offering

The Hebrew that is translated as “offering” in English is translated in Venda as nduvho. J. A. van Rooy (in The Bible Translator 1974, p. 439ff. ) explains: “It is derived from the verb u luvha (‘to pay homage to; to acknowledge the superiority of; at the same time usually asking for a favour’). It is sometimes used as a synonym for ‘asking something from a chief. The noun nduvho means ‘a gift of allegiance,’ which corresponds closely with minchah (מִנְחָה) as ‘offering of allegiance.’ This term nduvho has in it the elements of subjugation, of reciprocity (asking for a favor), of being taken up into the same community as the chief in allegiance to him. Only the element of expiation is missing.”

In Northern Emberá, it is translated as “given to God freely.” (Source: Loewen 1980, p. 108)

See also offering (qorban).

complete verse (Judges 3:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Judges 3:18:

  • Kupsabiny: “And/But when Ehud had given/handed over all those things, he sent off/home the people who had been taking/holding those things along/during the journey.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “After giving the gift, Ehud go back with the men who had come to carry the gift.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “After Eglon had-received the taxes, Ehud sent-home the people who brought the taxes.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then Ehud started to go back home with the men who had carried the money.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Judges 3:18

This verse begins with an important marker in Hebrew, wayehi (literally “And it was”), which is rendered And. As noted earlier, this expression often signals the opening of a new episode. However, here it seems to mark a high point in the story. A new paragraph can begin here ( NET Bible).

When Ehud had finished presenting the tribute: This temporal clause repeats already known information and thus slows down the story and heightens the suspense. For presenting the tribute, see verse 3.17.

He sent away the people that carried the tribute: The pronoun he refers to Ehud, but it is only at this point that readers are informed that Ehud was not alone on his journey to Moab. He had people with him who helped carry the tribute to the king. Sent away translates once again the Hebrew verb (shalach) seen in verse 1.25 used frequently throughout this book. It does not mean that he chased these people away, but rather that he dismissed them or asked them to leave. This clause shows that Ehud is the person in charge of this mission, with authority over those carrying the tribute. Most scholars think Ehud accompanied these men a certain part of the return journey before turning back, a fact that is confirmed in verse 3.19. Indeed in many cultures, this “showing the road” is a very common practice.

The people that carried the tribute uses the Hebrew word for people (ʿam) that regularly refers to the people of Israel (see verse 2.4). Though there is no indication concerning the number or identity of the people who accompanied Ehud, it is very likely they were Israelites, even of his tribe. That carried renders a Hebrew participle, which may be translated “who helped to bring,” “who helped to carry,” or “who transported.” For tribute see verse 3.15.

Good News Translation provides a good model for this verse. Another possible one is:

• When Ehud had finished handing over the gifts, he sent on the men who had carried 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 .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Judges 3:18

3:18a After Ehud had finished presenting the tribute,

When he had given the taxes to the king,
-or-
After Ehud gave the tax payment to the king,

3:18b he ushered out those who had carried it.

he sent away the people who had carried the money.
-or-
he told the men who had carried the money to leave.

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