Choose wise, understanding, and experienced men: the men they are to select are to have characteristics designated by three words that are broadly similar, whose meanings overlap one another. The first two, wise and understanding, are words used many times in the Old Testament. If there is a difference in meaning, wise may be used to describe someone who considers every matter very carefully, and understanding describes someone with good judgment or discernment. If a language does not have a range of terms like the Hebrew, we may combine the two terms and say, for example, “People who consider every matter very carefully,” or even idiomatically, “people with very big minds.” The third word, experienced, is not used as often. It is a passive construction of the verb “to know,” and so probably means “known,” that is, “reputable,” “respected.” So New Revised Standard Version has “reputable,” and Bible en français courant “having a good reputation.” In a number of languages we may also say “have much face.” Revised English Bible translates “men of wisdom, understanding, and repute.” The first part of this verse may thus be translated:

• You must choose some men who are known for their ability to consider every matter carefully and who also have a good reputation.

According to your tribes: this may mean “for your tribes” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible), but it most likely means “from your tribes” (Good News Translation, Bible en français courant, Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy). It is better to say “from each [or, every] tribe.” If the possessive “your” excludes Moses (as though he did not belong to one of the tribes of Israel), it seems better to say “from every one of the twelve tribes.” Traditionally tribes in English and its equivalent in other languages has been used to translate the Hebrew word; but in some languages something like “clans” or “family groups” will be more adequate, since the tribes of Israel were subgroups of the people as a whole.

I will appoint them as your heads: after the people have chosen these men, Moses will officially install, or commission, them as leaders of the people. The word heads (that is, leaders) probably involves military and executive (or, judicial) authority.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .