complete verse (Leviticus 18:7)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 18:7:

  • Kupsabiny: “You (sing.) are not allowed to abuse/disrespect your father by sleeping with your mother. Your mother is your mother, so do not sleep with her.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “’Do not have cause your father to feel shame by having intercourse with your mother. For she is your mother. ” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Do- not -shame your (sing.) father by having-sexual-intercourse with your (sing.) mother or with his other wife/wives.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘Do not disgrace your father by having sex with your mother.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 18:7

In verse 7 and following, the pronouns in Hebrew are in the second person singular form rather than the second person plural as in verses 2-5. But since these are general prohibitions, it is quite acceptable to use the plural throughout in the language of translation.

Uncover the nakedness of your father, which is the nakedness of your mother: this long and awkward expression emphasizes the shamefulness of the act committed but also states the nature of the offense. The fact of having intercourse with the wife of one’s own father (that is, the mother of the person committing the immoral act) was considered especially disgraceful. Both the character of the act and its shamefulness are brought out in a rendering like that of New American Bible “You shall not disgrace your father by having intercourse with your mother. Besides, she is your mother….”

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 .