flock

The Hebrew word that is translated into English as “flock” is translated in Idoma as ɔdāajɛ or “thing-of-ground” which can include both sheep and goats. (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

complete verse (Genesis 27:9)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 27:9:

  • Kankanaey: “Go to our pasture so-that you (sing.) will choose two goat offspring that are fat. Bring (them) here so-that I will cook the kind of meat-viand that your (sing.) father likes-very-much” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Go and get two nice sacrificial lambs, [and] I will make their meat really delicious for your father.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Go there to our (incl.) livestock/[lit. animals] and take two young and fattened goats, for I will-cook-for your father his favorite food.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Go out to the flock and kill two nice young goats and bring the meat to me. Then I will prepare some tasty food for your father, the way he likes it.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 27:9

Go to the flock: flock refers to the flock, or herd, of sheep and goats. In some languages it will be more natural to use an expression that refers to the place where the animals are kept; for example, “the place where our goats are” or “the goat yard.”

Fetch me two good kids: fetch me translates a verb meaning “take or bring to me.” Two good kids is literally “two kids [of] goats [which are] good.” Kid refers to a young goat. Good in this context refers to their being good for food and therefore tender or fat. See Good News Translation. It is highly unlikely that “lamb” can be used in place of kid, as goats are more common throughout the world than are sheep. If, however, neither is known, we may use a general expression and say “two young animals.”

Prepare from them savory food for your father, such as he loves: see Gen 27.4.

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 .