complete verse (Genesis 49:15)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 49:15:

  • Newari: “As soon as he finds a good place to rest, and as soon as he sees the bright bright land, he will bend down his shoulder to carry the load, and will willingly become a slave.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “You will-endure being-enslaved even to-carry a heavy-(thing) and to-be-forced to-work, just-as-long as the place that you are-going-to-stay is good and abundant.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “They will see that their resting place is good, and that the land pleases them very much. But they will bend their backs to carry heavy loads and be forced to work for others.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 49:15

He saw that a resting place was good: resting place refers to the Canaanite area into which Issachar had migrated. Some translate it “country.” See Revised English Bible “settled home.” Anchor Bible restructures to say “when he saw that…” and makes the final two lines a consequence.

So he bowed his shoulder to bear: shoulder may need to be expressed as “neck” or “back” in this expression. The figure is that of the willing donkey lowering its back to be loaded with a heavy burden (by the Canaanites). See Good News Translation.

And became a slave at forced labor: this same expression is used in Josh 16.10. See also Josh 17.13, where it applies to the Canaanites who are forced to work for the Israelites. The line is well expressed by Good News Translation. Translators who are using “you” must make the appropriate adjustments.

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 .