complete verse (Deuteronomy 6:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 6:6:

  • Kupsabiny: “Fix these words that I am telling you this day in the head.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The commands that I am about to give you today must be in your hearts.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “You (plur.) do- not [gid/intensifier] -forget these commands which I gave to you (plur.) today.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Never forget these commands that I am giving to you today.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 6:6

These words which I command you this day: Moses is talking about the laws that, on that day, he is ordering the Israelites to obey. In verses 6-9 the second person “you” and “your” are singular in the Hebrew text; the people are addressed as a whole, and every individual is included. However, in some languages the plural will be more natural style.

Shall be upon your heart: in Hebrew thought the heart was the center of thought, of intellectual activity, as was noted under verse 5 and 4.29. This command means they are to remember and never forget these commandments. Revised English Bible has “are to be remembered and taken to heart”; New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh translates “take to heart.” Another model is “Memorize these laws that I am giving you today.”

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 .