complete verse (1 Kings 15:21)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 15:21:

  • Kupsabiny: “But/And when Baasha heard like that, he abandoned the construction where he was renovating the wall of Ramah and went to guard Tirzah.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Hearing this report, Baasha abandoned the work of fortifying Ramah. And he went back to Tirzah.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “When Baasha heard it, he had-stopped the strengthening of Rama, and he returned to Tirza.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “When Baasha heard about that, he told his soldiers to stop working at Ramah. He and his soldiers returned to Tirzah and stayed there.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Kings 15:21

The Hebrew of this verse begins with the verbal transition sometimes rendered “And it came to pass” (King James Version). The purpose of this transition seems to be to change the focus from the actions of Asa to the reaction of Baasha. But it may be unnecessary to include any overt representation of this transition in most languages.

The verb building here and in verse 22 is better translated “fortifying” (see the comments on verse 17).

The Hebrew says that Baasha dwelt in Tirzah, which was the capital city of the northern kingdom (see 1 Kgs 14.17) until Samaria became the capital. New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “remained in Tirzah.” The Septuagint, which is followed by New Jerusalem Bible and Osty-Trinquet, says “retired to Tirzah.” Even if the Masoretic Text is followed, it may be better for translation reasons in some languages to supply the verb “returned,” which is understood in the Hebrew, by saying “returned to Tirzah and stayed there.”

Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text and argues that the verb dwelt is used here as a technical military term, meaning that Baasha remained militarily inactive and did not respond to the military attacks against his kingdom by the Syrians.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on 1 Kings 15:21

15:21 When Baasha learned of this, he stopped fortifying Ramah and withdrew to Tirzah.

When Baasha heard about this, he stopped making Ramah into a strong/fortified ⌊city⌋. He left ⌊Ramah/Judah⌋ and went back to live in ⌊the city of⌋ Tirzah.
-or-
They/Men told Baasha that ⌊Ben-Hadad had attacked Israel⌋. So Baasha abandoned Ramah. He returned to ⌊his own city of⌋ Tirzah and stayed there.

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