complete verse (Job 33:32)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Job 33:32:

  • Kupsabiny: “But if there are words that you wish to say, speak up,
    because I want you to be right with God.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “If you have anything to say, answer me,
    speak up, I want to see you blameless.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “If you (sing.) really have something to say, you (sing.) speak, for I want to know if it is true that you (sing.) have no sin.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “so teach/show me what sins I have committed;
    if I have done anything that is evil,
    I will not do it any more’?” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Job 33:32

Elihu has just told Job to be silent. Now he tells him If you have anything to say, answer me. Good News Translation‘s command is more natural, “let me hear it,” or another expression can be “speak up.”

For I desire to justify you may be rendered “I am anxious to find you innocent,” “I want to prove you are in the right,” “… that you are not in the wrong,” or “… that you are not guilty.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .