ancestors

The Hebrew and Ge’ez that is translated as “ancestors” in English is translated in Kwere as “deceased ancestors” because the word for “ancestor” can also mean “grandfather.” (Source: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

Translation commentary on Proverbs 22:28

“Remove not the ancient landmark”: In present-day English “Remove” in this context would mean “take away completely,” but that is not the correct sense here. The usual sense of the Hebrew verb is “move back” or just “move”; most modern English translations have “move.” A “landmark” refers to a stone or pile of stones marking the boundary line between the land belonging to two individuals or clans. “Ancient” means that it had been there “for a long time” or “since long ago.” The best way to translate this line will depend on how land boundaries are marked and how they are spoken about in the translator’s culture. In some parts of the world people use trees or natural features of the landscape to mark boundaries, and these are not as easily moved as stones. In English a number of versions say something like “Do not move an ancient boundary stone” (New International Version) or “. . . boundary line” (Scott). Contemporary English Version refers to “a boundary marker,” and Good News Translation “an old property line.”

“Which your fathers have set”: This expands the meaning of “ancient” in the previous line. “Your fathers” refers to the ancestors of the tribe; the fact that the ancestors had established the land boundaries made them especially sacred in Israel. Since the writer or collector of the Proverbs intended them to be read by people of his own nation, it will be more natural in some languages to say “which our [inclusive] ancestors put in place.” The Hebrew word translated “set” is the common verb meaning “make” or “do.” A translation that brings out the underlying element of stealing is “Do not steal your neighbor’s property by moving the ancient boundary markers set up by your ancestors” (New Living Translation).

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Proverbs. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

complete verse (Proverbs 22:28)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Proverbs 22:28:

  • Kupsabiny: “Do not move a boundary (for a field) which was made/set by your forefathers.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Do not move the boundary mark
    handed down from your ancestors.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “[You (sing.)] do- not -move the landmark which your (sing.) ancestors had-placed in the time-past.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Do not (sing.) move the original boundary that your (plur.) ancestors set-up.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • English: “In the courtroom do not testify against someone when you have no reason to do that,
    and do not try to deceive people by what you say.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

SIL Translator’s Notes on Proverbs 22:28

Paragraph 22:28 Saying 4

This saying consists of a single sentence. It is a command to not take/steal the property of a neighbor by changing the original boundary marker.

It is almost the same as the law found in the first part of Deuteronomy 19:14. If you use cross-references, you may want to add a footnote such as:

See Deuteronomy 19:14.

22:28

Do not move an ancient boundary stone: In Hebrew, this command is literally “Do not move a boundary of long ago.” The verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as move can also mean “remove,” as in the New Revised Standard Version. However, in this context, it probably means “displace” or “shift” to one side.

The boundary between two pieces of property was usually marked by a stone or pile of stones. If a person moved this boundary marker and no one discovered what he had done, he could increase the size of his own property. Some other ways to translate this command are:

Don’t move an old stone that marks a border (New Century Version)
-or-
Never move an old property line (Good News Translation)

If the purpose for moving the boundary marker is not clear, it may be helpful to make it explicit. For example:

Don’t cheat your neighbor by moving the ancient boundary markers (New Living Translation (2004))

which your fathers have placed: This phrase further describes the “ancient boundary stone.” It specifies that this boundary marker was originally established by the owner’s ancestors. The word fathers here often refers generally to a person’s ancestors. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

that your ancestors established (Good News Translation)
-or-
set up by previous generations (New Living Translation (2004))

your: Both the author and the “son” were Israelites. They had the same ancestors. In some languages, it may be more natural to use an inclusive pronoun here. For example:

our(incl.) ancestors/forefathers

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