complete verse (1 Chronicles 5:24)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Chronicles 5:24:

  • Kupsabiny: “The people who were leaders in the clans were these: Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah and Jahdiel. All these people were famous as fierce men of battle.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The heads [lit.: main people] of their families were Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah and Jahdiel. All of these were very strong, famous, and leaders of their families.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “These were the leaders/[lit. heads] of their families: Efer, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremias, Hodavia, and Jadiel. They were good soldiers and famous leaders/[lit. heads] of their families.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Their clan leaders were Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel. They were all strong, brave, and famous soldiers, and leaders of their clans.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Chronicles 5:24

These were the heads of their fathers’ houses …: The demonstrative pronoun These refers to the names that follow in this verse. Heads is a literal translation, which may be expressed as “chiefs” (Bible en français courant, Nouvelle version Segond révisée) or “leaders” (Contemporary English Version). In most languages it is more natural to render their fathers’ houses as “their clans” (New Revised Standard Version) or “their families” (Revised English Bible, New Jerusalem Bible).

Epher is literally “and Epher,” but all translations, along with the ancient versions, correctly omit the conjunction.

Mighty warriors is literally “men warriors/vigorous of strength.” Other translations include “outstanding soldiers” (Good News Translation), “men of ability” (Revised English Bible), and “stout fighting men” (New Jerusalem Bible).

Famous men is literally “men of names.” In the Old Testament “name” frequently means “reputation.” To have a good name was to have a good reputation. To have a “name” could also mean that one was famous or “well-known” (Good News Translation). New Jerusalem Bible says “men of renown.” Nothing is known of the tribal leaders listed in this verse. The one named Jeremiah is certainly not the well-known prophet.

The repetition of heads of their fathers’ houses at the end of this verse may be considered unnatural in some languages. If so, this second occurrence may be omitted.

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 5:24

5:24a These were the heads of their families:

The following people were the leaders in their clans:
-or-
The following men ⌊of East Manasseh⌋ were the heads of their families.

5:24b Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel.

⌊They were⌋ Epher, Ishi, Eliel, Azriel, Jeremiah, Hodaviah, and Jahdiel.
-or-

⌊Their names were⌋ Epher and Ishi and Eliel and Azriel and Jeremiah and Hodaviah and Jahdiel.

5:24c They were mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of their families.

They were all strong, brave, and famous soldiers, and leaders of their clans. (Translation for Translators)
-or-
They were all outstanding soldiers, well-known leaders of their clans. (GNTD)

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