appendage of the liver

The Hebrew that is translated as “appendage of the liver” in English is translated in Elhomwe with “fat of the liver.” (Source: project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

complete verse (Leviticus 3:4)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 3:4:

  • Kupsabiny: “The person must also remove the kidneys and their fat and the liver on the side where the fat is.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The two kidneys and the fat which is on top of them near the loins, and the best part of the liver that he must take out.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “the kidneys/[lit. little-stones] including their fat[s], and the small part of the liver.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “the kidneys and the fat that is attached to them near the lower back muscle, and the fat that covers the liver.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 3:4

The two kidneys: in some languages it is unnecessary and even surprising to use the number two in this context, since this is implicit in the word kidneys. It may be common knowledge in the receptor language that an animal normally has two kidneys. In other languages it may be advisable to say “both kidneys” in order to make it clear that not just one is used.

At the loins: this may also be considered redundant in some languages since the location of the kidneys will also be well known. This refers to that part of the body on either side of the backbone between the ribs and the hipbone. New English Bible renders this expression “beside the haunches.”

The appendage of the liver: among certain neighboring tribes of the Israelites, the liver was used in divination rites. Possibly this is why Jewish legislation required that it be burned. But it is also true that, like the fat, this particular part of the liver referred to as the appendage was considered a delicacy and was therefore appropriate to be set aside for God. In many languages it is best to render it as “the choicest part of the liver,” since that will probably communicate the meaning better than the name of a particular part of the organ.

Which he shall take away with the kidneys: this phrase provides additional information which may be left implicit in some languages because it is repetitious. The verb take away in Revised Standard Version is misleading. The meaning is “remove” (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 .