inclusive vs. exclusive pronoun (Judg 11:8)

Many languages distinguish between inclusive and exclusive first-person plural pronouns (“we”). (Click or tap here to see more details)

The inclusive “we” specifically includes the addressee (“you and I and possibly others”), while the exclusive “we” specifically excludes the addressee (“he/she/they and I, but not you”). This grammatical distinction is called “clusivity.” While Semitic languages such as Hebrew or most Indo-European languages such as Greek or English do not make that distinction, translators of languages with that distinction have to make a choice every time they encounter “we” or a form thereof (in English: “we,” “our,” or “us”).

For this verse, the Jarai and the Adamawa Fulfulde translation both use the exclusive pronoun, excluding Jephthah. The Adamawa Fulfulde translation also uses the inclusive pronoun, including everyone.

Judah, Judea

The name that is transliterated as “Judah” or “Judea” in English (referring to the son of Jacob, the tribe, and the territory) is translated in Spanish Sign Language as “lion” (referring to Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5). This sign for lion is reserved for regions and kingdoms. (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. and Steve Parkhurst)


“Judah” and “Judea” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

See also Judah.

Translation commentary on Judges 1:18

Judah also took: Following the victory at Hormah, there is another military advance, this time toward the coastal region where the Philistines lived. In Hebrew the verse begins with the waw conjunction, which Revised Standard Version renders as also. “Then” would be a good transition word to express this sequence of events. For Judah see verse 1.2. For the Hebrew verb rendered took, see verse 1.8. Good News Translation combines 1.18-19, and following the Septuagint, adds the negative particle “not” to the verb, translating “Judah … did not capture,” but most versions follow the standard text here, which Hebrew Old Testament Text Project gives a {B} rating. New International Version marks the ver Septuagintver* reading in a footnote.

Gaza with its territory, and Ashkelon with its territory, and Ekron with its territory: Three towns and their surrounding areas are conquered. Gaza, Ashkelon, and Ekron were all towns on the coastal plain belonging to the Philistines. Gaza with its territory refers to the surrounding countryside that was under the control of the leaders of Gaza and/or the farming area around this town. Its territory can be expressed as “the land/area/region around it.” The repetition of the expression with its territory emphasizes the extensive victory of the Israelites. Translators can keep the repetition if it is acceptable in their language, or use a less repetitive style. For example, New International Version says “The men of Judah also took Gaza, Ashkelon and Ekron—each city with its territory.”

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 .