complete verse (Leviticus 11:37)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 11:37:

  • Kupsabiny: “If the dead (animals) fall into/on seeds for planting, that seed is still clean.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Also, if such a carcass falls on seed that has been kept for planting, the seed will continue to be clean.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Any seeds which are-to-be-used-for-planting which fall-upon those will- also -remain clean,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “If one of those carcasses falls on seeds that are to be planted, those seeds are still acceptable to be planted.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 11:37

Any part of their carcass: most versions interpret this to mean “any one of their dead bodies.” There is no special emphasis here on a part of a carcass.

Seed for sowing that is to be sown: this awkward English expression is a reflection of the Hebrew form. The meaning, however, is “any seed that is set aside to be planted.” Other renderings are “seed grain to be sown” (New Jerusalem Bible) and “seed intended for growing” (New English Bible).

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .