complete verse (1 Chronicles 1:33)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Chronicles 1:33:

  • Kupsabiny: “And the sons that Midian produced were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The sons of Midian were Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida and Elidaah.
    All these are Keturah’s descendants.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The male children Midian were Efa, Efer, Hanoc, Abida, and Eldaa. These were all the descendants of Ketura.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)

Translation commentary on 1 Chronicles 1:33

The sons of Midian …: In many languages it will be necessary to supply a verb here. Some may say “These were the sons of Midian…,” while others will prefer “Midian’s sons were…” (New Century Version).

Ephah, the first of Midian’s five sons, may have been the leading tribe of the Midianites. According to Isa 60.6, the tribe of Ephah was famous for its camel breeding.

The name Hanoch is spelled the same as the name “Enoch” in Hebrew. Nearly all translations here say “Hanoch,” but Revised English Bible has “Enoch.”

All these were the descendants of Keturah: Good News Translation omits this sentence since the previous verse has already stated this same information. But as in previous verses that have similar summary statements (verses 23 and 31), in many languages it may be considered perfectly natural to repeat this information.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Chronicles 1:33

1:33a The sons of Midian: Ephah, Epher, Hanoch, Abida, and Eldaah.

Midian ⌊had five sons. Their names were⌋ Ephah, Epher, Hanok, Abida, and Eldaah.
-or-
⌊Abraham and Keturah’s third son⌋ Midian ⌊also had sons. His sons’ names were⌋ Ephah, Epher, Hanok, Abida, and Eldaah.

1:33b All of these were Keturah’s sons.

All of them were the descendants of Keturah, ⌊who was one of Abraham’s concubines⌋ .
-or-
All these ⌊men⌋ came through the lineage of Keturah. ⌊(She was one of Abraham’s wives of lower status.)⌋

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