Translation commentary on Exod 40:38

Throughout all their journeys again comes at the very end of the verse, as in verse 36. (See the comment there.) But the verse begins with For, which translates a Hebrew particle that may also mean “Indeed” (Durham) or “So” (New International Version). The cloud of the LORD, literally “cloud of Yahweh,” is translated in Good News Translation as “the cloud of the LORD’s presence.” This, of course, is implied from the context. Was upon the tabernacle by day is literally “upon the mishkan during the day,” with the verb was implied. And fire was in it by night is literally “and fire was at night in it,” with the verb was explicit in the Hebrew. The pronoun it refers to the cloud and not to the tabernacle. New Revised Standard Version has now made this clear: “and fire was in the cloud by night.” Translator’s Old Testament has “and at night fire shone in the cloud.” Contemporary English Version is also possible: “each night a fire could be seen in the cloud.”

In the sight of all the house of Israel is literally “in the eyes of all the house of Israel.” The house of Israel really means “all the Israelites,” so Revised English Bible is clearer, “all the Israelites could see it.”

An alternative translation model for this verse is:

• No matter where the Israelites traveled, the LORD was with them. Each day they could see his cloud over the tent, and each night they could see a fire burning in the cloud.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments