offering

The Hebrew that is translated as “offering” in English is translated in Venda as nduvho. J. A. van Rooy (in The Bible Translator 1974, p. 439ff. ) explains: “It is derived from the verb u luvha (‘to pay homage to; to acknowledge the superiority of; at the same time usually asking for a favour’). It is sometimes used as a synonym for ‘asking something from a chief. The noun nduvho means ‘a gift of allegiance,’ which corresponds closely with minchah (מִנְחָה) as ‘offering of allegiance.’ This term nduvho has in it the elements of subjugation, of reciprocity (asking for a favor), of being taken up into the same community as the chief in allegiance to him. Only the element of expiation is missing.”

In Northern Emberá, it is translated as “given to God freely.” (Source: Loewen 1980, p. 108)

See also offering (qorban).

complete verse (Genesis 32:21)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 32:21:

  • Newari: “In this way Jacob’s gifts went on ahead [lit.: went first]. He himself, however, stayed in the tent that night.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So he sent-ahead the gifts, but he on-the-other-hand remained that night there at their dwelling-place.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So the men taking the gifts went ahead, but Jacob himself stayed in the camp that night.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 32:21

So the present passed on before him: the present refers to the herds of animals moving out in Esau’s direction. Passed … him is literally “passed over before his face.” The Hebrew verb is the same as in verse 16 and may refer to crossing the river. No doubt Jacob watched as the herds moved out of the camp. We may translate, for example, “Finally, the herds left the camp.”

He himself lodged that night in the camp: to give the slow-moving herds a chance to get well ahead, Jacob spends the night in his camp.

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 .