Translation commentary on Genesis 11:32

Verse 32 completes the genealogical report of Terah.

The days of Terah refers to the total number of years, or the life span, of Terah. For the same expression see 5.5, 8, 11, 14, 17 and so on.

Were two hundred and five years: that is, Terah lived to be 205 years old.

And Terah died in Haran: some languages may find it more natural to reverse the last two statements, as Good News Translation does: “Terah died there [in Haran] at the age of 205.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .

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