year of Jubilee

The Hebrew that is translated as “(year of) Jubilee” in English is translated in Kwere as mwaka wa kubweleza or “year of return.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

In Tatar it is translated as “fiftieth year.” “It was difficult to coin a meaning-based rendering in this language. Since the context already refers to restoration, the translation team felt that a calendar-based rendering of the term itself would be best.§” (Source: Lénart de Regt in The Bible Translator 2017, p. 131ff. )

complete verse (Leviticus 25:52)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 25:52:

  • Kupsabiny: “But if the remaining years are few until the release arrives, the person should pay few money of those he sold himself for.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “If there is only little time remaining [until] the Year of Jubilee comes, if he pays little money, it is enough.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “What he is-to-do (is) he and the-one-who-bought him are-to-add-up/count how many (were) the years of his service and how-much would-be-suitable if he had-been paid just-like/same as it is-done for a hired worker. The suitable price/amount he will-subtract from the price which was-paid for him back-then when he was-bought as a slave. (That amount/price was-based on the number of years since he was-bought until the Year of Setting-Free and Returning.) And if (there-is) a remaining amount that is what he is-to-pay to-redeem him.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “If there are only a few years that remain until the Year of Celebration, he must pay a smaller amount to be released.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 25:51 - 25:52

The wording of Revised Standard Version, following the Hebrew, is long and repetitious, but the essential meaning is captured by Good News Translation in fewer words and a much simpler structure.

He shall refund: that is, the Israelite must pay back an amount equivalent to the value of a hired worker for the number of years left until the next Year of Restoration.

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 .