complete verse (Exodus 28:11)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 28:11:

  • Kupsabiny: “Someone look for a person who will engrave the Israelite names onto those stone tablets and make golden frames for (them).” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Engrave the names of the sons of Israel on these two stones as the craftsman of stone does the work of engraving seal. Then fit them into the gold filigree settings.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “(It) should be-engraved the same-way a smith/(gem cutter) engraves a seal/mark. Then put the stones in gold thing-to-put-in.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “You (sing.) must give this work to a man who has big knowledge in engraving artwork onto stones. And so he will take gol and then make the holders for the bases of these two stones with their good decorations.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “As stone-carver carves signet, let them write name of children of Israel with carving of stone, and let them put that stone in hole which they pound with gold red.” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “A gem-cutter should engrave these names on the stones. Then he should enclose the stones in settings/tiny gold frames.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 28:11

As a jeweler engraves signets is literally “work of a craftsman of stone, engravings of a seal.” So this kind of “jeweler” would be “a gem-cutter” (New Revised Standard Version). New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh uses the more technical term “lapidary.” Signets are specially cut seals or symbols often set in signet rings. The phrase “engravings of a seal” may be read with what follows, shall you engrave the two stones. (The word so is supplied.) This gives the meaning “On the two stones you shall make seal engravings—the work of a lapidary” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). But the difference in meaning is not significant. Good News Translation simply says “Have a skillful jeweler engrave on the two stones,” or one may say “Have a skilled worker take a sharp instrument and write [or, cut] the names.”

With the names of the sons of Israel repeats what is said in verse 9. You shall enclose them in settings of gold filigree is literally “encircled [in] settings of gold you [singular] shall make them.” The idea of filigree comes from the root meaning of settings, which is “to weave in patterns.” They were ornamental frames made with fine gold wires, possibly in the form of “rosettes” (Revised English Bible), that is, in the shape of roses. Since this is not explicit, some translations have just “gold settings” (Good News Translation). Contemporary English Version has “Put … in gold settings.” However, “put them into gold frames” is another possible rendering (similarly New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh, New Jerusalem Bible, and Revised English Bible).

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .