complete verse (2 Samuel 13:14)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Samuel 13:14:

  • Kupsabiny: “But Amnon dried up his head (was stubborn). Since he had strength surpassing his sister, he managed to press/rape her sister.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “But he would not listen to Tamar and because of he was stronger than Tamar he took her forcefully and raped her.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But Amnon did- not -listen to her, and because he was stronger than Tamar he raped her.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But he would not listen to her. He was stronger than she was, so he forced her to have sex with him.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Samuel 13:14

But: what follows is contrary to Tamar’s request. For this reason the Hebrew conjunction is to be translated by something that marks contrast.

He would not listen to her: literally “he did not want to listen to her voice.” New American Bible has “not heeding her plea….” The same idea is repeated in verse 16 after the rape had taken place.

Forced her: that is, used his superior strength to take advantage of her sexually. As in verse 12 above, the verb “rape” is certainly a possible translation. But “rape” is more appropriate for the expression that follows. In view of this context it may be better to translate the idea of “compelled” or “overwhelmed” here.

Lay with her: in view of the use of force, this verb may be translated “raped her,” as in Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible, and New International Version, if the language has a special verb for this kind of action.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on the First and Second Books of Samuel, Volume 2. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2001. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .