complete verse (Exodus 35:33)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 35:33:

  • Kupsabiny: “(He) shapes the stones for lining, (he)also shapes wood and he has wisdom for any work.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “to cut and set stones, to make a design in wood and to do all kinds of work perfectly.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “to form/(cut) expensive stones which is to-cover/put-over; to carve the wood; and to all kinds of work-to-be-done.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “And his knowledge is great with regard to cutting stones which have a great price together with their gol base-holders. And his knowledge is great with regard to hewing wood also. And so he will be able to do the various kinds of labor of artwork.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “He also be wise for stone carve, and wood carve, and everything.” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “He can cut jewels/valuable stones and enclose them in tiny gold frames. He can carve things from wood and do other skilled work.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 35:32 - 35:33

These two verses are identical with 31.4-5 in every way, the only exception being the addition of the word skilled at the end of verse 33. For work in every skilled craft is literally “for work in every mission of design.” The word for skilled in verse 33 is another form of the word translated as artistic designs in verse 32.

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 .