complete verse (Numbers 2:33)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Numbers 2:33:

  • Kupsabiny: “But the clan of Levi was not counted as God had said to Moses.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “In accordance with the command that the LORD gave Moses, however, the descendants of Levi were not included in this number.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But the tribe of Levi is not included here, according to the command of the LORD to Moises.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But just as Yahweh had commanded, the names of the descendants of Levi were not included.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Numbers 2:33

But the Levites were not numbered among the people of Israel: See the comments on 1.47.

As the LORD commanded Moses: Most of this verse repeats 1.47 and serves primarily as an emphatic reminder. For this reason “had commanded” (Good News Translation) may sound more natural than commanded.

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 .