complete verse (Genesis 40:15)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 40:15:

  • Kankanaey: “Because of-course by-force they ran-off-with-me from the country of the Hebreo, and even here in Egipto, there-is- absolutely -nothing I have done that would suffice for-my-being-imprisoned,’ said Jose.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “For it must be said, however, I was kidnapped from the land of the Hebrews. And I have not done any deed that would get [me] involved here in prison.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “For the truth is, I was just forced to be brought here in Egipto from the place of the Hebrew, and even here I have not done any sin in-order to-be-imprisoned.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “People took me away forcefully from the land where my fellow Hebrews live. I did nothing wrong there, and also while I have been here in Egypt, I have done nothing for which I deserved to be put in prison. So be kind to me and tell the king about me, so that he will release me from this prison!'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 40:15

Joseph’s slave status in Egypt is due to his having been taken by force (see 37.28).

For I was indeed stolen: some languages require that this be restructured as an active expression; for example, “they kidnapped me” or “people took me by force.”

Land of the Hebrews may not have been an expression that could be used in Joseph’s time. Where he lived was called “the land of Canaan.” Translators should translate land of the Hebrews even though it probably reflects the usage of a later age; or if it is clearer we may say “from my own country.”

And here also I have done nothing … dungeon: here also refers to “here in Egypt.” See Good News Translation. We may translate, for example, “I do not deserve being put in prison because I have done nothing wrong” or “they should not have put me in prison, because I have done nothing bad.” Dungeon translates the Hebrew word for “pit,” “cistern,” or “well.” It is perhaps used by Joseph here as a reminder of the pit or cistern he was taken from and sold into Egypt; but it refers to the prison and should be translated as such.

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 .