complete verse (Genesis 26:26)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 26:26:

  • Newari: “One day Abimelech came from Gerar to Isaac, bringing along his advisor Ahuzzath and [his] commanding general Phicol.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Abimelec came-to Isaac from Gerar with Ahuzat his adviser and Ficol the leader of his soldiers.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “While they were digging the well, King Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, along with Ahuzzath, his advisor, and Phicol, the commander of his army.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 26:26

Verse 26 introduces an episode in this story in which Abimelech and Isaac make a peace treaty. The purpose of this treaty is to prevent Isaac, whom Abimelech recognizes as blessed of God, from attacking Abimelech’s kingdom. Note that the initiative comes entirely from the side of Abimelech. Good News Translation and some others place a heading before verse 26.

In some languages this episode will need to be introduced so that the reader will recognize that a shift of theme has taken place. For example, we may need to say “While Isaac was camped at Beersheba, Abimelech…,” “During Isaac’s stay in Beersheba….”

Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar: because Abimelech has not been mentioned since verse 16, it may be helpful to bring him back into the story with his title, that is, “Then King Abimelech” or “Then Abimelech, king of Gerar….” Went in English suggests that the viewpoint is from Gerar. We may also say “left Gerar and went.” It may, however, be more natural to assume the viewpoint as being at Beersheba. In that case “came from Gerar” is preferred in English. To him means “to Isaac,” “to the place where Isaac was.”

With Ahuzzath his adviser: with means that Abimelech was accompanied by Ahuzzath. Adviser translates a noun meaning “friend,” “companion.” It is used in 2 Sam 15.37; 1 Kgs 4.5, and there, as here, it refers to a person who counsels, advises, gives his expert opinion to the king. In some languages an adviser to a leader is called “the one who whispers in the chief’s ear” or “the one who speaks in private to the chief.”

For Phicol the commander of his army see 21.22.

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 .