complete verse (Leviticus 24:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 24:17:

  • Kupsabiny: “And a person who has killed another person, he shall also be killed.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “If anyone kills someone, he/she must also be killed. ” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “‘Anyone who kills a/(another) person, must also be-killed.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘Also, If anyone murders another person, he must be executed.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 24:17

Beginning with this verse the text moves beyond the specific case of the half-Israelite who cursed God. A series of more general rules are given concerning just punishment. In some languages it may be necessary to use some kind of device to indicate this transition. Moffatt, for example, begins with “Also….” And most English versions set off verses 17-22 as a separate paragraph.

Kills: the Hebrew word used here has the root meaning of “hit” or “strike.” But it is often extended to mean “strike a mortal blow.” And in this context it seems to mean “commit murder,” since there were some cases of accidental killing where the person was not punished by death. Compare Exodus 21.12-14.

Put to death: see 20.2.

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 .