complete verse (Jeremiah 40:8)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Jeremiah 40:8:

  • Kupsabiny: “Then these people and their soldiers came to Gedaliah in Mizpah: Ishmael son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai who came from Netopha, and Jezaniah from Maaka.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Therefore these officials went to Gedalia at Mizpa. These officials were Ishmael the child of Netania, Johanan and Jonatan the children of Karea, Seraya the child of Tanhumet, the sons of Efai who (are) from-Netofa, and Jaazania who (is) from-Maaca. Their men went also with them.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So they went to talk to Gedaliah at Mizpah. Those who went included Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, Johanan and Jonathan the sons of Kareah, Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth, the sons of Ephai from Netophath, and Jezaniah from Maacah, and the soldiers who were with them.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Jeremiah 40:8

Went to Gedaliah: Whether to have the verb at the beginning of the verse, as in Revised Standard Version, or at the end, as in Good News Translation, will depend on what is most natural in each language.

The men named here were Judean officers (see 2 Kgs 25.23); Ishmael was also a member of the royal family (see 2 Kgs 25.25).

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 .