complete verse (Leviticus 7:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Leviticus 7:17:

  • Kupsabiny: “But/and any meat that remains until the third day that (meat) must be burned.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Leftovers remaining on the day after that, however, must be burned in the fire.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “If there-is yet any remaining-(portion) of meat by the third day, this must now be-burnt.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But any meat that is left until the third day must be completely burned.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Leviticus 7:17

The permission to eat meat even on the second day is surprising, because in a hot climate like that of the Near East meat spoils very quickly. Consequently it was strictly forbidden to eat any meat remaining on the third day. It had to be burned.

With fire: following the verb “to burn,” this may be considered redundant in many languages because it follows the verb “to burn.” If this is the case, it may be omitted in translation.

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 .