complete verse (Leviticus 18:12)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 18:12:

  • Kupsabiny: “Do not sleep with your father’s sister because that is a serious sin.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “’Do not have intercourse with your father’s sister. She is your father’s close kin. ” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “[You (sing.)] do- not -have-sexual-intercourse with your (sing.) aunt, whether she is the sibling/(sister) of your (sing.) father or mother.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘Do not have sex with your father’s sister, because she is your father’s close relative.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 18:12 - 18:13

Verses 12 and 13 are parallel in structure and repeat a great deal of the same information. The two may be translated together, and needless or unwanted repetition may be eliminated, as in Good News Translation.

Near kinswoman: literally “the flesh of….” This is the same word that is used in verse 6 to describe any close relation.

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 .