complete verse (Leviticus 18:15)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 18:15:

  • Kupsabiny: “Do not sleep with the wife of your son because that is a sexual sin.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “’Do not have intercourse with your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife. ” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “[You (sing.)] do- not -have-sexual-intercourse with your (sing.) child-in-law/(daughter-in-law) for she (is) the wife of your (sing.) son.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘Do not have sex with your daughter-in-law, because she is your son’s wife.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 18:15

Good News Translation avoids the repetition of the second half of this verse. This may be followed in those languages where such repetition is annoying, but in others it may be perfectly acceptable. The habits of the receptor language itself must determine which model is followed.

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 .