complete verse (1 Samuel 30:30)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Samuel 30:30:

  • Kupsabiny: “Hormah, Borashan, Athach and” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “to Hormah, Bor-ashan, to Athach,” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “in Horma, Borashan, Atac,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Hormah, Bor-Ashan, Athach,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Samuel 30:30

Hormah was one of the cities belonging to the tribe of Judah (see Josh 15.30). The meaning of the name is disputed. It apparently is related to the verb meaning “dedicate to destruction” (see Num 21.3 and Judges 1.17). Nueva Biblia Española translates this name here and elsewhere as “Exterminio,” that is, “Destruction.”

Borashan: this town is located about eight kilometers (five miles) northwest of Beer-sheba and is called “Ashan” elsewhere in the Old Testament (see Josh 15.42; 19.7). The name Borashan means “well of Ashan” or “well of smoke.” Nueva Biblia Española translates this name as “Pozodehumo,” that is, “Well-of-smoke.”

Athach: some would correct this name to “Ether” (so Anchor Bible and La Bible Pléiade), a city paired with Ashan in Josh 15.42; 19.7, and located about twenty-four kilometers (or about fifteen miles) northwest of Hebron. Critique Textuelle de l’Ancien Testament gives a {B} rating to the Masoretic Text but notes the possibility that the spelling Athach may be a corruption in spelling of the name “Ether.” Athach is not mentioned elsewhere in the Old Testament.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .