Translation commentary on Ezekiel 20:4

At the end of the previous verse God was addressing the Israelite leaders through Ezekiel. Here he addresses Ezekiel.

Will you judge them, son of man, will you judge them?: Although the form of the Hebrew is a repeated question here, it is best to translate this question as a very strong command, for example, translators may say “You judge them, Ezekiel! You judge them!” Moffatt has “Arraign them, son of man, arraign them” (similarly New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh), Revised English Bible says “Bring a charge against them, O man!” New Living Translation uses “Son of man, bring charges against them and condemn them,” and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch translates “Man, you should call them to account instead.”

Then let them know the abominations of their fathers: Let them know may be rendered “Tell them” (Revised English Bible), “Remind them” (Good News Translation), or “bring to their attention.” For abominations, which refers primarily to the worship of false gods, see 5.9. Their fathers refers to their ancestors, both men and women. It is better not to use a term that refers only to males. The abominations of their fathers may be translated “the disgusting things their ancestors did” (Good News Translation).

Quoted with permission from Gross, Carl & Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Ezekiel. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

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