complete verse (2 Chronicles 32:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 2 Chronicles 32:6:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then, he chose/picked commanders of the soldiers. After that he told the soldiers to gather in the compound/open area of the gate of that city. He encouraged the soldiers there saying to (them),” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “He put the men of the city under the authority of army leaders, Assembling the people in the courtyard of the city gate he encouraged them speaking like this –” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “He stationed/[lit. put]commanders over the people, and he had- them -assembled at the plaza, at the side of the gate of the city. He strengthened them by saying,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Hezekiah appointed army commanders, and he gathered them in front of him in the square at one of the city gates, and he encouraged them by saying this to them:” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 2 Chronicles 32:6

And he set combat commanders over the people: The Hebrew verb translated set may be better rendered “appointed” (New Revised Standard Version, New International Version, New Living Translation, NASB) or “designated” (Bible en français courant). Combat commanders is literally “chiefs of wars.” This expression refers to commanding officers who directed the activities of the other soldiers. New Jerusalem Bible says “generals.” As often in the context of war in the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for people may refer specifically to the army.

And gathered them together to him may be expressed as “and summoned them,” “then he gathered them around himself” (La Bible du Semeur), or simply “and met with them” (New Century Version).

In the square at the gate of the city refers to the open space near the city gate. For square see the comments on 2 Chr 29.4; for a city gate, see 2 Chr 8.5.

And spoke encouragingly to them is literally “and he spoke on/to their heart[s].” See the comments on 2 Chr 30.22, where a very similar expression is used.

The verb saying will be considered redundant in some languages and may be omitted in translation.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .