards.” 41:12 ujnq וַנְּ֨סַפֶּר ל֔וֹ 1 Consider again how you translated **told** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 24:66; 29:13; 37:9-10; 40:8-9; 41:8, 12. Alternate translation: “After we described our dreams to him,” 41:12 s75n וַיִּפְתָּר לָ֖נוּ אֶת חֲלֹמֹתֵ֑ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “he told us what they meant.” 41:12 aybf אִ֥ישׁ כַּחֲלֹמ֖וֹ פָּתָֽר 1 Alternate translation: “He told each of us the meaning of our dreams.” 41:13 r08j וַיְהִ֛י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר פָּֽתַר לָ֖נוּ כֵּ֣ן הָיָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “And sure enough, everything happened exactly the way he had interpreted the dreams to us:” 41:13 y07m אֹתִ֛י הֵשִׁ֥יב עַל כַּנִּ֖י 1 See how you translated “restored to … position” in Gen 40:21. Alternate translation: “you reinstated me to my previous work as your cupbearer” 41:13 nv90 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְאֹת֥וֹ תָלָֽה 1 Consider again whether you referred to Pharaoh in third person (**he**) or second person (“you”) in verses 10 and 13. Also see how you translated “hanged/impaled on a tree/pole” in Gen 40:22. Alternate translation: “but you had your soldiers execute the baker and hang his body on a pole” or “but you had your soldiers execute the baker.” 41:14 qrw6 וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח פַּרְעֹה֙ וַיִּקְרָ֣א אֶת־יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 See how you translated **sent and called for** in verse 8. Alternate translation: “Immediately Pharaoh sent servants to summon Joseph.” or “When Pharaoh heard that, immediately he had messengers summon Joseph.” 41:14 g8o0 וַיְרִיצֻ֖הוּ מִן־הַבּ֑וֹר 1 See how you translated **pit** in Gen 40:15. Alternate translation: “So they hurriedly got Joseph out of the dungeon” or “So they went right away and got …” 41:14 t4lb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיְגַלַּח֙ וַיְחַלֵּ֣ף שִׂמְלֹתָ֔יו 1 Since Joseph lived in Egypt and Egyptian men kept their heads and faces clean-shaven, Joseph probably also shaved his head and his face. Consider whether or not it is best in your language to make this implied information explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “Then he shaved his head and face, changed into suitable clothes and” or “Then after he shaved his head and face and changed into clean clothing, he” 41:14 x9jg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיָּבֹ֖א אֶל פַּרְעֹֽה 1 Your choice of **came** versus “went” in this context depends on whose perspective you take: **came** reflects things from Pharaoh’s point of view, and “went” reflects things from Joseph’s point of view. Do what is most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “came before Pharaoh.” 41:15 b79o rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh told him,” 41:15 kxy4 וּפֹתֵ֖ר אֵ֣ין אֹת֑וֹ 1 See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 40:8. 41:15 ancl וַאֲנִ֗י שָׁמַ֤עְתִּי עָלֶ֨יךָ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “But I was told” 41:15 nm1a תִּשְׁמַ֥ע חֲל֖וֹם לִפְתֹּ֥ר אֹתֽוֹ 1 Consider again how you translated **interpret** and “interpreter” throughout the book of Genesis. See Gen 40:8, 16, 22; 41:8, 12, 13, 15, 16. Alternate translation: “that when you hear a dream, you are able to interpret what it means.” or “that when someone tells you a dream, you are able to interpret its meaning.” 41:16 umpk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיַּ֨עַן יוֹסֵ֧ף אֶת פַּרְעֹ֛ה לֵאמֹ֖ר 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph replied to Pharaoh” 41:16 k2co rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics בִּלְעָדָ֑י 1 Make sure your translation of Joseph’s response sounds polite. See what you did in verse 9. Alternate translation: “Your Majesty, I cannot do that by myself,” 41:16 z0tv אֱלֹהִ֕ים יַעֲנֶ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “but God will interpret your dream” 41:16 d4bb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אֶת שְׁל֥וֹם פַּרְעֹֽה 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to use Pharaoh’s name at the beginning of this quote (instead of here) and say, “King Pharaoh, I do not have that ability…” Alternate translation: “for your well-being King Pharaoh.” or “so that you, King Pharaoh, will have peace in your spirit.” 41:17 c1wb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיְדַבֵּ֥ר פַּרְעֹ֖ה אֶל יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Alternate translation: “So Pharaoh told him,” 41:17 ud49 בַּחֲלֹמִ֕י הִנְנִ֥י עֹמֵ֖ד 1 Alternate translation: “I dreamed that I was standing” 41:17 g4ui rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit עַל שְׂפַ֥ת הַיְאֹֽר 1 See how you translated “the Nile River” in verse 1. Since this is the first time that Pharaoh mentions **the river** to Joseph, consider whether this is a good place in your translation to make it explicit again that this is the Nile River. Alternate translation: “on the bank of the Nile River.” 41:18 teht וְהִנֵּ֣ה 1 Compare how you translated verse 2, which is similar but not identical to verse 18. Alternate translation: “Then I saw that” 41:18 kz9v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure מִן הַיְאֹ֗ר עֹלֹת֙ שֶׁ֣בַע פָּר֔וֹת בְּרִיא֥וֹת בָּשָׂ֖ר וִיפֹ֣ת תֹּ֑אַר 1 Alternate translation: “seven cows that were fat and healthy-looking came up out of the river onto the bank” or “seven well-fed, healthy-looking cows came up out of the river onto the bank” 41:18 savx וַתִּרְעֶ֖ינָה בָּאָֽחוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and started grazing on” 41:18 tnu9 בָּאָֽחוּ 1 Alternate translation: “the plants that were there.” or “the tall grass beside the river.” 41:19 fhut וְהִנֵּ֞ה 1 See how you translated verse 3, which is similar to the first half of verse 19. Alternate translation: “Then suddenly,” or “Next I saw that” 41:19 i42l שֶֽׁבַע פָּר֤וֹת אֲחֵרוֹת֙ עֹל֣וֹת אַחֲרֵיהֶ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “seven other cows came up out of the river behind the first cows;” 41:19 rdqs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure דַּלּ֨וֹת וְרָע֥וֹת תֹּ֛אַר מְאֹ֖ד וְרַקּ֣וֹת בָּשָׂ֑ר 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this information earlier in this sentence and say, “Then behold, seven poor/weak, very sickly-looking, scrawny cows came up out of the river behind the first cows/ones.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “they were in horrible condition, very sickly-looking and scrawny” 41:19 aheq לֹֽא רָאִ֧יתִי 1 Alternate translation: “In fact, I have not seen” 41:19 r1l2 כָהֵ֛נָּה & לָרֹֽעַ 1 Alternate translation: “cows in such bad condition” 41:19 uiug בְּכָל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם 1 Alternate translation: “in the whole country of Egypt!” or “anywhere in the country of Egypt!” 41:20 lyd5 וַתֹּאכַ֨לְנָה֙ הַפָּר֔וֹת הָרַקּ֖וֹת וְהָרָע֑וֹת 1 See how you translated **ate** in verse 4.” Alternate translation: “Then the skinny, unhealthy cows devoured” or “Then the cows that were scrawny and sickly swallowed up” 41:20 jldm אֵ֣ת שֶׁ֧בַע הַפָּר֛וֹת הָרִאשֹׁנ֖וֹת הַבְּרִיאֹֽת 1 See how you translated **fat** or “fat-fleshed” in verses 2, 4, 18 and 20. Alternate translation: “the seven well-fed cows.” 41:21 c485 וַתָּבֹ֣אנָה אֶל קִרְבֶּ֗נָה וְלֹ֤א נוֹדַע֙ 1 Alternate translation: “But even after they had eaten them, no one would ever know” or “But although the scrawny cows had swallowed the fat ones, it could not be seen” 41:21 dvnf כִּי בָ֣אוּ אֶל קִרְבֶּ֔נָה 1 Alternate translation: “that they had eaten them,” 41:21 ybtr וּמַרְאֵיהֶ֣ן רַ֔ע כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר בַּתְּחִלָּ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “because they still looked just as scrawny as they had before.” 41:21 slc5 וָאִיקָֽץ 1 Alternate translation: “At that point, I woke up.” 41:22 g8dw וָאֵ֖רֶא בַּחֲלֹמִ֑י וְהִנֵּ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then I fell asleep again and continued dreaming. This time I saw that there were” or “Then I went back to sleep and had another dream. In this dream there were” 41:22 atel rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure שֶׁ֣בַע שִׁבֳּלִ֗ים עֹלֹ֛ת בְּקָנֶ֥ה אֶחָ֖ד מְלֵאֹ֥ת וְטֹבֽוֹת 1 See how you translated verse 5, which is similar to verse 22. Alternate translation: “seven heads of grain growing on a single plant. They were full of ripe grain kernels.” or “seven full beautiful heads of grain growing on the same stalk” 41:23 govd וְהִנֵּה֙ 1 See how you translated verse 6, which is similar to verse 23. Alternate translation: “Next I saw that” 41:23 i1u0 שֶׁ֣בַע שִׁבֳּלִ֔ים צְנֻמ֥וֹת דַּקּ֖וֹת שְׁדֻפ֣וֹת קָדִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “seven heads of grain that were small and withered because they were dried out by the hot east wind” or “seven small, withered heads of grain that the hot east wind had dried out” 41:23 ksuc צֹמְח֖וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “grew up” or “were growing” 41:23 nr7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אַחֲרֵיהֶֽם 1 For some languages it is more natural to change the order of phrases in this verse and say, “Then seven small heads of grain sprouted on the same plant next to the first heads/ones. These had withered/wilted because the hot east/desert wind had dried them out.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “next to them on the same stalk” or “on the same stalk beside the first heads” 41:24 vdiv וַתִּבְלַ֨עְןָ֙ הָשִׁבֳּלִ֣ים הַדַּקֹּ֔ת 1 See how you translated the first half of verse 7, which is similar to the first half of verse 24. Alternate translation: “Then the small heads of grain ate up” or “… swallowed down” or “… devoured” 41:24 ae4y אֵ֛ת שֶׁ֥בַע הַֽשִׁבֳּלִ֖ים הַטֹּב֑וֹת 1 See how you translated **good** in verses 5 and 22. Alternate translation: “the seven beautiful heads” 41:24 f5d7 וָֽאֹמַר֙ אֶל הַֽחַרְטֻמִּ֔ים 1 See how you translated **magicians** in verse 8. Alternate translation: “I told my dreams to my magicians” 41:24 jbyt וְאֵ֥ין מַגִּ֖יד לִֽי 1 See how you translated a different Hebrew word that means **explain** or “interpret” in verse 8. Alternate translation: “but they could not explain them for me.” 41:25 l70m rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יוֹסֵף֙ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph responded to Pharaoh,” 41:25 g0g2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person חֲל֥וֹם פַּרְעֹ֖ה אֶחָ֣ד 1 In verses 25, 28, 32-35, Joseph uses third person (“Pharaoh … his … he…”) to show respect for Pharaoh. For some languages, it is confusing to do that, so second person (“you … your… you …”) must be used instead. Some languages have an honorific such as “your Majesty/Honor” that could be used occasionally in these verses instead of third person. Do what is best in your language. Also see what you did in verses 10 and 13. Alternate translation: “Your Honor, both of your dreams mean the same thing.” 41:25 lvoo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure ה֑וּא אֵ֣ת אֲשֶׁ֧ר הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים עֹשֶׂ֖ה הִגִּ֥יד לְפַרְעֹֽה 1 The Hebrew text emphasizes “what God is doing” by putting that phrase first in the sentence. Consider what is the most natural phrase order for this sentence in your language. Alternate translation: “Through them, God is showing to you what he will do.” or “God has revealed to you, King Pharaoh, what he is planning to do.” 41:26 e65z שֶׁ֧בַע פָּרֹ֣ת הַטֹּבֹ֗ת שֶׁ֤בַע שָׁנִים֙ 1 Alternate translation: “The seven healthy cows in your dream symbolize seven years,” 41:26 ypp7 וְשֶׁ֤בַע הַֽשִּׁבֳּלִים֙ הַטֹּבֹ֔ת שֶׁ֥בַע שָׁנִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “and the seven beautiful heads of grain symbolize the same seven years.” 41:26 igdu חֲל֖וֹם אֶחָ֥ד 1 See how you translated **dreams are one** in verse 25. Alternate translation: “Both dreams have the same meaning.” 41:27 hlx6 וְשֶׁ֣בַע הַ֠פָּרוֹת הָֽרַקּ֨וֹת וְהָרָעֹ֜ת 1 See how you translated **thin and ugly cows** in verse 20, and how you translated **thin** in verse 19. Alternate translation: “The seven skinny and sickly cows” 41:27 htpa הָעֹלֹ֣ת אַחֲרֵיהֶ֗ן 1 Alternate translation: “that came up out of the river behind the first cows” 41:27 r05h שֶׁ֤בַע שָׁנִים֙ הֵ֔נָּה וְשֶׁ֤בַע הַֽשִׁבֳּלִים֙ הָרֵק֔וֹת 1 See how you translated **thin** in verses 6 and 23, and consider again how you translated **heads of grain** in verses 5-7, 22-24, 26-27. Alternate translation: “symbolize a different seven years, and so do the seven small heads of grain” 41:27 m5pk שְׁדֻפ֖וֹת הַקָּדִ֑ים 1 See how you translated this phrase in verses 6 and 23. Also consider again how you translated **east** in the book of Genesis; see Gen 2:8; 3:24; 10:30; 11:2; 12:8; 13:11; 14; 25:6; 28:14; 29:1, 41:6, 23, 27. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “that the hot east wind had dried up.” or “that the desert wind from the east had dried up.” 41:27 r6nf יִהְי֕וּ שֶׁ֖בַע שְׁנֵ֥י רָעָֽב 1 A **famine** is a prolonged period of time when people are starving because crops are failing, often due to a lack of rain or other severe weather conditions. See how you translated this term in Gen 12:10 and 26:1. Alternate translation: “Both dreams mean that there will be seven years when food will be very scarce.” 41:28 bg5w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person ה֣וּא הַדָּבָ֔ר אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבַּ֖רְתִּי אֶל פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Pharaoh here in your language. See what you did in verse 25. Alternate translation: “Your Honor, as I told you before,” 41:28 blxs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁ֧ר הָאֱלֹהִ֛ים עֹשֶׂ֖ה הֶרְאָ֥ה אֶת פַּרְעֹֽה 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 25. Alternate translation: “God is showing to you what he will do.” or “God has shown to you what he is about to do.” 41:29 vb43 שָׂבָ֥ע גָּד֖וֹל 1 Alternate translation: “when crops are abundant” or “when everyone will have plenty of food to eat” 41:29 pa2o בְּכָל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “throughout the whole land of Egypt.” 41:30 ehv4 וְ֠קָמוּ שֶׁ֜בַע שְׁנֵ֤י רָעָב֙ אַחֲרֵיהֶ֔ן 1 See how you translated **famine** in verse 27. Alternate translation: “But after them there will be a famine that lasts seven years,” or “But after those prosperous years, there will be seven years when food is very scarce,” 41:30 wx5u וְנִשְׁכַּ֥ח כָּל הַשָּׂבָ֖ע בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “So people in the country of Egypt will forget how good it was during the time when they had plenty of food,” 41:30 lvdu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְכִלָּ֥ה הָרָעָ֖ב אֶת־הָאָֽרֶץ 1 The phrase **the land** here probably also includes the people who lived in that country. Alternate translation: “because the famine will destroy the land and the people.” or “because the severe food shortage will ravage the land so that many people will starve.” 41:31 xglq rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases וְלֹֽא־יִוָּדַ֤ע הַשָּׂבָע֙ בָּאָ֔רֶץ 1 Verse 31 restates much of the content of verse 30, so keep that it mind as you translate the beginning of this verse. Alternate translation: “Indeed, there will be no evidence left that there were years when there was more than enough food,” 41:31 sqe9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure מִפְּנֵ֛י הָרָעָ֥ב הַה֖וּא אַחֲרֵי כֵ֑ן כִּֽי כָבֵ֥ד ה֖וּא מְאֹֽד 1 For some languages, it clearer and more natural to put this clause near the beginning of this verse and say, “Yes, the famine that is coming will be so severe/terrible that people will completely forget about the time/years when food was abundant/plentiful in the land.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because the famine that happens after that will be very oppressive.” or “because the following years when food is scarce will be so terrible.” 41:32 ohs3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְעַ֨ל הִשָּׁנ֧וֹת הַחֲל֛וֹם אֶל פַּרְעֹ֖ה פַּעֲמָ֑יִם כִּֽי 1 Alternate translation: “The reason you had the same dream in two different ways is that” 41:32 btn0 נָכ֤וֹן הַדָּבָר֙ מֵעִ֣ם הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “God has firmly decided what he is going to do,” or “God wants you to know that this will definitely happen,” 41:32 p6nh וּמְמַהֵ֥ר הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים לַעֲשֹׂתֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and he will cause it to happen very soon.” 41:33 ava1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְעַתָּה֙ יֵרֶ֣א פַרְעֹ֔ה אִ֖ישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “So King Pharaoh, you should now look for a man” or “So now, your Highness, I recommend that you choose a man” 41:33 j1ph נָב֣וֹן וְחָכָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “who is insightful and knows what to do,” or “who is wise and can make good decisions,” 41:33 wtra וִישִׁיתֵ֖הוּ עַל 1 Alternate translation: “and put him in charge of” or “and give him authority over” 41:33 dg3a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 See how you translated **the land** in verse 30. Alternate translation: “the country of Egypt and its people.” 41:34 zhau rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person יַעֲשֶׂ֣ה פַרְעֹ֔ה וְיַפְקֵ֥ד פְּקִדִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “King Pharaoh, I also recommend that you appoint regional administrators” or “Sir, you should also appoint …” 41:34 pdqm עַל הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “to be in charge of different regions of the country,” or “to manage different regions of the country,” 41:34 p2kn וְחִמֵּשׁ֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “and have them gather from the people one-fifth” or “Then command them to collect …” 41:34 lx6v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אֶת־אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 In this context, “the land/country” refers to the crops that were growing in Egypt. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “of all the grain that they harvest in the country of Egypt” or “of everything the land of Egypt produces” 41:34 xfxu בְּשֶׁ֖בַע שְׁנֵ֥י הַשָּׂבָֽע 1 See how you translated **abundance** in verses 29-31. Alternate translation: “during the seven years when crops are abundant” or “during the seven years when there will be more than enough crops” 41:35 wuzc וְיִקְבְּצ֗וּ 1 Alternate translation: “Have them gather” 41:35 i7oy אֶת־כָּל־אֹ֨כֶל֙ הַשָּׁנִ֣ים הַטֹּבֹ֔ת הַבָּאֹ֖ת הָאֵ֑לֶּה 1 Alternate translation: “all that extra grain from the prosperous years that will come.” or “all that extra food during the good years ahead when there will be plenty of food.” 41:35 pghx וְיִצְבְּרוּ בָ֞ר 1 Alternate translation: “Have them stockpile that grain” or “Command them to store up that grain” 41:35 v7cn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person תַּ֧חַת יַד פַּרְעֹ֛ה 1 Consider again how you translated the use of the third person to address Pharaoh respectfully in verses 10, 13, 25, 32-35. Also, for some languages it may be better to put this phrase earlier and say, “Using your authority, King Pharaoh, have them stockpile that grain in storehouses...” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “with your authority, King Pharaoh,” 41:35 olfb אֹ֥כֶל בֶּעָרִ֖ים וְשָׁמָֽרוּ 1 Alternate translation: “in the cities for food and have soldiers keep it safe.” 41:36 a822 וְהָיָ֨ה הָאֹ֤כֶל לְפִקָּדוֹן֙ 1 Alternate translation: “That extra food should be kept in storage” or “That grain should stay in storage” or “They must continue to store that surplus grain” 41:36 sfjy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy לָאָ֔רֶץ 1 The phrase **the land** refers here to the people who live in the land of Egypt. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “for the people of the land to eat” or “so that the people of the land have it to eat” 41:36 cxiu לְשֶׁ֨בַע֙ שְׁנֵ֣י הָרָעָ֔ב אֲשֶׁ֥ר תִּהְיֶ֖יןָ 1 Alternate translation: “during the seven years when food is very scarce” 41:36 i6wb בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Consider whether or not it is natural in your language to repeat “the land/country” in this sentence. Alternate translation: “in Egypt,” 41:36 yzst rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְלֹֽא־תִכָּרֵ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 Make sure the way you translated “the people of/in the land/country” at the beginning of this verse fits with how you translate it here. It is helpful to read your translation aloud to make sure it is clear and natural. Alternate translation: “so that the people in the land” or “so that the people” 41:36 javn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְלֹֽא־תִכָּרֵ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 See how you translated the idiom **cut off** in Gen 9:11. It may be necessary to translate it differently here because of the different context. Alternate translation: “will not be destroyed by” 41:36 tiu5 בָּרָעָֽב 1 Alternate translation: “the severe food scarcity” 41:37 yzkw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּיטַ֥ב הַדָּבָ֖ר בְּעֵינֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה וּבְעֵינֵ֖י כָּל עֲבָדָֽיו 1 See how you translated the idiom **in the eyes of** in Gen 34:18. Alternate translation: “What Joseph said seemed like a good plan to King Pharaoh and all his servants” or “King Pharaoh and all his servants agreed that what Joseph had proposed was good.” 41:38 ewpf וַיֹּ֥אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֖ה אֶל עֲבָדָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “So Pharaoh said to his officials,” 41:38 ov2b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲנִמְצָ֣א כָזֶ֔ה אִ֕ישׁ 1 Pharaoh uses a rhetorical question here to emphasize that no one is more qualified than Joseph. Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this quote using a question or a statement. Alternate translation: “It is obvious that we will never find a man as qualified as Joseph,” 41:38 n386 אֲשֶׁ֛ר ר֥וּחַ אֱלֹהִ֖ים בּֽוֹ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “who has God’s Spirit in him” or “whom God’s Spirit guides” or (2) “who has a divine spirit in him” or “who has a spirit of the gods in him”. Most translations follow the first interpretation, since Joseph had just talked to Pharaoh about God (verses 16, 28, 32) and Pharaoh acknowledges God in verse 39. 41:39 brta וַיֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “Then he turned to Joseph and said,” 41:39 xxco אַחֲרֵ֨י הוֹדִ֧יעַ אֱלֹהִ֛ים אוֹתְךָ֖ אֶת כָּל זֹ֑את 1 Alternate translation: “God has revealed to you what he is going to do, so” 41:39 ktfd אֵין נָב֥וֹן וְחָכָ֖ם כָּמֽוֹךָ 1 See how you translated **discerning and wise** in verse 33. Alternate translation: “no one else is as insightful as you are and knows what to do in this situation.” or “… or knows how to manage this situation wisely.” 41:40 fq25 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy אַתָּה֙ תִּהְיֶ֣ה עַל בֵּיתִ֔י 1 The phrase **my house** refers here to Pharaoh’s household and all the other people he rules as king. Alternate translation: “So I am putting you in charge of my household and my country,” or “So I am giving you authority over the people in my palace and the rest of my country,” 41:40 sv7b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְעַל פִּ֖יךָ יִשַּׁ֣ק כָּל־עַמִּ֑י 1 Consider whether you have a similar idiom in your language or if you need to say this without an idiom. Alternate translation: “so that all the people in my kingdom must do whatever you say” or “so that all the people I reign over will respect and obey whatever you tell them to do.” 41:40 qqnv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy רַ֥ק הַכִּסֵּ֖א אֶגְדַּ֥ל מִמֶּֽךָּ 1 In this context, **the throne** refers to Pharaoh’s position as the king. Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “Only I who sit on the throne as king will have more authority than you.” or “Only I who am king will …” 41:41 fcjq rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֖ה אֶל יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Some languages leave **Joseph** or even this entire quote margin implied here, since Pharaoh is still talking to the same person. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Pharaoh added,” 41:41 b20a רְאֵה֙ נָתַ֣תִּי אֹֽתְךָ֔ עַ֖ל 1 The word **See** emphasizes what Pharaoh says next. Alternate translation: “Look I now put you in charge of” or “I am now appointing you to be the supervisor over” 41:41 fuhl כָּל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “the whole land of Egypt.” 41:42 wuz8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וַיָּ֨סַר פַּרְעֹ֤ה אֶת טַבַּעְתּוֹ֙ מֵעַ֣ל יָד֔וֹ 1 The signet ring was the identification ring that the king used to seal official documents. See how you translated **signet** in Gen 38:18. Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh took off his royal identification ring” or “Then Pharaoh took from his finger the ring that he used to mark letters” 41:42 bnj5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּתֵּ֥ן אֹתָ֖הּ עַל יַ֣ד יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 The signet ring showed that Joseph represented Pharaoh and had his complete authority. 41:42 m7et rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ אֹתוֹ֙ בִּגְדֵי שֵׁ֔שׁ 1 The Hebrew word for **fine linen** refers to a special kind of white cloth that was woven out of flax and had a fine texture. Clothes made from linen were expensive and were worn by the king and high officials. If linen is not known in your language area, you could be more general and refer to expensive, high-quality clothes. Alternate translation: “He also had Joseph put on fine linen robes” or “He also gave Joseph high-quality robes to wear” 41:42 tb6j וַיָּ֛שֶׂם רְבִ֥ד הַזָּהָ֖ב עַל צַוָּארֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and put a collar made of gold around his neck.” or “and put around his neck a necklace made of gold.” 41:43 htid rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction בְּמִרְכֶּ֤בֶת הַמִּשְׁנֶה֙ אֲשֶׁר ל֔וֹ 1 A chariot is a cart with two or four wheels that was pulled by one or more horses. It was used as transportation and was especially used in battles. Translate this in a way that fits with this description. It may be helpful to include a picture of a chariot in your translation. Alternate translation: “in a royal horse-drawn cart as his second-in-command” or “in the horse-drawn cart that showed he was the second highest ruler in the country.” 41:43 g33q וַיִּקְרְא֥וּ לְפָנָ֖יו 1 Make sure the way you translate **shouted** does not sound angry. Rather they were calling out loudly enough for people to hear them. Alternate translation: “As he rode, heralds walked in the streets ahead of him calling out to everyone,” 41:43 m84b rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction אַבְרֵ֑ךְ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could be: (1) a transliteration of an Egyptian word that means “Bow down in reverence/respect!” or “Make way for the king’s appointed one!” or “Welcome/Honor your new leader!” which is what people would be told to do to honor an important person; or (2) a combination of Hebrew words that means “This is the father of the king!”, which is similar to what Joseph says in Gen 45:8. 41:43 ry99 וְנָת֣וֹן אֹת֔וֹ עַ֖ל 1 See how you translated a similar sentence in verse 41. Alternate translation: “So Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of” or “In that way, Pharaoh officially installed Joseph to be the manager over” 41:43 a2y8 כָּל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “the whole land of Egypt.” 41:44 ybcw אֲנִ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “I, Pharaoh, hereby decree that” 41:44 h6j0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole וּבִלְעָדֶ֗יךָ לֹֽא יָרִ֨ים אִ֧ישׁ אֶת יָד֛וֹ וְאֶת רַגְל֖וֹ בְּכָל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 The phrase “will not lift his hand or foot” is hyperbole (exaggeration) that is used to emphasize Joseph’s authority. Consider whether or not it is clear and natural to do that here in your language. Alternate translation: “no one throughout the entire country of Egypt may do anything unless you tell them to do it!” or “throughout the entire country of Egypt, everyone must only do what you tell them to do!” 41:45 nudt וַיִּקְרָ֨א פַרְעֹ֣ה שֵׁם יוֹסֵף֮ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh called Joseph by the Egyptian name” 41:45 c09b וַיִּתֶּן ל֣וֹ אֶת אָֽסְנַ֗ת בַּת פּ֥וֹטִי פֶ֛רַע כֹּהֵ֥ן אֹ֖ן לְאִשָּׁ֑ה 1 Potiphera was a pagan priest, and he led people in worshiping the Egyptians’ gods, not Yahweh. See how you translated **priest** in Gen 14:18. Alternate translation: “and he gave him a woman named Asenath to be his wife. She was the daughter of Potiphera, who was a priest at the temple at the city of On.” 41:45 qrou וַיֵּצֵ֥א יוֹסֵ֖ף עַל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph started going around all over the land of Egypt.” or “Then Joseph started his work and traveled throughout the land of Egypt.” 41:46 l8de וְיוֹסֵף֙ בֶּן שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים שָׁנָ֔ה 1 Consider what is the best way to begin this new paragraph in your language. 41:46 tinh בְּעָמְד֕וֹ לִפְנֵ֖י 1 This phrase refers to when Joseph stood before Pharaoh and was commissioned to serve as the second-highest ruler in Egypt. Alternate translation: “when he had that audience with” 41:46 izc5 וַֽיַּעְבֹ֖ר בְּכָל־אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “and traveled throughout the entire country of Egypt doing his work.” or “and began traveling from place to place throughout …” 41:47 k025 בְּשֶׁ֖בַע שְׁנֵ֣י הַשָּׂבָ֑ע 1 Compare how you translated **seven years of abundance** in verse 34. Alternate translation: “During the seven years when food was abundant” or “For seven years the harvests were plentiful and” 41:47 nel4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַתַּ֣עַשׂ הָאָ֔רֶץ & לִקְמָצִֽים 1 The idiom **by the handfuls** refers here to large amounts of grain. Consider whether your language has a similar idiom you could use here. Alternate translation: “the land produced large amounts of grain.” or “the people harvested large amounts of grain from the land.” 41:48 iib5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיִּקְבֹּ֞ץ 1 When the Bible says that a leader such as Joseph did something, it often means that he had it done by people under his authority. Decide whether you want to include this information in your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “So Joseph told the supervisors under him to collect” or “So Joseph had his helpers gather” 41:48 ekmx אֶת כָּל אֹ֣כֶל שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֗ים אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָיוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 See how you translated **all the food** in verse 35. Alternate translation: “all the extra food that was produced in the land of Egypt during those seven years,” or “all the extra grain that people produced during those seven years in the land of Egypt,” 41:48 rw03 וַיִּתֶּן אֹ֖כֶל בֶּעָרִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “and he had them store that grain in the cities.” 41:48 llbq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֹ֧כֶל שְׂדֵה הָעִ֛יר אֲשֶׁ֥ר סְבִיבֹתֶ֖יהָ נָתַ֥ן בְּתוֹכָֽהּ 1 Consider what phrase order is best for this sentence in your language. Alternate translation: “The food that people had harvested from the fields, he had his supervisors stockpile in the nearby cities.” or “In each city he had them store the food that people had harvested from the nearby fields.” 41:49 e4mq וַיִּצְבֹּ֨ר יוֹסֵ֥ף 1 See how you translated “store/stockpile” in verse 35. Alternate translation: “Joseph had his helpers store up” 41:49 gdv0 בָּ֛ר כְּח֥וֹל הַיָּ֖ם 1 See how you translated “as the sand of the sea” in Gen 32:12 and a similar phrase in Gen 22:17. Alternate translation: “so much grain that it looked as plentiful as grains of sand beside the sea” or “… as plentiful as the grains of sand on the beach.” 41:49 jotk הַרְבֵּ֣ה מְאֹ֑ד עַ֛ד כִּי 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “In fact, there was so much that” or “In fact, it was so plentiful that after a while” 41:49 rt8w חָדַ֥ל לִסְפֹּ֖ר 1 It was probably Joseph’s helpers who measured the grain and kept records of it. See how you handled this at the beginning of this verse. Alternate translation: “he had them stop keeping track of it” or “they had to stop writing down how much there was,” 41:49 t7vr כִּי אֵ֥ין מִסְפָּֽר 1 Alternate translation: “because there was so much that they could no longer record it.” 41:50 ulea rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent בְּטֶ֥רֶם תָּב֖וֹא שְׁנַ֣ת הָרָעָ֑ב 1 Consider what is the best way to change topics and begin this new paragraph in your language. Alternate translation: “Now it so happened that before the seven years of famine came” 41:50 w7ad וּלְיוֹסֵ֤ף יֻלַּד֙ שְׁנֵ֣י בָנִ֔ים & אֲשֶׁ֤ר יָֽלְדָה לּוֹ֙ אָֽסְנַ֔ת בַּת פּ֥וֹטִי פֶ֖רַע כֹּהֵ֥ן אֽוֹן 1 See how you translated **Asenath, the daughter of Potiphera, the priest of On** in verse 45. Alternate translation: “Joseph had two sons with his wife Asenath, a daughter of Potiphera, who was a priest in the city of On.” or “Joseph and his wife Asenath had two sons. Remember that Asenath was a daughter of Potiphera, a priest in the city of On.” 41:51 wsos וַיִּקְרָ֥א יוֹסֵ֛ף אֶת שֵׁ֥ם 1 See how you translated the idiom **called the name of** in Gen 21:3. 41:51 rcrs הַבְּכ֖וֹר 1 Alternate translation: “his first son” 41:51 emzc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה 1 If you include the meaning of the name **Manasseh** in your translation or in a footnote, it should fit with the way you translate **forget** in the following clause. 41:51 lcpw כִּֽי־נַשַּׁ֤נִי אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 Your translation should not sound like Joseph had lost his memory of these things, rather God had blessed him so much that it helped him stop thinking about those things. Alternate translation: “… to stop thinking about” 41:51 j0ue אֶת כָּל עֲמָלִ֔י וְאֵ֖ת 1 Alternate translation: “all my hardships and about” 41:51 nllc כָּל בֵּ֥ית אָבִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “how much I have missed all of my family back home.” 41:52 axyh וְאֵ֛ת שֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖י קָרָ֣א 1 Alternate translation: “And Joseph named his second son” 41:52 w4ny rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֶפְרָ֑יִם 1 If you include the meaning of Ephraim’s name in your translation or in a footnote, it should fit with the way you translate **fruitful** in the following clause. 41:52 loq5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כִּֽי הִפְרַ֥נִי אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Consider again how you translated the idiom **fruitful** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 17:6; 26:22; 41:52. 41:53 b2gj וַתִּכְלֶ֕ינָה שֶׁ֖בַע שְׁנֵ֣י הַשָּׂבָ֑ע אֲשֶׁ֥ר הָיָ֖ה 1 See how you translated **the seven years of abundance** in verses 34 and 47, and a similar phrase in verse 29. Alternate translation: “Finally the seven years when food was abundant” 41:53 ulfq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַתִּכְלֶ֕ינָה 1 For some languages it is better to put this phrase earlier in the sentence and say, “Finally the seven years were over when food was plentiful in the country of Egypt. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “came to an end,” 41:54 kc3p וַתְּחִלֶּ֜ינָה שֶׁ֣בַע שְׁנֵ֤י הָרָעָב֙ לָב֔וֹא 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then the seven years of famine began,” 41:54 wnph כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר אָמַ֣ר יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Alternate translation: “just as Joseph had predicted would happen.” or “which is exactly what Joseph had said would happen.” 41:54 gct9 וַיְהִ֤י רָעָב֙ בְּכָל הָ֣אֲרָצ֔וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “The severe food shortage began to affect all countries,” 41:54 b0ci וּבְכָל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם 1 Alternate translation: “but everywhere in the land of Egypt” or “but throughout the entire land of Egypt” 41:54 xlgt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche הָ֥יָה לָֽחֶם 1 In this context, **bread** refers to all food in general. Alternate translation: “there was still plenty of food stored up.” 41:55 z65i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַתִּרְעַב֙ כָּל אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 The phrase **all the land** refers here to the people living in Egypt. Consider whether or not you need to make that explicit in your language. Alternate translation: “Then all the people in the land of Egypt began to suffer from the famine, so” 41:55 u12u וַיִּצְעַ֥ק הָעָ֛ם אֶל פַּרְעֹ֖ה לַלָּ֑חֶם 1 Alternate translation: “they begged Pharaoh for food.” or “they pleaded with Pharaoh to give them food.” 41:55 bgdc וַיֹּ֨אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֤ה לְכָל־מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “So King Pharaoh told them,” or “So he told them,” 41:55 o6ix לְכ֣וּ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “Go ask Joseph for food,” or “You must go to Joseph and ask him for help,” 41:55 vkgw אֲשֶׁר יֹאמַ֥ר לָכֶ֖ם תַּעֲשֽׂוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is best to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “and do whatever he tells you to do.” 41:56 o5ta וְהָרָעָ֣ב הָיָ֔ה עַ֖ל כָּל פְּנֵ֣י הָאָ֑רֶץ וַיִּפְתַּ֨ח 1 Alternate translation: “Since the famine had spread throughout the whole country,” or “Since the severe food shortage was affecting the entire country,” 41:56 yaxe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיִּפְתַּ֨ח יוֹסֵ֜ף 1 See how you translated verses 48 and 49, where Joseph is said to do something that he had his helpers do. Alternate translation: “Joseph ordered the supervisors under him to open up” 41:56 gp9f אֶֽת כָּל אֲשֶׁ֤ר בָּהֶם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “all the storage barns where grain was being stored,” 41:56 ps0i וַיִּשְׁבֹּ֣ר לְמִצְרַ֔יִם 1 Alternate translation: “and they started selling the grain to the people of Egypt.” 41:56 yjo3 וַיֶּחֱזַ֥ק הָֽרָעָ֖ב 1 Alternate translation: “Then the famine kept getting more and more severe” 41:56 gbf2 בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “throughout the land of Egypt.” or “throughout their country.” 41:57 hocx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְכָל הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ 1 This phrase refers to the people living on the earth. Consider whether or not you need to make that explicit in your language. See how you translated a similar metonymy (“all the land”) in verse 55. Alternate translation: “In fact, people from all over the earth” 41:57 s755 בָּ֣אוּ מִצְרַ֔יְמָה לִשְׁבֹּ֖ר אֶל יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Alternate translation: “started traveling to Egypt to buy food from Joseph,” 41:57 rlm3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי חָזַ֥ק הָרָעָ֖ב בְּכָל הָאָֽרֶץ 1 For some languages it is clearer or more natural to put this clause near the beginning of verse 57 and say, “In fact, the famine was/became so severe/terrible in/throughout the entire/whole world that people started coming/traveling to Egypt from all over the world to buy grain from Joseph.” Do what is best in your language. See how you translated “severe/terrible” in verse 56. Alternate translation: “because the food shortage was so severe throughout the entire world.” 42:1 rkqc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיַּ֣רְא יַעֲקֹ֔ב כִּ֥י יֶשׁ־שֶׁ֖בֶר בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם 1 This verse begins a new episode which overlaps in time with some of what was happening in chapter 41. Consider what is the best way to begin this episode in your language. Alternate translation: “Meanwhile in the land of Canaan, when Jacob learned that there was grain for sale in the country of Egypt,” or “… when Jacob found out that he could buy grain in Egypt,” 42:1 jj1t וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ לְבָנָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “he asked his sons,” 42:1 ok2e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֖מָּה תִּתְרָאֽוּ 1 Jacob uses this rhetorical question to get his sons to take action and do what he says next. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “What are you waiting for?” or “Do not just sit here staring at each other!” or “Do not just stand there doing nothing!” 42:2 etgs rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 For some languages it is more natural to omit the quote margin here, because the same person (Jacob) is still talking to the same people (his sons). Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then he added,” 42:2 f9cs הִנֵּ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “Look,” 42:2 xjv4 שָׁמַ֔עְתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “I learned” or “Someone told me” 42:2 revh כִּ֥י יֶשׁ שֶׁ֖בֶר בְּמִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Alternate translation: “that there is much grain for sale in the country of Egypt.” or “that the country of Egypt has a lot of grain that people can buy.” 42:2 ukyl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-politeness רְדוּ שָׁ֨מָּה֙ 1 Make sure that the way you translate Jacob’s command to his sons does not sound rude or harsh. Alternate translation: “So I want you to go there” or “So please go down there” 42:2 qouh וְשִׁבְרוּ לָ֣נוּ מִשָּׁ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “and buy some grain for us all” 42:2 mb2y וְנִחְיֶ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “so that we will survive” or “so that we will stay alive” 42:2 br4i וְלֹ֥א נָמֽוּת 1 Alternate translation: “and not die from hunger.” 42:3 hmv4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וַיֵּרְד֥וּ אֲחֵֽי יוֹסֵ֖ף עֲשָׂרָ֑ה 1 These ten brothers were older than Joseph and had different mothers than he did. Also, the verb **went down** refers to the fact that Egypt was lower in elevation than the land of Canaan. It is also located southwest of Canaan. See how you translated “go down” in verse 2 and **went down** in Gen 12:10. 42:4 azl2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וְאֶת בִּנְיָמִין֙ אֲחִ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף לֹא שָׁלַ֥ח יַעֲקֹ֖ב 1 Benjamin was younger than Joseph and had the same mother (Rachel) and father. 42:4 u64p אֶת אֶחָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “with his other brothers,” 42:4 x6pq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations כִּ֣י אָמַ֔ר פֶּן יִקְרָאֶ֖נּוּ אָסֽוֹן 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “But Jacob was concerned that harm might come to Joseph’s younger brother Benjamin, so he did not send him with the rest of his brothers to Egypt.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because Jacob thought that he might be harmed.” or “because he was concerned that something terrible might happen to him.” 42:5 mphn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 If it is not clear that **Israel** (verse 5) and “Jacob” (verse 4) refer to the same person, you could include the name Jacob here in your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “The sons of Israel that is, Jacob” or “So the sons of Jacob, who was also called Israel,” 42:5 hpxf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “came to Egypt” 42:5 ccyh בְּת֣וֹךְ הַבָּאִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “along with many other people who were going there” or “along with many other travelers” 42:5 tdv7 כִּֽי & הָרָעָ֖ב 1 See how you translated **because the famine** in Gen 41:57. Alternate translation: “because the extreme food shortage” or “because the extreme lack of food” 42:5 krd7 הָיָ֥ה & בְּאֶ֥רֶץ כְּנָֽעַן 1 Alternate translation: “was also affecting everyone in the land of Canaan.” or “was also affecting the entire land of Canaan.” 42:6 fpi7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְיוֹסֵ֗ף ה֚וּא הַשַּׁלִּ֣יט עַל הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “Since Joseph was the administrator over the land of Egypt,” 42:6 sus5 הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “the country of Egypt”, which is what it means earlier in verse 6; or (2) “the earth/world.” 42:6 mgwx וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ אֲחֵ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 So/Then Joseph’s brothers also came/went 42:6 mdhu rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּשְׁתַּֽחֲווּ ל֥וֹ אַפַּ֖יִם אָֽרְצָה 1 See how you translated “bow down” in Gen 37:7, 9-10. Alternate translation: “before him like everyone else and bowed down with their foreheads toward the ground to show him respect.” or “to him and prostrated themselves before him to show respect.” 42:7 bbex וַיַּ֥רְא יוֹסֵ֛ף אֶת אֶחָ֖יו וַיַּכִּרֵ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph immediately recognized his brothers” 42:7 poyo וַיִּתְנַכֵּ֨ר אֲלֵיהֶ֜ם 1 For some languages it is better to divide the first sentence in this verse into shorter sentences. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “but he treated them like strangers” or “But he pretended that he did not know them” 42:7 mzd9 וַיְדַבֵּ֧ר אִתָּ֣ם קָשׁ֗וֹת 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “and spoke to them in a harsh way” or “In fact, he spoke to them roughly” 42:7 rze3 וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and questioned them,” or “and demanded,” 42:7 zwjj מֵאַ֣יִן בָּאתֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Where are you from?” 42:7 jyke rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics מֵאֶ֥רֶץ כְּנַ֖עַן לִשְׁבָּר אֹֽכֶל 1 For some languages it is necessary to begin with a respectful title or form of address when someone talks to a person of high status like Joseph. See how Joseph’s brothers address him in verse 10. Alternate translation: “Sir, we came from the land of Canaan to buy some grain.” or “Sir, we are from the land of Canaan and we came to buy some grain.” 42:8 gapq וַיַּכֵּ֥ר יוֹסֵ֖ף אֶת אֶחָ֑יו וְהֵ֖ם לֹ֥א הִכִּרֻֽהוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Although Joseph recognized his brothers, they did not know who he was.” 42:9 byaf לָהֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “about them long ago,” 42:9 o1nl וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “so he told them,” 42:9 fk1q מְרַגְּלִ֣ים אַתֶּ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “You are spying on our country!” 42:9 kxig בָּאתֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “The reason you came here is” 42:9 i6tg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לִרְא֛וֹת אֶת עֶרְוַ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “to find out where our country is vulnerable!” 42:10 ue8q rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness לֹ֣א אֲדֹנִ֑י 1 Make sure your translation of this phrase sounds polite. In some cultures it is rude to say **No** too directly. See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 23:11. Alternate translation: “No, sir,” 42:10 xa6t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וַעֲבָדֶ֥יךָ בָּ֖אוּ 1 The brothers referred to themselves as **your servants** to show respect to Joseph and to acknowledge his high position. Translate this phrase in a polite way that shows respect toward Joseph. Alternate translation: “but rather we come before you humbly” or “Rather, we are just humble men who have come here” 42:10 xv5f לִשְׁבָּר אֹֽכֶל 1 Alternate translation: “only to buy some food” 42:11 gxjv בְּנֵ֥י אִישׁ אֶחָ֖ד 1 Alternate translation: “the sons of the same man” 42:11 t2o1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person נָ֑חְנוּ כֵּנִ֣ים אֲנַ֔חְנוּ לֹא־הָי֥וּ עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ מְרַגְּלִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “We are trustworthy people who highly respect you. We are not spies.” or “We are humble, honest people, not spies.” 42:12 ewus rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph replied,” or “But he accused them,” 42:12 p2xr לֹ֕א כִּֽי & בָּאתֶ֥ם 1 Different languages use “yes” and “no” in different ways, depending on the context. Do what is accurate and natural in this context in your language. Also see how you translated **No** in Gen 18:15. 42:12 qzyw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom עֶרְוַ֥ת הָאָ֖רֶץ & לִרְאֽוֹת 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 9. Alternate translation: “to find out where our country is vulnerable!” 42:13 sd4k rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then they responded,” 42:13 fuv1 שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂר֩ עֲבָדֶ֨יךָ אַחִ֧ים 1 Alternate translation: “Sir, there are twelve of us brothers.” 42:13 zu8a אֲנַ֛חְנוּ בְּנֵ֥י אִישׁ אֶחָ֖ד 1 Alternate translation: “We are all sons of the same man” or “We all have the same father” 42:13 g91t בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 Alternate translation: “who lives in the land of Canaan.” or “and we live in the land of Canaan.” 42:13 c4qf וְהִנֵּ֨ה הַקָּטֹ֤ן 1 The word **behold** calls attention to what the brothers say next. Some translations leave it implied. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “In fact, our youngest brother” 42:13 sekb אֶת אָבִ֨ינוּ֙ הַיּ֔וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “is presently back at home with our father,” or “is there with our father right now,” 42:13 efwm וְהָאֶחָ֖ד 1 Alternate translation: “but the other one” 42:13 tyki rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism אֵינֶֽנּוּ 1 In this context, **is not** is an idiom that means “has died.” Consider whether or not your language has a similar idiom that would fit well here. Alternate translation: “is no more.” or “is no longer with us.” 42:14 kcn9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֥אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֖ם יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph accused them,” or “Then Joseph responded,” 42:14 iyrk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes ה֗וּא אֲשֶׁ֨ר דִּבַּ֧רְתִּי אֲלֵכֶ֛ם לֵאמֹ֖ר מְרַגְּלִ֥ים אַתֶּֽם 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to translate the embedded quote **You are spies** as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “What I told you is right You are spying on our country!” or “I was right when I said that you are secretly gathering information about our country!” 42:15 zsxd בְּזֹ֖את 1 Alternate translation: “In this way” 42:15 njgh תִּבָּחֵ֑נוּ 1 Alternate translation: “I will test whether or not you told me the truth:” or “I am going to test you to find out if your claims are true:” 42:15 xvi8 חֵ֤י פַרְעֹה֙ 1 Joseph uses King Pharaoh’s name here to make an oath that emphasizes the certainty of what he says next. Make sure that the way he refers to Pharaoh sounds respectful in your translation. See how you translated other vows in Gen 14:22 and 21:23-24. Alternate translation: “As certain as King Pharaoh lives, I vow that” 42:15 wd40 אִם תֵּצְא֣וּ 1 Alternate translation: “you will definitely not leave” or “I will not let you leave” 42:15 ubqh מִזֶּ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “from here” 42:15 vxks rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions כִּ֧י אִם בְּב֛וֹא אֲחִיכֶ֥ם הַקָּטֹ֖ן הֵֽנָּה 1 For some languages it may be better to change the wording of this sentence and say, “By the life of Pharaoh, the only way you will ever leave Egypt is if your youngest brother comes here.” or “By the life of Pharaoh, your youngest brother must come here, or else you will definitely not/never leave Egypt!” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “until your youngest brother comes here.” or “until I see that your youngest brother is here.” 42:16 jpi1 שִׁלְח֨וּ מִכֶּ֣ם אֶחָד֮ 1 Alternate translation: “Choose one of you to go home” 42:16 c4sx וְיִקַּ֣ח אֶת אֲחִיכֶם֒ 1 Alternate translation: “to get your youngest brother and bring him here.” 42:16 fp5d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular וְאַתֶּם֙ 1 In this verse, the pronouns **you** and **your** are plural. Alternate translation: “You who are left” 42:16 zy6p הֵאָ֣סְר֔וּ 1 See how you translated **bound** in Gen 39:20; 40:3, 5. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “will be put in prison.” 42:16 ea8u וְיִבָּֽחֲנוּ֙ דִּבְרֵיכֶ֔ם הַֽאֱמֶ֖ת אִתְּכֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “That way I can verify whether or not you told me the truth.” or “If you do that, I will know that what you told me is true.” 42:16 zf4g וְאִם לֹ֕א 1 Alternate translation: “But if you are not telling the truth,” 42:16 auvz חֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 15. 42:16 wsgs כִּ֥י מְרַגְּלִ֖ים אַתֶּֽם 1 Alternate translation: “that means you are definitely spies!” 42:17 kbit וַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ף אֹתָ֛ם אֶל מִשְׁמָ֖ר שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת יָמִֽים 1 See how you translated **in custody** in Gen 40:3-4, 7. Alternate translation: “Then Joseph had his soldiers put them in custody for three days.” 42:18 in6m וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֤ם יוֹסֵף֙ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֔י 1 See how you translated **on the third day** in Gen 22:4, 31:22, 40:20. It may be necessary to translate this phrase in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “After three days, Joseph said to them,” 42:18 hq4p זֹ֥את עֲשׂ֖וּ 1 Alternate translation: “Do what I say and” or “If you do this,” or “If you do what I say,” 42:18 g6gn וִֽחְי֑וּ 1 Alternate translation: “you will live,” or “I will spare your lives,” 42:18 scf7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֶת הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים אֲנִ֥י יָרֵֽא 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “I am a man who reveres/respects God. So if you do what I say, I will let you live.” Do what is best in your language. See how you translated **fear God** in Gen 22:12. Alternate translation: “since I respect and obey God:” 42:19 kfk1 אִם כֵּנִ֣ים אַתֶּ֔ם 1 See how you translated **honest** in verse 11. Alternate translation: “If you truly are honest men as you say” or “Since you claim to be honest men,” 42:19 tdlb אֲחִיכֶ֣ם אֶחָ֔ד יֵאָסֵ֖ר בְּבֵ֣ית מִשְׁמַרְכֶ֑ם 1 See how you translated **be bound** in verse 16. Alternate translation: “I will make just one of you brothers remain where you have been, in prison,” or “just one of you brothers must remain confined where you have been,” 42:19 dydl וְאַתֶּם֙ לְכ֣וּ הָבִ֔יאוּ שֶׁ֖בֶר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “while the rest of you go back home now with grain” or “The rest of you may go and take grain back home” 42:19 zbmz רַעֲב֥וֹן בָּתֵּיכֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “for your hungry families to eat.” or “to feed your hungry households” 42:20 wrfx וְאֶת אֲחִיכֶ֤ם הַקָּטֹן֙ תָּבִ֣יאוּ אֵלַ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “After that, you must come back here to me with your youngest brother” 42:20 sgd0 וְיֵאָמְנ֥וּ דִבְרֵיכֶ֖ם 1 See how you translated a similar clause in verse 16. Alternate translation: “so that what you have told me will be proven to be true,” 42:20 dqp6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes וְלֹ֣א תָמ֑וּתוּ 1 In this context, the word **die** refers to execution, not death by natural causes. Alternate translation: “and I will spare your lives and not execute you for being spies.” 42:20 y20f וַיַּעֲשׂוּ כֵֽן 1 Alternate translation: “… agreed to do what he said” or “… accepted his proposal.” 42:21 l20t אֲבָל֮ אֲשֵׁמִ֣ים אֲנַחְנוּ֮ עַל אָחִינוּ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “This is happening because we sinned badly against our brother Joseph long ago.” 42:21 wifa rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche אֲשֶׁ֨ר רָאִ֜ינוּ צָרַ֥ת נַפְשׁ֛וֹ 1 The phrase **his soul** refers here to Joseph. Alternate translation: “We saw how distressed he was” or “We saw how terribly he was suffering” 42:21 r4jp בְּהִתְחַֽנְנ֥וֹ אֵלֵ֖ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “when he urgently asked us to free him,” 42:21 lv8u וְלֹ֣א שָׁמָ֑עְנוּ 1 Alternate translation: “but we refused to let him go.” 42:21 reos עַל כֵּן֙ 1 Alternate translation: “That is the reason that” 42:21 hjww בָּ֣אָה אֵלֵ֔ינוּ הַצָּרָ֖ה הַזֹּֽאת 1 Alternate translation: “we are now experiencing so much trouble.” or “we are suffering like this now.” 42:22 u5wp וַיַּעַן֩ רְאוּבֵ֨ן אֹתָ֜ם לֵאמֹ֗ר 1 Alternate translation: “Reuben reproached them by saying,” 42:22 meeb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲלוֹא֩ אָמַ֨רְתִּי אֲלֵיכֶ֧ם לֵאמֹ֛ר 1 Reuben uses this rhetorical question to scold his brothers. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Remember that I told you” 42:22 oi3a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אַל תֶּחֶטְא֥וּ בַיֶּ֖לֶד 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Also, see how you translated **lad** in Gen 37:30, and keep in mind that Joseph was seventeen years old when his brothers sold him. Alternate translation: “that you must not harm the boy!” 42:22 d8u5 וְלֹ֣א שְׁמַעְתֶּ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “But you did not obey me,” 42:22 stcs וְגַם & הִנֵּ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “so now, see what is happening:” or “so now look,” 42:22 jv5k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy דָּמ֖וֹ & נִדְרָֽשׁ 1 The phrase **his blood** refers to Joseph’s death; if you do not translate that phrase literally, you could put the literal text in a footnote since **blood** is such an important term throughout the Bible. Alternate translation: “we are being held responsible by God for his death!” or “We are getting what we deserve for causing his death!” 42:23 fhq7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit כִּ֥י שֹׁמֵ֖עַ יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Alternate translation: “that Joseph could understand what they were saying to each other,” or “that he was listening to what they were saying,” 42:23 ys6c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּ֥י הַמֵּלִ֖יץ בֵּינֹתָֽם 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “Now Joseph had been using an interpreter to speak to his brothers, so they did not realize that Joseph could understand them.” Do what is best in your language. 42:24 zev4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּסֹּ֥ב 1 Throughout this section make sure it is clear at each point who is being referred to, using nouns (including names) and pronouns naturally in your language. Alternate translation: “So he turned” 42:24 pz7r וַיִּסֹּ֥ב מֵֽעֲלֵיהֶ֖ם 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “turned his back to them” or (2) “went/stepped away from them”. Either way, Joseph was hiding his face from his brothers so they could not see that he was crying. 42:24 bc3z וַיֵּ֑בְךְּ 1 Alternate translation: “to hide his tears.” 42:24 y4s9 וַיָּ֤שָׁב אֲלֵהֶם֙ 1 Make sure that the way you translate this sentence fits with the way you translated the last sentence in verse 23. Alternate translation: “Then after he recovered, Joseph turned back around” or “When he had composed himself, he came back to them” 42:24 pjs5 וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵהֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “and spoke to them again using his translator.” or “and continued speaking to them.” 42:24 iqjv וַיִּקַּ֤ח מֵֽאִתָּם֙ אֶת שִׁמְע֔וֹן 1 Alternate translation: “Next he chose Simeon from among them” or “Then he separated Simeon from the rest of the brothers” 42:24 c5q4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ר אֹת֖וֹ 1 Joseph probably had soldiers bind Simeon. See how you translated a similar case in Gen 40:3. Alternate translation: “and had him bound” or “and had his soldiers confine him with ropes” 42:24 gqgk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “as they watched.” or “in front of them.” 42:25 j6a1 וַיְצַ֣ו יוֹסֵ֗ף וַיְמַלְא֣וּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph commanded his servants to fill” or “Then Joseph had his servants fill” 42:25 juwt אֶת כְּלֵיהֶם֮ בָּר֒ 1 Two different words, “bag” and **sack**, are used in this verse to refer to the bags of grain that the brothers had. Some languages use just one of these terms in order to prevent confusion. Do what is best in your language. 42:25 wwr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וּלְהָשִׁ֤יב כַּסְפֵּיהֶם֙ אִ֣ישׁ אֶל שַׂקּ֔וֹ 1 Joseph had his servants to do this without his brothers knowing about it. 42:25 jz00 וְלָתֵ֥ת לָהֶ֛ם צֵדָ֖ה לַדָּ֑רֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “and to supply them with food to eat on the journey home.” or “and to give them food to eat as they traveled home.” 42:25 r98q וַיַּ֥עַשׂ לָהֶ֖ם כֵּֽן 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to end this sentence here (and begin verse 26 with a new sentence) or to continue this sentence into verse 26. Alternate translation: “So, that is what was done for them.” or “That is what Joseph did for them.” 42:26 g86q וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ 1 Make sure your choice here fits with the way you translated the end of verse 25. Alternate translation: “Then his brothers put” or “they put” or “his brothers put” 42:26 xzck וַיֵּלְכ֖וּ מִשָּֽׁם 1 The way you translate this phrase should reflect the fact that Joseph’s brothers were just starting their journey back home; they did not reach their home until several days later (verse 29). Alternate translation: “and left there to go home.” 42:27 ob4a וַיִּפְתַּ֨ח הָאֶחָ֜ד אֶת שַׂקּ֗וֹ לָתֵ֥ת מִסְפּ֛וֹא לַחֲמֹר֖וֹ בַּמָּל֑וֹן 1 See how you translated **fodder** in Gen 24:25, 32. Alternate translation: “Later, when they stopped at a place to lodge for the night, one of them opened his sack to get some feed to feed his donkey.” 42:27 w95n וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת כַּסְפּ֔וֹ וְהִנֵּה ה֖וּא בְּפִ֥י אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Suddenly he saw that the silver he had paid for the grain was right there in the opening of his sack!” or “There in the top of his sack he saw the money that he had paid to buy grain!” 42:28 zn9u rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֶל אֶחָיו֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then he exclaimed to his brothers,” or “Then he exclaimed to the others,” 42:28 hkml הוּשַׁ֣ב כַּסְפִּ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “Somebody has returned my grain money to me!” or “Someone gave my grain money back to me!” 42:28 dxy1 וְגַ֖ם הִנֵּ֣ה בְאַמְתַּחְתִּ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “Here it is in my grain sack!” or “It is right here in my grain sack!” 42:28 q65m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיֵּצֵ֣א לִבָּ֗ם 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “They looked, and their hearts sank,” 42:28 blx1 וַיֶּֽחֶרְד֞וּ אִ֤ישׁ אֶל אָחִיו֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “and they all started shaking with fear and said to each other,” or “and they trembled with fear. They asked each other,” 42:28 m4d8 מַה זֹּ֛את עָשָׂ֥ה אֱלֹהִ֖ים לָֽנוּ 1 Alternate translation: “What is God doing to us?” or “Why is God making this happen to us?” 42:29 g299 וַיָּבֹ֛אוּ אֶל יַעֲקֹ֥ב אֲבִיהֶ֖ם אַ֣רְצָה כְּנָ֑עַן 1 Alternate translation: “When they got back home to their father Jacob in the region of Canaan,” or “When they reached their home in the land of Canaan where their father Jacob was,” 42:29 zl0z וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ ל֔וֹ אֵ֛ת כָּל 1 See how you translated **reported to** in Gen 38:13. Alternate translation: “they explained to him all” 42:30 ua84 הָאִ֨ישׁ אֲדֹנֵ֥י הָאָ֛רֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “The man who is the ruler over the land of Egypt” or “The man who controls the land of Egypt” 42:30 z0fy דִּ֠בֶּר & אִתָּ֖נוּ קָשׁ֑וֹת 1 See how you translated **harshly** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “spoke to us roughly” or “was very harsh when he spoke to us” 42:30 tq1x וַיִּתֵּ֣ן אֹתָ֔נוּ כִּֽמְרַגְּלִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “He even accused us of being spies!” 42:31 h6vy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וַנֹּ֥אמֶר אֵלָ֖יו כֵּנִ֣ים אֲנָ֑חְנוּ לֹ֥א הָיִ֖ינוּ מְרַגְּלִֽים 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Also, see how you translated “… honest … not spies” in verse 11. Alternate translation: “We told him that we are not spies, but rather trustworthy men.” 42:32 t2n7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes שְׁנֵים עָשָׂ֥ר אֲנַ֛חְנוּ אַחִ֖ים 1 Make sure that the way you translate verse 32 fits with whether you used a direct or indirect quote in verse 31. Alternate translation: “We told him that we are twelve brothers,” 42:32 tbtd בְּנֵ֣י אָבִ֑ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “sons of one father.” 42:32 mxfu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism אֵינֶ֔נּוּ 1 See how you translated this idiom in verse 13. Alternate translation: “is no more,” or “is no longer with us,” 42:32 zaw0 וְהַקָּטֹ֥ן 1 Alternate translation: “and our youngest one” 42:32 yoiy הַיּ֛וֹם אֶת אָבִ֖ינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “is right now with our father at home” 42:33 tax5 וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלֵ֗ינוּ הָאִישׁ֙ אֲדֹנֵ֣י הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 See how you translated **the man, the lord of the land** in verse 30. Alternate translation: “Then the ruler of the land said to us,” or “But the man who rules the land told us,” 42:33 vfrp בְּזֹ֣את 1 See how you translated **By this** in verse 15. Alternate translation: “In this way” 42:33 bcni אֵדַ֔ע כִּ֥י כֵנִ֖ים אַתֶּ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “I will know that you are trustworthy men” 42:33 y94z אֲחִיכֶ֤ם הָֽאֶחָד֙ הַנִּ֣יחוּ אִתִּ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “One of you brothers will stay here with me,” 42:33 a2cp וְאֶת רַעֲב֥וֹן בָּתֵּיכֶ֖ם קְח֥וּ וָלֵֽכוּ 1 Alternate translation: “while the rest of you buy grain to relieve the hunger of your families and go home.” or “and the rest of you go home with grain for your hungry households” 42:34 yt3a וְ֠הָבִיאוּ אֶת אֲחִיכֶ֣ם הַקָּטֹן֮ אֵלַי֒ 1 See how you translated a similar clause at the beginning of verse 20. Alternate translation: “Then bring your youngest brother back here to me” or “After that, you must come back here to me with your youngest brother.” 42:34 u5dz וְאֵֽדְעָ֗ה כִּ֣י לֹ֤א מְרַגְּלִים֙ אַתֶּ֔ם 1 Consider again how you translated **spies** in Gen 42:9-11, 14, 16, 30, 31, 34. Alternate translation: “Then I will know that you are not spies,” 42:34 k4m8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּ֥י כֵנִ֖ים אַתֶּ֑ם 1 For some languages it is more natural to change the order of clauses in this sentence and say, “Then I will know that you are honest/trustworthy men/people and not spies.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “but are honest men” 42:34 vd53 אֶת אֲחִיכֶם֙ אֶתֵּ֣ן לָכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then I will release to you your brother who is in prison,” 42:35 a8js וַיְהִ֗י הֵ֚ם מְרִיקִ֣ים שַׂקֵּיהֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Sometime after that, the brothers began to empty the grain from their sacks,” 42:35 p3w3 וְהִנֵּה אִ֥ישׁ צְרוֹר כַּסְפּ֖וֹ בְּשַׂקּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and they were surprised to see their bags of money inside their sacks!” 42:35 e1ff וַיִּרְא֞וּ אֶת צְרֹר֧וֹת כַּסְפֵּיהֶ֛ם הֵ֥מָּה וַאֲבִיהֶ֖ם וַיִּירָֽאוּ 1 Alternate translation: “When they and their father Jacob saw the bags of silver they were terrified.” 42:36 zzid וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ יַעֲקֹ֣ב אֲבִיהֶ֔ם 1 If you make **Jacob** explicit in verse 35, you could leave it implied here in verse 36. Alternate translation: “Then their father said to them,” 42:36 h76g אֹתִ֖י שִׁכַּלְתֶּ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “You have deprived me of my sons!” 42:36 rptq יוֹסֵ֤ף אֵינֶ֨נּוּ֙ וְשִׁמְע֣וֹן אֵינֶ֔נּוּ 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph and Simeon are no longer with us!” 42:36 thfj עָלַ֖י הָי֥וּ כֻלָּֽנָה 1 Alternate translation: “Everything is against me!” or “Everything is going badly for me!” 42:37 oqs5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר רְאוּבֵן֙ אֶל אָבִ֣יו לֵאמֹ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “Then Reuben responded to his father,” 42:37 qpmv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֶת שְׁנֵ֤י בָנַי֙ תָּמִ֔ית אִם לֹ֥א אֲבִיאֶ֖נּוּ אֵלֶ֑יךָ 1 For some languages, it is necessary to change the order of clauses in this sentence (so that the condition comes first), as in the second alternate above. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “You may punish me by killing my sons if I do not bring Benjamin back to you.” or “If I fail to bring Benjamin back to you safely, you can punish me by killing my two sons.” 42:37 cqwt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom תְּנָ֤ה אֹתוֹ֙ עַל יָדִ֔י 1 The phrase **in my hand** is used here as an idiom that means that Reuben was going to be responsible for Benjamin’s welfare. Alternate translation: “Entrust him to my care as we travel to Egypt,” or “Let me be responsible for taking care of Benjamin on our trip to Egypt,” 42:37 wz8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַאֲנִ֖י אֲשִׁיבֶ֥נּוּ אֵלֶֽיךָ 1 For some languages it is more natural to change the order of clauses in this quote and say, “Father, let me be responsible for taking Benjamin down to Egypt. If I fail to bring him back to you safely, you can punish me by killing my two sons.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and I promise that I will bring him back to you safely.” 42:38 vyte rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “But his father insisted,” 42:38 lta2 לֹֽא יֵרֵ֥ד בְּנִ֖י עִמָּכֶ֑ם 1 Notice that the pronoun **you** is plural in this verse. Also, see how you translated **go down** in verse 2. Alternate translation: “My son Benjamin may not go with you to Egypt,” 42:38 lyr6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship כִּֽי אָחִ֨יו מֵ֜ת 1 Joseph was Benjamin’s older brother from the same father and mother. Consider whether your language has a special kinship term for that. Also consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. 42:38 gth5 וְה֧וּא לְבַדּ֣וֹ נִשְׁאָ֗ר 1 You could include a footnote here that explains that Joseph and Benjamin were the only two sons of Rachel, Jacob’s favorite wife who died after giving birth to Benjamin (Gen 35:16-20). Alternate translation: “so he is the only one I have left from his mother.” 42:38 q1la rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo וּקְרָאָ֤הוּ אָסוֹן֙ בַּדֶּ֨רֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תֵּֽלְכוּ בָ֔הּ 1 Jacob is saying what would happen if he lost Benjamin too. Consider what is the best way to translate this hypothetical statement in your language. Also, see how you translated “harm … meet him” in verse 4. Alternate translation: “So if he were to be killed during your journey,” or “So if anything bad happened to him while you are traveling,” 42:38 bz42 וְהוֹרַדְתֶּ֧ם אֶת שֵׂיבָתִ֛י בְּיָג֖וֹן 1 Jacob uses the phrase **my gray head** to refer to himself as their aged father. Consider whether your language has a similar phrase that is natural and works well here. Alternate translation: “you would cause me, your gray-haired father, to grieve so deeply that I would die and go down” or “you would cause me, your gray-haired father, so much grief that I would die and go down” 42:38 whbu rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown שְׁאֽוֹלָה 1 The Hebrew term **Sheol** is the name of the place where the spirits of people went after they died. If you transliterate the name **Sheol** in your translation, you could put its meaning in a footnote. See how you translated this term in Gen 37:35, and see the note about that there. 43:1 ddpw rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וְהָרָעָ֖ב 1 The setting changes here to focus on what is happening in Canaan. Some languages use a special conjunction (like **Now**) to indicate that, while others do not use a conjunction here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “The food shortage” 43:1 k8tt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כָּבֵ֥ד 1 The word **heavy** is used here as an idiom that means the famine caused everyone much suffering. See how you translated the same idiom in Gen 12:10 and Gen 41:31. Alternate translation: “was oppressive” 43:1 pon5 בָּאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “in the land of Canaan.” 43:2 ymu3 וַיְהִ֗י 1 This phrase introduces an important event and helps create suspense so that readers will wonder what the outcome will be. Many translations omit **it happened** because it is not natural in their language. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So it happened that” 43:2 wchl rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns כַּאֲשֶׁ֤ר כִּלּוּ֙ 1 Consider whether it is clearer in your language to use a pronoun or a noun phrase here. Alternate translation: “when Jacob and his family had finished eating” or “… had used up” 43:2 akxh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns אֶת הַשֶּׁ֔בֶר אֲשֶׁ֥ר הֵבִ֖יאוּ 1 The pronoun **they** refers here to Jacob’s sons, not Jacob’s family (as it did earlier in this sentence). Alternate translation: “all the grain that his sons had bought and brought home” 43:2 h8vf וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵיהֶם֙ אֲבִיהֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “their father Jacob told them,” or “he told them,” 43:2 upb8 שִׁבְרוּ & מְעַט אֹֽכֶל 1 Alternate translation: “and buy some more food” 43:2 ldtz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive לָ֥נוּ 1 The pronoun **us** includes Jacob and his sons and their families here. Alternate translation: “for our family.” 43:3 c19j rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֧אמֶר אֵלָ֛יו יְהוּדָ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “His son Judah replied,” 43:3 a6uc הָאִ֤ישׁ 1 The brothers did not realize yet that Joseph was the governor they had spoken to in Egypt, so Judah referred to him generally here as “the man.” See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 42:30. Alternate translation: “The man who governs the country there” 43:3 pib6 הָעֵ֣ד הֵעִד֩ בָּ֨נוּ & לֵאמֹר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “sternly told us” or “was serious when he warned us” 43:3 klhy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes לֹֽא תִרְא֣וּ פָנַ֔י 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “that we cannot see him again” or “that we cannot come to him again to buy grain” 43:3 qdmg rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions בִּלְתִּ֖י אֲחִיכֶ֥ם אִתְּכֶֽם 1 Make sure that the way you translate this clause fits with how you translated the previous part of this sentence. For some languages it is necessary to put this clause before the previous clause and say, “… that our youngest brother must be with us or else we will not be permitted to see him again!” Alternate translation: “unless our youngest brother is with us!” 43:4 w58d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive אִם יֶשְׁךָ֛ מְשַׁלֵּ֥חַ אֶת אָחִ֖ינוּ אִתָּ֑נוּ 1 In verses 3-5, the pronouns **us** and **we** are exclusive since they do not include Jacob (whom Judah is talking to). Alternate translation: “So if you will permit our youngest brother to go with us,” or “So if you will let our youngest brother go with us,” 43:4 drtr נֵרְדָ֕ה 1 Alternate translation: “then we can travel to Egypt” 43:4 hc8i וְנִשְׁבְּרָ֥ה לְךָ֖ אֹֽכֶל 1 Alternate translation: “and buy more grain for you and the rest of the family.” 43:5 mcx4 מְשַׁלֵּ֖חַ 1 See how you translated **send** in verse 4. Alternate translation: “allow him to go with us,” 43:5 yja1 לֹ֣א נֵרֵ֑ד 1 See how you translated **go down** and “went down” in Gen 42:2-3. Alternate translation: “we cannot go down there,” or “we must not go there to buy grain,” 43:5 t87d כִּֽי הָאִ֞ישׁ אָמַ֤ר אֵלֵ֨ינוּ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “because the man told us” 43:5 ta44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes לֹֽא תִרְא֣וּ פָנַ֔י 1 See how you translated this quote in verse 3. Alternate translation: “that we cannot see him again” or “that we cannot go to him again to buy grain” 43:5 zutf rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-exceptions בִּלְתִּ֖י אֲחִיכֶ֥ם אִתְּכֶֽם 1 See how you translated this clause in verse 3. Alternate translation: “unless our youngest brother is with us!” 43:6 qmq5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 If it is not clear that **Israel** (verse 6) and “their father” (verse 2) refer to the same person, you could include “their father” here in your translation or in a footnote. See what you did for a similar case in Gen 42:5. 43:6 xkfv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָמָ֥ה הֲרֵעֹתֶ֖ם לִ֑י לְהַגִּ֣יד 1 Jacob uses a rhetorical question here to scold his sons and to show how upset he is. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Why did you cause distress for me by telling” or “You caused me a lot of distress because you told” 43:6 embi לָאִ֔ישׁ 1 See how you translated **the man** in verses 3 and 5. Alternate translation: “that man” or “that governor” 43:6 h0lc הַע֥וֹד לָכֶ֖ם אָֽח 1 If you translate this rhetorical question as a statement, make sure that you end it with a period or exclamation point. Alternate translation: “that you have another brother!” 43:7 uc4l שָׁא֣וֹל שָֽׁאַל הָ֠אִישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “The man questioned us intensely” or “The man asked us many questions” 43:7 ebcv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive לָ֣נוּ וּלְמֽוֹלַדְתֵּ֜נוּ לֵאמֹ֗ר 1 In verses 7-8, the pronouns “us,” “our,” and **we** are exclusive since they do not include Jacob (whom the sons are talking to). Alternate translation: “about ourselves and about the rest of our family.” 43:7 ozlb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes הַע֨וֹד אֲבִיכֶ֥ם חַי֙ הֲיֵ֣שׁ לָכֶ֣ם אָ֔ח 1 Consider whether it is more natural in your language to translate this embedded quote with a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “He specifically asked us whether our father was still alive and if we had another brother.” 43:7 blcg וַנַ֨גֶּד ל֔וֹ עַל פִּ֖י הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה 1 Alternate translation: “So we just answered his questions honestly” or “All we did was answer his questions.” 43:7 z7wb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲיָד֣וֹעַ נֵדַ֔ע 1 Jacob’s sons use a rhetorical question here to emphasize their innocence and express strong emotion. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “We could not possibly have known” 43:7 ltpm כִּ֣י יֹאמַ֔ר הוֹרִ֖ידוּ אֶת אֲחִיכֶֽם 1 If you translate this rhetorical question as a statement, make sure that you end it with a period or exclamation point. Alternate translation: “that he would tell us to bring our brother down there to him!” 43:8 bflr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יְהוּדָ֜ה אֶל יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל אָבִ֗יו 1 For some languages it is necessary to make “Benjamin” explicit here in the quote margin so that it is clear that **young man** refers to him in the following quote. Do what is best in your language. 43:8 daxf שִׁלְחָ֥ה הַנַּ֛עַר אִתִּ֖י 1 See how you translated **young man** in Gen 37:2; 41:12. Use a term here in your language that fits with the fact that Benjamin was probably in his 30’s. Alternate translation: “Allow the young man to come with me and I will watch over him” 43:8 imi8 וְנָק֣וּמָה וְנֵלֵ֑כָה 1 Alternate translation: “so we can leave right away to buy grain in Egypt” 43:8 lenm וְנִֽחְיֶה֙ & גַּם אֲנַ֥חְנוּ גַם אַתָּ֖ה גַּם טַפֵּֽנוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Also, see how you translated **will live and not die** in Gen 42:2. Alternate translation: “Then all of us, including our children, will survive” or “… can stay alive” 43:8 yhi0 וְלֹ֣א נָמ֔וּת 1 Alternate translation: “and not die from hunger.” 43:9 jkoj אָֽנֹכִי֙ אֶֽעֶרְבֶ֔נּוּ 1 Alternate translation: “I personally guarantee to keep him safe.” or “I personally guarantee his safety.” 43:9 ft8t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom מִיָּדִ֖י תְּבַקְשֶׁ֑נּוּ 1 See how you translated a similar idiom in Gen 31:39. Alternate translation: “You can make me liable for him,” 43:9 mk47 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo אִם לֹ֨א הֲבִיאֹתִ֤יו אֵלֶ֨יךָ֙ וְהִצַּגְתִּ֣יו לְפָנֶ֔יךָ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this hypothetical sentence in your language. Alternate translation: “so that if I do not bring him back home to you alive” 43:9 dy9m וְחָטָ֥אתִֽי לְךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “you can blame me for this sin” 43:9 oyu9 כָּל הַיָּמִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “all the days of my life.” or “forever.” 43:10 aodh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo כִּ֖י לוּלֵ֣א הִתְמַהְמָ֑הְנוּ 1 This sentence refers to something that could have happened, but did not actually happen. Consider what is the best way to translate this contrary-to-fact statement in your language. Alternate translation: “As it is, if we had not delayed such a long time,” or “In any case, if we had not delayed this long,” 43:10 vc35 כִּֽי עַתָּ֥ה שַׁ֖בְנוּ זֶ֥ה פַעֲמָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “certainly we could have made two round trips there and back by now.” or “we certainly would have had enough time to go down there and back two times already.” 43:11 rugr וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֜ם יִשְׂרָאֵ֣ל אֲבִיהֶ֗ם 1 See how you translated **Israel their father** in verse 8. 43:11 z17t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אִם כֵּ֣ן 1 Alternate translation: “If that is how it must be,” or “Okay, if that is the only way we can get more grain,” 43:11 e0uk אֵפוֹא֮ זֹ֣את עֲשׂוּ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “then this is what you must do:” 43:11 w192 קְח֞וּ מִזִּמְרַ֤ת הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ בִּכְלֵיכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Put some of the best goods from our land in your sacks,” or “Put in your sacks some of the most valuable things that our land produces,” 43:11 xe36 וְהוֹרִ֥ידוּ לָאִ֖ישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “and take them to the man in Egypt” 43:11 x3ux מִנְחָ֑ה 1 Consider what punctuation is best to use here in your language. 43:11 zelc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowns מְעַ֤ט צֳרִי֙ וּמְעַ֣ט דְּבַ֔שׁ 1 Consider what is the best way to make a list of things like this in your language. Also see how you translated **balm** in Gen 37:25. Alternate translation: “including some sweet-smelling tree sap, some honey,” or “Include some healing salve, honey,” 43:11 j3jb rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowns נְכֹ֣את וָלֹ֔ט 1 See how you translated **spices** and **myrrh** in Gen 37:25. Alternate translation: “some food spices and incense,” 43:11 nm7q rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowns בָּטְנִ֖ים וּשְׁקֵדִֽים 1 Alternate translation: “and some sweet-tasting tree nuts.” 43:12 n427 וְכֶ֥סֶף מִשְׁנֶ֖ה קְח֣וּ בְיֶדְכֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Also take with you twice as much silver as you took the first time,” 43:12 belf וְאֶת הַכֶּ֜סֶף & תָּשִׁ֣יבוּ בְיֶדְכֶ֔ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “because you must give back the silver” or “You must give back the silver” 43:12 vphu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive הַמּוּשָׁ֨ב 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use a passive or active clause here. Alternate translation: “that was given back to you by someone” 43:12 z9xu בְּפִ֤י אַמְתְּחֹֽתֵיכֶם֙ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 42:27. Alternate translation: “in the top of your sacks.” 43:12 my0a אוּלַ֥י מִשְׁגֶּ֖ה הֽוּא 1 Alternate translation: “That might have happened by mistake.” or “Maybe someone did that by mistake.” 43:13 g5d0 וְאֶת אֲחִיכֶ֖ם קָ֑חוּ 1 Alternate translation: “So then take your youngest brother” 43:13 rb0s וְק֖וּמוּ שׁ֥וּבוּ אֶל הָאִֽישׁ 1 See how you translated “get up and …” in verse 8. Alternate translation: “and return right away to the man” or “and immediately go back to the man” 43:14 ldsn וְאֵ֣ל שַׁדַּ֗י יִתֵּ֨ן 1 Alternate translation: “May Almighty God” 43:14 p538 וְאֵ֣ל שַׁדַּ֗י יִתֵּ֨ן לָכֶ֤ם רַחֲמִים֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הָאִ֔ישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “be kind to you as you go before the man” or “cause the man to be kind to you,” or “cause him to treat you mercifully” 43:14 bcey וְשִׁלַּ֥ח 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “so that he will” or “and I pray that the man/governor will” or (2) “and may he/God” or “and I pray that God will” 43:14 t3kf rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וְשִׁלַּ֥ח & אֶת אֲחִיכֶ֥ם אַחֵ֖ר וְאֶת בִּנְיָמִ֑ין 1 Notice that **other brother** refers to Simeon, who is older or younger (and has the same or different mother) than his brothers that Israel is talking to here. Also see how you translated **send** in verses 4-5. Alternate translation: “allow your other brother and Benjamin to go” or “let your brothers Simeon and Benjamin go” 43:14 nlep וַאֲנִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר 1 The pronoun **I** is emphatic here in the Hebrew text. If possible, keep that emphasis in your translation. Alternate translation: “As for me, if I” 43:14 djjf שָׁכֹ֖לְתִּי שָׁכָֽלְתִּי 1 See how you translated **bereaved** in Gen 42:36. Alternate translation: “must be deprived of them, then I will be deprived.” or “must suffer loss, then I will suffer loss.” 43:15 l6s7 וַיִּקְח֤וּ הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ אֶת הַמִּנְחָ֣ה הַזֹּ֔את 1 See how you translated **gift** in verse 11 and in Gen 33:10-11. Alternate translation: “So the brothers packed those gifts in their sacks” or “So the brothers got all those gifts and packed them” 43:15 omg5 וּמִשְׁנֶה כֶּ֛סֶף לָקְח֥וּ בְיָדָ֖ם 1 See how you translated this phrase in verse 12. Alternate translation: “along with twice as much silver as the grain would cost.” or “and they also packed double the amount of silver that they needed to pay for the grain.” 43:15 z4lc וְאֶת בִּנְיָמִ֑ן וַיָּקֻ֨מוּ֙ וַיֵּרְד֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 See how you translated “get up and go” in verse 8. Alternate translation: “They also got Benjamin and together they immediately traveled down to the country of Egypt” or “Then they took Benjamin with them and immediately traveled down to the country of Egypt” 43:15 kkg6 וַיַּֽעַמְד֖וּ לִפְנֵ֥י יוֹסֵֽף 1 Alternate translation: “and presented themselves to Joseph.” or “and came directly to Joseph.” 43:16 c5xl וַיַּ֨רְא יוֹסֵ֣ף אִתָּם֮ אֶת בִּנְיָמִין֒ וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph saw Benjamin with the rest of his brothers. So he told” or “When Joseph saw Benjamin with his other brothers, he told” 43:16 dsy9 לַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל בֵּית֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “the servant who managed his household,” 43:16 txuy הָבֵ֥א אֶת הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים הַבָּ֑יְתָה 1 Alternate translation: “Lead the men to my house” 43:16 kqg9 וּטְבֹ֤חַ טֶ֨בַח֙ 1 The Hebrew word for **animal** here is general and refers to an animal that was raised to be killed and eaten, such as a calf or goat. Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “then kill one of my livestock” or “Then butcher an calf” 43:16 lwck וְהָכֵ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “and cook the meat to prepare a meal” or “and prepare a feast with its meat,” 43:16 yt78 כִּ֥י אִתִּ֛י יֹאכְל֥וּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים בַּֽצָּהֳרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “because I have planned that the men will eat the noon meal with me at my house.” 43:17 r6ug וַיַּ֣עַשׂ הָאִ֔ישׁ כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר אָמַ֣ר יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Alternate translation: “The servant did exactly what Joseph had commanded him to do” 43:17 hzqo וַיָּבֵ֥א הָאִ֛ישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “and led” 43:17 cer2 אֶת הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים בֵּ֥יתָה יוֹסֵֽף 1 Make sure that the way you translate this phrase does not sound like Joseph’s brothers went inside the house yet. They did not actually go inside until later (verse 24). 43:18 skvj וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then they said to each other,” 43:18 a2z1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עַל דְּבַ֤ר הַכֶּ֨סֶף֙ הַשָּׁ֤ב בְּאַמְתְּחֹתֵ֨ינוּ֙ בַּתְּחִלָּ֔ה אֲנַ֖חְנוּ מֽוּבָאִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “We have been brought here because of the money that was returned to us in our sacks the first time we came here.” or “He has taken us here because of our silver that someone gave back to us in our sacks on our first trip here.” 43:18 hjh2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom לְהִתְגֹּלֵ֤ל עָלֵ֨ינוּ֙ וּלְהִתְנַפֵּ֣ל עָלֵ֔ינוּ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate these idioms in your language. Alternate translation: “He is planning to seize us by force” 43:18 bwz0 וְלָקַ֧חַת אֹתָ֛נוּ לַעֲבָדִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “and keep us as slaves” or “and make us his slaves” 43:18 po0k וְאֶת חֲמֹרֵֽינוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He will also take our donkeys!” 43:19 xsms וַֽיִּגְּשׁוּ֙ אֶל 1 Alternate translation: “So they went up to” or “So they approached” 43:19 dmuv הָאִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֖ר עַל בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 See how you translated a similar phrase in verse 16. 43:19 s3sc וַיְדַבְּר֥וּ אֵלָ֖יו פֶּ֥תַח הַבָּֽיִת 1 Alternate translation: “to speak to him at the door to his house.” or “outside the door to the house in order to speak to him.” 43:20 ml95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ 1 Alternate translation: “They said to him,” or “One of them said to him on behalf of them all,” 43:20 lue5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics בִּ֣י אֲדֹנִ֑י 1 The brothers are asking the servant for permission to speak. Translate this in a way that is respectful in your language. Alternate translation: “Excuse me sir,” or “Sir, please allow us to speak to you.” 43:20 z7s9 יָרֹ֥ד יָרַ֛דְנוּ בַּתְּחִלָּ֖ה לִשְׁבָּר אֹֽכֶל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “the previous time we came down here to Egypt, we came to buy some food” or “one time before this, we traveled all the way down here to Egypt and bought some food” 43:21 ordx וַֽיְהִ֞י 1 This phrase introduces an important event and helps create suspense so that readers will wonder what the outcome will be. Many translations omit **it happened** because it is not natural in their language. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “But it so happened that” 43:21 in48 כִּי בָ֣אנוּ אֶל הַמָּל֗וֹן וַֽנִּפְתְּחָה֙ אֶת אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֔ינוּ 1 See how you translated **the lodging place** in Gen 42:27. Alternate translation: “when we arrived at the place where we stayed for the night, we opened our sacks” 43:21 ch69 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְהִנֵּ֤ה כֶֽסֶף אִישׁ֙ בְּפִ֣י אַמְתַּחְתּ֔וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, see how you translated “in the mouth of … sacks” in verse 12. Alternate translation: “and we were surprised to see that our bags of money were in the top of each of our sacks!” or “There in the opening of each of our sacks was the silver we had given to you for the grain!” 43:21 penc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney כַּסְפֵּ֖נוּ בְּמִשְׁקָל֑וֹ 1 The silver was weighed in shekels (Gen 20:16; 23:15-16; 37:28) to determine how much to pay for something. See how you translated **silver** in Gen 42:25, 27, 35. Alternate translation: “The full weight of money was there!” or “The silver was all there!” 43:21 n9o8 וַנָּ֥שֶׁב אֹת֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “But we brought it all back” or “So we brought all that money back” 43:21 lz5d בְּיָדֵֽנוּ 1 Alternate translation: “with us to return to you.” 43:22 fyvo וְכֶ֧סֶף אַחֵ֛ר הוֹרַ֥דְנוּ 1 Alternate translation: “We also brought enough extra money with us” or “We have also brought additional money with us” 43:22 hnax לִשְׁבָּר אֹ֑כֶל 1 Alternate translation: “so that we can buy some more food now” 43:22 uztm מִי שָׂ֥ם כַּסְפֵּ֖נוּ בְּאַמְתְּחֹתֵֽינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “who gave that money back to us in our sacks.” or “how our silver got into our sacks like that.” 43:23 yad2 שָׁל֨וֹם לָכֶ֜ם 1 The phrase “Peace to you” is a blessing that wishes someone to be well and at peace. Consider whether your language has a similar blessing or possibly an idiom that would work well here. Alternate translation: “Be at peace, and” or “All is well for you, so” or “Everything is all right, so” 43:23 ohpb אַל תִּירָ֗אוּ 1 Alternate translation: “do not be anxious.” 43:23 iuqp אֱלֹ֨הֵיכֶ֜ם וֵֽאלֹהֵ֤י אֲבִיכֶם֙ 1 Make sure that your translation of these phrases refers to the same God, not two different Gods. Alternate translation: “The God whom you and your father worship” 43:23 axqr נָתַ֨ן לָכֶ֤ם מַטְמוֹן֙ בְּאַמְתְּחֹ֣תֵיכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “must have put the silver in your sacks,” 43:23 zwsy כַּסְפְּכֶ֖ם בָּ֣א אֵלָ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “because I definitely received the silver that you paid for the grain.” or “because I know that you paid me money to pay for the grain.” 43:24 f3c2 וַיִּרְחֲצ֣וּ רַגְלֵיהֶ֔ם 1 Consider again how you translated “wash … feet” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 18:4; 19:2; 24:32; 43:24. Alternate translation: “and they washed the dirt off their feet,” 43:24 xfcm וַיִּתֵּ֥ן מִסְפּ֖וֹא לַחֲמֹֽרֵיהֶֽם 1 Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Also, see how you translated **fodder** in Gen 42:27. Alternate translation: “and he provided feed for their donkeys.” 43:25 fyrt עַד בּ֥וֹא יוֹסֵ֖ף בַּֽצָּהֳרָ֑יִם 1 Alternate translation: “to give to Joseph when he got home at noon,” 43:25 n1x1 כִּ֣י שָֽׁמְע֔וּ 1 Alternate translation: “because they had been told” or “because someone had told them” 43:25 q583 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּי שָׁ֖ם יֹ֥אכְלוּ לָֽחֶם 1 For some languages it is more natural to put the last half of this verse at the beginning of the verse and say, “When Joseph’s brothers heard that they were going to eat the noon meal with Joseph at his house, they got their gifts ready to give him when he came/got home.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “that they were going to eat a meal with him there at his house.” 43:26 gxzc וַיָּבֹ֤א יוֹסֵף֙ הַבַּ֔יְתָה 1 Alternate translation: “When Joseph came to his house,” or “When Joseph got home,” 43:26 ida9 וַיָּבִ֥יאּוּ ל֛וֹ אֶת הַמִּנְחָ֥ה אֲשֶׁר בְּיָדָ֖ם הַבָּ֑יְתָה 1 Alternate translation: “his brothers presented to him the gift that they had brought with them into the house.” 43:26 vrkt rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּשְׁתַּחֲווּ ל֖וֹ אָֽרְצָה 1 See how you translated “bowed down … ground” in Gen 42:6. Alternate translation: “Then they bowed themselves down before him with their faces to the ground to show him honor.” or “Then they prostrated themselves on the ground to respect him.” 43:27 bvqp וַיִּשְׁאַ֤ל לָהֶם֙ לְשָׁל֔וֹם 1 Alternate translation: “Then he greeted them” 43:27 e2sa וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Consider whether or not it is more natural in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He also asked them,” 43:27 f3lh הֲשָׁל֛וֹם אֲבִיכֶ֥ם הַזָּקֵ֖ן 1 Alternate translation: “Is your aged father doing well” or “Is your aged father in good health,” 43:27 fjka אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “whom you spoke about to me before?” 43:28 siak rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics שָׁל֛וֹם לְעַבְדְּךָ֥ לְאָבִ֖ינוּ עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ חָ֑י 1 The brothers refer to their father as **your servant** here to show respect to Joseph and to acknowledge his high position. Translate this phrase in a polite way that shows respect toward Joseph. Also, the pronoun **our** is exclusive here because Joseph’s brothers did not yet know that they were talking to Joseph. Alternate translation: “Yes sir, our father, who highly respects you, is still alive and blessed.” 43:28 pv3h וַֽיִּקְּד֖וּ 1 In this verse, the terms **bowed** and **bowed down** translate two different Hebrew words that together describe and emphasize the process of bowing down to the ground. Alternate translation: “Then they knelt” 43:28 iql9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ 1 See how you translated **bowed down** in verse 26. Alternate translation: “and prostrated themselves in front of him again.” 43:29 sk3t rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וַיִּשָּׂ֣א עֵינָ֗יו וַיַּ֞רְא אֶת־בִּנְיָמִ֣ין אָחִיו֮ 1 Benjamin was younger than Joseph. Also, consider again how you translated the idiom “lifted … eyes” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 13:10, 14; 18:2; 22:4, 13; 24:63-64; 31:10; 33:1, 5; 37:25; 39:7; 43:29. Alternate translation: “Then Joseph looked up and saw his brother Benjamin,” or “When Joseph looked around at them all, he saw his brother Benjamin,” 43:29 rxoe בֶּן אִמּוֹ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “who was the only other son of his own mother,” 43:29 tfn4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “and he asked them,” 43:29 kw42 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲזֶה֙ אֲחִיכֶ֣ם הַקָּטֹ֔ן 1 This question could be an actual question or a rhetorical question. The fact that Joseph does not wait for an answer suggests that this is a rhetorical question, especially since he already realized that the new brother in the group was Benjamin (verse 16). Alternate translation: “So this young man must be your youngest brother” or “I suppose this young man is your youngest brother” 43:29 kj9r אֲשֶׁ֥ר אֲמַרְתֶּ֖ם אֵלָ֑י 1 Make sure that your punctuation here fits with the way you translated this sentence, either as a question or a statement. 43:29 x673 אֱלֹהִ֥ים יָחְנְךָ֖ 1 See how you translated “God has been gracious to …” in Gen 33:11. Also see how you translated “grace” in 24:12, 14 ,27, 49; 39:21. Alternate translation: “I pray that God will be gracious to you,” 43:29 etkj בְּנִֽי 1 The phrase **my son** is a kind way to address a man who is younger or of lower status; it does not mean that Benjamin was Joseph’s actual son. Also, for some languages it is necessary to put this address first in this quote. Do what is natural in your language. 43:30 hmes וַיְמַהֵ֣ר יוֹסֵ֗ף 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph quickly left the room” or “Then Joseph rushed out of the room” 43:30 mlcg כִּֽי נִכְמְר֤וּ רַחֲמָיו֙ אֶל אָחִ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “because he was feeling deeply emotional about his brother,” or “because he felt overwhelmed with emotions for his brother” 43:30 lthk וַיְבַקֵּ֖שׁ לִבְכּ֑וֹת 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “and desired/wanted to cry,” or “and felt like crying,” or “and was about to cry,” or (2) “and was looking for a place to cry,” or “and went to find a place to cry,” 43:30 a4rn וַיָּבֹ֥א הַחַ֖דְרָה 1 Alternate translation: “so he went to his private room” 43:30 kzi6 וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ שָֽׁמָּה 1 Alternate translation: “so that he could cry there.” 43:31 vi1v וַיִּרְחַ֥ץ פָּנָ֖יו וַיֵּצֵ֑א וַיִּ֨תְאַפַּ֔ק 1 Alternate translation: “After a while, he stopped crying, washed the tears off his face and came out of his room” 43:31 djhb וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 For some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and told his servants,” or “Then he told his servants,” 43:31 fj19 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche שִׂ֥ימוּ לָֽחֶם 1 The word **bread** refers to all the food they ate at this meal, not just bread. Alternate translation: “Serve the meal to us.” or “It is time to serve the meal to us.” 43:32 k33k וַיָּשִׂ֥ימוּ ל֛וֹ לְבַדּ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “Then they brought food to Joseph at his own table,” 43:32 aecw וְלַמִּצְרִ֞ים הָאֹכְלִ֤ים אִתּוֹ֙ לְבַדָּ֔ם 1 For some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and the Egyptians who were eating as his guests at their own table.” or “They also served food to some Egyptian guests at a separate table.” 43:32 n9pf כִּי֩ לֹ֨א יוּכְל֜וּן הַמִּצְרִ֗ים לֶאֱכֹ֤ל אֶת הָֽעִבְרִים֙ לֶ֔חֶם כִּי תוֹעֵבָ֥ה הִ֖וא לְמִצְרָֽיִם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also consider again how you translated **Hebrews** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 14:13, 39:14, 17; 40:15, 41:12; 43:32. Alternate translation: “Egyptians do not eat at the same table as Hebrew people, because they consider it detestable to do that.” or “The servants did that, because Egyptians consider it unacceptable to eat with Hebrew people at the same table.” 43:33 kg7b לְפָנָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “in front of him” 43:33 owgp הַבְּכֹר֙ כִּבְכֹ֣רָת֔וֹ וְהַצָּעִ֖יר כִּצְעִרָת֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “according to their age order, from oldest to youngest,” or “in the order of their ages, from the firstborn to the youngest,” 43:33 liwf וַיִּתְמְה֥וּ הָאֲנָשִׁ֖ים אִ֥ישׁ אֶל רֵעֵֽהוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “so they looked at each other in amazement.” or “When they saw that, they were amazed and stared at one another.” 43:34 rsws rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיִּשָּׂ֨א מַשְׂאֹ֜ת מֵאֵ֣ת פָּנָיו֮ אֲלֵהֶם֒ 1 As a person of high position and status, Joseph probably had his servants serve the food rather doing it himself. Decide whether you want to make that information explicit in your translation or include it in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Then Joseph served his brothers food from his table,” 43:34 elb9 וַתֵּ֜רֶב מַשְׂאַ֧ת בִּנְיָמִ֛ן & חָמֵ֣שׁ יָד֑וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “but the amount of food that was served to Benjamin was five times more” 43:34 slsw מִמַּשְׂאֹ֥ת כֻּלָּ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “than the amount of food that was served to any of the rest of them.” 43:34 gdx2 וַיִּשְׁתּ֥וּ וַֽיִּשְׁכְּר֖וּ עִמּֽוֹ 1 The Hebrew verb for **became drunk** is the same word that is used in Gen 9:21 to describe Noah when he had drunk so much wine that he had fallen asleep. Here, it probably means that they had drunk enough wine that they were feeling happy and sociable. Alternate translation: “Then they ate food, drank wine and feasted with him.” or “Then they feasted and drank wine freely with him until they were very merry.” 44:1 co1e אֶת אֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל בֵּיתוֹ֮ 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 43:16. Alternate translation: “the servant who managed his household,” 44:1 t9xr לֵאמֹר֒ מַלֵּ֞א אֶת אַמְתְּחֹ֤ת הָֽאֲנָשִׁים֙ אֹ֔כֶל כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר 1 These grain sacks were carried by the brother’s donkeys and were probably fairly large since donkeys are able to carry around 50 kilos (about 110 pounds). 44:1 ikn0 יוּכְל֖וּן שְׂאֵ֑ת 1 Alternate translation: “the bags can hold,” 44:1 uzxa וְשִׂ֥ים כֶּֽסֶף אִ֖ישׁ בְּפִ֥י אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ 1 See how you translated “silver/money” in Gen 42:25, 27-28. Alternate translation: “and put their grain money in the opening of their grain bags.” or “and in the top of their sacks put the silver that each of them paid for the grain.” 44:2 pli8 וְאֶת גְּבִיעִ֞י גְּבִ֣יעַ הַכֶּ֗סֶף תָּשִׂים֙ 1 Notice that this cup was made out of silver; it was not just silver in color. Alternate translation: “And put my cup, the one that is made of silver,” 44:2 pdhi וְאֵ֖ת כֶּ֣סֶף שִׁבְר֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and his grain money” or “along with the silver that he paid for the grain.” 44:2 r9gb וַיַּ֕עַשׂ כִּדְבַ֥ר יוֹסֵ֖ף אֲשֶׁ֥ר דִּבֵּֽר 1 See how you translated “according to … words” in Gen 43:7. Alternate translation: “So the servant did exactly as he had told him to do.” 44:3 qedu הַבֹּ֖קֶר א֑וֹר 1 Alternate translation: “The next morning as it was becoming light,” or “The next morning at dawn,” 44:3 l62s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וְהָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים שֻׁלְּח֔וּ הֵ֖מָּה וַחֲמֹרֵיהֶֽם 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive sentence in your language. Alternate translation: “the brothers were sent on their way with their donkeys by Joseph.” or “Joseph sent the men on their way, along with their donkeys.” 44:4 c0b7 הֵ֠ם יָֽצְא֣וּ אֶת הָעִיר֮ לֹ֣א הִרְחִיקוּ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “But after they left the city, before they had gone very far,” 44:4 a5rr וְיוֹסֵ֤ף אָמַר֙ לַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר עַל־בֵּית֔וֹ 1 See how you translated **the one who was over his house** in verse 1.” Alternate translation: “he told the servant who managed his household,” or “he ordered his head-servant,” 44:4 o859 ק֥וּם 1 Alternate translation: “Immediately” 44:4 ve86 רְדֹ֖ף אַחֲרֵ֣י הָֽאֲנָשִׁ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “go after the men” 44:4 bo39 וְהִשַּׂגְתָּם֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “When you reach them,” 44:4 slkq rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וְאָמַרְתָּ֣ אֲלֵהֶ֔ם 1 Make sure that the way you translate this quote margin fits with the way you translate the following rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “tell them,” 44:4 bfwe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֛מָּה שִׁלַּמְתֶּ֥ם רָעָ֖ה תַּ֥חַת טוֹבָֽה 1 Joseph’s servant uses this rhetorical question to scold the brothers and express his outrage. Consider what is the best way to communicate those things in your language. Alternate translation: “Why have you treated my master so badly when he was so good to you?” or “My master was very good to you. Why have you treated him so badly?” or “My master treated you so well, but in return you have treated him very badly!” 44:5 rzp9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion הֲל֣וֹא זֶ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִשְׁתֶּ֤ה אֲדֹנִי֙ בּ֔וֹ 1 The servant uses this rhetorical question to further express his outrage about the missing cup. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Why do you have the cup that my master drinks from” 44:5 kroa וְה֕וּא נַחֵ֥שׁ יְנַחֵ֖שׁ בּ֑וֹ 1 The word **divines** refers to the practice of interpreting omens (signs) or using supernatural means to find out things. See how you translated a similar term (“divination”) in Gen 30:27. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “It is the one he regularly uses for divination!” 44:5 frff הֲרֵעֹתֶ֖ם אֲשֶׁ֥ר עֲשִׂיתֶֽם 1 The phrase **you have done** is repeated in this sentence for emphasis. Consider what is the best way to communicate that emphasis in your language. Alternate translation: “What you have done is very evil” 44:6 n84h וַֽיַּשִּׂגֵ֑ם 1 Consider again how you translated “overtake” or **overtook** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 19:19; 31:25; 44:4, 6. 44:6 ll3k וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר אֲלֵהֶ֔ם אֶת הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵֽלֶּה 1 Alternate translation: “he said to them what Joseph had told him to say.” 44:7 pakd rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֵלָ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “But they exclaimed,” 44:7 iwsy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֚מָּה יְדַבֵּ֣ר אֲדֹנִ֔י כַּדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה 1 The brothers use this rhetorical question to express their shock at being accused of something they had not done. They also address the servant as **my lord** to show him respect. Decide what is the best way to communicate those things in your language. Alternate translation: “Master we do not know why you are saying that!” 44:7 ieuc rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics חָלִ֨ילָה֙ לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ מֵעֲשׂ֖וֹת 1 The brothers refer to themselves as **your servants** in order to show respect to Joseph’s head-servant. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “We swear as your humble servants that we would never even think of doing” or “We would never even consider doing” 44:7 z1d4 כַּדָּבָ֥ר הַזֶּֽה 1 Alternate translation: “such a thing!” 44:8 jlc8 הֵ֣ן 1 Alternate translation: “After all,” 44:8 t6uh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כֶּ֗סֶף אֲשֶׁ֤ר מָצָ֨אנוּ֙ בְּפִ֣י אַמְתְּחֹתֵ֔ינוּ הֱשִׁיבֹ֥נוּ אֵלֶ֖יךָ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to order the clauses in this sentence. Alternate translation: “we returned to you the money that we found in our grain sacks last time. We brought it all the way from our home in the land of Canaan!” or “as soon as we came back here from the land of Canaan, we returned to you the money we had discovered inside our grain sacks” 44:8 r9b7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וְאֵ֗יךְ נִגְנֹב֙ 1 The brothers use this rhetorical question to strongly emphasize that they would never steal from the servant’s master. Some languages must use a statement or exclamation here instead. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So why would we ever take” or “So we would never take” or “So there is no reason that we would ever take” 44:8 h9a8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche כֶּ֖סֶף א֥וֹ זָהָֽב 1 The brothers are emphasizing that they would never steal anything from Joseph, especially not valuable things made out of gold or silver. 44:9 q39v rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִמָּצֵ֥א אִתּ֛וֹ מֵעֲבָדֶ֖יךָ 1 The brothers refer to themselves as **your servants** in order to show respect to Joseph’s head-servant. Alternate translation: “In fact, sir, if you discover that any of us does have the cup,” or “If any one of us does have the cup, sir,” 44:9 ewku וָמֵ֑ת 1 Alternate translation: “then he must die,” or “then he should be executed” or “then you may kill that man,” 44:9 wzg4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics וְגַם אֲנַ֕חְנוּ נִֽהְיֶ֥ה לַֽאדֹנִ֖י לַעֲבָדִֽים 1 See how you translated **my lord** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “and besides that, the rest of us will become servants for you, sir.” or “and the rest of us, sir, will become your servants.” 44:10 dbf7 גַּם עַתָּ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “So then,” or “Very well then,” 44:10 uj13 כְדִבְרֵיכֶ֖ם כֶּן ה֑וּא 1 Alternate translation: “based on what you have said I will do this:” 44:10 soyh יִהְיֶה לִּ֣י עָ֔בֶד 1 Alternate translation: “is the only one who will be my slave” 44:10 dww7 וְאַתֶּ֖ם תִּהְי֥וּ נְקִיִּֽם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “but the rest of you will be free to go” 44:11 hime וַֽיְמַהֲר֗וּ וַיּוֹרִ֛דוּ אִ֥ישׁ אֶת אַמְתַּחְתּ֖וֹ אָ֑רְצָה 1 Alternate translation: “So each of them immediately lowered his bag of grain from his donkey to the ground,” or “Then each of the men immediately took his grain sack off his donkey and put it on the ground,” 44:11 puw2 וַֽיִּפְתְּח֖וּ אִ֥ישׁ אַמְתַּחְתּֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and each of them opened his own sack” or “and opened it.” 44:12 gwvt rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיְחַפֵּ֕שׂ 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Joseph’s servant in verses 6, 10 and 12. Also see how you translated **searched** in Gen 31:35. 44:12 z3eh בַּגָּד֣וֹל הֵחֵ֔ל וּבַקָּטֹ֖ן כִּלָּ֑ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “beginning with the oldest brother and finishing with the youngest one,” or “He started with the oldest brother and continued until he came to the youngest one,” 44:12 ax9d rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיִּמָּצֵא֙ הַגָּבִ֔יעַ בְּאַמְתַּ֖חַת בִּנְיָמִֽן 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. 44:13 fj96 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַֽיִּקְרְע֖וּ שִׂמְלֹתָ֑ם 1 See how you translated “tore … clothes in distress” in Gen 37:29, 34. Alternate translation: “In response to that, the brothers tore their clothes in grief.” 44:13 yxdl rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיַּעֲמֹס֙ אִ֣ישׁ עַל־חֲמֹר֔וֹ 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to the brothers in each context throughout this chapter. Alternate translation: “Then each of them put his sack back on his own donkey,” or “Then each of the men loaded up his own donkey again,” 44:13 tupx וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ הָעִֽירָה 1 Alternate translation: “and they all returned to the city.” or “then they all turned around and went back to the city.” 44:14 ynh4 וְה֖וּא עוֹדֶ֣נּוּ שָׁ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph was still there,” 44:14 fx2j rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּפְּל֥וּ לְפָנָ֖יו אָֽרְצָה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then they prostrated themselves on the ground before him to show respect.” or “So they bowed all the way to the ground in front of him to honor him.” 44:15 qsr0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהֶם֙ יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Make sure the way you translate this quote margin fits with the way you translate the following rhetorical question. Alternate translation: “Then Joseph told them,” 44:15 beu3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מָֽה הַמַּעֲשֶׂ֥ה הַזֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר עֲשִׂיתֶ֑ם 1 Joseph uses rhetorical questions in this verse to express anger and scold his brothers. Some languages must use strong statements or exclamations here instead. Do what is best in your language. See what you did for a similar case in Gen 20:9. Alternate translation: “Why did you do such a terrible thing?” or “You should never have done such a thing!” 44:15 d0er כִּֽי & אִ֖ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר כָּמֹֽנִי 1 Alternate translation: “that a ruler like me” 44:15 kl9z נַחֵ֧שׁ יְנַחֵ֛שׁ 1 See how you translated **divines** in verse 5. Alternate translation: “regularly practices divination!” or “could use divination to find out what you did!” 44:16 rht7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר יְהוּדָ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “Judah answered,” 44:16 vuo6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַה נֹּאמַר֙ לַֽאדֹנִ֔י 1 Judah uses a series of rhetorical questions in this verse to express how upset he is about what has happened and to emphasize that there is nothing that they can say to convince Joseph that they are innocent. Consider what is the best way to communicate those things in your language. 44:16 pt2a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion מַה נְּדַבֵּ֖ר 1 Alternate translation: “We cannot explain this.” 44:16 jwxq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וּמַה נִּצְטַדָּ֑ק 1 Alternate translation: “We do not know how to show to you that we did not do this.” or “There is no way we can show to you that we are innocent.” 44:16 t81j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person הָאֱלֹהִ֗ים מָצָא֙ אֶת עֲוֺ֣ן עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ 1 Judah refers to himself and his brothers as **your servants** to show humility and to honor Joseph. Also, Judah is probably referring here to the sin of selling their brother Joseph into slavery years ago. You could include that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “God has exposed our guilt for our past sin.” or “God is punishing us, your humble servants, for our past sin” or “God is using this occasion to punish us for our past sin.” 44:16 llw2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics הִנֶּנּ֤וּ עֲבָדִים֙ לַֽאדֹנִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “Here we all are, ready to be servants for you, sir,” or “So now, sir, we are all here to be your servants,” 44:16 u0e1 גַּם אֲנַ֕חְנוּ גַּ֛ם אֲשֶׁר 1 Alternate translation: “including the man” 44:16 fi8v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁר נִמְצָ֥א הַגָּבִ֖יעַ בְּיָדֽוֹ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “who was found with your cup in his grain sack” or “in whose grain bag your house-servant found the cup.” or “whom your house-servant found with your cup in his sack” 44:17 ezgz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֕אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “But Joseph exclaimed,” 44:17 ambx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom חָלִ֣ילָה לִּ֔י מֵעֲשׂ֖וֹת זֹ֑את 1 See how you translated “Far be it from …” in verse 7. 44:17 xlig rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive הָאִ֡ישׁ אֲשֶׁר֩ נִמְצָ֨א הַגָּבִ֜יעַ בְּיָד֗וֹ ה֚וּא 1 See how you translated **in whose hand the cup was found** in verse 16. Alternate translation: “Only the one who was found with my cup in his bag” or “Only the man in whose bag my servant found the cup” or “Rather only the one whom my servant found with my cup in his bag” 44:17 sa6p יִהְיֶה לִּ֣י עָ֔בֶד 1 Alternate translation: “will become my slave.” or “will stay and serve me as a slave.” 44:17 n9xw וְאַתֶּ֕ם עֲל֥וּ לְשָׁל֖וֹם אֶל אֲבִיכֶֽם 1 The phrase **go up** refers to the fact that the land of Canaan was higher in elevation than the country of Egypt. Some translations leave **up** implied. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “But you others may return to your father in peace.” or “As for the rest of you, you may go back home to your father without any trouble.” 44:18 shso וַיִּגַּ֨שׁ אֵלָ֜יו יְהוּדָ֗ה וַיֹּאמֶר֮ 1 See how you translated **went near** in Gen 43:19. Alternate translation: “Then Judah came up to Joseph and said,” 44:18 j6zs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics בִּ֣י אֲדֹנִי֒ 1 Compare how you translated this phrase in Gen 43:20. Alternate translation: “Please, master,” or “Excuse me, sir” 44:18 rqfg rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics יְדַבֶּר נָ֨א עַבְדְּךָ֤ דָבָר֙ בְּאָזְנֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י 1 Make sure your translation of **your servant** refers here to Judah, not to someone else. Throughout verses 18-34, Judah uses phrases such as “my lord,” “your servant,” and “your servants” to be polite and show respect to Joseph. At each point in these verses, make sure it is clear in your translation whom he is referring to. Alternate translation: “I humbly ask you to let me speak plainly to you.” or “will you please allow me your humble servant to say something to you.” 44:18 hoo2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְאַל יִ֥חַר אַפְּךָ֖ בְּעַבְדֶּ֑ךָ 1 Compare how you translated the idiom “his anger burned” in Gen 39:19. Alternate translation: “Please do not be angry at me,” 44:18 g9dp כִּ֥י כָמ֖וֹךָ 1 Alternate translation: “even though you are equal in rank to” 44:18 s1ai כְּפַרְעֹֽה 1 Alternate translation: “the king himself.” 44:19 vv9q אֲדֹנִ֣י שָׁאַ֔ל 1 Alternate translation: “Sir, the last time we were here, you asked” 44:19 xcqr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אֶת עֲבָדָ֖יו 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation of **his servants** that Judah is referring to himself and his brothers. Alternate translation: “us your humble servants” 44:19 vxb9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes לֵאמֹ֑ר הֲיֵשׁ לָכֶ֥ם אָ֖ב אוֹ אָֽח 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate the embedded quotes in verses 19-23 as direct or indirect quotes. Alternate translation: “Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?” or “whether our father was still alive and whether we had any other brothers.” 44:20 y8ns rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַנֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל אֲדֹנִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “We answered you, sir, that” 44:20 iohe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes יֶשׁ לָ֨נוּ֙ אָ֣ב זָקֵ֔ן 1 Alternate translation: “our aged father is still alive” 44:20 e3jx וְיֶ֥לֶד זְקֻנִ֖ים קָטָ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “and with him is his youngest son whom our father had when he was already old.” 44:20 grn8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וְאָחִ֨יו מֵ֜ת וַיִּוָּתֵ֨ר ה֧וּא לְבַדּ֛וֹ לְאִמּ֖וֹ 1 In this sentence, **brother** refers to an older brother from the same father and mother. Some languages have a special kinship term for that. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “That son is the only one left alive from his mother, since his brother died.” 44:20 f6ig וְאָבִ֥יו אֲהֵבֽוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “So his father loves him very much.” or “So his father especially loves our youngest brother.” 44:21 seoq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ 1 Judah uses the humble term **your servants** to show respect and honor to someone of higher status and authority. Alternate translation: “Then you told us, who are your humble servants,” 44:21 qfp7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes הוֹרִדֻ֖הוּ אֵלָ֑י וְאָשִׂ֥ימָה עֵינִ֖י עָלָֽיו 1 The verb “bring … down” refers to the fact that Egypt was lower in elevation than the region of Canaan. Some translations leave **down** implied. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Bring your youngest brother to me so that I can meet him.” or “to bring our youngest brother here to you so that you can see him for yourself.” 44:22 g162 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וַנֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל אֲדֹנִ֔י לֹא יוּכַ֥ל הַנַּ֖עַר לַעֲזֹ֣ב אֶת אָבִ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “But we told you, sir, that the young man must not leave his father and come here,” 44:22 xhm8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וְעָזַ֥ב אֶת אָבִ֖יו וָמֵֽת 1 Make sure the way you translate this clause fits with how you translated the previous clause, as either a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “because if he did his father will die from anxiety.” 44:23 kpr1 וַתֹּ֨אמֶר֙ אֶל עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “But you told us that” 44:23 x0ri rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אִם לֹ֥א יֵרֵ֛ד אֲחִיכֶ֥ם הַקָּטֹ֖ן אִתְּכֶ֑ם 1 Consider again whether to translate the embedded quotes in verses 19-23 as direct or indirect quotes. Alternate translation: “if our youngest brother did not come back here with us,” 44:23 ud9x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes לֹ֥א תֹסִפ֖וּן לִרְא֥וֹת פָּנָֽי 1 Make sure that the way you translate this clause fits with how you translated the beginning of this verse, either as a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “you would not allow us to see you again.” 44:24 pdcq וַיְהִי֙ כִּ֣י עָלִ֔ינוּ 1 The phrase, **Then it happened** introduces an important event and helps create suspense so that readers will wonder what the outcome will be. Many translations omit **it happened** because it is not natural in their language. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So after we got back home again” 44:24 b8yd rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics אֶֽל עַבְדְּךָ֖ אָבִ֑י 1 See how you translated “your servant … father” in Gen 43:28. Alternate translation: “to my father, who is your humble servant,” or “to my father, who highly respects you,” 44:24 u4dl וַנַּ֨גֶּד ל֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “we told him” 44:24 lexn אֵ֖ת דִּבְרֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “what you had said to us.” 44:25 kcr2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive וַיֹּ֖אמֶר אָבִ֑ינוּ 1 The pronouns **our** and **us** are exclusive here because they do not include Joseph. 44:25 zkw7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive שֻׁ֖בוּ שִׁבְרוּ לָ֥נוּ מְעַט אֹֽכֶל 1 The pronoun **us** is inclusive here because what Judah’s father (Jacob) had said included the brothers whom he was talking to. See how you translated this same quote in Gen 43:2. Alternate translation: “Go back to Egypt and buy some more grain for all of us.” 44:26 o2aw לֹ֥א נוּכַ֖ל לָרֶ֑דֶת אִם יֵשׁ֩ אָחִ֨ינוּ הַקָּטֹ֤ן אִתָּ֨נוּ֙ וְיָרַ֔דְנוּ 1 See how you translated “… down” in verses 21 and 23. Alternate translation: “We can only go down there if our youngest brother is with us.” 44:26 g0yh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche כִּי לֹ֣א נוּכַ֗ל לִרְאוֹת֙ פְּנֵ֣י הָאִ֔ישׁ 1 The phrase **the man’s face** refers to the governor (Joseph) himself. Translate this in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “We will not be allowed to go to the man who sells grain there” or “The man who sells grain there will not permit us to see him again” 44:27 eii5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive וַיֹּ֛אמֶר עַבְדְּךָ֥ אָבִ֖י אֵלֵ֑ינוּ 1 See how you translated **your servant my father** in verse 24. Also notice that the pronoun **us** does not include Joseph here. Some languages use an exclusive pronoun for this. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then my father who is your humble servant said to us,” or “Then my father said to us,” 44:27 i4rw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular אַתֶּ֣ם יְדַעְתֶּ֔ם כִּ֥י 1 The pronoun “you” is plural here, referring to all the brothers. Alternate translation: “As you all know,” 44:27 ngtg שְׁנַ֖יִם יָֽלְדָה לִּ֥י אִשְׁתִּֽי 1 Alternate translation: “my wife Rachel bore only two sons for me.” 44:28 nu9b וַיֵּצֵ֤א הָֽאֶחָד֙ מֵֽאִתִּ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “One of those sons left here one day,” or “One of them has disappeared,” 44:28 pk3k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וָאֹמַ֕ר אַ֖ךְ טָרֹ֣ף טֹרָ֑ף וְלֹ֥א רְאִיתִ֖יו עַד הֵֽנָּה 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this doubly embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. Also see how you translated “torn. … to pieces” in Gen 37:33. Alternate translation: “I have thought that he must have been killed and torn to pieces by a fierce animal. I have never seen him again.” or “and I have not seen him since then. I am sure that a fierce animal must have killed him and torn him apart.” 44:29 ks4f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo וּלְקַחְתֶּ֧ם גַּם אֶת זֶ֛ה מֵעִ֥ם פָּנַ֖י 1 Consider what is the best way to translate the hypothetical sentence in this verse. Make sure all the parts of the sentence fit together well. Alternate translation: “So if you also take this son away from me,” 44:29 k2l1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְקָרָ֣הוּ אָס֑וֹן 1 See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 42:38. Alternate translation: “and something terrible happens to him,” or “and if anything bad happens to him,” 44:29 r1l7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְהֽוֹרַדְתֶּ֧ם אֶת שֵׂיבָתִ֛י בְּרָעָ֖ה 1 See how you translated **bring my gray head down** in Gen 42:38. Alternate translation: “you will cause me, your elderly father, to grieve so deeply that I will die and go down” or “you will cause me, your elderly father, so much sorrow that I will die and go down” 44:29 ozbf rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown שְׁאֹֽלָה 1 Sheol is the Hebrew name for the world of the dead, that is, the place where the spirits of all people go after they die. You could put that information in a footnote. Your translation of **Sheol** should not refer to hell or a place of punishment. Some translations have “the grave” here, but that leaves out the idea of an afterlife that this sentence implies. 44:30 wiey וְעַתָּ֗ה 1 This phrase introduces the conclusion to what Judah said in verses 24-29. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “So then,” 44:30 nbx6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics כְּבֹאִי֙ אֶל עַבְדְּךָ֣ אָבִ֔י 1 See how you translated **your servant my father** in verses 24 and 27. Alternate translation: “when we return home to my father, who highly respects you,” or “if I go home to my father, sir,” 44:30 mryj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְנַפְשׁ֖וֹ קְשׁוּרָ֥ה בְנַפְשֽׁוֹ 1 This idiom reflects how close the relationship was between Judah’s father and youngest brother. Consider what is the best way to say this in your language. Alternate translation: “since our father is deeply attached to his son,” 44:31 liw5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo וְהָיָ֗ה כִּרְאוֹת֛וֹ כִּי אֵ֥ין הַנַּ֖עַר וָמֵ֑ת 1 The phrase **then it will happen** introduces an important hypothetical event here and helps create suspense so that readers will wonder what the outcome will be. Many translations omit the phrase because it is not natural in their language. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “if he sees that his son is gone he will die!” or “then he will die when he sees that his youngest son is not with us!” 44:31 biq9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo וְהוֹרִ֨ידוּ עֲבָדֶ֜יךָ אֶת־שֵׂיבַ֨ת עַבְדְּךָ֥ אָבִ֛ינוּ בְּיָג֖וֹן 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this hypothetical situation in your language. Also, see how you translated “bring … gray head down in sorrow to Sheol” in Gen 42:38, and a similar phrase in 44:29. Alternate translation: “Yes, we would bring our elderly father so much sorrow that he would die and go” or “In that way, we would be responsible for bringing our elderly father …” 44:31 p2vj שְׁאֹֽלָה 1 Consider again how you translated **Sheol** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 37:35; 42:38; 44:29, 31. 44:32 jzbk כִּ֤י עַבְדְּךָ֙ עָרַ֣ב אֶת הַנַּ֔עַר מֵעִ֥ם אָבִ֖י לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 See how you translated the verb “guarantee” in Gen 43:9. Alternate translation: “Besides that, sir, I guaranteed my father that I would return his son to him safely. I told him that” 44:32 pir9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אִם לֹ֤א אֲבִיאֶ֨נּוּ֙ אֵלֶ֔יךָ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. 44:32 r37a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo וְחָטָ֥אתִי לְאָבִ֖י 1 See how you translated a similar clause in Gen 43:9. Alternate translation: “then this would be a terrible sin against him” 44:32 gtwb כָּל הַיָּמִֽים 1 Be consistent here with your choice in Gen 43:9. Alternate translation: “all the days of my life.” or “for the rest of my life.” 44:33 glec וְעַתָּ֗ה 1 This phrase introduces the conclusion to what Judah said in verses 30-32. See how you translated this phrase in verse 30. Alternate translation: “So now” 44:33 p6r0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics יֵֽשֶׁב נָ֤א עַבְדְּךָ֙ 1 Consider again how you translated **your servant** and “your servants” throughout this chapter. See verses 7, 9, 18, 24, 27, 30-32. Alternate translation: “I urge you to allow me your servant to be the one to stay here” or “sir, I urge you to let me stay here” 44:33 wrus עֶ֖בֶד לַֽאדֹנִ֑י 1 Throughout this chapter, the same Hebrew word is translated as **slave** when the context has negative connotations (verses 9-10, 16-17, 33), but is translated as **servant** when the context has more positive connotations (verses 7, 9, 16, 18-19, 21, 23-24, 27, 30-32). Do what is best in your language in each context. Alternate translation: “as a slave for you” or “and be your servant” 44:33 joxy תַּ֣חַת 1 Alternate translation: “to take the place of” 44:34 gvqq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion כִּי אֵיךְ֙ אֶֽעֱלֶ֣ה 1 Judah uses this rhetorical question to emphasize how difficult it would be for him to return to his father without his brother. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “I could never” 44:34 y2n4 אֶֽעֱלֶ֣ה אֶל אָבִ֔י 1 Consider again how you translated “… up” in verses 17, 24, 33-34. Contrast that to how you translated “… down” in verses 21, 23, and 26. Some translations leave **up** or “down” implied. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “return home to my father” 44:34 jjj3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo וְהַנַּ֖עַר אֵינֶ֣נּוּ אִתִּ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “if our youngest brother is not with me!” 44:34 cq7p פֶּ֚ן אֶרְאֶ֣ה 1 Alternate translation: “I do not want to see” 44:34 qheo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo בָרָ֔ע אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִמְצָ֖א אֶת אָבִֽי 1 See how you translated **misery** in verse 29. Alternate translation: “the terrible grief that it would cause my father!” or “how much my father would grieve!” 45:1 vlvn וְלֹֽא־יָכֹ֨ל יוֹסֵ֜ף 1 Alternate translation: “When Joseph heard what Judah said, he was no longer able to” 45:1 qtrd לְהִתְאַפֵּ֗ק 1 Alternate translation: “hide his feelings” 45:1 nnml לְכֹ֤ל הַנִּצָּבִים֙ עָלָ֔יו 1 Make sure that your translation of this phrase refers to Joseph’s servants, not his brothers. Alternate translation: “in front of all his servants who were with him,” or “in front of all his attendants” 45:1 zlcr וַיִּקְרָ֕א 1 Alternate translation: “and he shouted to them,” or “so he said loudly to them,” 45:1 ok6o הוֹצִ֥יאוּ כָל אִ֖ישׁ 1 Alternate translation: “All of you, leave” 45:1 ws8g rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְלֹא עָ֤מַד אִישׁ֙ אִתּ֔וֹ בְּהִתְוַדַּ֥ע יוֹסֵ֖ף אֶל אֶחָֽיו 1 Make sure your use of nouns or pronouns to refer to Joseph and his brothers here is clear and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “So Joseph was alone with his brothers when he made himself known to them.” or “Immediately his servants left the room, so that no one else was with him when he told his brothers who he was.” 45:2 hb44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּתֵּ֥ן אֶת קֹל֖וֹ בִּבְכִ֑י 1 Consider whether your language has an idiom such as **gave his voice in crying**. Also see how you translated “cried” in Gen 42:24; 43:30. Alternate translation: “Then he raised his voice and cried loudly so that” 45:2 vv5j rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַיִּשְׁמְע֣וּ מִצְרַ֔יִם וַיִּשְׁמַ֖ע בֵּ֥ית פַּרְעֹֽה 1 The word **house** refers here to Pharaoh’s family members and servants, not a literal building. 45:3 qpbn rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יוֹסֵ֤ף אֶל אֶחָיו֙ 1 In this chapter, the word **brothers** refers to Joseph’s older brothers (from different mothers) and his younger brother (from the same mother). Alternate translation: “Then Joseph exclaimed to his brothers in their language,” 45:3 tp5e אֲנִ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “I am Joseph, your brother!” 45:3 mh3c הַע֥וֹד אָבִ֖י חָ֑י 1 Joseph uses **my father** to emphasize his relationship with his father. Make sure your translation does not sound like he had a different father than his brothers. Alternate translation: “Is our father still alive?” 45:3 gbg2 וְלֹֽא יָכְל֤וּ אֶחָיו֙ לַעֲנ֣וֹת אֹת֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “His brothers could not say a word,” 45:3 vwfh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּ֥י נִבְהֲל֖וּ מִפָּנָֽיו 1 For some languages it is necessary to put this clause earlier in this sentence and say, “But his brothers were so terrified to see him that they could not answer him.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because they were shocked to realize that they were in his presence.” 45:4 tno2 גְּשׁוּ נָ֥א אֵלַ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “Please come near to me.” 45:4 pbua וַיִּגָּ֑שׁוּ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “When they went closer to him, he said to them,” or “After they did that, he said to them,” 45:4 lbty אֲנִי֙ יוֹסֵ֣ף אֲחִיכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “I truly am your brother Joseph,” 45:4 dij9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֲשֶׁר מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם אֹתִ֖י מִצְרָֽיְמָה 1 Joseph’s brothers sold him to slave traders who were going to Egypt. If necessary, you could make some of that information explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “whom you sold as a slave that was taken here to Egypt.” 45:5 o6ua אַל תֵּעָ֣צְב֗וּ 1 Alternate translation: “do not be distressed” 45:5 y42s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְאַל יִ֨חַר֙ בְּעֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם 1 Consider again how you translated various idioms for “anger” or “be angry” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 4:5-6; 30:2; 31:35-36; 34:7; 44:18; 45:5. It may be necessary to translate these idioms in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “or angry at yourselves” 45:5 gocs כִּֽי מְכַרְתֶּ֥ם אֹתִ֖י הֵ֑נָּה 1 Alternate translation: “that you sold me and caused me to be a slave here,” or “for selling me as a slave,” 45:5 e8pt כִּ֣י & שְׁלָחַ֥נִי אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “because God sent me here” 45:5 j661 לִפְנֵיכֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “before you got here,” 45:5 junj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns לְמִֽחְיָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “to keep many people from dying.” 45:6 xeca כִּי זֶ֛ה שְׁנָתַ֥יִם 1 Alternate translation: “The past two years” 45:6 o2qw הָרָעָ֖ב בְּקֶ֣רֶב הָאָ֑רֶץ 1 See how you translated **famine** in Gen 12:10. Alternate translation: “there has been a famine throughout this country” or “a famine has been affecting this whole region,” 45:6 fiio וְעוֹד֙ חָמֵ֣שׁ שָׁנִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר 1 Alternate translation: “and for another five years it will be so bad that” or “and during the next five years it will be even worse, so that” or “and there will be five more years when” 45:6 szwk אֵין חָרִ֖ישׁ וְקָצִּֽיר 1 Alternate translation: “there will be no plowing of fields or harvesting of crops.” 45:7 d4nu וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֤נִי אֱלֹהִים֙ 1 Alternate translation: “God caused me to come here” 45:7 f5ep לִפְנֵיכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “before you got here,” 45:7 oicd לָשׂ֥וּם לָכֶ֛ם שְׁאֵרִ֖ית 1 Alternate translation: “so that you will have descendants living” or “to help you survive and have descendants” 45:7 kgqc בָּאָ֑רֶץ 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) **on the earth** or (2) “in the/this land” 45:7 hip5 וּלְהַחֲי֣וֹת לָכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “by helping you stay live” or “by saving your lives” 45:7 vs2e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לִפְלֵיטָ֖ה גְּדֹלָֽה 1 For some languages it is better to put the last two phrases earlier in this sentence and say, “But God sent me ahead of you to save your lives in this amazing way so that you will survive and have descendants on the earth.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “through his amazing rescue.” or “in this powerful way.” 45:8 tkpc לֹֽא אַתֶּ֞ם 1 Alternate translation: “you are not the ones” 45:8 bzgs שְׁלַחְתֶּ֤ם אֹתִי֙ הֵ֔נָּה 1 Alternate translation: “who brought me here,” 45:8 l7xp כִּ֖י הָאֱלֹהִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “but rather it was God who brought me.” or “but rather God is the one who did it” 45:8 up9h rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וַיְשִׂימֵ֨נִֽי לְאָ֜ב לְפַרְעֹ֗ה 1 Joseph was like a father to Pharaoh in that Pharaoh highly honored him and Joseph took care of Pharaoh’s household and all their needs. Alternate translation: “He has even made me like a father to King Pharaoh,” 45:8 v1vi rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וּלְאָדוֹן֙ לְכָל בֵּית֔וֹ 1 See how you translated **lord** in Gen 42:30, 33, and how you translated **house** in Gen 41:40. Alternate translation: “so that I am the master of his entire household” 45:8 cxyy וּמֹשֵׁ֖ל 1 Alternate translation: “and also the highest official” 45:8 hpg8 בְּכָל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “in the whole country of Egypt.” 45:9 j5m0 מַהֲרוּ֮ וַעֲל֣וּ 1 In this verse, the words **up** and **down** reflect the fact that Canaan was higher in elevation than Egypt. Many languages leave those words implied. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Hurry up” or “Leave quickly and go back” or “Return quickly” 45:9 v12d אֶל אָבִי֒ 1 See how you translated **my father** in verse 3. 45:9 q5o8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֣ם אֵלָ֗יו כֹּ֤ה אָמַר֙ בִּנְךָ֣ יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. 45:9 jjgl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes שָׂמַ֧נִי אֱלֹהִ֛ים לְאָד֖וֹן לְכָל מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Consider whether it is best in your language to translate this doubly embedded quote (which continues through verse 11) as a direct or indirect quote. An example of an indirect quote would be: “God has made him the ruler over all Egypt. He urges you to come down there to live near him, without delay. He also says that you and your family may live in Goshen Province and that way you will live near him … He will provide for you there …” Alternate translation: “God has made me ruler over the entire country of Egypt.” 45:9 vcd6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אַֽל תַּעֲמֹֽד 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this sentence and say, “So please do not take very long, but rather come down/here quickly to live near me.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and do not wait.” or “and do not take very long to come.” 45:10 am1x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְיָשַׁבְתָּ֣ 1 The pronouns **you** and **your** in this verse are singular, but Joseph’s message to his father includes the whole family. Alternate translation: “You and your family may live” 45:10 vj43 בְאֶֽרֶץ גֹּ֗שֶׁן 1 Goshen was a region or territory that was part of the country of Egypt. Make sure your translation of **land** does not sound like Goshen was its own country. Alternate translation: “in the region of Goshen” or “in Goshen County” 45:10 db7h וְהָיִ֤יתָ קָרוֹב֙ אֵלַ֔י 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and that way you can be near me” or “That way you can live close to me” 45:10 imwz וְצֹאנְךָ֥ וּבְקָרְךָ֖ 1 Alternate translation: “as well as all your domestic animals” 45:10 ey3b וְכָל אֲשֶׁר לָֽךְ 1 Alternate translation: “and all your other belongings.” 45:11 ntlo וְכִלְכַּלְתִּ֤י אֹֽתְךָ֙ שָׁ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “I will support you there,” 45:11 xl31 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּי ע֛וֹד חָמֵ֥שׁ שָׁנִ֖ים רָעָ֑ב 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “There are still five more years of famine ahead/coming, so I will provide for you there in Goshen.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “since there are still five more years of famine ahead” or “because the famine will last five more years.” 45:11 m9m8 פֶּן תִּוָּרֵ֛שׁ אַתָּ֥ה וּבֵֽיתְךָ֖ וְכָל אֲשֶׁר לָֽךְ 1 The verb **become impoverished** can include losing livestock, other belongings, and the lives of their servants and family members. Alternate translation: “That way you and your extended family will not become poor and die.” or “Please come so that the famine does not cause you and your family to lose everything you own and die.” 45:12 ss7a וְהִנֵּ֤ה 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Joseph’s message to his father was completed in verse 11, and that here in verse 12 he is talking directly to his brothers again. Alternate translation: “Now look” or “Then Joseph said to his brothers, Look!” 45:12 savf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche עֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ 1 The word **eyes** is used figuratively here (and in the next phrase) to refer to the persons themselves; it also emphasizes the fact that they were seeing Joseph in person. Consider what is the best way to translate this phrase in your language. Alternate translation: “I can tell that all of you,” 45:12 vwt0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship וְעֵינֵ֖י אָחִ֣י בִנְיָמִ֑ין 1 See how you translated **brother** in Gen 43:29. 45:12 d4ru rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche רֹא֔וֹת & כִּי פִ֖י 1 Here the phrase **my mouth** refers to Joseph himself; it also emphasizes the fact that it was Joseph himself who was talking to them. Consider what is the best way to translate this figure of speech in your language. Alternate translation: “can see that I Joseph am the one” 45:13 cya3 וְהִגַּדְתֶּ֣ם לְאָבִ֗י 1 Alternate translation: “So go and tell my father” 45:13 ul6y אֶת כָּל כְּבוֹדִי֙ בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם 1 Alternate translation: “about my high position in Egypt” or “about how honored I am in Egypt” 45:13 bqv7 וּמִֽהַרְתֶּ֛ם וְהוֹרַדְתֶּ֥ם אֶת אָבִ֖י הֵֽנָּה 1 See how you translated **down** in verse 9. Alternate translation: “Then hurry and bring him down here to me.” or “Then quickly bring him here to me.” 45:14 r6ln rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּפֹּ֛ל עַל צַוְּארֵ֥י בִנְיָמִֽן אָחִ֖יו 1 See how you translated the idiom “fell on his neck” in Gen 33:4. Alternate translation: “Then Joseph hugged his brother Benjamin strongly” 45:14 ea8j וַיֵּ֑בְךְּ 1 Alternate translation: “and started crying because he was so happy.” 45:14 ony8 וּבִנְיָמִ֔ן בָּכָ֖ה עַל צַוָּארָֽיו 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Benjamin also cried as he hugged him back.” 45:15 ggne וַיְנַשֵּׁ֥ק לְכָל אֶחָ֖יו 1 See how you translated “kissed … on the cheeks” in Gen 33:4. Alternate translation: “Next Joseph kissed all his brothers on their cheeks” or “Next Joseph greeted all his brothers with a kiss on their cheeks” 45:15 t2gm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיֵּ֣בְךְּ עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם 1 For some languages it is more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “Then as Joseph continued to cry, he kissed all his brothers on the/their cheeks.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “with tears of joy.” 45:15 wxc9 וְאַ֣חֲרֵי כֵ֔ן דִּבְּר֥וּ אֶחָ֖יו אִתּֽוֹ 1 Previously Joseph’s brothers had been too afraid to speak (verse 3). Now they felt free to start talking to him. 45:16 qihz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations בָּ֖אוּ אֲחֵ֣י יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Consider whether it is better to use a direct or indirect quote here in your language. 45:16 yonq וַיִּיטַב֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֔ה וּבְעֵינֵ֖י עֲבָדָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “it was pleasing to Pharaoh and all his officials.” or “Pharaoh and all his officials were pleased” 45:17 f0rb rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר פַּרְעֹה֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh told Joseph,” or “Then Pharaoh gave these instructions to Joseph:” 45:17 nwm7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אֱמֹ֥ר אֶל אַחֶ֖יךָ זֹ֣את עֲשׂ֑וּ טַֽעֲנוּ֙ אֶת בְּעִ֣ירְכֶ֔ם 1 These animals were donkeys (Gen 43:18, 44:3), not any other kind of animal. Also, consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote with a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Tell your brothers to load their pack animals with grain” 45:17 no0d וּלְכוּ בֹ֖אוּ 1 The two verbs **leave** and **go** emphasize that Joseph’s brothers should go back immediately to their father in Canaan. Alternate translation: “and quickly return” 45:17 ekjb אַ֥רְצָה כְּנָֽעַן 1 Alternate translation: “to region of Canaan.” 45:18 r5zh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וּקְח֧וּ אֶת אֲבִיכֶ֛ם וְאֶת בָּתֵּיכֶ֖ם וּבֹ֣אוּ אֵלָ֑י 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that verse 18 is still part of Pharaoh’s message to Joseph’s brothers. Also make sure the pronouns that you use throughout verses 17 and 18 fit with whether you translate this embedded quote with a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “Then tell them to bring their father and their families back here to me.” 45:18 b98l rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וְאֶתְּנָ֣ה לָכֶ֗ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I will give them” 45:18 soil אֶת טוּב֙ אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם 1 Alternate translation: “the best land in the country of Egypt to live in,” 45:18 j0oy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וְאִכְל֖וּ אֶת חֵ֥לֶב הָאָֽרֶץ 1 This idiom means that they would live comfortably with the best of everything; it does not just refer to food. Consider whether or not you have a similar idiom in your language. 45:19 rznz וְאַתָּ֥ה צֻוֵּ֖יתָה 1 The pronoun **you** is singular here and refers to Joseph. This clause is not part of Pharaoh’s message to Joseph’s brothers (verses 17-20). Make sure that is clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “You are also directed to tell them” 45:19 r7b1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes זֹ֣את עֲשׂ֑וּ קְחוּ לָכֶם֩ & עֲגָל֗וֹת 1 These carts or wagons had two or four wheels and were pulled by animals such as oxen or donkeys. Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote with a direct or indirect quote. See what you did for a similar case in verses 17-18. Alternate translation: “Take some of my carts with you” or “to take some of my carts with them” 45:19 ehow rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לְטַפְּכֶם֙ וְלִנְשֵׁיכֶ֔ם 1 For some languages it is more natural (and respectful) to put **wives** before **little ones** in this phrase. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **little ones** in Gen 43:8. Alternate translation: “for your young children and wives to ride in,” or “for your wives and young children to ride in,” 45:19 zy6m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וּנְשָׂאתֶ֥ם אֶת אֲבִיכֶ֖ם וּבָאתֶֽם 1 Make sure the pronouns you use throughout verses 19 and 20 fit with whether you translate the embedded quote with a direct or indirect quote. Also see how you translated **get your father** in verse 18. Alternate translation: “then bring them and your father back here to live.” or “Then tell them to bring their father and their families back here to live.” 45:20 rsjc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וְעֵ֣ינְכֶ֔ם אַל תָּחֹ֖ס 1 Alternate translation: “And do not be concerned” or “You should not worry” 45:20 n3nt rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes עַל כְּלֵיכֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “about leaving some of your belongings behind,” or “if you have to leave behind some of your possessions,” 45:20 bf1n כִּי ט֛וּב כָּל אֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם 1 This phrase refers generally to the wealth of Egypt that will be available to Jacob’s family, including fertile land and anything else that they need. Alternate translation: “because the best of everything in the land of Egypt” or “because the most valuable things in all the land of Egypt” 45:21 kcbs וַיַּֽעֲשׂוּ־כֵן֙ בְּנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Jacob is referred to by his other name Israel here (also in verse 28). If that is not clear in your translation, you could put that information in a footnote. If possible in your translation, it is best to keep the name that the author chose to use in each case so that you do not change what is being emphasized. Alternate translation: “… agreed to do what Pharaoh said” 45:21 dnbb וַיִּתֵּ֨ן לָהֶ֥ם יוֹסֵ֛ף עֲגָל֖וֹת 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph gave them carts to use” 45:21 zkju rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy עַל פִּ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה 1 This phrase refers to what Pharaoh said. Alternate translation: “as King Pharaoh had directed him,” 45:21 f8wt וַיִּתֵּ֥ן לָהֶ֛ם צֵדָ֖ה 1 Alternate translation: “and he provided them with food to eat” or “and he gave them food” 45:21 kx1n לַדָּֽרֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “to eat on their trip home.” 45:22 lj72 לְכֻלָּ֥ם נָתַ֛ן לָאִ֖ישׁ חֲלִפ֣וֹת שְׂמָלֹ֑ת 1 Alternate translation: “To each of them he gave a new set of clothes,” or “He also gave a new change of clothes to each one of his brothers,” 45:22 ku7k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וּלְבִנְיָמִ֤ן נָתַן֙ שְׁלֹ֣שׁ מֵא֣וֹת כֶּ֔סֶף וְחָמֵ֖שׁ חֲלִפֹ֥ת שְׂמָלֹֽת 1 For some languages it is better to mention the gift of clothes to Benjamin before the gift of silver, to more clearly contrast how many clothes he received with how many his brothers received. Do what is best in your language. Also, see how you translated **shekels of silver** in Gen 20:16 (and see the note there). Three hundred shekels of silver was equal to about 3.5 kilos (7.5 pounds). Alternate translation: “but to Benjamin he gave 300 pieces of silver money and five new changes of clothes.” or “but to Benjamin he gave five new changes of clothes plus 300 pieces of silver money.” 45:23 fr3h וּלְאָבִ֞יו שָׁלַ֤ח כְּזֹאת֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Besides that, he sent with them the following gifts for his father:” or “He also gave them the following things to give to his father:” 45:23 xcsr מִטּ֣וּב מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Alternate translation: “some of the best products from Egypt,” or “some of the most valuable things produced in the country of Egypt,” 45:23 qi3o בָּ֣ר וָלֶ֧חֶם וּמָז֛וֹן 1 Alternate translation: “bags of grain, bread, and other food” or “food provisions, including grain and bread,” 45:23 ml1r rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לְאָבִ֖יו 1 Alternate translation: “for his father and family” 45:23 kd75 לַדָּֽרֶךְ 1 See how you translated “provisions … for the road” in verse 21 and Gen 42:25. Alternate translation: “to eat on his trip to Egypt.” or “to eat as he traveled to Egypt.” 45:24 nqcs rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיְשַׁלַּ֥ח אֶת־אֶחָ֖יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph saw his brothers off on their way home.” or “After that, Joseph got his brothers started on their journey home.” 45:24 qezv וַיֵּלֵ֑כוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 45:24 rty0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֲלֵהֶ֔ם אַֽל תִּרְגְּז֖וּ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use a direct or indirect quote here. Alternate translation: “he told them not to argue with one another” 45:24 dh6n בַּדָּֽרֶךְ 1 Alternate translation: “on the journey.” or “as you travel.” 45:25 z1e1 וַֽיַּעֲל֖וּ מִמִּצְרָ֑יִם 1 See how you translated **up** in verse 9. 45:25 mbuw וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ אֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן אֶֽל יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֲבִיהֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “and went back home to their father Jacob in the land of Canaan.” 45:26 ektk וַיַּגִּ֨דוּ ל֜וֹ לֵאמֹ֗ר 1 Alternate translation: “They immediately announced to him,” or “When they arrived, they exclaimed to him,” 45:26 l7wg ע֚וֹד יוֹסֵ֣ף חַ֔י וְכִֽי ה֥וּא מֹשֵׁ֖ל בְּכָל אֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרָ֑יִם 1 See how you translated **ruler** in verse 8. Alternate translation: “Joseph is still alive! In fact, he is the governor of the entire country of Egypt!” 45:26 tsjm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיָּ֣פָג לִבּ֔וֹ 1 This idiom means that Jacob was so shocked that he did not know which way to go with his emotions or what to think, say, or do; it does not mean that he died. Some languages have a similar idiom. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “When Jacob heard that, he was completely shocked,” 45:26 iaug כִּ֥י לֹא הֶאֱמִ֖ין לָהֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “because he thought it could not be true.” 45:27 gadd וַיְדַבְּר֣וּ אֵלָ֗יו 1 Alternate translation: “But then they reported to him” 45:27 y1r9 וַיַּרְא֙ אֶת הָ֣עֲגָל֔וֹת 1 See how you translated **carts** in verses 19 and 21. Alternate translation: “and when he saw the carts” 45:27 os2g וַתְּחִ֕י ר֖וּחַ יַעֲקֹ֥ב אֲבִיהֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “their father Jacob felt much better.” 45:28 byhk וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Consider again whether to include in this chapter a footnote which explains that **Israel** (verses 21 and 28) and “Jacob” (verses 25 and 27) refer to the same person, not two different people. Alternate translation: “Then Israel exclaimed to them,” 45:28 un3t עוֹד יוֹסֵ֥ף בְּנִ֖י חָ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “My son Joseph must still be alive!” 46:1 riri וַיִּסַּ֤ע יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ וְכָל אֲשֶׁר ל֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “So Israel started the journey to Egypt with all his family members and belongings” or “So Israel and his family started traveling toward Egypt with all his belongings.” 46:1 hkee וַיִּזְבַּ֣ח זְבָחִ֔ים 1 See how you translated **sacrificed** in Gen 31:54. Alternate translation: “he offered offerings” or “burned some of his animals on an altar there as sacrifices” 46:1 tvbs לֵאלֹהֵ֖י אָבִ֥יו יִצְחָֽק 1 Alternate translation: “to God, whom his father Isaac had served.” 46:2 r68j וַיֹּ֨אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֤ים לְיִשְׂרָאֵל֙ בְּמַרְאֹ֣ת הַלַּ֔יְלָה וַיֹּ֖אמֶר יַעֲקֹ֣ב יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 God repeats Jacob’s name to communicate that he has something urgent or important to tell him. Make sure your translation of this phrase does not sound angry or critical. Also see how you translated “vision” in Gen 15:1. 46:2 zw7m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 2 For some languages, it is more natural to put this quotation margin (**he said**) after the quote. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Jacob replied to him,” 46:2 xvb8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הִנֵּֽנִי 1 Consider again how you translated the idiom **Behold me** throughout the book of Genesis. See Gen 22:1, 7, 11; 27:1, 18; 31:11; 37:13; 46:2. Alternate translation: “Here I am, Lord” or “Yes, Master?” or “I am listening, Lord.” 46:3 j0y9 אָנֹכִ֥י הָאֵ֖ל אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֑יךָ 1 See how you translated **the God of** in verse 1. Alternate translation: “I am God, the God whom your father served” 46:3 l2gh אַל תִּירָא֙ 1 Alternate translation: “You must not be afraid” 46:3 ss0c מֵרְדָ֣ה מִצְרַ֔יְמָה 1 Alternate translation: “to move down to the country of Egypt,” or “to go to the country of Egypt and settle there,” 46:3 tlg5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy כִּֽי & אֲשִֽׂימְךָ֥ 1 See how you translated **I will make you into a great nation** (and similar phrases) in Gen 12:2; 17:20; 18:18; 21:13, 18. Alternate translation: “because I will make you and your descendants” or “because I will make your family” or “because I will give you many descendants, who will” 46:3 qaja לְג֥וֹי גָּד֖וֹל & שָֽׁם 1 Alternate translation: “multiply and become an important ethnic group there.” 46:4 yhnq אָנֹכִ֗י אֵרֵ֤ד עִמְּךָ֙ מִצְרַ֔יְמָה 1 Consider what is the best way to translate the emphatic pronoun **I** here and in the next clause. Also see how you translated **down** and **up** in Gen 45:9. Alternate translation: “I personally will go with you to Egypt,” 46:4 bj4x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וְאָנֹכִ֖י אַֽעַלְךָ֣ גַם עָלֹ֑ה 1 The pronoun **you** refers here to Jacob’s descendants. 46:4 kc9s rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וְיוֹסֵ֕ף יָשִׁ֥ית יָד֖וֹ עַל עֵינֶֽיךָ 1 This clause refers to the custom of closing a person’s eyes after he died and means that Joseph would be with Jacob when he died. Alternate translation: “And when you die, Joseph will be right there to close your eyes.” 46:5 o6ve וַיָּ֥קָם יַעֲקֹ֖ב מִבְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע 1 Be consistent with how you spell **Beersheba** throughout the book of Genesis. See Gen 21:14, 31-33; 22:19; 26:23, 33; 28:10; 46:1, 5. Alternate translation: “So Jacob left the city of Beersheba,” or “After that, Jacob whose other name was Israel left the city of Beersheba,” 46:5 d9sz וַיִּשְׂא֨וּ בְנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל אֶת יַעֲקֹ֣ב אֲבִיהֶ֗ם 1 “and his sons, the sons of Israel, took/transported him their father” or “and his sons, that is the sons of Israel, took/transported him” or “and his sons took/transported him”. **Israel** is the name that God gave to Jacob (Gen 32:28, 35:10). In chapters 45 and 46, the text repeatedly switches back and forth between both of Jacob’s names. Make sure it is clear in your translation that these two names refer to the same person. You could include a footnote that helps readers understand what is happening. Alternate translation: “and his sons, the sons of Israel, took him their father” or “and his sons, that is the sons of Israel, took him” or “and his sons transported him” 46:5 dh0t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְאֶת טַפָּם֙ וְאֶת נְשֵׁיהֶ֔ם 1 See how you translated “little ones and … wives” in Gen 45:19. Alternate translation: “as well as their children and wives” 46:5 ijbh בָּעֲגָל֕וֹת 1 See how you translated **carts** in Gen 45:19, 21, 27. 46:5 swur rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names אֲשֶׁר & פַּרְעֹ֖ה 1 For a note about how **Pharaoh** is used like a name in the Bible, see Gen 12:15. Alternate translation: “that Pharaoh the king of Egypt” or “that the king of Egypt” 46:5 a341 שָׁלַ֥ח 1 Alternate translation: “had sent to Canaan” 46:5 a0lg rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche לָשֵׂ֥את אֹתֽוֹ 1 The pronoun **him** refers to Jacob, the head of his family, and includes Jacob’s wives and children. It may be necessary to use the plural pronoun “them” to make that clear. Alternate translation: “to transport him to Egypt.” or “for them to ride on to Egypt.” 46:6 bpn0 וַיִּקְח֣וּ אֶת מִקְנֵיהֶ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “They also took with them their animals” 46:6 mwtw וְאֶת רְכוּשָׁם֙ 1 Consider again how you translated **possessions** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:5 (and note); 13:6; 14:11-12, 16, 21; 15:14; 31:18; 36:7; 46:6. It may be necessary to translate this term in slightly different ways, depending on the context. 46:6 rgy2 אֲשֶׁ֤ר רָֽכְשׁוּ֙ 1 Consider again how you translated **acquired** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:5; 31:18; 36:6; 46:6. Alternate translation: “that they had accumulated” 46:6 ll6u בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן 1 Alternate translation: “in Canaan.” 46:7 fpfy rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship בָּנָ֞יו וּבְנֵ֤י בָנָיו֙ אִתּ֔וֹ בְּנֹתָ֛יו וּבְנ֥וֹת בָּנָ֖יו 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to list these descendants. Alternate translation: “including his sons and grandsons, and his daughters and granddaughters.” or “including his sons, daughters, grandsons, and granddaughters.” 46:7 f9ba rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְכָל זַרְע֑וֹ הֵבִ֥יא אִתּ֖וֹ מִצְרָֽיְמָה 1 For some languages, it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of the clauses in this verse and say, “He/Jacob brought his entire extended family with him to Egypt, including his sons …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Yes, Jacob brought his entire family with him to Egypt.” or “Jacob had all his descendants with him when he arrived in Egypt.” 46:8 r81g בְּכֹ֥ר יַעֲקֹ֖ב רְאוּבֵֽן 1 Some translations put verses 8-14, 16-17, and 19-24 in list format, beginning a new paragraph with each of Jacob’s sons. 46:9 pg60 וּבְנֵ֖י רְאוּבֵ֑ן 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the sentence from the previous verse. Also, throughout this section (verses 9-27), some translations use a colon before each list of names instead of **were** or “who were”. Do what is best in your language. 46:9 vobo חֲנ֥וֹךְ וּפַלּ֖וּא וְחֶצְר֥וֹן וְכַרְמִֽי 1 For some languages it is more natural to include **and** between every name in a list like this. For other languages it is more natural to use commas between names and leave **and** implied, except before the last name in the list. See how you translated similar lists of names in Genesis 10. 46:10 p9tr וְשָׁא֖וּל בֶּן הַֽכְּנַעֲנִֽית 1 In this list, only Shaul had a Canaanite mother. See how you translated **Canaanite** in Gen 38:2. Alternate translation: “and Shaul, whose mother was a Canaanite.” or “and Shaul. (Shaul had a Canaanite mother.)” 46:12 hxru עֵ֧ר וְאוֹנָ֛ן וְשֵׁלָ֖ה וָפֶ֣רֶץ וָזָ֑רַח 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled these names in Gen 38:3-11, 26, 29-30. 46:12 kmfp וַיָּ֨מָת עֵ֤ר וְאוֹנָן֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן 1 Alternate translation: “actually, Er and Onan had already died in the land of Canaan.” 46:12 btiw וַיִּהְי֥וּ בְנֵי פֶ֖רֶץ חֶצְר֥וֹן וְחָמֽוּל 1 Alternate translation: “Perez had sons named Hezron and Hamul.” 46:13 gd3s rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names תּוֹלָ֥ע וּפֻוָּ֖ה וְי֥וֹב וְשִׁמְרֽוֹן 1 Numbers 26:24 and 1 Chronicles 7:1 have the same list of Issachar’s sons as here, but instead of **Puvah** and “Job,” they have “Puah” and “Jashub.” Some translations keep the spelling for these names the same in all three locations to avoid confusion. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Tola, Puah, Jashub, and Shimron.” 46:15 s5do אֵ֣לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י 1 Alternate translation: “All those were the descendants” 46:15 nmfo לֵאָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר יָֽלְדָ֤ה לְיַעֲקֹב֙ 1 Alternate translation: “of Leah and Jacob who were born” 46:15 qbsu בְּפַדַּ֣ן אֲרָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “in the land of Paddan Aram,” 46:15 bl0r וְאֵ֖ת דִּינָ֣ה בִתּ֑וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, be consistent with how you spell the name **Dinah** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 30:21; 34:1-5, 11, 13, 25-26; 46:15. Alternate translation: “as well as Dinah their daughter.” or “in addition to their daughter Dinah.” 46:15 avnp כָּל נֶ֧פֶשׁ בָּנָ֛יו וּבְנוֹתָ֖יו שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים וְשָׁלֹֽשׁ 1 Alternate translation: “All together those sons, daughters and grandchildren totaled thirty-three persons” 46:16 l2wr וּבְנֵ֣י גָ֔ד 1 This verse begins a new section in the list of Jacob’s descendants. Decide what is the best way to begin this new section in your language. 46:17 ccrj וְשֶׂ֣רַח אֲחֹתָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and their sister, who was Serah.” or “and their sister, whose name was Serah.” or “Their sister was Serah.” 46:17 rvtp וּבְנֵ֣י בְרִיעָ֔ה חֶ֖בֶר וּמַלְכִּיאֵֽל 1 Alternate translation: “Beriah had sons named Heber and Malkiel.” 46:18 ooav אֵ֚לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י זִלְפָּ֔ה 1 Be consistent with how you spell the name **Zilpah** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 29:24; 30:9-10,12; 35:26; 37:2; 46:18. Alternate translation: “Those were the descendants of Jacob and Zilpah,” 46:18 q2fo rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַתֵּ֤לֶד אֶת אֵ֨לֶּה֙ לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב שֵׁ֥שׁ עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה נָֽפֶשׁ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to change the order of clauses in this verse and say, “Those were sixteen descendants that Jacob had with his concubine Zilpah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Leah as a maidservant/servant.” Alternate translation: “Zilpah and Jacob had those sixteen descendants.” or “The total number of those descendants that Zilpah and Jacob had together was sixteen.” 46:19 dl75 בְּנֵ֤י רָחֵל֙ אֵ֣שֶׁת יַֽעֲקֹ֔ב יוֹסֵ֖ף וּבִנְיָמִֽן 1 This verse begins a new section in the list of Jacob’s descendants. Decide what is the best way to begin this new section in your language. 46:20 h1mo אֲשֶׁ֤ר יָֽלְדָה לּוֹ֙ אָֽסְנַ֔ת בַּת פּ֥וֹטִי פֶ֖רַע כֹּהֵ֣ן אֹ֑ן 1 See how you translated “Asenath … daughter of Potiphera the priest of On” in Gen 41:45. 46:21 qthw אֵחִ֣י וָרֹ֑אשׁ מֻפִּ֥ים וְחֻפִּ֖ים וָאָֽרְדְּ 1 Remember to use (or not use) **and** between the names in this list in a way that is natural in your language. 46:22 khj5 אֵ֚לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י 1 Alternate translation: “All those were the descendants” 46:22 awf7 רָחֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֻלַּ֖ד לְיַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 Your punctuation here will depend on how you translate the rest of this verse. Alternate translation: “that Jacob and his wife Rachel had together,” or “who came from Rachel and Jacob.” 46:22 ycq8 כָּל נֶ֖פֶשׁ אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָֽׂר 1 Alternate translation: “The total number of those descendants was fourteen.” 46:23 f9g0 וּבְנֵי דָ֖ן חֻשִֽׁים 1 This verse begins a new section in the list of Jacob’s descendants. See how you started verse 16, which is similar. 46:24 jdr0 יַחְצְאֵ֥ל וְגוּנִ֖י וְיֵ֥צֶר וְשִׁלֵּֽם 1 Consider again how you translated these lists of names in this chapter (verses 9-24). 46:25 tn9l אֵ֚לֶּה בְּנֵ֣י בִלְהָ֔ה 1 Be consistent in how you spell **Bilhah** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 29:29; 30:3-5, 7; 35:22, 25; 37:2; 46:25. Also see how you translated verse 18, which is similar in structure to verse 25. Alternate translation: “Those were the descendants of Jacob and Bilhah,” 46:25 k5xe אֲשֶׁר נָתַ֥ן לָבָ֖ן לְרָחֵ֣ל בִּתּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “who was the servant woman whom Laban had given to his daughter Rachel.” 46:25 uwps rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַתֵּ֧לֶד אֶת אֵ֛לֶּה לְיַעֲקֹ֖ב כָּל נֶ֥פֶשׁ שִׁבְעָֽה 1 For some languages it is better to change the order of clauses in this verse and say, “All those were seven descendants that Jacob had with his concubine Bilhah, whom Laban had given to his daughter Rachel as a maidservant/servant.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “The total number of those descendants that Bilhah and Jacob had together was seven.” or “Those descendants that Bilhah had with Jacob totaled seven persons” 46:26 r4sj כָּל הַ֠נֶּפֶשׁ הַבָּאָ֨ה לְיַעֲקֹ֤ב מִצְרַ֨יְמָה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “The total number of people who traveled with Jacob to Egypt,” 46:26 vq0n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism יֹצְאֵ֣י יְרֵכ֔וֹ 1 Make sure that your translation of this idiom can be read in public without offending or embarrassing listeners. See how you translated a similar idiom in Gen 35:11. Alternate translation: “who came from him,” or “who were his blood relatives,” or “who were his biological descendants,” 46:26 ymh7 מִלְּבַ֖ד נְשֵׁ֣י בְנֵי יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 Alternate translation: “not including his wives or the wives of his sons,” 46:26 rfvm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כָּל נֶ֖פֶשׁ שִׁשִּׁ֥ים וָשֵֽׁשׁ 1 For some languages it is clearer and more natural to change the order of the clauses in this sentence and say, “Altogether Jacob had sixty-six blood relatives who went with him to Egypt. That number does not include his wives or his sons’ wives.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “was sixty-six people in all.” 46:27 w7ik וּבְנֵ֥י יוֹסֵ֛ף אֲשֶׁר יֻלַּד ל֥וֹ בְמִצְרַ֖יִם נֶ֣פֶשׁ שְׁנָ֑יִם 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph and his two sons were already in Egypt, so, including Jacob,” 46:28 b4ff וְאֶת יְהוּדָ֞ה שָׁלַ֤ח 1 Alternate translation: “Then he told Judah to go” or “When they reached Egypt, he had Judah go” 46:28 u61x לְפָנָיו֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “ahead of them to Joseph” 46:28 nz96 לְהוֹרֹ֥ת לְפָנָ֖יו 1 Alternate translation: “to find out which way to go” or “to ask him how to get” 46:28 lr93 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit גֹּ֑שְׁנָה 1 Goshen was a region or territory that was part of the country of Egypt. For some languages it is better to make that explicit here, rather than wait until the end of the verse. Do what is best in your language. Also be consistent here with how you spelled **Goshen** in Gen 45:10. Alternate translation: “to the region of Goshen.” or “to Goshen County.” 46:28 ywkc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיָּבֹ֖אוּ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who is being referred to here. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob and his family traveled to” 46:28 cib9 אַ֥רְצָה גֹּֽשֶׁן 1 If you use **the land of Goshen** earlier in this verse, it may be better to just say **Goshen** here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “the region of Goshen.” or “Goshen County.” 46:29 ytwf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֶּאְסֹ֤ר יוֹסֵף֙ מֶרְכַּבְתּ֔וֹ 1 Joseph may have harnessed his horses to his chariot himself, or he may have had his servants do that for him (which was usual for a powerful person like him). Consider how you translated similar situations in Gen 41:48. Also see how you translated **chariot** in Gen 41:43. Alternate translation: “Then Joseph got his cart ready” or “Then Joseph had his servants get his cart ready” 46:29 ddl6 וַיַּ֛עַל לִקְרַֽאת יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל אָבִ֖יו גֹּ֑שְׁנָה 1 See how you translated **went up** in Gen 13:1 and “go up” in Gen 45:9. 46:29 vrp6 וַיֵּרָ֣א אֵלָ֗יו 1 Alternate translation: “When he got there, Joseph went up to his father” 46:29 zdd2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּפֹּל֙ עַל צַוָּארָ֔יו 1 See how you translated “fell on … neck” in Gen 45:14. Alternate translation: “and put his arms around his neck” or “and hugged him strongly” 46:30 ddlj וַיֹּ֧אמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל אֶל יוֹסֵ֖ף 1 Alternate translation: “Then Israel exclaimed to him,” 46:30 cub6 אָמ֣וּתָה הַפָּ֑עַם 1 Jacob did not die until 17 years later (Genesis 47:28). Make sure your translation of this clause does not mean or imply that Jacob wanted to die soon or that he thought he would die soon. Alternate translation: “Now I will die happy,” 46:30 rb7f rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche אַחֲרֵי֙ רְאוֹתִ֣י אֶת פָּנֶ֔יךָ 1 In this context, **your face** refers to Joseph, not just his face. Decide what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “since I have seen you face to face” or “since I have seen you in person” 46:31 z0ih וַיֹּ֨אמֶר יוֹסֵ֤ף אֶל אֶחָיו֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph told his brothers” 46:31 iu3p rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-honorifics אֶעֱלֶ֖ה וְאַגִּ֣ידָה לְפַרְעֹ֑ה וְאֹֽמְרָ֣ה אֵלָ֔יו 1 Make sure that the way Joseph refers to Pharaoh here sounds respectful in your translation. See what you did in Gen 41:35. Alternate translation: “I will go to King Pharaoh and tell him,” 46:31 xkdd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes אַחַ֧י וּבֵית אָבִ֛י 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote (in verses 31-32) with a direct or indirect quote. 46:31 nizd אֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּאֶֽרֶץ כְּנַ֖עַן בָּ֥אוּ אֵלָֽי 1 Alternate translation: “have come here from the land of Canaan to live near me.” 46:32 x44w rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וְהָאֲנָשִׁים֙ רֹ֣עֵי צֹ֔אן 1 Be consistent here with whether you are translating this embedded quote (that began in verse 31) as an direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “The men of my family tend sheep and goats.” or “I will also tell him that you men in my family raise sheep and goats.” 46:32 igox כִּֽי אַנְשֵׁ֥י מִקְנֶ֖ה הָי֑וּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “for they are livestock raisers” 46:32 l2a6 וְכָל 1 Alternate translation: “as well as everything else” 46:32 vast אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָהֶ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “that they have.” or “that is theirs.” 46:33 ai1b וְהָיָ֕ה 1 This phrase introduces and emphasizes what Joseph says next. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. 46:33 h0uq כִּֽי & פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “when King Pharaoh” 46:33 r2yq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes יִקְרָ֥א לָכֶ֖ם & וְאָמַ֖ר מַה מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶֽם 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this embedded quotation with a direct or indirect quote. Alternate translation: “summons you and asks you what your work is,” 46:34 w1v4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַאֲמַרְתֶּ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “you must tell him,” 46:34 ia61 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אַנְשֵׁ֨י מִקְנֶ֜ה הָי֤וּ עֲבָדֶ֨יךָ֙ מִנְּעוּרֵ֣ינוּ וְעַד עַ֔תָּה 1 The phrase “your servants” shows respect to Pharaoh and acknowledges his high position; it does not mean that Pharaoh actually owns Joseph’s brothers as servants. Translate this in a polite way that shows respect toward Pharaoh. Also, see how you translated **livestock men** in verse 32. Alternate translation: “Your Majesty we have raised livestock since the time we were young,” 46:34 r4o3 גַּם אֲנַ֖חְנוּ גַּם אֲבֹתֵ֑ינוּ 1 See how you translated **fathers** in Gen 15:15. Alternate translation: “which is the same occupation that our forefathers had.” 46:34 wtti בַּעֲב֗וּר 1 Alternate translation: “If you say that, then” 46:34 k7fk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit תֵּשְׁבוּ֙ 1 The idea here is that Jacob’s family would be permitted to live in rural areas to raise their livestock away from most Egyptians, who despised sheep herders. Alternate translation: “you will be allowed to live privately” or “he will permit you to live privately” 46:34 e403 בְּאֶ֣רֶץ גֹּ֔שֶׁן 1 Alternate translation: “in the region of Goshen,” or “in Goshen County,” 46:34 d82w כִּֽי 1 Alternate translation: “especially because” 46:34 prnu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure תוֹעֲבַ֥ת מִצְרַ֖יִם כָּל רֹ֥עֵה צֹֽאן 1 For some languages it is clearer and more natural to change the order of phrases in this clause. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **abomination** in Gen 43:32. Alternate translation: “sheep herders are detestable to Egyptians.” or “the people of Egypt have disdain for sheep herders.” or “Egyptians detest everyone who raises sheep.” 47:1 mkye וַיָּבֹ֣א יוֹסֵף֮ וַיַּגֵּ֣ד לְפַרְעֹה֒ וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 See how you translated “report to Pharaoh” in Gen 46:31. Alternate translation: “Then Joseph went to King Pharaoh and told him,” 47:1 sa29 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אָבִ֨י וְאַחַ֜י 1 It is implied that the brothers brought their families with them. Consider whether or not to make that explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “My father, my brothers and their families,” 47:1 i8mx וְצֹאנָ֤ם וּבְקָרָם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and their flocks of sheep and goats and their herds of cattle” or “along with their sheep, goats, cattle,” 47:1 kw8n rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בָּ֖אוּ מֵאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this clause and the rest of this verse earlier in this sentence. For example: “My father and my brothers and their families have come to Egypt from the region of Canaan and are now in Goshen Province. They brought with them their sheep …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “have come here from the land of Canaan.” 47:1 fp70 וְהִנָּ֖ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They are staying now” or “and they have already arrived” 47:1 ckpp בְּאֶ֥רֶץ גֹּֽשֶׁן 1 Alternate translation: “in the region of Goshen.” or “in Goshen County.” 47:2 zp5f וּמִקְצֵ֣ה אֶחָ֔יו לָקַ֖ח חֲמִשָּׁ֣ה אֲנָשִׁ֑ים וַיַּצִּגֵ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה 1 Joseph probably brought his father and brothers with him from Goshen (46:31) to Pharaoh’s palace. It is not clear whether or not they were in the room yet when Joseph spoke to Pharaoh about them (47:1). Alternate translation: “Then he took five of his brothers to Pharaoh and presented them to him.” or “Joseph had brought five of his brothers with him from Goshen, so he brought them before Pharaoh and presented them to him.” 47:3 dma6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֧אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֛ה אֶל אֶחָ֖יו 1 Make sure that your translation of **his brothers** refers to Joseph’s brothers, not Pharaoh’s. 47:3 n3cx מַה מַּעֲשֵׂיכֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “What kind of work do you do?” or “What do you do for a living?” 47:3 h073 וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “They answered Pharaoh” or “One of them said” 47:3 pwof rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person עֲבָדֶ֔יךָ 1 See how you translated “your servants” in Gen 46:34. Alternate translation: “We, your humble servants,” or “Your Majesty we” or “Sir, we” 47:3 i6ya רֹעֵ֥ה צֹאן֙ 1 Alternate translation: “are herdsmen,” 47:3 o3np גַּם אֲנַ֖חְנוּ גַּם אֲבוֹתֵֽינוּ 1 Alternate translation: “just as our ancestors were” or “which is the same kind of work that our forefathers did” 47:4 bami rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֗ה 1 For some languages it is more natural here to omit this quote margin, because the same people (Joseph’s brothers) are still talking to the same person (Pharaoh). However, the words emphasize what Joseph’s five brothers say next and may indicate that there was a pause between what they said in verse 3 and verse 4. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Then they added,” 47:4 wsfq לָג֣וּר & בָּאנוּ֒ 1 Alternate translation: “We have come here to stay for a while” or “We came here to stay temporarily” 47:4 xk7o בָּאָרֶץ֮ 1 Alternate translation: “in this country,” or “in your land” 47:4 u08w כִּי אֵ֣ין מִרְעֶ֗ה לַצֹּאן֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַעֲבָדֶ֔יךָ 1 Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “because there was not enough grass for our flocks of sheep and goats” or “Our flocks, sir, did not have enough grass to eat” 47:4 hq4a rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי כָבֵ֥ד הָרָעָ֖ב בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this clause earlier in this sentence. For example: “The famine is so severe/terrible in the region of Canaan where we are/come from that there is not enough grass in the fields for our flocks.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “in the region of Canaan where we are from, because the famine is so severe there.” 47:4 fcpf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person וְעַתָּ֛ה יֵֽשְׁבוּ נָ֥א עֲבָדֶ֖יךָ 1 See how you translated **your servants** in verse 3 to show respect. Alternate translation: “So now please let us your humble servants live” or “So then, sir, please let us settle” 47:4 e9jw בְּאֶ֥רֶץ גֹּֽשֶׁן 1 Alternate translation: “in the region of Goshen.” 47:5 r9kk וַיֹּ֣אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֔ה אֶל יוֹסֵ֖ף לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “Then Pharaoh turned to Joseph and said,” or “When Pharaoh heard that, he said to Joseph,” 47:5 eiqg אָבִ֥יךָ וְאַחֶ֖יךָ בָּ֥אוּ אֵלֶֽיךָ 1 Make sure your translation of this clause does not sound like Pharaoh was telling Joseph something he did not already know. Rather, he is stating shared knowledge as the basis for what he says next. 47:6 z411 אֶ֤רֶץ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לְפָנֶ֣יךָ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the sentence from verse 5. Alternate translation: “the entire land of Egypt is available to you to choose from.” 47:6 eb2w rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns הוֹשֵׁ֥ב אֶת אָבִ֖יךָ וְאֶת אַחֶ֑יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “So have your father and your brothers settle” or “In fact, they may settle” 47:6 tb5b בְּמֵיטַ֣ב הָאָ֔רֶץ & יֵשְׁבוּ֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ גֹּ֔שֶׁן 1 Alternate translation: “in the finest land in the country, in Goshen Province.” or “in the region of Goshen, which is the finest land in the country.” 47:6 g3uh וְאִם יָדַ֗עְתָּ וְיֶשׁ בָּם֙ אַנְשֵׁי חַ֔יִל 1 Alternate translation: “And if you know that some of them are very skilled at raising livestock,” 47:6 xtku וְשַׂמְתָּ֛ם שָׂרֵ֥י מִקְנֶ֖ה עַל אֲשֶׁר לִֽי 1 Alternate translation: “then make them herdsmen over my livestock also.” 47:7 qsu0 וַיָּבֵ֤א יוֹסֵף֙ אֶת יַֽעֲקֹ֣ב אָבִ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph brought his father Jacob” 47:7 su85 וַיַּֽעֲמִדֵ֖הוּ לִפְנֵ֣י פַרְעֹ֑ה 1 See how you translated **presented** in verse 2. Alternate translation: “and presented him to King Pharaoh,” or “to King Pharaoh and introduced them to each other,” 47:7 e47i וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת פַּרְעֹֽה 1 In Hebrew, there is a common greeting which means “peace be to you,” so it is possible that Jacob used this blessing of peace here to greet Pharaoh. Alternate translation: “and Jacob greeted and blessed Pharaoh.” or “and Jacob asked God to prosper Pharaoh.” or “and Jacob greeted Pharaoh with a blessing.” 47:8 rcjy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-politeness כַּמָּ֕ה יְמֵ֖י שְׁנֵ֥י חַיֶּֽיךָ 1 Make sure your translation of Pharaoh’s question about Jacob’s age sounds polite. Also, for some languages, a title of respect (such as “Sir”) is necessary whenever someone addresses a distinguished old man such as Jacob. 47:9 iixc rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “Jacob replied,” 47:9 n2qw יְמֵי֙ שְׁנֵ֣י מְגוּרַ֔י שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Consider again how you translated “sojournings,” “sojourn,” and “sojourner” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:10; 15:13; 17:8; 19:9; 20:1; 21:23, 34; 23:4; 26:3; 28:4; 32:4; 35:27; 37:1; 47:4, 9. It may be necessary to translate these terms in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “The length of my life so far has been 130 years.” 47:9 wijz מְעַ֣ט וְרָעִ֗ים הָיוּ֙ יְמֵי֙ שְׁנֵ֣י חַיַּ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “I have not lived very long, and I have had many difficulties” or “My life has been short, with many difficulties” 47:9 j6hg וְלֹ֣א הִשִּׂ֗יגוּ אֶת יְמֵי֙ שְׁנֵי֙ חַיֵּ֣י אֲבֹתַ֔י 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “In fact, I have lived less years than my forefathers did” or “In fact, I have not lived nearly as long as my forefathers did” 47:9 cvtb בִּימֵ֖י מְגוּרֵיהֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “during the time that they lived on earth.” or “during their years on earth.” 47:10 m5px וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶת פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 It was customary in Hebrew to use the blessing “peace be to you” both when greeting and when leaving someone. See how you translated **blessed** in verse 7. Alternate translation: “Then Jacob said goodbye to Pharaoh with a blessing” 47:10 kjg1 וַיֵּצֵ֖א מִלִּפְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹֽה 1 Alternate translation: “and left his presence.” 47:11 h306 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיּוֹשֵׁ֣ב יוֹסֵף֮ אֶת אָבִ֣יו וְאֶת אֶחָיו֒ וַיִּתֵּ֨ן לָהֶ֤ם אֲחֻזָּה֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם בְּמֵיטַ֥ב הָאָ֖רֶץ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ רַעְמְסֵ֑ס 1 It is implied that Rameses (verse 11) was another name for Goshen (verses 1, 4, 6). If necessary, you could make that information explicit in your translation or put it in a footnote. Later in Egypt’s history, some of the Pharaohs were named Rameses and a city was named after one of them (Exodus 1:11). Alternate translation: “So Joseph gave his father and his brothers the choicest land in the country of Egypt, and they and their families settled there. The property was in Rameses Count, that is, Goshen County,” or “After that, Joseph helped his father and brothers settle in the country of Egypt. He gave them the choicest property in Egypt, which was in Goshen Province, also known as Rameses Province.” 47:11 qnn5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר צִוָּ֥ה פַרְעֹֽה 1 It may be more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “After that, Joseph did what Pharaoh had commanded/told him to do: He helped his father and brothers settle in the country of Egypt. He gave them property in Rameses Province/County, that is, Goshen Province/County, which was the choicest land in Egypt.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “just as Pharaoh had told him to do.” or “He did exactly as Pharaoh had commanded him to do.” 47:12 fz8t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche לֶ֖חֶם לְפִ֥י הַטָּֽף 1 The children are mentioned to emphasize that all the members of the families were well-provided for, including the youngest ones. Make sure it is clear in your translation that Joseph was providing food for everyone in each family, not just the children. Alternate translation: “food, based on how many children were in each family.” or “as much food as each family needed to feed all the children in their family.” 47:13 e2kb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole וְלֶ֤חֶם אֵין֙ 1 This clause is probably an exaggeration to emphasize that there was so little food that the people were starving. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Also consider what is the best way in your language to begin this new section that returns to the famine and how it was progressing. Alternate translation: “Now meanwhile, there was no more food” or “Meanwhile, there was almost no food” or “After a while, there was very little food available” 47:13 wyew בְּכָל הָאָ֔רֶץ 1 This phrase is ambiguous in the Hebrew text. It could mean: (1) “in all the earth,” or “in the entire known world,” or “anywhere,” which might be an exaggeration (like the previous phrase); or (2) “in all the land,” or “in the/that entire area/region of the earth/world,” which includes Egypt and Canaan (mentioned later in the verse) and other nearby regions and countries. See how you translated **all the earth** in Gen 41:57. 47:13 k3zk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּֽי כָבֵ֥ד הָרָעָ֖ב מְאֹ֑ד 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this clause first in this sentence and say, for example: “Now after a while, the famine was/became so severe/terrible in the entire world that there was very little food available anywhere.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “because the famine was so severe” 47:13 njjj rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַתֵּ֜לַהּ אֶ֤רֶץ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ וְאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן 1 Make sure your translation of this phrase refers to the people who live in Egypt and Canaan, not just the lands. Alternate translation: “As a result, the people in the country of Egypt and the region of Canaan” or “In fact, the people living in the lands of Egypt and Canaan” 47:13 jo5e וַתֵּ֜לַהּ 1 The verb **languishing** refers in general to the suffering that the famine was causing, including things such as weakness, fainting and other distress. Some languages have an idiom (like “were wasting away”) that fits well here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “were weak” or “were suffering terribly” or “were wasting away” 47:13 n055 מִפְּנֵ֖י הָרָעָֽב 1 Alternate translation: “because of the severe lack of food.” or “from hunger.” 47:14 mx85 וַיְלַקֵּ֣ט יוֹסֵ֗ף אֶת כָּל הַכֶּ֨סֶף֙ הַנִּמְצָ֤א בְאֶֽרֶץ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ וּבְאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן בַּשֶּׁ֖בֶר אֲשֶׁר הֵ֣ם שֹׁבְרִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “So the people spent their money buying grain from Joseph until he had collected all their money.” or “So they bought grain from Joseph until there was no more silver left in the country of Egypt or the land of Canaan.” 47:14 wuq1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַיָּבֵ֥א יוֹסֵ֛ף אֶת הַכֶּ֖סֶף בֵּ֥יתָה פַרְעֹֽה 1 Joseph probably had servants do this for him. See what you did for a similar case in Gen 41:48. 47:15 nkll rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיִּתֹּ֣ם הַכֶּ֗סֶף מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַיִם֮ וּמֵאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַעַן֒ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use a passive or active clause here. Alternate translation: “So when all the silver in the country of Egypt and the region of Canaan had been used up,” or “After the people in Egypt and Canaan had spent all their money,” 47:15 j7jc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole כָל מִצְרַ֨יִם 1 The word **all** is an exaggeration (hyperbole) which emphasizes that a large number of Egyptians went to Joseph. Consider whether or not it is best to use hyperbole here in your language. Alternate translation: “all the people in Egypt” or “the Egyptians all” 47:15 n6v7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיָּבֹאוּ֩ & אֶל יוֹסֵ֤ף 1 Consider whether **came** or “went” is more natural here in your language. 47:15 ezwm rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations לֵאמֹר֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and pleaded with him,” 47:15 u1c8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche הָֽבָה לָּ֣נוּ לֶ֔חֶם 1 Make sure your translation of the people’s request sounds polite, not rude or disrespectful. Also see how you translated **bread** in verses 12-13. Alternate translation: “Sir, please give us food” 47:15 io0e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וְלָ֥מָּה נָמ֖וּת נֶגְדֶּ֑ךָ 1 The people use a rhetorical question here to emphasize how desperate they feel. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “so that we do not die right here in front of you!” or “and do not let us starve to death!” 47:15 rqhs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּ֥י אָפֵ֖ס כָּֽסֶף 1 It may be more natural to put this clause first in this quote and say, “Sir, we have no more money to buy grain/food! Please give us food so that we do not starve to death!” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “There is no more money to buy food” or “We have no more money to buy food” 47:16 do9j rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יוֹסֵף֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph said to them,” or “Joseph replied,” 47:16 i6ek הָב֣וּ מִקְנֵיכֶ֔ם 1 The word **livestock** is general here and includes all the different kinds of animals that are specified in verse 17. Alternate translation: “Give me your animals” 47:16 upog וְאֶתְּנָ֥ה לָכֶ֖ם בְּמִקְנֵיכֶ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “and I will sell you grain when you give me your animals to pay for it,” or “and in exchange for them I will give you grain” 47:16 ie1c rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אִם אָפֵ֖ס כָּֽסֶף 1 For some languages it may be more natural to put this clause first in this quote and say, “Since your silver/money is gone, bring/give me your livestock to pay for the grain/food that I will give you.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “since all your money is gone.” or “since you have spent all your money.” 47:17 cxp1 וַיָּבִ֣יאוּ אֶת מִקְנֵיהֶם֮ אֶל יוֹסֵף֒ 1 Alternate translation: “So the people took their animals to Joseph.” 47:17 tgeh וַיִּתֵּ֣ן לָהֶם֩ יוֹסֵ֨ף לֶ֜חֶם בַּסּוּסִ֗ים וּבְמִקְנֵ֥ה הַצֹּ֛אן וּבְמִקְנֵ֥ה הַבָּקָ֖ר וּבַחֲמֹרִ֑ים 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and gave him their horses, sheep, goats, cattle, and donkeys to pay for the food that he gave them.” or “They gave him their horses, …” 47:17 a6oo וַיְנַהֲלֵ֤ם בַּלֶּ֨חֶם֙ & בַּשָּׁנָ֖ה הַהִֽוא 1 Alternate translation: “In that way Joseph supplied the people with grain that year,” 47:17 ii9v בְּכָל מִקְנֵהֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “and they gave him all their animals to pay for it.” 47:18 fx5v וַתִּתֹּם֮ הַשָּׁנָ֣ה הַהִוא֒ 1 Alternate translation: “When that year was over,” 47:18 kmt5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ אֵלָ֜יו בַּשָּׁנָ֣ה הַשֵּׁנִ֗ית 1 Alternate translation: “the people came to Joseph again in the next year” 47:18 srid rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמְרוּ לוֹ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and told him,” 47:18 ec0q rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-honorifics לֹֽא נְכַחֵ֣ד מֵֽאֲדֹנִ֔י כִּ֚י אִם 1 For some languages, it may be more natural to put the address “my/our lord” or “sir” first in this quote. Also notice that this address is used three times in this verse to show extra respect to Joseph. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “Our lord we cannot hide from you the fact that” 47:18 ejez תַּ֣ם הַכֶּ֔סֶף וּמִקְנֵ֥ה הַבְּהֵמָ֖ה 1 Consider again how you translated **silver** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 13:2; 20:16; 23:15-16; 24:35, 53; 31:15; 37:28; 42:25, 27-28, 35; 43:12, 15, 18, 21-23; 44:1-2, 8; 45:22; 47:14-16, 18. It may be necessary to translate this word in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “our money is gone and our animals” or “not only is our silver all gone, but all our animals also” 47:18 qh1k rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אֶל אֲדֹנִ֑י 1 In this verse, the people use the third person (“my/our lord”) to address Joseph in a respectful manner. Consider what is the best way to do that in your language. Alternate translation: “belong to you, our lord” or “are yours, sir.” 47:18 hips לֹ֤א נִשְׁאַר֙ לִפְנֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י בִּלְתִּ֥י אִם גְּוִיָּתֵ֖נוּ וְאַדְמָתֵֽנוּ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate the Hebrew word for “land” here (and In verses 19-26), which refers to cultivated land (such as farmland or fields), not to the planet earth or to a country. It is different from the word for “land” in the rest of this chapter (in verses 1, 4, 6, 11, 13-15, 27-28). Alternate translation: “We have nothing left to pay you, sir, for grain except ourselves and our land” or “The only way we can pay you for grain is to give you our land and work for you, sir.” 47:19 fbay rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion לָ֧מָּה נָמ֣וּת לְעֵינֶ֗יךָ גַּם אֲנַ֨חְנוּ֙ גַּ֣ם אַדְמָתֵ֔נוּ 1 For many languages, the verb **die** does not fit with both people and land, so a different verb must be used for each one. The end of verse 19 specifies how the land would “die.” See how you translated a similar rhetorical question in verse 15. Alternate translation: “What good would it do for us to die and our fields to become ruined” or “Please do not just watch us die or let our land become empty.” 47:19 i3r0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche קְנֵֽה אֹתָ֥נוּ וְאֶת אַדְמָתֵ֖נוּ בַּלָּ֑חֶם 1 Consider again how you translated the synecdoche **bread** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 3:19 (and note); 14:18; 21:14; 28:20; 37:25; 38:6; 41:54-55; 43:31; 47:12, 15, 17, 19. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “Instead, please take us and our fields in exchange for food.” or “Instead please give us food and we will give you our farmland and ourselves to pay for it.” 47:19 b1i6 וְנִֽהְיֶ֞ה אֲנַ֤חְנוּ וְאַדְמָתֵ֨נוּ֙ עֲבָדִ֣ים לְפַרְעֹ֔ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then our fields will belong to King Pharaoh and we will work for him as his servants.” 47:19 f7nf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וְתֶן זֶ֗רַע 1 Alternate translation: “Please give us seeds to sow” 47:19 rpgo וְנִֽחְיֶה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “so that we can survive” or “so that we will stay alive” 47:19 bhn3 וְלֹ֣א נָמ֔וּת 1 See how you translated **so that we will live and not die** in Gen 42:2. Alternate translation: “and not die from hunger,” 47:19 cto3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְהָאֲדָמָ֖ה לֹ֥א תֵשָֽׁם 1 For some languages it may be clearer and more natural to put this clause earlier in this sentence and say, “Please just give us seeds to plant so that the land will produce/grow food crops again and then we will survive and not die from hunger!” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and so that the land will grow crops again!” 47:20 fxi5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיִּ֨קֶן יוֹסֵ֜ף 1 For some languages it may be necessary to make explicit that Joseph agreed to do what the people suggested. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “So Joseph agreed and bought” or “Joseph did what they asked and bought” 47:20 aon4 אֶת כָּל אַדְמַ֤ת מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ לְפַרְעֹ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “all the farmland in the country of Egypt for Pharaoh.” 47:20 b8rh כִּֽי מָכְר֤וּ מִצְרַ֨יִם֙ אִ֣ישׁ שָׂדֵ֔הוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “All the Egyptians gave their fields to him in exchange for grain” 47:20 s34v כִּֽי־ & הָרָעָ֑ב 1 Consider again how you translated **famine** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:10; 26:1; 41:27, 30-31, 36, 50, 54-57; 42:5; 43:1; 45:6, 11; 47:4, 13, 20. It may be necessary to translate it in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “because the food scarcity” 47:20 ddcp rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure חָזַ֥ק עֲלֵהֶ֖ם 1 See how you translated **heavy** in verses 4 and 13. For some languages, it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of clauses in this verse and say, “The famine was very severe for all the Egyptian people, so Joseph agreed with their request/suggestion and let them sell their fields to him in exchange for grain/food. In that way, Joseph/he bought/acquired all the land/farmland in the country of Egypt for King Pharaoh, so that all the land became Pharaoh’s property.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “was very severe” or “was so severe that they did not have enough to eat.” 47:20 dnbd וַתְּהִ֥י הָאָ֖רֶץ לְפַרְעֹֽה 1 Alternate translation: “That is how all the farmland eventually belonged to King Pharaoh.” 47:21 ioj0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants וְאֶ֨ת הָעָ֔ם הֶעֱבִ֥יר אֹת֖וֹ לֶעָרִ֑ים 1 The Masoretic Hebrew text has **moved them to the cities** here, which Joseph may have done in order to make the grain more readily accessible to them. The Samaritan Pentateuch (a different Hebrew version) and the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew text) have “made the people slaves” instead, which may refer to the fact that all the people would now be working for Pharaoh, since all the fields belonged to him. The textual variant that is not used in your translation could be put in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Joseph also moved all the people from their farmlands to the nearby cities” 47:21 obja מִקְצֵ֥ה גְבוּל מִצְרַ֖יִם וְעַד קָצֵֽהוּ 1 Alternate translation: “in every part of the country of Egypt.” 47:22 i61e כִּי֩ חֹ֨ק לַכֹּהֲנִ֜ים מֵאֵ֣ת פַּרְעֹ֗ה 1 Alternate translation: “because Pharaoh gave them a regular food allowance,” 47:22 a98a וְאָֽכְל֤וּ אֶת חֻקָּם֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר נָתַ֤ן לָהֶם֙ פַּרְעֹ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “so that they had plenty to eat.” 47:22 v50v עַל כֵּ֕ן לֹ֥א מָכְר֖וּ אֶת אַדְמָתָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “That is why they did not need to sell their farmland to buy food.” 47:23 v3r6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יוֹסֵף֙ אֶל הָעָ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph declared to the Egyptian people,” 47:23 r1dz הֵן֩ 1 Alternate translation: “Look” 47:23 og7l קָנִ֨יתִי אֶתְכֶ֥ם הַיּ֛וֹם וְאֶת אַדְמַתְכֶ֖ם לְפַרְעֹ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “now that I have acquired you and your fields for King Pharaoh,” or “now that you and your fields belong to King Pharaoh,” 47:23 xsga הֵֽא לָכֶ֣ם זֶ֔רַע 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I am giving you some seeds” 47:23 b8nh וּזְרַעְתֶּ֖ם אֶת הָאֲדָמָֽה 1 See how you translated “sowed” in Gen 26:12. Alternate translation: “to plant in the fields.” 47:24 zlha וְהָיָה֙ בַּתְּבוּאֹ֔ת 1 Alternate translation: “Then whenever you gather the crops,” or “Then every harvest time,” 47:24 terr וּנְתַתֶּ֥ם חֲמִישִׁ֖ית לְפַרְעֹ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “you are required to give one-fifth of the crops to him,” or “you must give Pharaoh one-fifth of the crops you gather.” 47:24 jk07 וְאַרְבַּ֣ע הַיָּדֹ֡ת 1 Consider whether or not it is best in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “but the other four-fifths” or “The other four-fifths of your harvest” or “The rest of what you gather” 47:24 tems יִהְיֶ֣ה לָכֶם֩ 1 Alternate translation: “you may keep for yourselves” 47:24 kqnb לְזֶ֨רַע הַשָּׂדֶ֧ה 1 Alternate translation: “as seed to plant the fields” or “to plant seeds in the fields” 47:24 h238 וּֽלְאָכְלְכֶ֛ם וְלַאֲשֶׁ֥ר בְּבָתֵּיכֶ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “and as food for you and your households” or “and for you and your households to eat,” 47:25 bc24 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ 1 Alternate translation: “Then they responded,” or “The people said to him,” 47:25 jbf4 הֶחֱיִתָ֑נוּ 1 Alternate translation: “You have made it so we can live!” 47:25 rixe נִמְצָא חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י אֲדֹנִ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “May we continue to find favor in your eyes sir,” or “Please continue to be kind to us, master” 47:25 qvqr וְהָיִ֥ינוּ עֲבָדִ֖ים לְפַרְעֹֽה 1 Alternate translation: “and we will serve King Pharaoh as his slaves” 47:26 ob31 וַיָּ֣שֶׂם אֹתָ֣הּ יוֹסֵ֡ף לְחֹק֩ 1 Alternate translation: “So Joseph established a law” 47:26 vlkk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עַד הַיּ֨וֹם הַזֶּ֜ה 1 This phrase refers to the time that Moses was writing the book of Genesis. You could put that information in a footnote. For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this phrase at the end of the sentence and say, “That law is still in effect/force today/now.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “that is still in force now” 47:26 a8xu עַל אַדְמַ֥ת מִצְרַ֛יִם לְפַרְעֹ֖ה לַחֹ֑מֶשׁ 1 See how you translated “a fifth” in verse 24. Alternate translation: “concerning the fields in the country of Egypt: one-fifth of the crops belongs to Pharaoh.” or “that required people to give to Pharaoh one-fifth of all the crops they harvested from the farmland in Egypt.” 47:26 tj5c רַ֞ק אַדְמַ֤ת הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙ לְבַדָּ֔ם לֹ֥א הָיְתָ֖ה לְפַרְעֹֽה 1 See how you translated “only the land of the priests” in verse 22. Also, consider again how you translated “land/farmland” in verses 18-26. Alternate translation: “The only land that Pharaoh did not own was the land that belonged to the priests.” 47:27 kj0a rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב 1 It was already mentioned in verse 11 that Israel (Jacob) had settled in the country of Egypt. Your translation of verse 27 should not imply that he settled there again. Alternate translation: “So” or “Meanwhile” 47:27 qzr7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit יִשְׂרָאֵ֛ל 1 The name **Israel** and the name “Jacob” refer to the same person. To make that clear, you could make “Jacob” explicit here in your translation or in a footnote. Alternate translation: “Israel that is, Jacob,” 47:27 yzqo וַיֵּ֧שֶׁב 1 Alternate translation: “had settled with his family” or “was dwelling with his family” 47:27 cmv4 בְּאֶ֥רֶץ מִצְרַ֖יִם בְּאֶ֣רֶץ גֹּ֑שֶׁן 1 See how you translated **in the land of Goshen** in Gen 45:10. Alternate translation: “in the region of Goshen in the land of Egypt,” or “in Goshen County in the country of Egypt,” 47:27 y7n2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּאָחֲז֣וּ 1 This phrase is general here and refers to acquiring land and other possessions. Alternate translation: “and they gained many possessions” or “and owned much land” 47:27 xdih בָ֔הּ 1 Alternate translation: “in that region” 47:27 q5af rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּפְר֥וּ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase (“be fruitful and multiply”) in Gen 35:11. Alternate translation: “They were fruitful” 47:27 cf8p וַיִּרְבּ֖וּ מְאֹֽד 1 Alternate translation: “and their numbers increased greatly.” or “and became very many.” 47:28 nucd וַיְחִ֤י יַעֲקֹב֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֔יִם שְׁבַ֥ע עֶשְׂרֵ֖ה שָׁנָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “When Jacob had lived in the country of Egypt for seventeen years,” 47:28 irs2 וַיְהִ֤י יְמֵֽי יַעֲקֹב֙ שְׁנֵ֣י חַיָּ֔יו שֶׁ֣בַע שָׁנִ֔ים וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת שָׁנָֽה 1 Alternate translation: “he reached the age of 147 years.” 47:29 l2gy וַיִּקְרְב֣וּ יְמֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵ֘ל לָמוּת֒ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “When it was almost time for Israel to die,” or “He knew that it was almost time for him to die, so” 47:29 w0v7 וַיִּקְרָ֣א לִבְנ֣וֹ לְיוֹסֵ֗ף 1 Alternate translation: “he asked for his son Joseph to come to him” 47:29 dd9v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אִם נָ֨א מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּעֵינֶ֔יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “Please show your favor toward me and” or “Please, if you truly love me,” 47:29 akbq rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction שִֽׂים נָ֥א יָדְךָ֖ תַּ֣חַת יְרֵכִ֑י 1 See how you translated this clause in Gen 24:2, and see the note about this custom there. Alternate translation: “put your hand under my leg to show that you will do what I ask,” or “make a vow by putting your hand under my leg,” 47:29 vq56 וְעָשִׂ֤יתָ עִמָּדִי֙ חֶ֣סֶד וֶאֱמֶ֔ת 1 Consider again how you translated **kindness** in Gen 19:19; 20:13; 21:23; 24:12, 14, 27, 49; 32:10; 39:21; 40:14; 47:29, and how you translated **faithfulness** in Gen 24:27, 48, 49; 32:10; 42:16; 47:29. 47:29 mvns אַל נָ֥א תִקְבְּרֵ֖נִי 1 Make sure your translation of **bury me** does not sound like Israel would still be alive when he was buried. Alternate translation: “Please promise that you will not bury my bones” 47:29 cokm בְּמִצְרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “here in the land of Egypt.” 47:30 lyax rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וְשָֽׁכַבְתִּי֙ עִם אֲבֹתַ֔י 1 The phrase **lie down with my fathers** is a idiom that refers to Jacob’s death. See how you translated an idiom with a similar meaning in Gen 15:15. Alternate translation: “When I die and rest with my ancestors,” or “Rather, after I die and join my ancestors who have gone before me,” 47:30 u4cf וּנְשָׂאתַ֨נִי֙ מִמִּצְרַ֔יִם 1 See how you translated **me** in verse 29. Alternate translation: “carry my body out of Egypt to the region of Canaan” 47:30 t1jw וּקְבַרְתַּ֖נִי בִּקְבֻרָתָ֑ם 1 Jacob is referring here to the cave near the city of Hebron that Abraham had bought as a family burial place, to bury Sarah there. Abraham, Isaac and Rebekah were also buried there (Gen 23:19-20; 25:9-10; 49:31). You could put some of that information in a footnote. Also see how you translated “grave” in Gen 35:20 and a different word with a similar meaning (“burial place”) in Gen 23:4, 6, 9, 20. Alternate translation: “and bury me in the same burial place where their bodies are.” 47:30 qkdh rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּאמַ֕ר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Joseph is the one speaking here. It may be helpful to read this paragraph aloud to make sure it is clear who is talking at each point in the conversation. Alternate translation: “Then Joseph replied to him,” 47:30 mrsq אָנֹכִ֖י אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֥ה כִדְבָרֶֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “I will do as you requested of me.” or “I will do exactly what you asked me to do.” 47:31 q5cz rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Joseph’s father Israel here in your language. Alternate translation: “But he urged him,” 47:31 lxyf הִשָּֽׁבְעָה֙ לִ֔י 1 See how you translated “swear to me” in Gen 21:23. Alternate translation: “Vow to me by Yahweh that you will do it” or “With God as your witness, make an oath to me that you will do it” 47:31 bih5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּשָּׁבַ֖ע ל֑וֹ 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Joseph is the one speaking here. Alternate translation: “So Joseph swore that he would do it” or “So Joseph promised his father with an oath to do what he had requested.” 47:31 wr44 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל 1 If it is not clear in your culture why Israel bowed, you could make that explicit. Alternate translation: “Then Israel bowed down to thank God” or “Then his father Israel bowed his head and thanked God” 47:31 y3zf עַל רֹ֥אשׁ הַמִּטָּֽה 1 The Hebrew text has **at the head of the bed** here, while the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Old Testament) has “on the top of his staff” instead, which is quoted in Hebrews 11:21. You could include some of that information in a footnote. The difference between versions may be due to the fact that the Hebrew words for **bed** and “staff” are very similar in spelling. Or it could be that Jacob did both; for example, he may have been sitting at the head of his bed and leaning on his staff when he bowed his head and worshiped God. Alternate translation: “as he sat at the top of his bed.” or “as he was lying on his bed.” 48:1 krun rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י אַחֲרֵי֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה 1 Consider again how you translated these two phrases in the book of Genesis. See Gen 22:1, 20; 39:7; 40:1; 48:1. 48:1 hqwr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וַיֹּ֣אמֶר לְיוֹסֵ֔ף הִנֵּ֥ה אָבִ֖יךָ חֹלֶ֑ה 1 For some languages it may be more natural to use an indirect quote here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Joseph was told by someone that his father was sick.” 48:1 qteq rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּקַּ֞ח אֶת־שְׁנֵ֤י בָנָיו֙ עִמּ֔וֹ אֶת־מְנַשֶּׁ֖ה וְאֶת־אֶפְרָֽיִם 1 Consider what is the best way to refer to Joseph in this sentence in your language. Alternate translation: “So Joseph took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim with him to visit his father.” or “So he went to visit his father and took his two sons Manasseh and Ephraim with him.” 48:2 ppae rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וַיַּגֵּ֣ד לְיַעֲקֹ֔ב וַיֹּ֕אמֶר הִנֵּ֛ה בִּנְךָ֥ יוֹסֵ֖ף בָּ֣א אֵלֶ֑יךָ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to use a direct or indirect quote here. 48:2 k2py rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּתְחַזֵּק֙ יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל 1 Consider whether you language has a similar idiom that fits well here. Also, make sure it is clear in your translation or in a footnote that **Israel** (verses 2, 8, 11, 13-14, 21) and **Jacob** (verses 2-3) refer to the same person, not two different people. Alternate translation: “Then Israel rallied his strength” or “Immediately Israel, who was lying down, used all his strength” 48:2 d201 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַיֵּ֖שֶׁב עַל הַמִּטָּֽה 1 The context (verse 12) shows that Jacob sat on the edge of his bed with his feet resting on the floor and his knees facing Joseph’s sons. Also, for some languages it may be necessary (for politeness) to make it explicit that they greeted each other first before continuing their conversation. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and sat up on the edge of his bed and they greeted each other.” 48:3 owhk rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יַעֲקֹב֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “Then Jacob recounted to Joseph the following:” 48:3 yrw7 אֵ֥ל שַׁדַּ֛י 1 Consider again how you translated **God Almighty** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 43:14. Alternate translation: “Almighty God” 48:3 t30j נִרְאָֽה אֵלַ֥י 1 Consider again how you translated “appear” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 8:5; 12:7; 17:1; 18:1; 26:2, 24; 35:1, 9; 46:29; 48:3. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “came to me in a vision long ago” 48:3 epp0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בְּל֖וּז בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנָ֑עַן 1 For some languages it is more natural to put the larger place (Canaan) first before the smaller place (Luz) that is located inside it. It may also be more natural to put the time and place phrases first in this verse and say, “Long ago when I was at the town of Luz in the land/region of Canaan, God Almighty …” Do what is best in your language. Also see how you spelled the name **Luz** in Gen 28:19 and 35:6. Alternate translation: “when I was at the town of Luz in the land of Canaan,” or “in the land of Canaan at the town of Luz,” 48:3 ya75 וַיְבָ֖רֶךְ אֹתִֽי 1 For some languages it is more natural to begin a new sentence here. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “He pronounced a blessing over me there” 48:4 byu6 וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֵלַ֗י 1 Make sure your translation of “blessed … and said” (verses 3-4) refers to the same event, not two separate events. Alternate translation: “He said,” 48:4 m1hy הִנְנִ֤י מַפְרְךָ֙ וְהִרְבִּיתִ֔ךָ וּנְתַתִּ֖יךָ 1 See how you translated “make you fruitful and multiply you” in Gen 28:3 and “make him fruitful and … multiply him” in Gen 17:20. Alternate translation: “Look I will give you many descendants who will increase in number and become” or “Look I will give you and your descendants many children so that your descendants will become” 48:4 n300 לִקְהַ֣ל עַמִּ֑ים 1 See how you translated this phrase in Gen 28:3, and a similar phrase (“a community of nations”) in 35:11. Alternate translation: “many ethnic groups.” 48:4 l4rw אֲחֻזַּ֥ת עוֹלָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “for an eternal possession.” or “and it will always belong to them.” 48:5 gagv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וְעַתָּ֡ה שְׁנֵֽי בָנֶיךָ֩ 1 The phrase **And now** shows that there is a change of topic. Make sure it is clear in your translation that Jacob is no longer quoting God’s words in verse 5. 48:5 jujn בְּאֶ֣רֶץ מִצְרַ֗יִם 1 Alternate translation: “here in the land of Egypt” 48:5 idfh עַד בֹּאִ֥י אֵלֶ֛יךָ מִצְרַ֖יְמָה 1 Alternate translation: “before I arrived,” 48:5 qt3g לִי הֵ֑ם אֶפְרַ֨יִם֙ וּמְנַשֶּׁ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “Ephraim and Manasseh, they now belong to me,” or “Ephraim and Manasseh, will be my sons,” 48:5 khph rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure כִּרְאוּבֵ֥ן וְשִׁמְע֖וֹן יִֽהְיוּ לִֽי 1 For some languages it may be clearer and more natural to put the names of these sons earlier in the verse and say, “Now then, your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you here in the country of Egypt before I joined you here, I will treat as my sons, just as/like …” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “just as Reuben and Simeon are my sons.” or “just as my sons Reuben and Simeon.” 48:6 vme7 וּמוֹלַדְתְּךָ֛ אֲשֶׁר הוֹלַ֥דְתָּ אַחֲרֵיהֶ֖ם לְךָ֣ יִהְי֑וּ 1 Alternate translation: “But any other children that you have later on will be yours.” or “If you father any other children, they will belong to you.” 48:6 rqc8 עַ֣ל שֵׁ֧ם אֲחֵיהֶ֛ם יִקָּרְא֖וּ בְּנַחֲלָתָֽם 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here or to continue the previous sentence. Alternate translation: “So they will share in some of what their brothers inherit from me.” 48:7 jw7i rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַאֲנִ֣י 1 Jacob is probably explaining in verse 7 that since his favorite wife Rachel died with only two sons, that is why he is treating her son Joseph’s two sons as his sons (verses 5-6). You could make some of that information explicit in your translation or include it in a footnote. Alternate translation: “I want it this way because” 48:7 awjb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit בְּבֹאִ֣י 1 Jacob is in focus here, but he was traveling with his family, not alone. Decide whether or not it is necessary to make that explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “as I and our family were coming home” or “as our family was coming home” 48:7 gfi4 מִפַּדָּ֗ן 1 Consider again how you translated “the land/region of Paddan Aram” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 25:20 (and note); 28:2, 5-7; 31:18; 33:18; 35:9, 26; 46:15; 48:7. Also, be consistent with how you spelled “Aram” in those verses and in Gen 10:22-23; 22:21; 24:10. Alternate translation: “from the land of Paddan Aram,” 48:7 hucm רָחֵ֜ל 1 Alternate translation: “my beloved wife Rachel” 48:7 ykrl מֵ֩תָה֩ עָלַ֨י 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here because the preposition can have different meanings. It could mean: (1) **died beside me** or “died by my side”; or (2) “died, bringing sorrow/grief on/to me” 48:7 oocn בַּדֶּ֔רֶךְ בְּע֥וֹד כִּבְרַת אֶ֖רֶץ לָבֹ֣א אֶפְרָ֑תָה 1 Be consistent here with how you spelled **Ephrath** in Gen 35:16, 19, and how you spelled **Bethlehem** in 35:19. 48:7 p9yz הִ֖וא בֵּ֥ית לָֽחֶם 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. This phrase might be: (1) Jacob’s words; or (2) the author’s words. If you follow the second interpretation, you could put this phrase within parentheses, outside of the quote marks. 48:8 yv08 וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Alternate translation: “and asked Joseph,” 48:8 wri5 מִי אֵֽלֶּה 1 Joseph’s two sons were in their 20s at this time, so refer to them here with a term that fits with that fact. They were born before the famine started (Gen 41:50-52), and Jacob had now been in Egypt for 17 years (47:28). Alternate translation: “Whose sons are these?” 48:9 pmfc וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יוֹסֵף֙ אֶל אָבִ֔יו 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph said to him,” or “Joseph replied” 48:9 ycj4 בָּנַ֣י הֵ֔ם אֲשֶׁר נָֽתַן לִ֥י אֱלֹהִ֖ים 1 Alternate translation: “They are my sons whom God gave to me” 48:9 a8xs rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיֹּאמַ֕ר 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who is speaking here. Alternate translation: “Then Israel said to him,” 48:9 tbew rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual קָֽחֶם נָ֥א אֵלַ֖י 1 Some languages have a dual pronoun that works well to refer to Joseph’s two sons here (and throughout chapter 48). Do what is best in your language. 48:9 tqwb וַאֲבָרֲכֵֽם 1 Alternate translation: “so that I can ask God to prosper them.” 48:10 w5i2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background וְעֵינֵ֤י יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ כָּבְד֣וּ 1 Consider whether or not it is natural in your language to use a conjunction (**Now**) to begin this clause that gives background information about Israel. Also, the word **heavy** is used here as an idiom that means Israel’s eyesight was getting bad, but he could still see some (as indicated in verses 8 and 11). Many languages have a similar idiom. A translation of verse 10 should not imply that Israel was completely blind. Alternate translation: “Israel had very bad eyesight” 48:10 nhh8 מִזֹּ֔קֶן 1 Alternate translation: “because he was very old,” 48:10 igr4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure לֹ֥א יוּכַ֖ל לִרְא֑וֹת 1 For some languages it is more natural to switch the order of the clauses in this sentence and say, “Now Israel was very old, so his eyesight was failing and he was not able to see very well.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “so that he could not see very well.” 48:10 m3l9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּגֵּ֤שׁ אֹתָם֙ אֵלָ֔יו 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation whom is being referred to at each point in this sentence. Alternate translation: “So Joseph brought his sons near to his father,” or “So he had his sons stand near to his father,” 48:10 xi1y rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיִּשַּׁ֥ק לָהֶ֖ם 1 It may be helpful to read this sentence aloud in your translation to make sure the use of nouns and pronouns is natural and accurate in your language. Alternate translation: “and Israel kissed them on the cheeks” or “and his father kissed …” 48:10 yxhu וַיְחַבֵּ֥ק לָהֶֽם 1 Consider again how you translated the word **embraced** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 29:13; 33:4; 48:10. Also compare that to how you translated an idiom (“fell on … neck”) that has a similar meaning in Gen 33:4; 45:14, 46:29. It may be necessary to translate these terms in different ways, depending on the context. 48:11 joqe רְאֹ֥ה פָנֶ֖יךָ לֹ֣א פִלָּ֑לְתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “I did not think I would ever see you again,” 48:11 cko4 וְהִנֵּ֨ה 1 Alternate translation: “but amazingly,” 48:11 w75i הֶרְאָ֥ה אֹתִ֛י אֱלֹהִ֖ים גַּ֥ם אֶת זַרְעֶֽךָ 1 Alternate translation: “God has allowed me to see even your offspring” or “God has also allowed me to see your offspring” 48:12 wvkp וַיּוֹצֵ֥א יוֹסֵ֛ף אֹתָ֖ם 1 Alternate translation: “Then Joseph took his sons away” or “Then Joseph had his sons step away” 48:12 agib rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns מֵעִ֣ם בִּרְכָּ֑יו 1 Joseph’s sons (who were in their 20s) were near Israel's knees, so that he could hug them; they were not sitting on his knees or lap. Also make sure your translation of **his** refers to Joseph's father (Israel/Jacob), not Joseph. Alternate translation: “from near his father,” 48:12 kz74 וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and he prostrated himself before him” 48:12 jfto rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction לְאַפָּ֖יו אָֽרְצָה 1 Joseph bowed to the ground to show thankfulness and respect to his father and possibly also to God. If necessary, you could make that information explicit in your translation or put it in a footnote. Alternate translation: “with his face toward the ground in thankfulness and respect.” 48:13 ixv8 וַיִּקַּ֣ח יוֹסֵף֮ 1 Alternate translation: “Then he took” 48:13 wvf8 אֶת שְׁנֵיהֶם֒ 1 Alternate translation: “both of his sons,” 48:13 nzul אֶת אֶפְרַ֤יִם בִּֽימִינוֹ֙ 1 Alternate translation: “with Ephraim at his right hand” 48:13 utvp וְאֶת מְנַשֶּׁ֥ה בִשְׂמֹאל֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “and with Manasseh at his left hand” 48:13 o7vq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיַּגֵּ֖שׁ אֵלָֽיו 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this clause first in this verse and say, “Then he took/brought his sons close to his father again. He had Ephraim stand in front of Israel’s left hand/side, and he had Manasseh stand in front of Israel’s right hand/side.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “and he took them close to his father again.” 48:14 vklj rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וְאֶת שְׂמֹאל֖וֹ עַל רֹ֣אשׁ מְנַשֶּׁ֑ה שִׂכֵּל֙ אֶת יָדָ֔יו 1 In the Hebrew culture, the right side was the place of highest honor and using the right hand to bless someone was symbolic of giving greater honor to that person. The oldest son was also the one who normally received the greater blessing. Israel reverses that here and gives Joseph’s younger son the greater blessing. It may be important to include a footnote in your translation that gives this information. 48:14 jxo4 כִּ֥י 1 Make sure that the way you translate **because** fits with the fact that Israel wanted to place his right hand on Ephraim (to give him the greater blessing), even though Manasseh was the firstborn (who would normally receive the greater blessing in that culture). Alternate translation: “in spite of the fact that” 48:15 llyx וַיְבָ֥רֶךְ אֶת יוֹסֵ֖ף וַיֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Israel blessed Joseph by blessing Joseph’s sons (verses 15-16, 19-20). Alternate translation: “Then Israel blessed Joseph by blessing his sons and saying,” 48:15 gsdn rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit הָֽאֱלֹהִ֡ים 1 For some languages it may be necessary to make it explicit here that this prayer is a blessing for Joseph’s sons (rather than waiting until that is made clear in verse 16). Do what is best in your language. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to break up the long sentence in verses 15-16 into shorter sentences. Alternate translation: “May God bless your sons, the God” or “I pray that God will bless your sons, the God” or “I ask God to bless your sons. He is the God” 48:15 iwxf אֲשֶׁר֩ & אֲבֹתַ֤י & אַבְרָהָ֣ם וְיִצְחָ֔ק 1 Alternate translation: “whom my forefathers Abraham and Isaac” 48:15 r8jy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom הִתְהַלְּכ֨וּ & לְפָנָיו֙ 1 See how you translated the idiom “walk/live before” in Gen 17:1 and 24:40. You may need to translate it differently in different contexts. Alternate translation: “walked with according to his will,” or “lived obediently in the presence of,” or “obeyed,” 48:15 bi81 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙ הָרֹעֶ֣ה אֹתִ֔י 1 The word “shepherded” includes guiding, protecting, and providing food and water, such as a shepherd would do for his sheep. Here it is used as a metaphor that refers to God’s complete care of Israel throughout his life. Consider whether or not it is best in your language to use a similar metaphor here. For example, you could say, “He is the same God who, for my entire life, has taken care of all my needs, just as a good shepherd takes care of his sheep.” Alternate translation: “the same God who has watched over me” or “He is the same God who has taken care of me” 48:15 dt5m מֵעוֹדִ֖י עַד הַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה 1 Alternate translation: “from the beginning of my life until the present day” 48:16 wzng rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-key-terms הַמַּלְאָךְ֩ הַגֹּאֵ֨ל אֹתִ֜י מִכָּל רָ֗ע 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also consider again how you translated “angel” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 16:7, 9-11; 19:1, 15; 21:17; 22:11, 15; 24:7, 40; 28:12; 31:11; 32:3, 6; 48:16. Alternate translation: “He is also the Angel who rescued me continually from all harm” 48:16 hkqg יְבָרֵךְ֮ אֶת הַנְּעָרִים֒ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here; your decision will depend on how you translated verse 15. Also, since Joseph’s sons were probably in their 20s, make sure your translation of this phrase does not sound like they were little boys. The Hebrew word for “boy” here can also be translated as “lad,” “servant,” or “young man,” depending on the context and who is speaking to whom. With that in mind, consider again how you translated this word in the book of Genesis. See Gen 14:24; 18:7; 19:4; 21:12, 17-20; 22:3, 5, 12, 19; 25:27; 34:19; 37:2; 41:12; 43:8; 44:22, 30-34; 48:16. Alternate translation: “I ask that he will cause these young men to prosper greatly,” 48:16 b0ar וְיִקָּרֵ֤א בָהֶם֙ שְׁמִ֔י וְשֵׁ֥ם אֲבֹתַ֖י אַבְרָהָ֣ם וְיִצְחָ֑ק וְיִדְגּ֥וּ לָרֹ֖ב בְּקֶ֥רֶב הָאָֽרֶץ 1 Alternate translation: “so that my family name and the family name of my ancestors Abraham and Isaac will continue through them and so that they will have many descendants on the earth.” or “I pray that they will have many descendants on the earth who will carry on the family name for me and for my forefathers Abraham and Isaac.” 48:17 guyi וַיַּ֣רְא יוֹסֵ֗ף כִּי יָשִׁ֨ית אָבִ֧יו יַד יְמִינ֛וֹ עַל רֹ֥אשׁ אֶפְרַ֖יִם 1 See how you translated **placed** in verse 14. 48:17 krcr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיֵּ֣רַע בְּעֵינָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “it displeased him,” or “he was unhappy about it,” 48:17 fa1f וַיִּתְמֹ֣ךְ יַד אָבִ֗יו 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 48:18 yr6r לֹא כֵ֣ן אָבִ֑י כִּי זֶ֣ה הַבְּכֹ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “Not like that, Father. It is the other son who is my firstborn” or “That is the wrong one Father. The other one is my oldest son.” 48:18 fe3w שִׂ֥ים יְמִינְךָ֖ עַל רֹאשֽׁוֹ 1 Alternate translation: “So you need to put your right hand on his head.” 48:19 fnt6 וַיְמָאֵ֣ן אָבִ֗יו 1 Alternate translation: “But his father refused to move his hands” 48:19 ad6m יָדַ֤עְתִּֽי בְנִי֙ יָדַ֔עְתִּי 1 Alternate translation: “I know it my son, I know what I am doing.” or “I know what I am doing, my son.” 48:19 onl9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns גַּם ה֥וּא יִֽהְיֶה לְּעָ֖ם וְגַם ה֣וּא יִגְדָּ֑ל 1 Consider what is the best way in your language to refer to Joseph’s firstborn in these two clauses. Alternate translation: “In fact, the descendants of your firstborn son will also become a ethnic group, and he will be a great man.” or “In fact, your firstborn son will also be a important man, and he will be the ancestor of a people group.” 48:19 d8w8 וְאוּלָ֗ם אָחִ֤יו הַקָּטֹן֙ יִגְדַּ֣ל מִמֶּ֔נּוּ 1 Alternate translation: “However, his younger brother Ephraim will be even greater than he will be,” 48:19 w3o5 וְזַרְע֖וֹ 1 Make sure that your translation of this phrase refers to Ephraim’s descendants, not Manasseh’s. Alternate translation: “with many descendants, who” 48:19 ncm9 יִהְיֶ֥ה מְלֹֽא הַגּוֹיִֽם 1 Compare how you translated a similar phrase (“a community of peoples”) in verse 4. Alternate translation: “will become many ethnic groups.” 48:20 mzc0 וַיְבָ֨רֲכֵ֜ם בַּיּ֣וֹם הַהוּא֮ 1 Alternate translation: “That same day, Israel blessed both of them” 48:20 j6nq rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations לֵאמוֹר֒ 1 Alternate translation: “and said,” 48:20 zb3n בְּךָ֗ יְבָרֵ֤ךְ יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ 1 Alternate translation: “The people of Israel will use your names when they bless someone” or “When the people of Israel say a blessing over someone, they will use your names” 48:20 fkzh יְשִֽׂמְךָ֣ אֱלֹהִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “May God bless you” or “We ask God to make you great” 48:20 pdwp כְּאֶפְרַ֖יִם וְכִמְנַשֶּׁ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “like he blessed Ephraim and Manasseh.” 48:20 uje7 וַיָּ֥שֶׂם אֶת אֶפְרַ֖יִם לִפְנֵ֥י מְנַשֶּֽׁה 1 Alternate translation: “When he said that, he put Ephraim ahead of Manasseh.” or “In that way, he made Ephraim greater than Manasseh.” 48:21 d5t4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֶל יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “Next Israel spoke to Joseph. He said,” 48:21 d8t7 הִנֵּ֥ה 1 Alternate translation: “Look” 48:21 fjrl אָנֹכִ֖י מֵ֑ת 1 Alternate translation: “I will die soon,” 48:21 yses rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular וְהָיָ֤ה אֱלֹהִים֙ עִמָּכֶ֔ם 1 The pronouns **you** and **your** are plural throughout this verse and probably refer to all Israel’s family, including Joseph, his brothers, and their descendants. Alternate translation: “but God will always stay with all of you and help you,” or “but God will always stay with you and your brothers and all your descendants and help you.” 48:21 ydkc וְהֵשִׁ֣יב אֶתְכֶ֔ם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He will also bring you back” 48:21 orx3 אֶל אֶ֖רֶץ אֲבֹתֵיכֶֽם 1 Alternate translation: “to the land that he gave to your forefathers” 48:22 xrzo וַאֲנִ֞י נָתַ֧תִּֽי לְךָ֛ 1 The pronouns **you** and **your** shift to singular in verse 22. Alternate translation: “And I bequeath to you as part of your inheritance” 48:22 cazk rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor שְׁכֶ֥ם 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could refer to: (1) “the city of Shechem,” or (2) “a mountain slope/ridge,” This second interpretation comes from the meaning of the Hebrew word “shekem” (“shoulder”), which can be used as a metaphor to refer to a mountain slope or ridge. 48:22 peu5 אַחַ֖ד עַל אַחֶ֑יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “which is more land than I am giving to your brothers and” 48:22 bfda אֲשֶׁ֤ר לָקַ֨חְתִּי֙ מִיַּ֣ד 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “which I took control of from” or “I took that land from” 48:22 q9pc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure הָֽאֱמֹרִ֔י בְּחַרְבִּ֖י וּבְקַשְׁתִּֽי 1 For some languages it may be clearer to change the order of clauses in this verse and say, “Besides that, I hereby give you the city of Shechem, which I took/captured from the Amorites when I defeated them in battle. This is more land than I am giving to your brothers.” Do what is best in your language. Also consider again how you translated **Amorites** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 10:16; 14:7, 13; 15:16, 21; 48:22. Alternate translation: “the Amorites in battle using my sword and my bow.” 49:1 i8ic וַיִּקְרָ֥א יַעֲקֹ֖ב אֶל בָּנָ֑יו 1 The events in chapter 49 may have occurred on the same day as the events in chapter 48, or not very long after that. Consider again how you translated **called for** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:18; 14:14; 20:2, 8-9; 24:57-58; 26:9; 27:1, 42; 28:1; 31:4; 39:14; 41:8, 14; 46:33; 47:29; 49:1. 49:1 g7x3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֗אמֶר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 49:1 l6m5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry הֵאָֽסְפוּ֙ 1 Much of what Jacob says to his sons in verses 1-27 is Hebrew poetry, which is characterized by the use of parallelisms and metaphors to emphasize important points. Many translations put these verses in poetry format (starting here); many others use regular paragraph formatting. Do what is best in your language. For a complete list of verses that some translations treat as poetry in the book of Genesis, see the introduction to the book. Alternate translation: “Gather yourselves together before me,” 49:1 upew וְאַגִּ֣ידָה לָכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “and I will declare to you” or “so that I can inform you” 49:1 gmu9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֵ֛ת אֲשֶׁר יִקְרָ֥א אֶתְכֶ֖ם 1 Much of what Jacob prophesies in this chapter about his sons also applies to their descendants. Some translation teams may prefer to put that information in a footnote rather than make it explicit in the text. Do what is best in your language. Also see how you translated **meet** in Gen 42:4, 38. 49:1 xg3p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom בְּאַחֲרִ֥ית הַיָּמִֽים 1 In this context, this phrase refers to a period of years in the future. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “in the days ahead.” or “in future days” 49:2 j5co rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person הִקָּבְצ֥וּ וְשִׁמְע֖וּ בְּנֵ֣י יַעֲקֹ֑ב 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation of this verse that Jacob is talking to his own sons and is referring to himself as both Jacob and as Israel. Also, for some languages it is more natural to put the address **sons of Jacob** first in verse 2, or even first in the quote (which begins in verse 1). Do what is best in your language. 49:2 xh8b וְשִׁמְע֖וּ אֶל יִשְׂרָאֵ֥ל אֲבִיכֶֽם 1 This clause forms a parallelism with the previous clause to emphasize that Jacob wants his sons to listen to him carefully. Try to keep both halves of this parallelism in your translation, since each half has a slightly different focus. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Pay attention to me, your father Israel.” 49:3 tmwk רְאוּבֵן֙ בְּכֹ֣רִי אַ֔תָּה 1 Consider again how you translated **firstborn** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 4:4; 10:15; 19:31, 33-34, 37; 22:21; 25:13, 27; 27:19, 32; 29:26; 35:23; 36:15; 38:6-7; 41:51; 43:33; 46:8, 14; 48:18; 49:3. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. 49:3 wp60 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism כֹּחִ֖י וְרֵאשִׁ֣ית אוֹנִ֑י 1 This phrase is used here as a euphemistic idiom that refers to Jacob’s ability to have children. Other languages may have a similar idiom. Translate this in a way that will not embarrass or offend listeners. Alternate translation: “the result of my fertility, and the first child I had as a young man.” or “You are the first sign of my manhood and strength” 49:3 zu3n יֶ֥תֶר שְׂאֵ֖ת וְיֶ֥תֶר עָֽז 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You had higher honor and authority than all your brothers.” 49:4 ngg3 פַּ֤חַז 1 Alternate translation: “However, you are uncontrollable” or “However, you are reckless” 49:4 m3c3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כַּמַּ֨יִם֙ 1 Here Jacob compares Reuben’s reckless, uncontrolled sexual behavior to turbulent water that is out of control and destructive. Consider whether or not you have a similar simile in your language that would fit well here. Alternate translation: “like a flood of water,” 49:4 ht6q אַל תּוֹתַ֔ר 1 Alternate translation: “so you will no longer have your high position in our family,” or “so you will no longer be first among your brothers,” 49:4 s4lx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism כִּ֥י עָלִ֖יתָ מִשְׁכְּבֵ֣י אָבִ֑יךָ אָ֥ז חִלַּ֖לְתָּ 1 This clause, along with the rest of the verse, is a euphemistic way of referring to Reuben committing adultery by sleeping with his father’s concubine (secondary wife) Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). Alternate translation: “because you got into my bed with my wife and dishonored me!” or “because you dishonored me by getting into my bed and committing adultery with my concubine” 49:4 u62z rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person יְצוּעִ֥י עָלָֽה 1 Here Jacob repeats part of what he said in the previous clause, in order to emphasize Reuben’s sin against him and to communicate how upset he is about it. He may have still been talking to Reuben (switching from second to third person), or he may have been exclaiming about Reuben to himself and the rest of his sons. 49:5 jadm rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person שִׁמְע֥וֹן וְלֵוִ֖י 1 In verses 3-27, Jacob sometimes refers to his sons using second person (“you”), and sometimes (as here) he uses third person (“they” or “he”). Consider whether or not it is better in your language to use second person throughout these verses, especially since Jacob is talking to his sons who are right there with him. Also, some languages have dual pronouns that fit well in verses 5-7. Alternate translation: “As for Simeon and Levi, they” 49:5 lnz6 אַחִ֑ים 1 This phrase is used here as an idiom that emphasizes the fact that Simeon and Levi thought alike and acted together to do evil things. Alternate translation: “are close brothers.” or “are partners in crime.” or “do evil things together.” 49:5 hpdj כְּלֵ֥י חָמָ֖ס מְכֵרֹתֵיהֶֽם 1 Make sure in your translation that the pronouns you use here (and in verses 6-7) fit with the way you translated the beginning of this verse. Alternate translation: “They use their weapons to do violent things together.” 49:6 sbst rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche אַל תָּבֹ֣א נַפְשִׁ֔י 1 Here Jacob uses the phrase **my soul** to refer to himself and to emphasize how strongly he feels about what he is saying. Consider what is the best way to communicate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not ever let me” or “May I never” 49:6 h9hm בְּסֹדָם֙ אַל־תָּבֹ֣א 1 In verses 5-7, Jacob is probably referring to the time when Simeon and Levi killed all the males in the city of Shechem out of revenge (Genesis 34:25-26, 30). Jacob was very upset that they did that. Alternate translation: “take part in their evil plans” or “participate with them when you plan evil things!” 49:6 z996 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism בִּקְהָלָ֖ם אַל תֵּחַ֣ד כְּבֹדִ֑י 1 This clause forms a parallelism with the previous clause and emphasizes that Jacob is upset and does not want to participate with these two sons in their evil behavior. Consider what is the best way to translate that in your language. Alternate translation: “Do not let my honor be associated with your evil plans,” or “I never want to be linked with their evil plans,” or “I refuse to make evil plans with them” 49:6 ckzx כִּ֤י בְאַפָּם֙ הָ֣רְגוּ אִ֔ישׁ 1 The phrase **a man** probably refers collectively here to all the men whom these two sons killed in the city of Shechem (Gen 34:25-26, 30). Alternate translation: “because you became angry and murdered many men” 49:6 z1y0 וּבִרְצֹנָ֖ם עִקְּרוּ שֽׁוֹר 1 This may have happened during the time that Simeon and Levi took revenge on the people of Shechem. Alternate translation: “and just to please yourselves, you crippled some oxen so they could not walk.” or “and you cut the leg tendons of some oxen just for the fun of it.” 49:7 cb28 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism אָר֤וּר אַפָּם֙ כִּ֣י עָ֔ז וְעֶבְרָתָ֖ם כִּ֣י קָשָׁ֑תָה 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this parallelism in your language. Also, consider again how you translated “cursed” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 3:14 (and note), 17; 4:11; 5:29; 8:21; 9:25; 12:3; 27:12-13, 29; 49:7. Alternate translation: “May God curse them for your intense anger and your malicious fury!” or “I ask God to punish them for being so intensely angry and malicious!” 49:7 ykq9 אֲחַלְּקֵ֣ם 1 The last half of verse 7 specifies how Jacob is asking God to curse Simeon and Levi. Alternate translation: “I ask God to disperse them and their descendants” or “May he cause them and their descendants to be spread out” 49:7 f5mw rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בְּיַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 In this context, the name **Jacob** refers to his family and especially his descendants. Alternate translation: “among the family of Jacob.” 49:7 b95x rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַאֲפִיצֵ֖ם 1 The clauses “I will divide …” and “I will scatter …” form a parallelism that emphasizes the way Jacob is asking God to curse Simeon and Levi. If possible, it is best to keep both parts of a parallelism in your translation. Alternate translation: “Yes, I will” 49:7 e9qw וַאֲפִיצֵ֖ם 1 Consider again how you translated **scatter** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 10:18, 32; 11:4, 8-9; 49:7. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. If the pronoun “you” is used here in your translation, it should be plural. Alternate translation: “disperse you” or “cause them to be spread out” 49:7 ih68 בְּיִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 Jacob’s prophecy in verse 7 came true many years later: the tribe of Simeon was absorbed by the tribe of Judah (Joshua 19:1), and the tribe of Levi never had its own territory, but rather lived in cities scattered throughout the other tribes of Israel (Joshua 21:1-42). You could put this information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “throughout the descendants of Israel.” 49:8 mfza יְהוּדָ֗ה אַתָּה֙ יוֹד֣וּךָ אַחֶ֔יךָ 1 In the Hebrew text, the pronoun **you** is emphatic, and it has an emphatic position in the sentence. Consider what is the best way to communicate that emphasis in your language. Alternate translation: “Judah, you are the one whom your brothers will praise.” or “Judah, you and your descendants will be highly praised by your brothers and their descendants.” 49:8 lhkv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יָדְךָ֖ בְּעֹ֣רֶף 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this Hebrew idiom in your language. Also, if your translation includes Judah’s descendants in the previous sentence, make sure that the pronouns **your** and **you** are plural in this sentence. Alternate translation: “You will be victorious over” or “You will defeat” 49:8 sr42 אֹיְבֶ֑יךָ 1 Alternate translation: “those who are against you.” or “your adversaries.” 49:8 m4n8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person בְּנֵ֥י אָבִֽיךָ 1 Make sure that your translation of **your father** refers to Jacob. Alternate translation: “Your brothers” 49:8 o2b6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction יִשְׁתַּחֲוּ֥וּ לְךָ֖ 1 Consider again how you translated **bow down** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 18:2; 19:1; 22:5; 23:7, 12; 24:26, 48, 52; 27:29; 33:3, 6-7; 37:7, 9-10; 42:6; 43:26, 28; 47:31; 48:12; 49:8. Also see how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 17:3, 17. Alternate translation: “and their descendants will bow themselves before you and your descendants in submission.” 49:9 kcdh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor גּ֤וּר אַרְיֵה֙ יְהוּדָ֔ה מִטֶּ֖רֶף בְּנִ֣י עָלִ֑יתָ 1 Alternate translation: “Judah, you, my son, are like a powerful young lion that kills its prey and returns to its den.” 49:9 zrcx rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile כָּרַ֨ע רָבַ֧ץ כְּאַרְיֵ֛ה 1 Here in verse 9 Jacob switches to using third person references (“he, his, him”) for Judah. For some languages it is better to use second person references (“you, your”) throughout verses 8-12. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “You are like a lion that stretches out and lies down to rest after eating.” 49:9 tf30 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion וּכְלָבִ֖יא מִ֥י יְקִימֶֽנּוּ 1 This sentence forms a parallelism with the previous sentence to emphasize Judah’s authority. Also, Jacob uses a rhetorical question here to emphasize the respect that people will have for Judah. Some languages must use a statement here instead. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “Yes, you are like a lion that no one dares to awaken” or “No one dares to disrespect that lion.” 49:10 lg21 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy לֹֽא יָס֥וּר שֵׁ֨בֶט֙ מִֽיהוּדָ֔ה 1 A scepter, or a king’s staff, is a special, decorated rod that a king holds to symbolize his authority to rule the people who are under him. Alternate translation: “Judah, the authority to rule will always belong to you and your descendants.” 49:10 yr2o rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וּמְחֹקֵ֖ק מִבֵּ֣ין רַגְלָ֑יו 1 This phrase forms a parallelism with the previous clause and emphasizes the authority that Judah and his descendants will have. 49:10 f9a1 עַ֚ד כִּֽי יָבֹ֣א שִׁיל֔וֹ 1 Jacob is probably prophesying here about the coming of the Messiah/Christ. This fits with the fact that Jesus was a descendant of the tribe of Judah and is now ruling as the true King over heaven and earth. You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “until the highest king arrives” or “until the One whom the scepter belongs to comes” 49:10 jg91 וְל֖וֹ יִקְּהַ֥ת עַמִּֽים 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “and the nations of the earth obey him.” or “and all people obey him.” or “All people will obey him.” 49:11 tpc6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit אֹסְרִ֤י 1 In verse 11, the pronouns “he” and **his** refer to Judah and his descendants. To make that clear, you could make that explicit here and then use plural pronouns “they” and “their” throughout the verse. Or if you are using the second person throughout this section, you could say, “You and your descendants …” and use plural pronouns “you” and “your” after that. Alternate translation: “Judah and his descendants” 49:11 nav1 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown אֹסְרִ֤י לַגֶּ֨פֶן֙ עִיר֔וֹ 1 In Jacob’s culture grapevines were valuable plants, so unless a person was very rich, he would never tether a donkey to his grapevines because it would eat the fruit and the vines. If necessary, you could make some of that information explicit in your translation. Alternate translation: “will be so wealthy that they will tie their donkeys to your grapevines to eat the valuable fruit.” or “let your donkeys eat your valuable grapevines.” 49:11 gjb3 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְלַשֹּׂרֵקָ֖ה בְּנִ֣י אֲתֹנ֑וֹ 1 This clause forms a parallelism with the previous one to emphasize how wealthy Judah and his descendants will be. 49:11 s2nz rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism כִּבֵּ֤ס בַּיַּ֨יִן֙ לְבֻשׁ֔וֹ וּבְדַם עֲנָבִ֖ים סוּתֽוֹ 1 This sentence is another parallelism that emphasizes how wealthy Judah and his descendants will be. The phrase **blood of grapes** is an idiom that refers to red wine made from the juice of grapes. Alternate translation: “They will still have so much wine from other vines that you could even use the wine like water to wash your robes and other clothes.” 49:12 s3uy עֵינַ֖יִם 1 Alternate translation: “Their eyes” or “You will be so blessed that your eyes” 49:12 cm3s חַכְלִילִ֥י & מִיָּ֑יִן 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “will be bright from drinking abundant wine,” or (2) “will be darker than wine,” In both interpretations the emphasis is that Judah’s descendants will be blessed with an abundance of the best foods, including wine and milk, which are examples of the most valuable foods that were produced in the land. 49:12 rmn2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וּלְבֶן־שִׁנַּ֖יִם מֵחָלָֽב 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “and their/your teeth will be white from drinking abundant milk.” or (2) “and their/your teeth will be whiter than milk.” Make sure that the way you translate this phrase fits with the interpretation you used for the first part of this verse. For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of some of these phrases and say, “They/You will be so blessed/wealthy that they/you will have plenty of the best foods, including abundant wine and milk.” Do what is best in your language. 49:13 xffh זְבוּלֻ֕ן 1 Throughout this chapter, decide whether it is best in your language to use third person or second person when Jacob refers to each of his sons (and their descendants). Alternate translation: “As for Zebulun, he and his descendants” 49:13 wtx1 לְח֥וֹף יַמִּ֖ים יִשְׁכֹּ֑ן 1 Alternate translation: “will live at the coast,” 49:13 vumy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וְהוּא֙ לְח֣וֹף אֳנִיּ֔וֹת 1 This clause forms a parallelism with the previous clause to emphasize where Zebulun and his descendants will live. Alternate translation: “yes, they will settle at a harbor for ships,” or “where there will be a safe place for ships to load and unload their cargo,” 49:13 r8u3 וְיַרְכָת֖וֹ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Their territory will extend” 49:13 cqfv עַל צִידֹֽן 1 Alternate translation: “all the way up to the city of Sidon.” 49:14 jcdq יִשָּׂשכָ֖ר 1 Alternate translation: “As for Issachar, he and his descendants” 49:14 x4v8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor חֲמֹ֣ר גָּ֑רֶם 1 Consider again how you translated **donkey** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:16; 16:12; 22:3, 5, 6; 24:35; 30:43; 32:5, 15; 34:28; 36:24; 42:26-27; 43:18, 24; 44:3, 13; 45:23; 47:17; 49:14. Alternate translation: “will be like a strong donkey” 49:14 h1kf רֹבֵ֖ץ 1 Alternate translation: “lying down resting” 49:14 e90c בֵּ֥ין הַֽמִּשְׁפְּתָֽיִם 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “between two saddlebags/loads.” or (2) “between the two parts of a sheep pen.” Both interpretations imply that the donkey is lying down to rest after it worked hard. 49:15 tdds rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism וַיַּ֤רְא מְנֻחָה֙ כִּ֣י ט֔וֹב וְאֶת הָאָ֖רֶץ כִּ֣י נָעֵ֑מָה 1 Alternate translation: “They will have a good place to live, in a enjoyable land.” 49:15 zdv6 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיֵּ֤ט שִׁכְמוֹ֙ 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this Hebrew idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “However, you will also have to exert yourselves” or “But you will work hard” 49:15 qtbd לִסְבֹּ֔ל 1 Alternate translation: “to carry heavy loads,” 49:15 mqe3 וַיְהִ֖י לְמַס עֹבֵֽד 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “In fact, you will be forced to be slaves.” or “They will have to work very hard for others as slaves.” or “People will force you to be their slaves.” 49:16 i8wo דָּ֖ן 1 Alternate translation: “As for Dan, he and his descendants” 49:16 x1kh יָדִ֣ין עַמּ֑וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “will govern their own people group” 49:16 lc8c כְּאַחַ֖ד שִׁבְטֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 Alternate translation: “just as the other tribes of Israel govern their own people.” 49:17 olso rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns דָן֙ 1 Be consistent with your choice of third person or second person (singular or plural) references to Dan (and his descendants) throughout verses 16 and 17. Alternate translation: “They” 49:17 xrz8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor יְהִי & נָחָ֣שׁ עֲלֵי דֶ֔רֶךְ שְׁפִיפֹ֖ן עֲלֵי אֹ֑רַח 1 Alternate translation: “will be cunning like a poisonous snake lying beside a road” 49:17 b9kg וַיִּפֹּ֥ל רֹכְב֖וֹ אָחֽוֹר 1 Alternate translation: “so that it rears up and the rider falls off backward to the ground.” or “… is thrown off the horse and defeated.” 49:18 f699 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לִֽישׁוּעָתְךָ֖ קִוִּ֥יתִי יְהוָֽה 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation that Jacob is talking to God in verse 18, not Dan any more. 49:19 mepm גְּד֣וּד יְגוּדֶ֑נּוּ 1 Alternate translation: “a group of robbers will attack him and his descendants,” or “you and your descendants will be attacked by enemies,” 49:19 ovqw rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וְה֖וּא יָגֻ֥ד עָקֵֽב 1 Make sure it is clear in your translation who is being referred to at each point in this sentence. Alternate translation: “but they will hunt them down and defeat them.” 49:20 aksc rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche מֵאָשֵׁ֖ר שְׁמֵנָ֣ה לַחְמ֑וֹ 1 Here the word **bread** refers to food in general and **fat** refers to the best kinds of food. Alternate translation: “Asher and his descendants will produce rich food,” or “Asher, you and your descendants will be wealthy and produce the finest food.” 49:20 a3y6 וְה֥וּא יִתֵּ֖ן מַֽעֲדַנֵּי מֶֽלֶךְ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, the word **delicacies** refers to special, delicious foods that only rich people can afford to eat. Alternate translation: “He will even supply food that is fancy enough for a king.” or “In fact, they will supply fine foods that are fit for kings to eat.” 49:21 fnt8 נַפְתָּלִ֖י 1 Alternate translation: “As for Naphtali, he and his descendants” 49:21 je8b rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor אַיָּלָ֣ה 1 This metaphor pictures a deer that swiftly runs away after being released from captivity. Alternate translation: “will be swift like a doe” or “will be warriors who are swift like a deer” 49:21 aqep שְׁלֻחָ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “that is set free.” or “that has been released to run freely.” or “that is free to go wherever it wants.” 49:21 z2pe rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person הַנֹּתֵ֖ן אִמְרֵי שָֽׁפֶר 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “He/They/You will also speak eloquently.” or “They/You will also be gifted/excellent speakers/negotiators.” or (2) “and that bears/has beautiful/healthy fawns.” or “He/They/You will have beautiful children.” If you made Naphtali’s descendants explicit at the beginning of this verse, make sure you use a plural pronoun (“they” or “you”) here. 49:22 vpxp יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 Alternate translation: “As for Joseph, he and his descendants” 49:22 x6q9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor בֵּ֤ן פֹּרָת֙ & בֵּ֥ן פֹּרָ֖ת 1 The same phrase is repeated here to emphasize how prosperous and productive Joseph (and his descendants) will be. Instead of saying the same phrase twice, many translations combine the two phrases and form one clause that communicates the emphasis in a different way. Do what is accurate and natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will be like the branch of a fruitful tree, yes, like a fruitful tree” or “will be very successful and flourish like a fruitful branch of a vine” or “will be very fruitful like the fruit on a fruitful vine” 49:22 g42v עֲלֵי עָ֑יִן 1 Alternate translation: “that is planted next to a spring of water,” 49:22 x6dv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor בָּנ֕וֹת צָעֲדָ֖ה 1 This phrase probably continues the metaphor of the fruitful vine that symbolizes how prosperous and numerous Joseph and his descendants will be. Consider what is the best way to translate this metaphor in your language. Alternate translation: “with branches extending” or “with branches full of fruit that extend” 49:22 x7gu עֲלֵי שֽׁוּר 1 Alternate translation: “over a surrounding wall.” 49:23 dn95 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַֽיְמָרֲרֻ֖הוּ 1 Be consistent with your choice of third person or second person (singular or plural) references to Joseph (and his descendants) throughout verses 22-26. Alternate translation: “Skillful bowmen will fiercely attack them and their descendants” or “Enemy soldiers will …” or “Your enemies will …” 49:23 pxtz וָרֹ֑בּוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and shoot arrows at them” 49:23 i8j6 וַֽיִּשְׂטְמֻ֖הוּ 1 Alternate translation: “and treat them hatefully.” or “and try to destroy them” 49:24 x6y3 וַתֵּ֤שֶׁב בְּאֵיתָן֙ קַשְׁתּ֔וֹ 1 Make sure that the way you translate **his** in this verse fits with whether you use second or third person (singular or plural) to refer to Joseph (and his descendants) in verses 22-26. Alternate translation: “But as they fight back, you will hold your bows steady” or “… you will use your bows well” 49:24 lyay וַיָּפֹ֖זּוּ זְרֹעֵ֣י יָדָ֑יו 1 Alternate translation: “and their powerful arms will stay agile” 49:24 uyx0 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom מִידֵי֙ אֲבִ֣יר יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this idiom in your language. Alternate translation: “because of the power” 49:24 ecz5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲבִ֣יר יַעֲקֹ֔ב 1 For some languages, it is clearer or more natural to change the order of the phrases in this verse and say, “But the Mighty/Powerful God whom I worship/serve will keep you strong and help you use your bows/weapons well/effectively as you fight back.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “of the Powerful God whom I worship” or “that the Powerful God of Jacob gives you,” 49:24 tb3t rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor מִשָּׁ֥ם רֹעֶ֖ה 1 A shepherd takes care of his sheep and provides for all of their needs. In the same way God takes care of his people and provides for all of their needs. See Psalm 23 which also talks about God as our Shepherd. You could put some of that information in a footnote. Alternate translation: “He takes care of his people the way that a shepherd takes care of his sheep.” 49:24 bwhf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אֶ֥בֶן יִשְׂרָאֵֽל 1 In verses 24 and 25, several different titles are used to refer to Yahweh, the only true God. Make sure that your translation of these verses does not sound like there is more than one God. Also make sure it is clear in your translation or in a footnote that Jacob is referring to himself in this verse as Jacob and Israel. 49:25 auy4 מֵאֵ֨ל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “That power is from” 49:25 hwrl מֵאֵ֨ל אָבִ֜יךָ וְיַעְזְרֶ֗ךָּ 1 Alternate translation: “the God who has always taken care of me, your father. He will also help you and your descendants.” 49:25 tq2p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְאֵ֤ת שַׁדַּי֙ וִיבָ֣רְכֶ֔ךָּ 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of some of the clauses in the first half of this verse and say, “That strength/power comes from the God who has always taken care of me, your father. He is the all-powerful God who will help you and your descendants and bless you all”. Do what is best in your language. Also, compare how you translated “God Almighty” in Gen 48:3. Alternate translation: “He is the all-powerful God, who will bless you all” 49:25 u2xi בִּרְכֹ֤ת שָׁמַ֨יִם֙ מֵעָ֔ל 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He will provide you with rain from the sky” 49:25 a4di בִּרְכֹ֥ת תְּה֖וֹם רֹבֶ֣צֶת תָּ֑חַת 1 This phrase refers to water that comes from under the ground and supplies springs, wells, and rivers. Alternate translation: “and bless you with water from under the ground.” 49:25 fxtf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy בִּרְכֹ֥ת שָׁדַ֖יִם וָרָֽחַם 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this metonymy in your language. Also consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “May your wives bear many children and your animals bear many young.” 49:26 lpt8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants בִּרְכֹ֣ת אָבִ֗יךָ גָּֽבְרוּ֙ עַל בִּרְכֹ֣ת הוֹרַ֔י 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “God has blessed me your father more than he blessed my ancestors,” or (2) “The blessings your father is blessing you with are greater than the blessings my ancestors blessed me with,” or (3) “The blessings of your father have surpassed the blessings/riches of the ancient mountains,” The third interpretation is based on the Greek Septuagint, which interprets the Hebrew word for **ancestors** as “mountains” (which has a similar spelling in Hebrew). 49:26 n6h1 עַֽד תַּאֲוַ֖ת 1 The meaning of the Hebrew text is uncertain here. It could mean: (1) “He has blessed me with bounties/riches that are greater than the bounties/riches that come from” or (2) “My blessings are so great that they extend to the utmost/farthest boundaries/limits of”. Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 49:26 fzcy גִּבְעֹ֣ת עוֹלָ֑ם 1 Alternate translation: “the everlasting mountains.” 49:26 pz62 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche תִּֽהְיֶ֨ין֙ לְרֹ֣אשׁ יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 The words **head** and **top of the head** refer to Joseph and are connected with the custom of laying hands on the head of the person being blessed. Alternate translation: “May God also give those blessings to you Joseph, as” or “I pray that God will abundantly bless you too, Joseph, since you are” 49:26 ckgl rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive נְזִ֥יר 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive phrase in your language. Alternate translation: “the one who has been set apart by God as ruler” or “the one who is honored by God” or “the one whom he chose to set apart and honor” 49:26 ujeh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person אֶחָֽיו 1 Make sure your choice of **his** or **your** here fits with how you translated the beginning of this sentence. Alternate translation: “over his brothers.” 49:27 ox1g בִּנְיָמִין֙ 1 Consider again whether you make “and … descendants” explicit for each of Jacob’s sons in this chapter or whether you leave it implied and possibly put that information in a footnote. See verses 1, 7-8, 11, 13-14, 16, 19-23, 27. Alternate translation: “As for Benjamin, he and his descendants” or “Benjamin, you and your descendants” 49:27 hwab rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exmetaphor זְאֵ֣ב יִטְרָ֔ף 1 Wolves are a type of large, fierce, wild dog that lives and hunts together in groups. If wolves are unknown in your language area, you could say “wild dog” or “a pack of wild dogs.” Consider again how you translated the metaphors and similes that Jacob uses in verses 4, 9-11, 14, 17, 21-22, 24, 27. Alternate translation: “is like a fierce wolf.” or “will be fierce warriors like hungry wolves.” 49:27 tyqs rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person בַּבֹּ֖קֶר יֹ֣אכַל עַ֑ד וְלָעֶ֖רֶב יְחַלֵּ֥ק שָׁלָֽל 1 Consider again whether to use second person or third person (singular or plural) in verses 3-27, and make sure your translation of the pronouns is clear and natural. To do that, it is helpful to read your translation of this section aloud. Alternate translation: “You defeat their enemies in the morning and share the plunder of battle with your warriors in the evening.” 49:28 zkfe כָּל אֵ֛לֶּה שִׁבְטֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֑ר 1 This clause refers back to Jacob’s sons who are mentioned in verses 1-27. Alternate translation: “Those twelve sons are the forefathers of the twelve tribes that came from Israel,” 49:28 der9 וְ֠זֹאת אֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּ֨ר לָהֶ֤ם אֲבִיהֶם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “and those were the words that their father spoke to them.” 49:28 hn97 וַיְבָ֣רֶךְ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “when he blessed” 49:28 l9sl אוֹתָ֔ם אִ֛ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר 1 Alternate translation: “each of them” or “each son” 49:28 lbiq כְּבִרְכָת֖וֹ בֵּרַ֥ךְ אֹתָֽם 1 Alternate translation: “with blessings that were right for them and their descendants.” or “in a way that was fitting for them and their descendants.” 49:29 f0uw וַיְצַ֣ו אוֹתָ֗ם 1 Alternate translation: “After that, he instructed his sons” 49:29 xadv rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אֲלֵהֶם֙ 1 Make sure that your translation of “commanded … and said …” refers to a single action, not two different actions. 49:29 a79m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive אֲנִי֙ נֶאֱסָ֣ף אֶל 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “I will soon die and be taken by God to be with” or “God will soon take my spirit to be with” 49:29 xzx1 עַמִּ֔י 1 Alternate translation: “my relatives who have already died.” or “my relatives who have gone before me.” or “my deceased ancestors” 49:29 w22x קִבְר֥וּ אֹתִ֖י 1 Make sure that your translation of this phrase does not mean or imply that Jacob was asking to be buried while he was still physically alive. Alternate translation: “Please bury my body” or “When that happens, please bury me” 49:29 qb7q אֶל אֲבֹתָ֑י 1 Alternate translation: “with the bodies of my ancestors” or “next to them” 49:29 u8z6 אֶל הַ֨מְּעָרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר בִּשְׂדֵ֖ה עֶפְר֥וֹן הַֽחִתִּֽי 1 Make sure your translation of this clause does not sound like Ephron still owned that property.” Alternate translation: “inside the cave that is located in the field that Ephron the Hittite used to own.” or “… the field that used to belong to Ephron the Hittite.” 49:30 ypaj בַּמְּעָרָ֞ה אֲשֶׁ֨ר בִּשְׂדֵ֧ה הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֛ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. See how you translated **Machpelah** in Gen 23:9. 49:30 opic אֲשֶׁ֥ר עַל פְּנֵי מַמְרֵ֖א 1 Alternate translation: “that is east of the city of Mamre” 49:30 e2wi לַאֲחֻזַּת קָֽבֶר 1 Alternate translation: “to use for a family burial site.” or “in order to possess a place to bury his dead relatives.” 49:31 t64r שָׁ֣מָּה קָֽבְר֞וּ אֶת אַבְרָהָ֗ם וְאֵת֙ שָׂרָ֣ה אִשְׁתּ֔וֹ 1 The pronoun **they** is general in this verse and does not specify who buried these people. Many languages have a similar general word. Other languages make this a passive clause without specifying the subject. Do what is best in your language. 49:31 un30 וְשָׁ֥מָּה 1 Alternate translation: “That is also where” 49:32 o710 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive מִקְנֵ֧ה הַשָּׂדֶ֛ה וְהַמְּעָרָ֥ה אֲשֶׁר בּ֖וֹ 1 In verse 32, Jacob repeats some of what he said in verses 29-30. Make sure your translation does not sound like it was the first time he said this. Also consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “That field and cave were bought by Abraham” 49:32 e6fb מֵאֵ֥ת בְּנֵי חֵֽת 1 Compare how you translated “Hittite” in verse 29, which refers to the same people group as here. Alternate translation: “from the descendants of Heth.” or “from the Hittite people.” 49:33 vgbm וַיֶּאֱסֹ֥ף רַגְלָ֖יו אֶל הַמִּטָּ֑ה 1 This clause means that Jacob lay back down after being in a sitting position on the side of his bed (Gen 48:2). Alternate translation: “he lay down and lifted his feet up into his bed.” 49:33 jo0e rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism וַיִּגְוַ֖ע 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also consider again how you translated the idiom **exhaled** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 6:17; 7:21; 25:8, 17; 35:29; 49:33. Alternate translation: “and breathed out his last breath” or “Then he took his final breath and died” 49:33 e6b7 וַיֵּאָ֥סֶף אֶל עַמָּֽיו 1 Consider again how you translated this phrase in the book of Genesis. See Gen 25:8 (and note), 17; 35:29; 49:29, 33. Alternate translation: “and was taken by God to be with his deceased relatives” 50:1 i1uf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיִּפֹּ֥ל יוֹסֵ֖ף עַל 1 Make sure that your translation of this phrase does not imply that Joseph fell down accidently. Rather he intentionally threw himself on his father to embrace him and express his love and grief for him. See how you translated a similar phrase in Gen 46:29. Alternate translation: “Immediately Joseph embraced his father in sorrow” 50:1 zcjf rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ עָלָ֖יו 1 For some languages it may be better to put this clause earlier and say, “Then Joseph cried in his sorrow/grief, and he hugged his father tightly and kissed him.” Do what is best in your language. 50:1 hggr וַיִּשַּׁק לֽוֹ 1 Consider again how you translated **kissed** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 27:26-27; 29:11, 13; 31:28, 55; 33:4; 45:15; 48:10; 50:1. Alternate translation: “and kissed him goodbye on the forehead.” 50:2 qka7 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations וַיְצַ֨ו יוֹסֵ֤ף 1 Alternate translation: “Then he told” 50:2 b68j אֶת עֲבָדָיו֙ אֶת הָרֹ֣פְאִ֔ים 1 Alternate translation: “his servants who were doctors” or “his physicians who served him” 50:2 kjoa rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown לַחֲנֹ֖ט אֶת אָבִ֑יו 1 The word **embalm** refers here to the special process that the Egyptians did to slow down the decaying process of a dead body in order to preserve it for burial. 50:3 e0xm וַיִּמְלְאוּ לוֹ֙ אַרְבָּעִ֣ים י֔וֹם 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “which took them forty days,” or “The work took forty days,” 50:3 uuny כִּ֛י כֵּ֥ן יִמְלְא֖וּ יְמֵ֣י הַחֲנֻטִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “because that is the usual amount of time needed to embalm a body.” or “which is how long it usually takes to embalm a body.” 50:3 pmly וַיִּבְכּ֥וּ אֹת֛וֹ מִצְרַ֖יִם שִׁבְעִ֥ים יֽוֹם 1 The seventy days of mourning included the forty days of embalming, so do not begin your translation of this sentence with a word like “Then”. Alternate translation: “The people in Egypt wept for him for seventy days.” or “For seventy days the people of Egypt mourned for him” 50:4 rgwc וַיַּֽעַבְרוּ֙ יְמֵ֣י בְכִית֔וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “When those seventy days of mourning for him were over” 50:4 ujhv rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy וַיְדַבֵּ֣ר יוֹסֵ֔ף אֶל בֵּ֥ית פַּרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 The phrase **the house of Pharaoh** refers to members of the royal court. 50:4 njhj אִם נָ֨א מָצָ֤אתִי חֵן֙ בְּעֵ֣ינֵיכֶ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “Please do this kindness for me:” or “Please show me kindness and do this:” 50:4 n5za דַּבְּרוּ נָ֕א בְּאָזְנֵ֥י פַרְעֹ֖ה לֵאמֹֽר 1 Alternate translation: “please speak to King Pharaoh for me and say to him,” 50:5 zmtr rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations אָבִ֞י הִשְׁבִּיעַ֣נִי לֵאמֹ֗ר הִנֵּ֣ה אָנֹכִי֮ מֵת֒ בְּקִבְרִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֨ר כָּרִ֤יתִי לִי֙ בְּאֶ֣רֶץ כְּנַ֔עַן שָׁ֖מָּה תִּקְבְּרֵ֑נִי 1 For some languages it may be better to translate this embedded quote as an indirect quote and say, “that when my father was about to die, he had me swear/vow/promise to him that I would bury his body in the region of Canaan, in a grave/tomb that he had prepared for himself there.” Do what is best in your language. 50:5 g5n5 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations וְעַתָּ֗ה אֶֽעֱלֶה נָּ֛א וְאֶקְבְּרָ֥ה אֶת אָבִ֖י 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as an indirect quote. Also see how you translated **go up** in Gen 45:9. 50:5 rjtq וְאָשֽׁוּבָה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “After I have done that, I will return to Egypt.” 50:6 ysg3 וַיֹּ֖אמֶר פַּרְעֹ֑ה 1 Alternate translation: “Pharaoh sent back this reply to him” 50:6 x99p rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations עֲלֵ֛ה וּקְבֹ֥ר אֶת אָבִ֖יךָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר הִשְׁבִּיעֶֽךָ 1 Consider whether it is better in your language to translate this sentence as a direct or indirect quote. Also see how you translated “go up” in verse 5. 50:7 xq3o וַיַּ֥עַל יוֹסֵ֖ף 1 Joseph did not arrive in Canaan until later (verse 10). Alternate translation: “So Joseph started traveling to Canaan” or “So Joseph started the journey to Canaan” or “So Joseph left Egypt” 50:7 yx8e וַיַּֽעֲל֨וּ אִתּ֜וֹ כָּל עַבְדֵ֤י פַרְעֹה֙ 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Also, consider again how you translated **Pharaoh** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:15 (and note), 16-18, 20; 37:36; 39:1; 40:2, 11, 13, 14, 17, 19; 41:1, 4, 7-10, 14-17, 25, 28, 32-35, 37-39, 41-46, 55; 42:15-16; 44:18; 45:2, 8, 16-17, 21; 46:5, 31, 33-34; 47:1-5, 7-11, 14, 19-26; 50:4, 6-7. Also consider again how you translated **servants** and “officials” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 20:8; 40:2, 4, 7, 20; 41:10, 37-38; 45:16; 50:7. Alternate translation: “All the officials of Pharaoh went with him to escort him,” 50:7 d3od זִקְנֵ֣י בֵית֔וֹ 1 The **elders** were probably older men who had served Pharaoh for a long time and held important positions in his court. 50:7 gxer וְכֹ֖ל זִקְנֵ֥י אֶֽרֶץ מִצְרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “and all the other senior men in the country of Egypt.” 50:8 lbw9 וְכֹל֙ בֵּ֣ית יוֹסֵ֔ף 1 The word **house** refers here to Joseph’s whole extended family, not just to the people in his own household. Also, consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. 50:8 o1en רַ֗ק טַפָּם֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Only their children” 50:8 orn9 וְצֹאנָ֣ם וּבְקָרָ֔ם 1 Consider again how you translated “flocks and herds” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:16; 13:5; 20:14; 21:27; 24:35; 26:14; 32:8; 33:13; 34:28; 45:10; 46:32; 47:1, 17; 50:8. Also see how you translated “herd” in Gen 18:7-8, and how you translated “flock” in Gen 4:2, 4; 21:28; 27:9; 29:2-3, 6-10; 30:31, 32, 36, 38-43; 31:4, 8, 10, 12, 19, 38, 41, 43; 32:6; 37:2, 12, 14; 38:12, 13, 17; 46:34; 47:1, 17. It may be necessary to translate these terms in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “and their sheep and cattle” 50:8 redu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עָזְב֖וּ 1 The children and animals were probably left with servants who took care of them during the funeral. For some languages it may be better to change the order of the phrases in this sentence and say, “They left behind only their children and their livestock in Goshen Province.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “they left behind” or “were left behind with servants” 50:8 o9qv בְּאֶ֥רֶץ גֹּֽשֶׁן 1 Consider again how you translated “the land/region of Goshen” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 45:10; 46:28-29, 34; 47:1, 4, 6, 27; 50:8. Alternate translation: “in the region of Goshen.” 50:9 xhdh וַיַּ֣עַל עִמּ֔וֹ גַּם רֶ֖כֶב גַּם פָּרָשִׁ֑ים 1 Consider again how you translated “chariot” in Gen 41:43; 46:29; 50:9. Alternate translation: “There were men riding chariots and men riding horses who also went with Joseph,” or “Many soldiers also escorted him including those who were riding chariots and those who were riding horses,” 50:9 lflf וַיְהִ֥י הַֽמַּחֲנֶ֖ה כָּבֵ֥ד מְאֹֽד 1 Alternate translation: “so that the entire group of people was very large.” or “so that there was a very large group of people traveling together.” 50:10 r2tv וַיָּבֹ֜אוּ עַד 1 Alternate translation: “Then when they came to” or “When they arrived at” 50:10 nwg3 גֹּ֣רֶן הָאָטָ֗ד 1 The Hebrew text is ambiguous here. It could mean: (1) “Atad’s threshing floor/place,” or “a place owned by a man named Atad where people separated grain from chaff,” or (2) “the threshing floor/place near the city/town of Atad,” or “Goren Ha-Atad,” or (3) “the grain/wheat threshing place that was surrounded by thornbushes,” The Hebrew word “atad” means “thorns,” but most Bible scholars think it refers here to the name of a person or city. 50:10 ipjy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּעֵ֣בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּ֔ן וַיִּ֨סְפְּדוּ 1 For some languages it may be better to put this clause earlier in this verse and say, “They traveled to the other side of the Jordan River and stopped at a grain threshing place owned by a man named Atad.” The location of Atad’s threshing floor is not certain. It was most likely on the west side of the Jordan River, since that is where the cave was located and that is where the Canaanites would have been most likely to observe Joseph’s family and the Egyptians mourning (verse 11). However, since its location is not certain, it is best to translate **beyond the Jordan** in a general way (like the Hebrew text is). Alternate translation: “which was located across the Jordan River,” 50:10 iieq וַיִּ֨סְפְּדוּ שָׁ֔ם 1 Alternate translation: “they began to mourn” 50:10 waky מִסְפֵּ֛ד גָּד֥וֹל וְכָבֵ֖ד מְאֹ֑ד 1 Alternate translation: “with a very loud and sorrowful lamentation” 50:10 mly9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וַיַּ֧עַשׂ לְאָבִ֛יו אֵ֖בֶל שִׁבְעַ֥ת יָמִֽים 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to combine the last two sentences in this verse and say, “There Joseph and the others mourned for his father very loudly and sorrowfully for seven days.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “For seven days Joseph and the others grieved the death of his father.” or “and for seven days, Joseph led everyone in mourning the death of his father.” 50:11 zais וַיַּ֡רְא יוֹשֵׁב֩ הָאָ֨רֶץ הַֽכְּנַעֲנִ֜י אֶת הָאֵ֗בֶל בְּגֹ֨רֶן֙ הָֽאָטָ֔ד 1 See how you translated **threshing floor of Atad** in verse 10. 50:11 l36r אֵֽבֶל כָּבֵ֥ד זֶ֖ה לְמִצְרָ֑יִם 1 Consider again how you translated “Egyptian” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 12:14; 16:1, 3; 21:9; 25:12; 39:1, 2, 5; 41:55-56; 43:32; 45:2; 46:34; 47:15, 20; 50:3, 11. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “Wow! Those people of Egypt are mourning very sorrowfully for someone who died!” 50:11 e3y7 עַל כֵּ֞ן 1 Alternate translation: “That is the reason that” 50:11 g814 קָרָ֤א שְׁמָהּ֙ 1 Consider again how you translated “For that (reason) he/they called/call …” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 11:9; 16:14; 19:22; 21:31; 25:26, 30; 31:48; 33:17; 35:8; 38:29-30; 50:11. Alternate translation: “people call that place” or “the name of that place is” or “that place is called” 50:11 b1sc אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּעֵ֥בֶר 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “which is located” or “The place is” 50:11 i2vy rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure בְּעֵ֥בֶר הַיַּרְדֵּֽן 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to put this phrase earlier in this sentence and say, “That is why the name of that place on the other side of the Jordan River is Abel Mizraim, which means “Egyptians’ mourning place.”” Do what is best in your language. Also, be consistent here with how you translate this phrase in verse 10. 50:12 je5d צִוָּֽם 1 Alternate translation: “he had told them to do:” 50:13 kyl5 וַיִּשְׂא֨וּ אֹת֤וֹ בָנָיו֙ 1 Alternate translation: “They brought his body” 50:13 gtwk אַ֣רְצָה כְּנַ֔עַן 1 Consider again how you translated “the land/region of Canaan” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 11:31; 12:5; 13:12, 14; 16:3; 17:8; 23:2, 19; 31:18; 33:18; 35:6; 36:5-6; 37:1; 42:5, 7, 13, 29, 32; 44:8; 45:17, 25; 46:6, 12, 31; 47:1, 4, 13, 15, 27; 48:3, 7; 49:30; 50:5, 13. Also be consistent with how you spelled the name of the man named Canaan in 9:18, 22, 25-27; 10:6, 15, and compare that to how you translated “the Canaanites” in 10:18-19; 12:6; 13:7; 15:21; 24:3, 37; 28:1, 6, 8; 34:30; 36:2; 38:2; 46:10; 50:11. 50:13 xe0g וַיִּקְבְּר֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ בִּמְעָרַ֖ת שְׂדֵ֣ה הַמַּכְפֵּלָ֑ה 1 Consider again how you translated **cave** and **the cave of the field of Machpelah** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 19:30; 23:9 (and note), 11, 17, 19-20; 25:9; 49:29-30, 32; 50:13. Alternate translation: “and buried him in the cave that is in the field in the Machpelah area,” 50:13 n02f אֲשֶׁ֣ר קָנָה֩ אַבְרָהָ֨ם אֶת הַשָּׂדֶ֜ה לַאֲחֻזַּת קֶ֗בֶר מֵאֵ֛ת עֶפְרֹ֥ן הַחִתִּ֖י 1 Consider again how you translated **property for a burial place** in Gen 23:4, 9, 20, and how you translated **Hittite** or **Ephron the Hittite** in Gen 10:15; 15:20; 23:3, 5, 7, 10, 16,18; 25:9-10; 26:34; 27:46; 36:2; 49:29-30; 50:13. Be consistent with how you spelled **Ephron** in those verses and in Gen 23:8, 13-14, 16-17. Alternate translation: “It was the field and cave that Abraham had bought from Ephron the Hittite as a property to bury his dead relatives” 50:13 imrd rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure עַל פְּנֵ֥י מַמְרֵֽא 1 For some languages it is clearer or more natural to put this phrase earlier in this sentence (after **Machpelah**) and say, “… the field of Machpelah near the city of Mamre. It was the field and cave that Abraham …” Do what is best in your language. Also, consider again how you translated **in front of Mamre** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 23:17, 19; 25:9; 49:30; 50:13. Be consistent with how you spelled **Mamre** in those verses and in Gen 13:18; 14:13, 24; 18:1. 50:14 u0lx וַיָּ֨שָׁב יוֹסֵ֤ף מִצְרַ֨יְמָה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph returned to the country of Egypt,” 50:14 wbst הָעֹלִ֥ים אִתּ֖וֹ 1 Alternate translation: “who had gone to Canaan with him” 50:14 w96e לִקְבֹּ֣ר אֶת אָבִ֑יו 1 Consider again how you translated **bury** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 15:15; 23:4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 19; 25:9-10; 35:8, 19, 29; 47:29-30; 48:7; 49:29, 31; 50:5-7, 13-14. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. 50:15 mb3v ל֥וּ יִשְׂטְמֵ֖נוּ יוֹסֵ֑ף 1 Alternate translation: “What if Joseph is holding a grudge against us?” 50:15 j0gm וְהָשֵׁ֤ב יָשִׁיב֙ לָ֔נוּ 1 Consider whether or not it is better to begin a new sentence here in your language. Alternate translation: “Then certainly he will pay us back” or “then he will certainly take revenge on us and punish us severely” 50:15 bvd4 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֵ֚ת כָּל הָ֣רָעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר גָּמַ֖לְנוּ אֹתֽוֹ 1 It may be clearer or more natural to put this clause before the previous clause and say, “If Joseph is angry at us for the terrible way that we treated him, he might punish us severely for what we did.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “for all the ways that we harmed him!” or “for the completely evil way that we treated him!” or “because we treated him so badly.” 50:16 lmar וַיְצַוּ֕וּ אֶל יוֹסֵ֖ף לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Alternate translation: “So they sent a message to Joseph which said,” 50:16 p4xq rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive אָבִ֣יךָ צִוָּ֔ה לִפְנֵ֥י מוֹת֖וֹ לֵאמֹֽר 1 Consider again how you translated **commanded** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 2:16; 3:11, 17; 6:22; 7:5, 9, 16; 12:20; 18:19; 21:4; 26:5, 11; 27:8; 28:1,6; 32:4, 17, 19; 42:25, 44:1; 45:19; 47:11; 49:29, 33; 50:2, 12, 16. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Also, the pronoun “us” is exclusive here since it does not include Joseph. Alternate translation: “Our father commanded us before he died,” or “Before your father died, he commanded us” 50:17 td0v rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations כֹּֽה תֹאמְר֣וּ לְיוֹסֵ֗ף אָ֣נָּ֡א 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to translate this embedded quote as a direct or indirect quote. See what you did for doubly-embedded quotes in Gen 32:4. Alternate translation: “to tell you that he asks you to” or “to ask you on his behalf to” 50:17 km99 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations שָׂ֣א נָ֠א פֶּ֣שַׁע אַחֶ֤יךָ וְחַטָּאתָם֙ כִּי רָעָ֣ה גְמָל֔וּךָ 1 Consider again how you translated **sin** in Gen 4:7; 18:20; 31:36; 50:17, and consider again how you translated the synonym **crime** in Gen 31:36; 50:17. It may be necessary to translate these terms in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “please forgive your brothers for all the evil they did to you and for their offenses against you, even though what they did was very evil” 50:17 djc3 וְעַתָּה֙ שָׂ֣א נָ֔א לְפֶ֥שַׁע עַבְדֵ֖י אֱלֹהֵ֣י אָבִ֑יךָ 1 Consider again how you translated “the God of” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 9:26; 24:12, 27, 42, 48; 26:24; 28:13; 31:5, 29, 42, 53; 32:9; 43:23; 46:1, 3; 49:24-25; 50:17. Alternate translation: “So then, as servants of God whom our father served, we beg you to forgive us for sinning against you.” 50:17 elr0 וַיֵּ֥בְךְּ יוֹסֵ֖ף בְּדַבְּרָ֥ם אֵלָֽיו 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph cried when he heard that message.” 50:18 u7sf rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction וַֽיִּפְּל֖וּ לְפָנָ֑יו וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ 1 See how you translated “fell … before him” in Gen 44:14. Compare that to how you translated “bowed down to/before …” (See: 49:8). Alternate translation: “and threw themselves on the ground in front of him and said,” 50:18 hvlx הִנֶּ֥נּֽוּ 1 See how you translated a similar phrase (“Behold me”) in 22:1, 7. It may be necessary to translate this phrase in different ways, depending on the context. 50:18 m3yn לְךָ֖ לַעֲבָדִֽים 1 If you use an exclamation point here in your translation, make sure it does mean that Joseph’s brothers were angry. Rather, they were worried and desperate. Alternate translation: “we will be your slaves” or “we will serve you as slaves” 50:19 dsla אַל תִּירָ֑אוּ 1 Alternate translation: “You have nothing to fear.” 50:19 qvm2 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion כִּ֛י הֲתַ֥חַת אֱלֹהִ֖ים אָֽנִי 1 Joseph uses a rhetorical question here to emphasize that he will not take God’s place and punish his brothers. Some languages must use a statement or exclamation here instead. Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “After all, I am not God! So I have no right to judge you.” 50:20 tbtf rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְאַתֶּ֕ם חֲשַׁבְתֶּ֥ם עָלַ֖י רָעָ֑ה 1 In the Hebrew text, the pronoun **you** is emphatic in form and position to emphasize Joseph’s brothers and contrast them with God. Consider what is the best way to translate that contrast in your language. Alternate translation: “Although you intentionally treated me very badly,” 50:20 euhw אֱלֹהִים֙ חֲשָׁבָ֣הּ לְטֹבָ֔ה 1 Alternate translation: “God is using that evil to benefit us all” or “God planned that what you did would turn out to be good for me and everyone else” 50:20 buk0 לְמַ֗עַן עֲשֹׂ֛ה כַּיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּ֖ה 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “to accomplish what he is doing these days,” 50:20 ibeo לְהַחֲיֹ֥ת עַם רָֽב 1 Consider again how you translated “save (lives)” or “keep alive” in the book of Genesis. See Gen 7:3; 12:12; 19:19; 45:7; 47:25; 50:20. Alternate translation: “to save the lives of many people.” or “to keep many people alive.” or “keeping many people from dying.” 50:21 l5ls וְעַתָּה֙ 1 Alternate translation: “So again I tell you,” 50:21 mffx אַל תִּירָ֔אוּ 1 Consider again how you translated **do not be afraid** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 15:1; 21:17; 26:24; 35:17; 43:23; 46:3; 50:19, 21. Alternate translation: “you have nothing to fear.” 50:21 qnh9 אָנֹכִ֛י אֲכַלְכֵּ֥ל אֶתְכֶ֖ם וְאֶֽת טַפְּכֶ֑ם 1 In the Hebrew text here, **I** is an emphatic pronoun. Consider what is the best way to translate that in your language. Also, consider again how you translated **little ones** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 34:29; 43:8; 45:19; 46:5; 47:12, 24; 50:8, 21. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “I myself will take care of you and your children.” 50:21 m9g7 וַיְנַחֵ֣ם אוֹתָ֔ם 1 Consider again how you translated **comforted** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 24:67; 27:42; 37:35; 38:12; 50:21. It may be necessary to translate this term in different ways, depending on the context. Alternate translation: “In that way, Joseph consoled them that he had forgiven them,” 50:21 b5r9 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וַיְדַבֵּ֖ר עַל לִבָּֽם 1 The phrase **spoke to their hearts** is an idiom that means Joseph said things to comfort and encourage his brothers. Consider whether or not your language has an idiom with the same meaning that would work well here. Alternate translation: “and he also said other things to comfort them.” 50:22 m7hi וַיֵּ֤שֶׁב יוֹסֵף֙ 1 Alternate translation: “Joseph remained” or “Joseph continued to stay” 50:22 aydm בְּמִצְרַ֔יִם 1 Alternate translation: “in the land of Egypt,” 50:22 vkjk וַיְחִ֣י יוֹסֵ֔ף מֵאָ֥ה וָעֶ֖שֶׂר שָׁנִֽים 1 Consider whether or not it is better in your language to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He lived to be 110 years old.” 50:23 t5v8 rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַיַּ֤רְא יוֹסֵף֙ 1 Alternate translation: “So he was able to see” or “He lived long enough to know” 50:23 eo93 rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom יֻלְּד֖וּ עַל בִּרְכֵּ֥י יוֹסֵֽף 1 For some languages it is better to change the order of the phrases in this sentence and say, “He also lived to see his son Manasseh’s son Machir grow up, as well as Machir’s children.” or “He also lived to see the children of his grandson Machir grow up, who was Manasseh’s son.” Do what is best in your language. Also, the phrase “born on Joseph’s knees” is an idiom that means Joseph recognized Makir’s children as his descendants and that they grew up during his lifetime and spent time with him. 50:24 xusj אָנֹכִ֖י מֵ֑ת 1 Consider again how you translated **I am dying** in Gen 35:18; 48:21; 50:5, 24. 50:24 crgu rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom וֵֽאלֹהִ֞ים פָּקֹ֧ד יִפְקֹ֣ד אֶתְכֶ֗ם 1 The word **visit** is used here as an idiom that refers to God helping his people in a powerful way. See how you translated this idiom in Gen 21:1, where it has a slightly different meaning. Alternate translation: “but God will certainly help you” 50:24 y42d וְהֶעֱלָ֤ה אֶתְכֶם֙ מִן הָאָ֣רֶץ הַזֹּ֔את 1 Alternate translation: “and lead you and your descendants from this land” 50:24 fsoh אֶל הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִשְׁבַּ֛ע 1 Alternate translation: “to the land that he swore with an vow” 50:25 gptw וַיַּשְׁבַּ֣ע יוֹסֵ֔ף אֶת בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל לֵאמֹ֑ר 1 Consider again how you translated **swear** in the book of Genesis. See Gen 21:23 (and note), 24, 31; 22:16; 24:3, 7, 9, 37; 25:33; 26:3, 31; 31:53; 47:31; 50:5-6, 24-25. Alternate translation: “Then Joseph told his brothers and the rest of the descendants of Israel to promise with an oath that they would do something for him. He said,” 50:25 xz3m rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom פָּקֹ֨ד יִפְקֹ֤ד אֱלֹהִים֙ אֶתְכֶ֔ם 1 See how you translated **visit you** in verse 24. Alternate translation: “Yes, God will definitely help you, and when he does,” or “When God helps you that way,” 50:25 s9bh rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וְהַעֲלִתֶ֥ם אֶת עַצְמֹתַ֖י מִזֶּֽה 1 For some languages it may be clearer or more natural to change the order of clauses in this verse and say, “When God does that, you must take my body back to Canaan with you and bury it there.’ Then Joseph made/had his brothers and the rest of the descendants of Israel swear/promise with an oaththat they would do that.” Do what is best in your language. Alternate translation: “you must take my bones back to Canaan with you and bury it there.” 50:26 maum וַיָּ֣מָת יוֹסֵ֔ף בֶּן מֵאָ֥ה וָעֶ֖שֶׂר שָׁנִ֑ים 1 Alternate translation: “So Joseph died when he was 110 years old.” 50:26 q45p וַיַּחַנְט֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ 1 See how you translated **embalmed** in verses 2-3, and how you translated “physicians/doctors” in verse 2. Alternate translation: “And his morticians preserved his body for burial,” 50:26 l7kb rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive וַיִּ֥ישֶׂם 1 Consider what is the best way to translate this passive clause in your language. Alternate translation: “and they put him” or “and put his body” 50:26 vht8 בָּאָר֖וֹן 1 Alternate translation: “in a burial chest” 50:26 hcwb בְּמִצְרָֽיִם 1 Alternate translation: “in the land of Egypt.”