complete verse (Deuteronomy 31:1)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 31:1:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then Moses said to all the people of Israel” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “At that time Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel,” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Moises continued to speak to the all the Israelinhon.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “When Moses/I finished saying all that to the Israeli people,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 31:1

Moses continued to speak: this translates the Masoretic version of the Hebrew text, which says literally “Moses went and spoke”; the Qumran Hebrew manuscript and the Septuagint have “Moses finished speaking.” There are several factors that must be considered in deciding which one to follow. Hebrew Old Testament Text Project (decision {C}) prefers the Masoretic text, citing factors 5 (assimilation to parallel passages) and 4 (easier reading). If the Masoretic text is followed, it can be understood in two different ways: (1) “Moses went and spoke,” indicating movement on Moses’ part (so New Jerusalem Bible, New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New International Version); or (2) “Moses continued to speak” (Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, Bible en français courant, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy, Nova Tradução na Linguagem de Hoje, BÍBLIA para todos Edição Comum). If the translator wishes to follow the other text, as do New Revised Standard Version and Revised English Bible, a footnote should be added, indicating the source of this wording. This Handbook recommends that translators follow Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation.

All Israel: that is, “all the people of Israel.”

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 .