complete verse (1 Kings 7:22)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Kings 7:22:

  • Kupsabiny: “That is how those pillars were beautified.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Those capitals were shaped like lilies. In this way the work on the pillars was finished.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The shape/form of the seems-like-head of the pillars was seems-like flowers of lily.
    And the making of the pillars was-finished.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The bronze top parts that were shaped like lilies were placed on top of the pillars.
    So Huram and his helpers finished making the bronze pillars.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 1 Kings 7:22

The first half of this verse simply repeats what is already said in verse 19.

Thus the work of the pillars was finished: The second half of the verse is a summary statement concluding the passage about the pillars. The word Thus translates the common Hebrew conjunction, but the context seems to require a connector like this. Instead of the passive verb was finished, it will be possible to translate this sentence as “So Huram completed the work on the two columns” or “So the craftsman finished the columns.”

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Kings, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2008. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .