complete verse (Numbers 33:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Numbers 33:13:

  • Kupsabiny: “and after that, they went to set up where it is called Alush.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “From Dophkah they went and camped in Alush.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “From Dofka they camped at Alus.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then they/we left Dophkah and went to Alush and set up their/our tents there.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Numbers 33:12 - 33:14

The locations of Dophkah and Alush are unknown. These places are only mentioned here in the Bible.

And encamped at Rephidim, where there was no water for the people to drink: Compare Exo 17.1. The exact location of Rephidim is unknown, but it was probably near Mount Sinai (see Exo 19.2). It was probably a wilderness oasis where water was usually found, but for some reason the Israelites could not get water there. Instead of the people, Good News Translation says simply “them” for naturalness.

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 .