complete verse (Leviticus 5:2)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 5:2:

  • Kupsabiny: “And/But if a person has touched something that is not ritually clean like a wild animal which has died or a domestic animal or any animal that crawls on the ground, that person has sinned/done a mistake. He is guilty even if he did not do it on purpose.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “If anyone, after touching the corpse of a wild animal, the corpse of a domestic animal, or the corpse of an animal that goes creeping, becomes aware that he has touched such an unclean thing, he must admit his guilt then he will be judged guilty.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “If there-is someone who touches whatever thing which is-considered to-be-dirty/unclean, like a dead body of the dirty/unclean animals, he has-sinned and he has-became dirty/unclean, even-though he does- not -know that he has- in-fact/[surprise particle] -touched-(it).” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “If you accidentally touch something which God considers impure , such as the carcass of a wild animal or the carcass of a bull or cow, or of an animal that scurries across the ground, you must pay a penalty/be punished.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 5:2

Or: this marks the introduction of the second example. In some languages it may be better to say “Or, to take another example…” or simply “Another case:….”

Unclean thing: in Leviticus the term unclean or “impure” is extremely important. It does not have to do primarily with physical cleanliness but is basically a religious idea (see chapters 11–15). But this ritual uncleanness may be transmitted by physical contact or in some cases simply by sight. The general term an unclean thing is clarified by specific examples in the text. It may be (1) the carcass of an unclean beast, that is, a dead animal that is wild, (2) a carcass of unclean cattle, that is, a dead animal that is tame (domesticated) or (3) a carcass of unclean swarming things, that is, the body of an animal classed by the Jews as “swarmers” (mouse, weasel, lizard or other reptile, and perhaps also insects). Because of the diversity of this last group, it is difficult to translate in most languages. New International Version has translated accurately but awkwardly “unclean creatures that move along the ground.” An American Translation, New English Bible, and Moffatt apparently understand the term as being limited to “reptiles.” And Good News Translation has avoided the problem by grouping all the categories together under the heading “a dead animal,” although this may be considered too general in some languages.

And it is hidden from him: most scholars take this to mean that the dead body is touched accidentally or unintentionally. But New English Bible interprets it to mean that the person performing this action conceals it from others, “and it is concealed by him although he is aware of it.” This interpretation, however, is unlikely and very few versions follow it. It is better to translate “without being aware of it at the time” (Moffatt). Compare 4.13.

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 .