complete verse (Numbers 14:5)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Numbers 14:5:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then Moses and Aaron knelt down before the people until their faces reached the ground.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Moses and Aaron fell face down before the whole community of Israel.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The Moises and Aaron knelt-down before/[lit. in front-of] the whole community of Israel who have-gathered there.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then Aaron and Moses/I bowed down to pray in front of all the Israeli people who had gathered there.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Numbers 14:5

Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces …: After the people’s rebellion Moses and Aaron’s reaction was immediate and emotional. Fell on their faces translates the Hebrew literally. Revised English Bible says “flung themselves on the ground,” which is an accurate rendering. Good News Translation has “bowed to the ground,” which is not only less accurate, but does not express their reaction adequately. This action showed awe-filled submission and self-abasement before the LORD and aimed to turn his anger away from the rebellious act of the people (also 16.4, 22, 45; 20.6; compare Josh 7.6). In some translations it may be necessary to clarify the symbolic meaning of this action by saying “threw themselves on the ground in alarm.” Contemporary English Version says “bowed down to pray,” which is premature since Moses does not begin his prayer until verse 13.

Before all the assembly of the congregation of the people of Israel: Although the context indicates otherwise, this verse can be misunderstood as if Moses and Aaron fell on their faces as a sign of respect for the Israelites. To avoid this misunderstanding, translators may render before as “in the sight/presence of” (Bijbel: Vertaling in opdracht van het Nederlandsch Bijbelgenootschap) or “before the LORD in front of.” The Hebrew phrase rendered all the assembly of the congregation occurs only here and in Exo 12.6. NET Bible renders it well with “the whole assembled community.” For the distinction between the Hebrew words for assembly (qahal) and congregation (ʿedah), see the comments on 10.7.

Quoted with permission from de Regt, Lénart J. and Wendland, Ernst R. A Handbook on Numbers. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2016. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .