complete verse (Jeremiah 32:11)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Jeremiah 32:11:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then I took what we had written down together that I had sealed, the one having the rules with the words/stipulations that should be followed together with other writings that were not sealed.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then I took the sealed deed (of sale) and the unsealed copy of it, where the terms-and-conditions of sale were written-down.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then I took two copies of the paper/papyrus. One was sealed and the other was not sealed. On both of them was written the price and conditions of the purchase. I took both copies” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Jeremiah 32:11

The sealed deed … the open copy: Two copies of the deed were made on separate papyrus rolls; one was sealed to protect the contents of the contract, while the other remained open for reference. They were placed together in a clay jar and stored (verse 14). Many cultures have something similar to a deed of purchase, but in those that do not, translators can say “the papers stating that I owned the land, the one that was closed up with my mark and the one that was open for people to read.”

Containing the terms and conditions: This phrase is omitted from the Septuagint, and some translators place it at the end of the verse with the meaning “in accordance with the requirements of the law” (Jerusalem Bible) or “according to rule and law” (New Jewish Publication Society’s Tanakh). Hebrew Old Testament Text Project believes it to be an early addition. Nevertheless, most versions do retain it, usually with the meaning “which showed the price and conditions of the sale.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Jeremiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2003. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .