family / clan / house

The Hebrew terms that are translated as “family” or “clan” or “house” or similar in English are all translated in Kwere as ng’holo or “clan.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

In the English translation by Goldingay (2018) it is translated as “kin-group.”

See also tribe.

complete verse (Genesis 24:41)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 24:41:

  • Newari: “If they do not send their daughter with you, even though your promise is not fulfilled, it’s all right.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “If you (sing.) go there to my relatives, you will- not -have-to-answer-to your promise for me if they will- not -have- the woman -brought/sent by/with you.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But if my clan refuses to allow her to return with you, you will be freed from being cursed because of not obeying me.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 24:41

You will be free from my oath is used both at the beginning and at the end of this verse. As stated in verse 8 the servant is to be free from the punishment of the oath only if the woman is unwilling to return from Haran with him. Revised Standard Version then makes it appear that you will be free is a consequence of verse 40b. However, that is not the condition for becoming free from the oath: it is only if they will not give her to you. Therefore we may translate as in Good News Translation, “There is only one way for you to be free….” We may also say, for example, “If you go to my relatives and they will not give her [Rebekah] to you, you will be free from the oath you swore to me. That is the only way you will be free from it.”

My oath is as in verse 8, “the oath I am making you swear to me.”

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 .