complete verse (Isaiah 3:20)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Isaiah 3:20:

  • Kupsabiny: “headdresses/hats, wrist rings, skin belts, pockets of oil/fat that smells sweet, charms,” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The headdresses amulets to put on the upper arm, bridal ornaments to put on the feet, sashes, perfume, charms,” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “turbans, jewelries on the shoulder, belts/sashes, perfumes, and charms will- also -be-taken-away from them.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Isaiah 3:20

Headdresses is an accurate rendering of the Hebrew word here. It may also be translated “hats” (Good News Translation), “headbands” (Revised English Bible), or “scarves” (New Century Version). Armlets are bangles worn around the upper or lower arm. Bible en français courant has “little chains.” Sashes or “belts” (Contemporary English Version) are worn around the waist, though New Jerusalem Bible and Revised English Bible call them “necklaces.” They could be decorated with beads.

Perfume boxes or “scent bottles” (New Jerusalem Bible) is a common understanding of the Hebrew term here, though New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh suggests “talismans,” which are charms of some kind. Bible en français courant has a word that can be translated “magic medicine.” New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh and Bible en français courant see this item as related to the next one, amulets. The Hebrew word rendered amulets may refer to any kind of small article that people believe carries magic power. It is worn for warding off evil.

Good News Translation combines the last four items in this verse, saying “the magic charms they wear on their arms and at their waists.”

Quoted with permission from Ogden, Graham S. and Sterk, Jan. A Handbook on Isaiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .