complete verse (Genesis 37:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 37:18:

  • Kankanaey: “When they saw- him approaching -from-a-distance, some (of them) agreed-together to kill-him.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “They saw him from a great distance. Then they laid plans to kill him.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jose was- still -far-away (when) his siblings saw him. And before/[lit. not yet] he arrived, they already planned to-kill him.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But they saw him when he was still far away, and they decided to kill him.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 37:18

They saw him afar off: They refers to Joseph’s brothers. The brothers recognize Joseph because of his distinguished robe. We may say, for example, “They saw Joseph coming in the distance” or “They recognized Joseph while he was still far off.”

They conspired against him to kill him: conspired means “plotted” or “made plans.” The plan they made was to kill him (Joseph).

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 .