tithe

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “tithe” in English (which etymologically has the meaning of “the tenth”) is translated in Mokole as “(give) the tenth part.” This is the translation that most languages use that don’t use a specialized term like English does. See also complete verse (Hebrews 7:4) et al.

Source for Mokole: Hilary Deneufchâtel.

Levite

The Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic and Latin that is transliterated “Levites” in English (only the Contemporary English Version translates it as “temple helpers”) is translated in Ojitlán Chinantec as “temple caretakers,” Yatzachi Zapotec as “people born in the family line of Levi, people whose responsibility it was to do the work in the important church of the Israelites,” in Alekano as “servants in the sacrifice house from Jerusalem place,” and in Tenango Otomi as “helpers of priests.” (Source: M. Larson / B. Moore in Notes on Translation February 1970, p. 1-125.)

In American Sign Language with a sign that combines “temple” + “servant.” (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Levite” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

For the sign in Spanish Sign Language, see Levi.

More information about Levites .

complete verse (2 Chronicles 31:12)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Chronicles 31:12:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then the things that people had given (freely) and the things that had been set aside for God were brought. The big man who was given to be in charge of those things was Konaniah who came from the clan of Levi. And his assistant was his brother who was called Shimei.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Being faithful, the people all brought their offerings and tithes. Conaniah the Levite was in charge of that whole storage place, and his younger brother, Shimei was the one who helped him.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “And the people faithfully brought their offerings, tenths, and the things that they dedicated to the LORD. Conania a Levite was-the-one entrusted of these things, and his helper was his brother Simei.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then they brought into the storerooms all the tithes and offerings and the things dedicated to Yahweh which the people had brought. One of the descendants of Levi whose name was Conaniah was in charge of those things, and his younger brother Shimei was his assistant.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Chronicles 31:12

And they faithfully brought in the contributions, the tithes and the dedicated things: The Hebrew noun translated faithfully occurs at the end of this sentence in the Hebrew text, but it clearly modifies the verb brought in, and good English style requires that it be brought forward. The Hebrew noun comes from a root that expresses the idea of faithfulness and steadfastness. The idea seems to be that they acted “conscientiously” (New Jerusalem Bible, Anchor Bible). But the Hebrew noun seems to have the idea of “security” in Isa 33.6. This use of the noun is the basis for Good News Translation‘s rendering, which is “for safekeeping” (similarly New American Bible). Either interpretation is possible, but the larger context seems to favor the first interpretation.

The Hebrew noun translated contributions (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh “gifts”) comes from a root meaning “to lift” or “to raise.” The noun refers to something that was lifted or raised from a larger whole in order to present it as an offering. Here, these were freewill offerings as opposed to the tithes, which were legally required. For tithes see the comments on 2Chr 31.5; for dedicated things, see 2Chr 31.6.

The chief officer in charge of them was Conaniah the Levite, with Shime-i his brother as second: King Hezekiah and the High Priest Azariah appointed two Levites, Conaniah and his brother Shime-i, to be in charge of the Temple storage chambers. They were assisted by ten other Levites (named in verse 13). Conaniah is referred to as the Levite, but the presence of the definite article may be misleading in English. Since there were many Levites, it will probably be better to say simply “a Levite” as in Good News Translation and New International Version. The definite article was probably used because this particular man was well known at the time. That Shimei was second to Conaniah means that he “was next to him in authority” (An American Translation).

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 2 Chronicles 31:12

31:12a And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts.

When the Levites collected the contributions, tithes and dedicated gifts, they showed that they were trustworthy.
-or-
The men of Levi showed themselves to be reliable workers when they gathered the offerings, a tenth of the produce, and the other sacred gifts.

31:12b Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them,

Conaniah was the Levite who was in charge of the collection.
-or-
A man from Levi named Conaniah directed the other Levites in this work.

31:12c and his brother Shimei was second.

Shimei, his brother, also helped him to manage this task.
-or-
His brother Shimei was second in command.

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