complete verse (Ezra 2:58)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Ezra 2:58:

  • Kupsabiny: “The people of the work/servants in the house of God and the descendants of the work/servants of Solomon reached a total of 392.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “In all, [the number of] temple servants and Solomon’s palace workers [came to] 392” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The number of them who were the descendants of the servants in the temple and the descendants of the servants of Solomon were 392.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Altogether, there were 392 temple workers and descendants of Solomon’s servants who returned.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Ezra 2:58

In this list Solomon’s servants are associated with the temple servants and are counted together with them in the total number that is given in this verse. By this time in the history of Israelite religious practice, these workers were recognized as Temple officials, though of low status. Translators should therefore use a word like “servant” and not “slave” in this context.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Ezra. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .