complete verse (Genesis 39:16)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 39:16:

  • Kankanaey: “The woman put-away that clothing at her-location until Potifar Jose’s master came-home.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “She had kept that shawl until her husband came into the house.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The woman kept the garment of Jose until her husband arrived.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “She kept the loincloth beside her until her husband, Joseph’s master, came home.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 39:16

The untrue report to the servants is finished and the next action is introduced in Revised Standard Version by Then. In some languages it will be more natural to say “When she had finished telling this to the other servants….”

Laid up his garment by her means she kept his garment with her.

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 .