And yet they did not listen to their judges: The English conjunctions And yet (literally “And also”) introduce well the strong contrast between what God did for the Israelites and the way the people responded. These two words might be rendered “However” or “But” (Good News Translation). Many versions include the word “even” to help express how surprising the response of the Israelites was, for example, “yet even to their judges they did not listen” (Revised English Bible). Translators should find a good way to express the important contrast here.
Listen renders the Hebrew verb shamaʿ (“hear,” “understand,” or “obey”), which, along with its negative counterpart “disobey,” are key expressions both in this book and in the book of Deuteronomy. To “hear” or “obey” does not refer to a one-time event or act, but to a general attitude, a conscious following of the LORD and his commandments. The judges in this book do not often verbally admonish the Israelites to follow the LORD. But their authority to lead has its source in God, so not listening to them is equivalent to not listening to God. Translators must be sure that they render the full impact of this clause. In some languages the verb for “hear” also means “obey,” so the verb listen can be rendered rather literally. Otherwise, “obey” and “heed” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) are possibilities. For did not listen, a good rendering is “refused to listen” (similarly Contemporary English Version). Good News Translation says “paid no attention,” which seems somewhat weak. Other possibilities are “did not do what their leaders requested” and “refused to do….”
For they played the harlot after other gods: This clause begins with the Hebrew particle ki rendered for. This word often introduces a reason, but in many contexts it can have an emphatic function. Since what follows here does not appear to give a reason, the translator could use an emphatic particle or conjunction such as “indeed,” “in fact,” or “actually.” Some versions omit the word altogether and simply begin a new sentence (Good News Translation, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Some versions even suggest “but” (Contemporary English Version, New International Version).
They played the harlot is a figurative expression found in key passages in Deuteronomy and Judges (Deut 31.16; Jdg 8.27, 33), as well as in prophetic literature, especially Ezekiel and Hosea. It describes in very graphic terms Israel’s unfaithfulness to Yahweh. The covenant relationship or alliance with Yahweh is like a marriage vow that demands the faithfulness of both husband and wife. So when Israel turns away from the LORD, this is compared to playing the harlot or acting like a prostitute, referring to women who sell their sexual favors in return for a payment. This figurative way of speaking of unfaithfulness to God is very common in the Old Testament, so translators should try to find appropriate expressions that can be used throughout Scripture. In some languages this imagery will be effective, but if not, the translator may say “they were unfaithful to the LORD” (similarly Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version).
After other gods repeats the phrase used in verse 2.12 (see comments there). However, in combination with the phrase played the harlot, this expression becomes even stronger. The Israelites’ desire to follow other gods is compared to illicit sexual desire. Thus New Revised Standard Version says “they lusted after other gods.” Translators will have to reflect on how best to render both the meaning, and if possible, the imagery here. New Jerusalem Bible translates “They prostituted themselves to other gods,” while Revised English Bible is even more explicit, saying “They prostituted themselves by worshipping other gods.” If such imagery is not well understood, other possible renderings are “they were unfaithful, following other gods” and “they were unfaithful [to the LORD] and worshiped other gods.” Another possible model is “they abandoned themselves to [or, gave themselves over to] other gods.”
And bowed down to them: See comments on verse 2.12.
They soon turned aside from the way in which their fathers had walked, who had obeyed the commandments of the LORD: This statement repeats the idea just expressed, but in somewhat plainer language. However, the text still contains figures of speech, since the Israelites are said to “turn aside” from the “road” on which their fathers “walked.” Soon refers to the short time it took the Israelites to forget their past deliverer. In some languages it may be better to use an adverb, such as “quickly,” or a verb phrase, such as “were quick to.” This statement is confirmed later, since, as soon as a leader dies, the Israelites go right back to worshiping other gods. In many languages around the world, life in general or one’s behavior in life is compared to following a way, a road, or a path (see also Deut 9.12, 16; Prov 2.20; verse 3.6). Turned aside from the way is a metaphor for doing the wrong thing, making bad decisions in life, or orienting one’s life in the wrong way. Here the text is more specific, saying the Israelites turned off the path their fathers had walked. For fathers see verse 2.1. These fathers or “ancestors” (Good News Translation) are further described as those who had obeyed the commandments of the LORD. The Hebrew word rendered obeyed is the same one translated listen at the beginning of the verse, and forms a stark contrast to the new generation who did not “listen.” See also Deut 11.13, 27. The Hebrew word rendered commandments (mitswah), occurring only twice in this book (here and in verse 3.4), is used in reference to the commands or orders of human beings or of God.
Taken as a whole, this sentence means the people of Israel abandoned or gave up the lifestyle, behavior, and traditions of their ancestors, which involved following the LORD and obeying his commandments. If at all possible, translators should try to preserve some of the imagery here. For example, New American Bible says “They were quick to stray from the way their fathers had taken, and did not follow their example of obedience to the commandments of the LORD.” Revised English Bible has another good rendering: “all too soon they abandoned the path of obedience to the LORD’s commands which their forefathers had followed.” However, some languages will prefer to drop the figurative language, as Good News Translation has done. Contemporary English Version also expresses this sentence without the imagery by translating “In years gone by, the Israelites had been faithful to the LORD, but now they were quick to be unfaithful.”
And they did not do so: In Hebrew there is no conjunction here. However, in many languages a conjunction such as “but” or “however” might express the contrast between the old and new generations. The pronoun they refers to the new generation of Israelites. Did not do so refers back to the ancestors’ actions, namely, obeying the LORD’s commands. Thus the new generation did not obey the LORD. So expresses the Hebrew particle meaning “thus” or “in the same manner.” A possible rendering is “The new generation did not follow Yahweh’s commands in the way their ancestors had.”
Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .