complete verse (Exodus 39:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 39:18:

  • Kupsabiny: “After that, (they/he) tied the other end of the chains to the straps of the ceremonial cloth.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Other ends of the gold chains were tied to the gold filigree setting at the shoulder of ephod.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “and the two ends of-the seemingly-chains they attached to two frames which-is gold which is-connected to-the straps of-the special clothing of-the priests.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “And they tied the opposite ends of the cords onto the two gol holders for the bases of those stones. And then they tied those gol holders on the cords for his shoulder and so it held his trunk’s cloth.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “and they seal head other in placing-hole of gem on shoulder.” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “They fastened the other end of each cord to the two settings/tiny frames that enclosed the stones. Then they attached the sacred pouch to the shoulder straps of the sacred apron.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 39:17 - 39:18

These two verses follow quite closely the same wording in 28.24-25. With the exception of the verbs they put and they attached (twice), they should be translated in the same way. The two settings of filigree, as in 28.25, is literally “the two settings,” with filigree added from the context. Good News Translation just has “the two settings,” and Contemporary English Version has “gold settings on the shoulder straps.”

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 .