complete verse (Joshua 11:11)

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

  • Kupsabiny: “They destroyed everything that was alive and breathed in that city.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Everyone, who was in that city, was totally destroyed by sword. Not even a single survivor was kept. Then Joshua set fire to Hazor, causing it to burn.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “They also killed all the residents of Hazor, and no-one at-all was-left alive. And the town itself they burned.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “They killed everyone in Hazor; they did not spare anyone/no one was left alive. Then they burned the city.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Joshua 11:11

They put everyone there to death presents “And they put to the sword all who were in it, utterly destroying them” (Revised Standard Version) of the Hebrew text. The verb which Revised Standard Version renders “utterly destroying” is the same Hebrew verb discussed at 2.10, which means “dedicate to God (for complete destruction).”

While the Hebrew text uses three verbs to describe the slaughter of the people, Good News Translation uses only two. If the form of Good News Translation is followed, then no one was left alive may be translated either “they did not leave anyone alive” or “they killed everyone there.” And the city was burned may also be translated as an active: “and they burned the city.”

Recent excavations have dated the destruction of Hazor around 1225 B. C. The city was rebuilt by Solomon (1 Kgs 9.15).

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Newman, Barclay M. A Handbook on Joshua. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1983. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .