complete verse (Exodus 37:15)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 37:15:

  • Kupsabiny: “(He) also constructed poles of acacia (wood) and coated (them) with gold.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “He made these carrying poles of acacia wood and overlaid with gold.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “This poles were-acacia and cover-over with gold.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “He made two poles from akas wood and then wrapped them with wide pieces of gol.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “And they chop white-acacia two for its carry-wood, applied it with gold red.” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “He made two poles from acacia wood and covered them with gold. These poles for carrying the table were then inserted into the rings.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

acacia

The plural form of shittah (shittim) is used sometimes as a place name (see Shittim), which is evidence of the wide distribution of this tree in Sinai and southern Palestine. The acacia referred to in the Bible was of two kinds, the Umbrella Thorn Acacia Acacia tortilis and the Common Acacia Acacia raddiana.

The Acacia tortilis is found in the hot Arabah Valley, whereas the Acacia raddiana tends to be found in cooler conditions throughout Sinai. A third variety (Acacia albida) is found in lowland Israel, the Sharon Plain, and lower Galilee. The common acacia was the only tree available to the Israelites for construction of the Tabernacle.

Both types of acacia are short, reaching 3-5 meters (10-17 feet) tall, but having a wide crown. As members of the Mimosa family, they have sharp spines, finely divided leaves, and tiny pale yellow flowers arranged in drooping bunches. The bean pod they produce is twisted and looped when dry.

Since the acacia is widespread in dry areas of Africa, Arabia, India and Australia, translators in those areas should be able to use a local word. In such languages a local species should be used, especially one that is used for building. Elsewhere, if none of these is available, the translator can transliterate from Hebrew (shittah) or from a major language, for example, sunt or talh (Arabic), akasiya (English/French/Spanish via Latin). West African translators need to beware of confusing “acacia” and “cassia,” a common tree with yellow flowers.

Acacia raddiana, photo by Ray Pritz
Acacia flowers, photo by Gloria Suesss

Source: Each According to its Kind: Plants and Trees in the Bible (UBS Helps for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 37:13 - 37:15

These verses are almost the same as 25.26-28. The following differences should be noted: All the verbs are now in the past tense to show that the action is completed. He cast is more specific than “you shall make” in 25.26. (But see the comment at 25.12.) As holders for the poles, literally “houses for the poles,” does not have the word as in the Hebrew, but it is present in 25.27. The meaning, of course, is the same, and Revised Standard Version translates it the same. (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 .