fat, oil

The different Hebrew and Greek terms that are translated as “(olive) oil” and “(animal) fat” in English are translated in Kwere with only one term: mavuta. (Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

complete verse (Exodus 30:38)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 30:38:

  • Kupsabiny: “And anyone who makes one like that so that he enjoys its sweetness, he ought to be chased away from my people.’” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Whoever makes any like it for the enjoyment of its fragrance must be cut off from the midst of his people.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Whoever/Any-one-who makes this which he will-use as perfume you (plur.) should- not -consider a-part-of you (plur.).’” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “If anyone wants the smell of this incense and so makes his incense to become similar like this, you (pl.) must dissociate with him so that he goes far from they families of your people.’” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “one who will mix incense which be equal with it, they will be divided with his people.»” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “I will consider that anyone who makes incense like this to use it for perfume will no longer be allowed to associate with my people.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 30:38

Whoever makes any like it, literally “a man who will make like it,” refers, of course, to the incense described in verses 34-35. To use as perfume is literally “to smell in it.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh has “to smell of it,” but New American Bible has “for his own enjoyment of its fragrance.” The intended meaning is “to enjoy its fragrance” (New International Version), “for his own enjoyment” (Revised English Bible), or simply “to use as perfume” (Contemporary English Version). Shall be cut off from his people is identical with the expression in verse 33. (See the comment there.)

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 .