complete verse (Genesis 32:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 32:19:

  • Newari: “He also instructed the second and third servant following him as well as all who went following the herds in exactly the same way — ‘When you meet Esau, you also say like that.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The same-thing he also said to the second, to the third and to all the servants who were-following the animals.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “He also said the same thing to the servants who were taking care of the second and third groups, and to the other herdsmen. He said to them, ‘When you meet Esau, I want you to say to him the same thing that I told the first servant.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 32:19

He likewise instructed the second and the third: Jacob gave the same instructions to the herdsmen leading the second and the third herds.

And all who followed the droves: doubtless this clause refers to herdsmen, as they are included with those who received the instruction concerning what is to be said to Esau. Verse 19 may then be translated, for example, “He also told the leaders of the second and third herds and all the other herdsmen.”

You shall say the same thing to Esau … him: same thing means give the same replies as told to the herdsmen of the first herd.

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 .