complete verse (Joshua 16:2)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Joshua 16:2:

  • Kupsabiny: “It left from Bethel (which is Luz) and went through the land of the Arkites to Ataroth.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “From Bethel that boundary proceeded toward Luz and reached Ataroth in the territory of the Arkites.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “From Betel (which is Luz), this passes-through Atarot which (is) where the Arkhanon live,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “It extended west from Jericho to the hilly area near Bethel, which is also called Luz. It extended as far as Ataroth, at the border of the land where the Arki people-group lived.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Joshua 16:2 - 16:3

It is strange that the text here speaks of Bethel and Luz as two different places (verse 2), whereas in other texts Luz is said to be the earlier name of Bethel (see 18.13; Judges 1.23; Gen 28.19; 35.6). Consequently, Bright says the text here cannot be right, and he proposes changes; but most translations retain the form of the Hebrew text.

In verse 2 Good News Translation has Ataroth Addar, as in 16.5; 18.13, so as to distinguish it from the other Ataroth (verse 7); Hebrew has only “Ataroth” here (see Revised Standard Version).

Nothing definite is known of the tribal groups the Archites (see 2 Sam 15.32) or the Japhletites.

For Lower Beth Horon see 10.10, and for Gezer see 10.33.

Verses 2-3 should not pose too many difficulties, since Good News Translation is rather easy to understand. Two minor alternations may be made: (1) the place names may need to be marked specifically as cities; and (2) one of the occurrences of it (once in verse 2 and twice in verse 3) may need to be marked specifically as “the southern boundary of the land.” Moreover, it may be advisable to keep the readers aware that the directions are toward the west.

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 .