camps / companies

The Hebrew that is typically translated as “companies” and “camps” in English is translated in the Hausa Common Language Ajami Bible as ƙungiya or “caravan.” (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

complete verse (Genesis 32:8)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 32:8:

  • Kankanaey: “because he thought that if Esau fought one group, it-was-possible that the other group would-be-able-to-escape.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “‘In case something happens, even if Esau attacks one group, the other group may be able to escape,’ so thinking he did like this.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Because he thought that if for-example Esau indeed would-arrive and attack the one group, the other group could- still -flee.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “He was thinking, ‘If Esau and his men come and attack us, perhaps one of the groups will be left and will be able to escape.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 32:8

Thinking translates “and he said,” in which Jacob is thinking aloud or talking to himself.

If Esau comes to the one company and destroys it: Jacob may not be certain that Esau is approaching. However, his emotions have reacted as if that is certain. He does not know for certain that Esau will attack, but neither can he assume that he won’t attack. The only course open for Jacob is to prepare for the worst. Destroys translates a word meaning to strike, but in the context it refers to a military type of attack. See Good News Translation.

Then the company which is left will escape: Jacob’s reasoning does not take into consideration that Esau also could divide his men into two companies and attack both of Jacob’s camps.

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 .