complete verse (Deuteronomy 23:8)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 23:8:

  • Kupsabiny: “Their grandchildren starting from the third age-set are allowed to enter into a meeting of the people of God.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The third generation of their descendants will have the chance to enter the assembly of the LORD.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Their descendants up-to the third generation can join the people of the LORD.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The children and grandchildren of people from Edom and Egypt who live among you may be included among/allowed to worship with Yahweh’s people.’” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 23:8

The children of the third generation: this means the children who belong to the third generation. These are the grandchildren of any Edomite or Egyptian living in the land of Israel. So we may translate “and let their grandchildren be included….” The rendering “great-grandchildren” (Contemporary English Version) is not followed by other interpreters.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .