The beginning of this verse poses serious problems for translators. The Hebrew text begins with the words “And they answered,” which some scholars think might mean “they started a conversation.” However, these words do not fit at all in this context, so most English versions omit them (Revised Standard Version, Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, New International Version).

Then the five men who had gone to spy out the country of Laish …: Earlier six hundred Danites went out on a mission to fight (verse 18.11). Here the narrator goes back to the original five men who had been sent out to spy on Laish (see verse 18.2). Since this clause refers to an earlier journey, Revised Standard Version uses the past perfect verb had gone. In Hebrew, however, there are two nominal expressions here. The five men is followed by a participial phrase, literally “the ones having gone to spy out.” Translators can follow ver RSVver* or the emphatic Hebrew structure here, but need to ensure that anterior action is being expressed. For spy out, see verse 18.2. Contemporary English Version renders this verb and the previous one as “had been spies.” The country of Laish (literally “the land of Laish”) refers to the town of Laish and its surrounding territory. Mention of “the land” once again ironically evokes Joshua’s sending his men to spy out the land. The hearers of the story already know that, in fact, the Danites did not spy out the land, but snuck up on the unsuspecting town of Laish. If possible, translators should try to express the ironic tone here.

Said to their brethren: The general verb said may be rendered “asked” (Contemporary English Version), since a question follows. However, the question is rhetorical, so some languages may prefer to keep said. For their brethren, see verse 18.8. Revised English Bible says “their kinsmen,” and Contemporary English Version has “the other warriors.” Good News Translation‘s “their companions” does not fit this context. We might say “their fellow Danites.”

Do you know that in these houses there are…?: This rhetorical question is meant to give information rather than solicit it. Translators can decide if it is better to keep the question or to render it as a statement. We might say, for example, “You know, in these houses, there are….” However, the spies use a question to get the other men’s attention and incite them to action. The verb know may be translated “realize” ( NET Bible). The phrase in these houses confirms that Micah’s house was a compound made up of several houses (see comments on verse 17.4). New Revised Standard Version says “in these buildings.” Good News Translation and Revised English Bible have “in one of these houses,” since it is likely that all of Micah’s religious objects were in one building. Contemporary English Version takes a different approach by beginning this question with “Did you know that someone in this village has…?” Though this rendering is very natural, it is quite far from the text and should not be followed.

An ephod, teraphim, a graven image, and a molten image: See verse 17.3, verse 5. Contemporary English Version reduces these phrases to “several idols and a sacred priestly vest.”

Now therefore consider what you will do: The five spies have just conveyed an important piece of information, and now they expect their fellow Danites to react. Now therefore (literally “And now”) marks this important turning point in the story. The spies want their hearers to consider what they have said and decide what they should do. A connector that fits well here is “So now.” Consider renders an imperative form of the Hebrew verb translated know earlier in this verse. The spies are probably being purposely vague by saying what you will do, when in fact, they want their fellow Danites to steal the religious items. The Hebrew verb rendered do is in the second person plural form, giving the impression that the spies are excluding themselves from whatever action might be taken. Both Good News Translation and Contemporary English Version think the spies are including themselves: “What do you think we should do [about it]?” This is not what the text says. However, as the story unfolds, it is the spies who steal the religious objects, while the other Danites stand guard. We might say “Now you know what to do!” or “Now what are you going to do [about it]?”

Translation models for this verse are:

• Then the five men who had spied out the area around Laish said to their fellow Danites, “Did you know that inside these houses are a priestly vest, household gods, and an idol carved in wood and covered with silver? What do you think you should do about it?”

• Then the five spies who had surveyed the land around Laish said to the other soldiers, “Here in these houses there are an ephod, household gods, and a wooden idol covered with silver. You know what to do with them!”

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 .