complete verse (Deuteronomy 32:29)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 32:29:

  • Kupsabiny: “If they had had understanding, they would have realized these words/matters
    and known what would happen to them in the end.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “If they had had wisdom,
    they would have understood this matter.
    They would be able to understand what will happen to them.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “If they are only wise, they would have understand what will-be- they -are-destined-to.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “If you were wise, you would understand why you would be punished;
    you would have realized what was going to happen to you.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 32:29

If they were wise, they would understand this: this refers to the punishment that their evil behavior brought upon them, as described in verses 20-25 (see Good News Translation). See the similar passage in 5.20.

Discern their latter end: they would see beforehand what was going to happen to them; see verse 20.

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 .