complete verse (Acts 7:7)

Following are a number of back-translations of Acts 7:7:

  • Uma: “But after that, I myself will punish the inhabitants of the town that have enslaved them, and only then will they go-out from that town and come here to worship me in this land.’ Thus the words of God to Abraham.” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “But I will punish the tribe/nation that will make your descendants slaves. After that, I will cause-them-to-go-out/free-them from that country where they were slaves, and they will return here to this country to worship/call-on me,’ God said.” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “I will punish those who are their slave owners, and they will at that time leave that land, and they will return home here. And as for me, God, they will worship me here.’ ‘” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “And God said that then he would punish those who had enslaved them, so then his descendants would leave there to return to this country, so that here is where-they -would-worship him.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tagbanwa: “But as for that land which will enslave them, I really will punish it. After that, they will then be able to leave there and return again here to this land. And then I, God, will again be worshipped by them here.'” (Source: Tagbanwa Back Translation)

For the Old Testament quotes, see Genesis 15:14.

complete verse (Genesis 15:14)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 15:14:

  • Kankanaey: “Then I will punish the slave owners of them and your (sing.) descendants will depart from there taking-along many possessions.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “I will give punishment to the nation that makes them male and female slaves. And they will come out taking much wealth from there.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But I will-punish the nation that will-enslave them. Later/Afterwards your descendants will-leave that nation [linker] bringing much/[lit. many] wealth.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But then I will punish the people of that country that made them become slaves, and then your descendants will leave that country, taking many possessions with them.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 15:14

But I will bring judgment: but contrasts the present clause with the previous one. In this context the verb bring judgment has the sense of calling someone to account, to execute justice, and so “to punish” (Good News Translation).

The nation which they serve: some translations adjust this expression so that the nation is the subject of the verb; for example, “the nation that enslaves them” (Good News Translation). We may also say “The nation that makes them its slaves.”

And afterward means “after I have punished the nation.”

They shall come out: they refers to Abram’s descendants. Come out means to leave, depart from the nation in which they are slaves.

With great possessions: possessions, as in 12.5, refers to movable property and so includes animals as well as camp baggage and valuables such as gold and silver. Good News Translation says “… great wealth with them.”

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 .