complete verse (Deuteronomy 25:12)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 25:12:

  • Kupsabiny: “the hand of that woman is to be cut off without pity.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “you are to cut off her hand, do not pity her.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “the hand of the woman must be cut-off without pity.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “do not act mercifully toward her; cut off her hand.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 25:12

You shall cut off her hand: the proper authorities are to make the decision. It is pointed out that only here (besides the “law of retaliation” ruling in 19.21) is mutilation prescribed as appropriate punishment.

Your eye shall have no pity: the same phrase used in 19.21.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .