complete verse (Leviticus 14:47)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 14:47:

  • Kupsabiny: “And/But a person who sleeps in the house or eats in the house, that one must wash his clothes.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “If anyone going into this house, eats or sleeps [there], he/she must wash their clothes.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “And anyone who sleeps or eats in this house he must launder his clothes.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Anyone who sleeps in that house or eats in that house during that time must wash his clothes.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 14:47

This verse seems to be another general statement, although it may carry forward and amplify the thought of the previous verse. If this is the case, it should probably be introduced by something like “Furthermore” or “Also” in some languages.

The pronoun he should be translated in such a way as to convey the meaning “Whoever” or “Anyone.” Notice the way in which the structure has been simplified in Good News Translation. This may serve as a good model in many other languages.

Wash his clothes: see 11.25.

Quoted with permission from Péter-Contesse, René and Ellington, John. A Handbook on Leviticus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1990. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .