complete verse (1 Kings 4:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 4:18:

  • Kupsabiny: “Shimei son of Ela was in charge of the region of Benjamin.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Shimei, son of Ela in Benjamin,” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Shimei the child of Ela, who was-in-charge of Benjamin.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Ela’s son Shimei, for the territory of the tribe of Benjamin;” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Kings 4:18

Shimei the son of Ela was in charge of the eleventh administrative district, which corresponded to the territory allotted to the tribe of Benjamin. Since the name of the person Benjamin is well known, it will be especially important in this context to make it clear that it is the territory that is intended.

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 .