And Ehud made for himself a sword with two edges …: This verse, introduced by a Hebrew waw conjunction, is almost an “aside,” since it stops the story line to provide some useful information. It heightens interest, as readers wonder what its significance is. Many languages have special particles or conjunctions (such as “Now” in English) that would be able to introduce such information. In some languages the verb tense-aspect may change to show that the action here is prior to Ehud’s departure, for example, “Now Ehud had made for himself….” Contemporary English Version combines 3.15-16 making the transition clear: “They put Ehud in charge of taking the taxes to King Eglon, but before Ehud went, he made….” In some languages a new paragraph will begin here.
Ehud was appointed by the Israelite leaders to carry the tribute to the Moabite king. But his preparations are rather unusual, as he makes a weapon. Made for himself could imply that Ehud fabricated the sword by himself, but it is more likely that he ordered it made or had it made with the help of a craftsman. For his purposes this sword had to be shorter than what is normally thought of as a sword. The word “dagger” (Contemporary English Version, New American Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh) or “knife” might be appropriate here. This knife is described as having two edges (literally “two mouths”), that is, “double-edged” (Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version). In some languages a verbal expression may express the same idea, for example, “both sides of the dagger had been sharpened [or, were sharp].”
A cubit in length is literally “a gomed [was] its length.” This is the only occurrence of the Hebrew word gomed in the Old Testament. Some versions transliterate this measure, while others render it as cubit. The cubit is a traditional measure, generally the distance from the fingertips or knuckles to the elbow, that is, “about 18 inches” (Revised English Bible) or “about fifty centimeters” (Bible en français courant). This describes the “short cubit,” since there is another cubit measure known as the “long cubit,” which is one hand-width longer than this one. Many cultures will have such traditional measures, but translators will have to decide whether to use them or to use modern measurements here. Some translation teams prefer to use an older term in the target language, in order to help the younger generation learn and use these terms. The modern measure could be put in a footnote or the glossary. This part of the book has an almost folktale style, which is perhaps why Contemporary English Version leaves this detail out. However, this small fact shows Ehud’s foresight in planning his attack and should not be omitted.
And he girded it on his right thigh under his clothes: This clause continues to explain how Ehud prepared himself to meet the king. Revised Standard Version shifts the order of some Hebrew phrases, which says literally “and he strapped her [the sword] under his clothes on his right thigh.” Translators can adopt any natural order in their language. The conjunction and introduces a subsequent action but there may have been a significant time lapse. It may only be once he arrived near to the king that Ehud carried out this action. New International Version transforms this clause into a relative one, which solves the problem: “a double-edged sword … which he strapped….” Girded renders a Hebrew verb (chagar) that refers to “tying something around.” In this context and in other occurrences in this book (verse 18.11, 16, 17), the verb refers to being “armed.” Various possibilities are “fastened” (New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible), “strapped” (Contemporary English Version, New International Version, New Jerusalem Bible), and even “tied.” The pronoun it refers to the sword or dagger. An appropriate pronoun can be used here. There may be a kind of play on words as Ehud was “tied in the hand” and “girded on the right thigh.”
On his right thigh is where Ehud fastened the dagger. It is significant that Ehud fastens the knife to his right side, since this would give a left-handed person quick and easy access. The mention of this detail continues the play on words, as Ehud is a “son of the right [hand].”
The short sword was worn under his clothes, meaning that it was hidden. In some languages it may be necessary to say what kind of clothes Ehud was wearing. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh says “under his cloak,” which sounds old-fashioned and not culturally appropriate. Contemporary English Version is better with “under his robes.” However, if possible, translators should use a generic word such as “clothing.”
This verse heightens the suspense as readers are wondering what Ehud’s plan is. Translation examples for this verse are:
• Now Ehud had a dagger made, about 50 centimeters long and sharpened on both sides of the blade, and he tied it to his right thigh under his clothes.
• Now Ehud made himself a short sword 18 inches long and sharpened both its edges. He fastened it on his right side, hidden under his clothing.
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 .