Verse 32 is given to explain the origin of a dietary taboo. Nothing is said in any other part of the Old Testament about abstaining from eating this part of an animal. It is, however, prohibited in the Mishna, which is a collection of Jewish laws written in the early Christian era; and this may reflect a much more ancient tradition.

Therefore to this day makes it clear that this comment comes from a much later period than that of the Patriarchs. This introductory statement may also be rendered, for example, “still today,” “even today,” or “right up to this day.”

The Israelites do not eat the sinew of the hip which is upon the hollow of the thigh: sinew of the hip translates a Hebrew expression that is used only here. Part of the expression refers to the sinew (or tendon). These are tough white bands of connective tissue that attach the muscle, in this instance, to the hip joint. Translations vary considerably in the way they express this. New English Bible has “sinew of the nerve that runs in the hollow of the thigh,” Revised English Bible “sinew that is on the hollow of the thigh,” Biblia Dios Habla Hoy “the tendon that is in the hip joint,” Bible en français courant “the thigh muscle that is in the hip joint.” Note also Good News Translation.

Because he touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh on the sinew of the hip: touched is as in verse 25. See there for translation. Most translations do not need to repeat the detailed statement of what was struck. Note Good News Translation “on this muscle,” and Revised English Bible “on that sinew.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .