complete verse (Deuteronomy 33:15)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 33:15:

  • Kupsabiny: “Let them get food of the old mountains
    and much food from the mountains of forever.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “May He give them the offerings of the very old mountains that are liked most of all,
    and the precious provisions of the eternal mountains.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “May-it-be that their mountains in ancient times will-produce well/[lit. good] and abundant fruits.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “I desire/hope that very nice fruit will grow on trees in their ancient mountains/hills ,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 33:15

The finest produce … the abundance: these are parallel terms, indicating quality and quantity. So we may say “choice fruits” (Contemporary English Version).

The ancient mountains … the everlasting hills: these are parallel expressions and mean the same thing. See Gen 49.26, also of Joseph. The Good News Translation translation will serve as a good alternative model.

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 .