complete verse (Genesis 29:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 29:19:

  • Kankanaey: “Laban said then, ‘It would-be-better admittedly if you (sing.) were the one who married-(her) than another person. Just-let-it-be (lit. even-if) here then that you (sing.) stay to work.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Laban said — ‘To give her to you is better than giving her in marriage to anyone else. So stay with me.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Laban replied, ‘(It is) better that I will-have- her -marry you (sing.) than to another man. You (sing.) just stay here.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Laban replied, ‘It is better for me to let you marry her than for her to marry some other man!'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 29:19

Laban does not object to Jacob’s offer for Rachel, but his reply is not a direct promise to give Jacob what he is asking for. It leaves the way open for the deception of Jacob that is described in verses 23-25.

It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man: Laban’s reasoning is based on a preference for marriage between cousins. Any other man has a restrictive sense in the Hebrew. It refers to someone who is not of the family or clan and therefore “an outsider,” as Speiser translates. It may be necessary to translate, for example, “I would rather give Rachel to you as a wife than have someone else marry her.” Another translation, which follows the local way of discussing marriage and betrothal, says “This would make me very happy. You are the right man for her.”

Stay with me may need a transition such as “therefore,” “so,” “for this reason.” By saying this Laban accepts Jacob’s offer. In some languages it may be necessary to say “I agree; so stay with me and work” or “I accept; now stay here and work for me.” In some languages words such as “I agree” come more naturally at the beginning of Laban’s speech.

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 .