complete verse (Genesis 10:16)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 10:16:

  • Newari: “He was the ancestor of the Canaanites, Hittites, Jebusites, Amorites, Girgashites,” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Canaan was also the source ofthe Jebusnon, Amornon, Girgashnon,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Canaan was also the ancestor of the Jebus, Amor, Girgash,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 10:16

Verses 16-18 consist of a list of names of peoples each ending in Hebrew with the suffix -i, meaning “people of,” and translated into English as “-ites.” Before each name in Hebrew is the object marker and the waw connective. The first four names are Canaanite peoples.

Jebusites refers to the ancient inhabitants of the city of Jerusalem (Jebus), as seen in Josh 15.8; 2 Sam 5.6-9, and elsewhere. According to Ezek 16.3, 45, they are of Amorite and Hittite origin. They were expelled by David.

Amorites is the Old Testament term applied to the people who occupied the promised land west of the Jordan before the arrival of the Israelites, as seen in Amos 2.9-10 and elsewhere. The name is also used in Num 13.29 and elsewhere as the name of the people who occupied the central mountain range, which was spoken of as “the hill country of the Amorites.”

Girgashites are mentioned only in lists with the other names found here, as in Gen 15.21 and similar lists. No indication of where they lived is given.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .