complete verse (Joshua 19:43)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Joshua 19:43:

  • Kupsabiny: “Elon, Timnah, Ekron,” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Elon, Timnah, Ekron,” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Elon, Timnah, Ekron,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Joshua 19:41 - 19:46

In verse 41 Its area included may be more accurately rendered, “Its area included the cities of….”

Of the towns listed in the south, Zorah and Eshtaol appear in 15.33 (second district of Judah), and Ekron in 15.45 (fifth district of Judah).

In verse 42 Good News Translation has Shaalbim (compare Judges 1.35; 1 Kgs 4.9) instead of Revised Standard Version “Shaalabbin”; the Good News Translation spelling follows some Hebrew manuscripts; Revised Standard Version follows the spelling of the Masoretic text. It may be well to follow the Masoretic text here.

In verse 45 Jehud represents the Masoretic text; one form of the Septuagint has “Azor” (so Bible de Jérusalem); for some unexplained reason Hebrew Old Testament Text Project prefers “Jehud and Azor.” It seems best to follow the Masoretic text here.

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 .