complete verse (Genesis 29:27)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 29:27:

  • Kankanaey: “Wait so-that this week will pass-by so-that what we (excl.) are butchering for the wedding is finished. Then I will also give Raquel to you (sing.) so-that you (sing.) will-marry (her), provided you (sing.) work seven years again.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “So celebrate for seven days with Leah. Then get married once more, with Rachel. In return for this you must work another seven years at my place.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Just wait to-be-finished the one week celebration of this wedding for then I will-have- Raquel -marry you (sing.), that-is if you (sing.) will-serve me again for seven more years.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “After we finish this week of celebration, we will let you marry the younger one also. But in return, you must pay for Rachel by working for me for another seven years.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 29:27

Complete the week of this one: the week refers to the week of the marriage feast that is under way. Laban is asking Jacob to go through with the seven days of the marriage ceremony with Leah. Speiser refers to this as “the bridal week.” We may translate “Go ahead and finish the marriage feast week with Leah.” This may also be expressed as a condition: “If you will finish the week of celebration….” See Good News Translation for another model.

We will give you the other also: we is the form preferred by Hebrew Old Testament Text Project and probably refers to Laban and the members of his family or household. In translation, if we is kept, it should express a form that excludes Jacob. Note that Good News Translation shifts to “I.” The other means the other daughter, namely, Rachel.

In return for serving me another seven years: this may be rendered “if you will work for me for seven more years.”

A translation of this verse that expresses some of its elements in a different way says “Next week this feast will be over, and after that I will give you Rachel. But you will have to work for me seven more years.”

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 .