complete verse (Judges 8:4)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Judges 8:4:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then, Gideon crossed the river Jordan with his three hundred soldiers. Even though they were tired, they continued to pursue their enemies.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Gideon and his 300 men came to the bank of the Jordan and crossed over the river. Even though they were tired, they kept on pursuing the enemy.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Gideon and his 300 men crossed-over the River Jordan. They were- very very/[double emphasis marker] -exhausted/tired but they still continued to-pursue their enemies.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then Gideon and his 300 men went east and crossed the Jordan River. Although they were very tired, they continued to pursue their enemies.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Jordan

The Hebrew, Greek and Ge’ez that is translated as “Jordan” means “descending (rapidly),” “flowing down.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Hungarian Sign Language it is translated with the sign for the river bordering Jordan and Israel, along with the general sign for river. (Source: Jenjelvi Biblia and HSL Bible Translation Group)


“Jordan river” in Hungarian Sign Language (source )

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jordan River .

SIL Translator’s Notes on Judges 8:4

Section 8.4-21

Gideon captured the leaders of Midian

8:4a Then Gideon and his three hundred men

Gideon and his three hundred soldiers
-or-
Gideon and the three hundred (300) men who were with him

8:4b came to the Jordan and crossed it, exhausted yet still in pursuit.

continued to chase the enemy. Even though they were exhausted they crossed the Jordan River.
-or-
arrived at the Jordan River and crossed it. They were very tired, but they continued to pursue the enemy.

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