complete verse (Genesis 19:38)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 19:38:

  • Kankanaey: “The younger-sibling also gave-birth to a male whom she named Ben-Ammi who was the source of those-who-are-called Ammonita today.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The small daughter also gave birth to a son. She gave him the name Ben-ammi. He is the ancestor of the present-day Ammonites.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The younger-one also gave-birth to a son and she named [him] Ben-Ami. He is the source of the people now who are the Ammonhon.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The younger one also gave birth to a son, whom she named Ben-Ammi. He became the ancestor of the Ammon people-group.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 19:38

Ben-ammi: the significance of this name is also found in the Good News Translation footnote, which says “benammi: this name in Hebrew means ‘son of my relative’ and sounds like the Hebrew for ‘Ammonite.’ ” Translators may wish to use both these footnote models. In this way the Moabites and the Ammonites are given names that account for their origin in an incestuous way.

To this day has the same function as in verse 37.

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 .