Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Numbers 23:10:
- Kupsabiny: “The descendants of Jacob are many like the sand,
Who is able to count the people of Israel?
It would be better if death could get me while being righteous
and my life had better come to an end like theirs.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation) - Newari: “The descendants of Jacob who are throngs of people like dust
is anyone able to count [them]?
Even one part [of] the Israelites in four parts
who is able to count [them]?
May I get to die like a righteous person!
May my life come [lit.: go] to an end like theirs!"” (Source: Newari Back Translation) - Hiligaynon: “None can-count their numbers which is like dust. May my death be like them who are righteous.’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
- English: “Who can count the descendants of Jacob; they are as numerous as particles of <dust/dirt>?/No one can count the descendants of Jacob; they are as numerous as particles of <dust/dirt>!
Who can count even a quarter of the Israeli people?/No one can count even a quarter of the Israeli people!
I wish/hope that I will die like righteous people die;
I hope that I will die peacefully like they will die.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)
