complete verse (Ezra 10:43)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Ezra 10:43:

  • Kupsabiny: “From the house/family of Nebo were Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “From the family of Nebo — Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel and Benaiah.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jiel, Matitia, Zabad, Zebina, Jadai, Joel, and Benaya, who came-from the family of Nebo.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Ezra 10:38 - Ezra 10:43

For verse 38 the Hebrew text has “and Bani and Binnui, Shimei,” which is supported by Hebrew Old Testament Text Project with a C rating. On the basis of 1 Esdras 9.34 and the Septuagint and keeping the form of the rest of the list, the vowels of the Hebrew can be changed to read Of the sons of Binnui: Shimei, as Revised Standard Version has done (also Good News Translation, New International Version). This is generally accepted by commentators and modern versions and is recommended for translators.

Either the Shelemiah in verse 39 or verse 41 is referred to in Neh 3.30 as the father of Hananiah, one of the builders of the Jerusalem wall.

Machnadebai, Shashi, Sharai …: On the basis of 1 Esdras 9.34, New Jerusalem Bible reads “of the sons of Zaccai: Shashai, Sharai….” Hebrew Old Testament Text Project says that the name Machnadebai is probably not original, but without textual support for another reading it gives it a C rating. Most English versions retain it (also Bible en français courant, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch, Luther, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy). On the basis of 1 Esdras 9.34 and the fact that Machnadebai is not a proper form for a name, it is recommended that “Of the sons of Zaccai” be used in translation (compare Ezra 2.9). Perhaps a footnote could be added to say “Hebrew has Machnadebai here.”

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Ezra. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .