serve

The Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek that is typically translated in English as “serve,” “minister,” “walk with,” or “service” is translated in Igede as myị ẹrụ or “agree with message (of the one you’re serving).” (source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

In Quetzaltepec Mixe, “serve” is translated as “obey.” (Source: Robert Bascom)

power / strength

The Hebrew that is typically translated in English as “power” or “might” or “force” is translated in the English translation by Goldingay (2018) as energy or energetic.

complete verse (Genesis 31:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 31:6:

  • Newari: “You certainly know that I have served my father as much as I was able.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “You (pl.) also know that I have-served your (pl.) father as-long-as my ability,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “You two know that I have worked very hard for your father,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 31:6

You know that I have served your father with all my strength: You (plural) is emphatic in the Hebrew construction. See Good News Translation “You both know.” In languages that have dual pronoun forms, this will be “You-two know.” With … strength is sometimes rendered idiomatically as “I worked for your father with my body and my heart” or “… with my hands and my feet.”

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 .