The scene now becomes quite comical as Sisera is now seemingly hidden under a blanket, making requests of Jael. Like a child who has been put to bed, Sisera asks for something to drink. This will go counter to what is known in some cultures where the first thing a hostess would do for a guest is to offer water or some other beverage. Translators should tell the story as it is presented, however, with the hope that readers will realize there is much irony and humor being expressed here.

And he said to her: And renders the Hebrew waw conjunction, but most versions leave it untranslated.

Pray, give me a little water to drink: Pray renders the Hebrew particle naʾ, which gives a pleading tone to the request here. “Please” would be a close English equivalent, but translators will need to find an appropriate expression in their language. Give … to drink renders a single verb in Hebrew, which is literally “cause to drink.” The tone is all the more pitiful because he asks for just a little water. For this clause Contemporary English Version captures the tone with “Could I have a little water?”

For I am thirsty gives the reason for the request. For renders the Hebrew conjunction ki, introducing the reason for the request. Most languages will not need to express this conjunction, because the link between the two clauses is obvious (see Good News Translation). However, some may prefer to reverse the order by saying “I’m thirsty. Could you give me a little water [to drink]?” Most languages have idiomatic expressions for I am thirsty. For example, many African languages will say “Thirst is killing/hitting me.” Any natural equivalent will be acceptable here.

So she opened a skin of milk: So is a possible rendering for the Hebrew waw conjunction here, but there is a slight problem because Jael did not do the expected thing. Instead of bringing water, Jael gets milk. So it may be better to leave this conjunction untranslated or use one that does not introduce a result.

Opened renders a general Hebrew word, but here it refers to opening a container made out of an animal skin. In Israel most liquids were kept in such containers, which are still in use today in many cultures around the world. Good News Translation speaks of a “leather bag,” Contemporary English Version has “leather bottle,” and New American Bible “jug.” Translators should avoid modern terms that do not fit the biblical culture.

The milk would probably be goat’s milk, not cow’s milk, so if the target language makes a distinction, the word for goat’s milk can be used. Giving milk instead of water indicates not only Jael’s gracious hospitality but the guest’s noble status. This is part of the irony of the story as will be made more evident in the poetic version (verse 5.25). Milk is also known to help people sleep so this may be part of Jael’s plan.

And gave him a drink is literally “and she made/let him drink.” Once again the narrative mirrors the previous dialogue.

And covered him implies that Jael uncovered Sisera to give him a drink and covered him back again. The same verb is used here as in verse 4.18. However, in this context we might say “and she covered him back up” or “and she hid him once again.” Here again the storyteller expresses humor and irony, since the great general is “tucked into bed.”

A translation model for this verse is:

• He said to her, “Please, I’m thirsty. Give me a little water.” So she opened her skin gourd and gave him a drink of milk, and covered him back up.

We can also use indirect speech here, though much of the humor would be lost:

• Sisera was thirsty so he asked her for a drink of water. Jael opened a container and gave him a drink of milk, then covered him over.

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 .