complete verse (Judges 10:2)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Judges 10:2:

  • Kupsabiny: “That man became adviser of/for Israel for twenty-three years. And when he died, he was buried in Shamir.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “He led Israel for 23 years. After he died, he was buried in Shamir.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “He led Israel within a period/[lit. inside] of 23 years. When he died, he was-buried in Shamir.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “He ruled the Israeli people for 23 years. Then he died and was buried in Shamir.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Judges 10:2

And he judged Israel twenty-three years: Tola’s achievements as a leader are briefly summarized here. For he judged Israel, see verse 3.10. Twenty-three years is a relatively long period of time, one year more than Jair’s period of leadership (verse 10.3).

Then he died, and was buried at Shamir: Like other heroes, Tola was buried in his hometown. For he died, and was buried, see verse 8.32. This is a standard formula for describing the end of a judge’s life.

Quoted with permission from Zogbo, Lynell and Ogden, Graham S. A Handbook on Judges. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2019. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .