complete verse (Exodus 21:15)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 21:15:

  • Kupsabiny: “And any person who has beaten his father or mother, that one should be killed.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Anyone who strikes his father or mother shall surely be put to death.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “‘Anyone who hurts/hits his father and mother should be-put-to-death.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “‘If anyone hits his father or his mother, you (pl.) must strike him dead.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “one who hit father or mother, let them kill him.” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “Anyone who strikes his father or mother must surely be executed.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 21:15

This is the second participial law. Literally the Hebrew says “And the striker of his father and [or] his mother dying he shall die.” The word for “striker” is identical with verse 12. The context clearly indicates that or is the intended meaning rather than “and.” Shall be put to death is the emphatic form explained at verse 12.

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 .