complete verse (Joshua 16:2)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Joshua 16:2:

  • Kupsabiny: “It left from Bethel (which is Luz) and went through the land of the Arkites to Ataroth.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “From Bethel that boundary proceeded toward Luz and reached Ataroth in the territory of the Arkites.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “From Betel (which is Luz), this passes-through Atarot which (is) where the Arkhanon live,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “It extended west from Jericho to the hilly area near Bethel, which is also called Luz. It extended as far as Ataroth, at the border of the land where the Arki people-group lived.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Joshua 16:2 - 16:3

It is strange that the text here speaks of Bethel and Luz as two different places (verse 2), whereas in other texts Luz is said to be the earlier name of Bethel (see 18.13; Judges 1.23; Gen 28.19; 35.6). Consequently, Bright says the text here cannot be right, and he proposes changes; but most translations retain the form of the Hebrew text.

In verse 2 Good News Translation has Ataroth Addar, as in 16.5; 18.13, so as to distinguish it from the other Ataroth (verse 7); Hebrew has only “Ataroth” here (see Revised Standard Version).

Nothing definite is known of the tribal groups the Archites (see 2 Sam 15.32) or the Japhletites.

For Lower Beth Horon see 10.10, and for Gezer see 10.33.

Verses 2-3 should not pose too many difficulties, since Good News Translation is rather easy to understand. Two minor alternations may be made: (1) the place names may need to be marked specifically as cities; and (2) one of the occurrences of it (once in verse 2 and twice in verse 3) may need to be marked specifically as “the southern boundary of the land.” Moreover, it may be advisable to keep the readers aware that the directions are toward the west.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Joshua 16:2

16:2a

It went on from Bethel (that is, Luz): There is a textual issue in this verse.

(1) The Septuagint reads from Bethel (that is Luz).

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version)

(2) The Masoretic Text reads from Bethel to Luz.

(Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, New American Bible, Revised Edition, Good News Translation, King James Version)

It is recommended that you follow option (1) since this agrees with four other biblical references. In Genesis 28:19, 35:6, Joshua 18:13 and Judges 1:23 Bethel is identified with Luz.

Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:

it then continued ⌊westward⌋ from Bethel, which used to be called Luz
-or-
The border went on from the town of Bethel. In the past Bethel was called Luz

16:2b

and proceeded to the border of the Archites in Ataroth: The Archites were a group of people who are mentioned in only one other place in the Bible. In 2 Samuel 15:32 Hushai the Archite is named as a counselor of David.

Here are some other ways to translate this part of the verse:

The border continued to the town of Ataroth in the territory of the Archites
-or-
It continued to the town of Ataroth in the land of the Arch people

in Ataroth: There is an interpretation issue with the term Ataroth.

(1) It refers to a town called Ataroth whose location is unknown. This town is also mentioned in verse 16:7.

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, English Standard Version, New International Version, Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures, New Living Translation (2004), New Century Version, NET Bible, God’s Word)

(2) It refers to the town of Ataroth Addar, which is mentioned in Joshua 16:5 and 18:13. The Good News Translation adds the word Addar in verse 2 to show that these both refer to the same place.

(Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) and translate this term Ataroth. Biblical scholars do not agree on whether the town referred to in this verse is Ataroth Addar or is a different town called Ataroth.

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