complete verse (Exodus 39:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 39:17:

  • Kupsabiny: “(They) fixed/entered the chains into those rings.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “They tied both gold chains to both rings at the breastplate.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “They attached the two gold seemingly-chains to-the two seemingly-rings of-the like-pocket(s),” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “And when it was done, then they attached the two gol cords so that they went into those two ring-handles.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “They bind head of chain of gold two at the place where be bored hole,” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “They fastened one end of each cord to one of the rings.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 39:17 - 39:18

These two verses follow quite closely the same wording in 28.24-25. With the exception of the verbs they put and they attached (twice), they should be translated in the same way. The two settings of filigree, as in 28.25, is literally “the two settings,” with filigree added from the context. Good News Translation just has “the two settings,” and Contemporary English Version has “gold settings on the shoulder straps.”

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 .