complete verse (Exodus 12:47)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 12:47:

  • Kupsabiny: “Let the whole stomach/community of Israel eat this festival.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “All the people of Israel must observe this festival.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The whole community of Israel must celebrate this.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “All the populace of Israel, they must do this feast.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “People of Israel all, its is necessary that they must remember it.” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “All the Israeli people must celebrate this festival.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 12:47

All the congregation of Israel is identical to verse 3, referring to all the Israelites, or “The whole community of Israel.” Shall keep it, literally “they will do it,” refers to “this festival,” or “this feast” (Revised English Bible), and not to the animal. New Revised Standard Version‘s “shall celebrate it” is an improvement.

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .