complete verse (Genesis 34:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 34:18:

  • Newari: “Their words [lit.: matter] were pleasing to Hamor and his son Shechem.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Hamor and Shekem saw that the condition that was-given-by the children of Jacob seemed good.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “What they said pleased Hamor and his son Shechem.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 34:18

Verses 18-24 shift the scene back to the town where Hamor and his son present the proposal of circumcision to the men of the town. Like good politicians, Hamor and Shechem are not slow to point out the material advantages the people will then enjoy.

Their words pleased Hamor and … Shechem is literally “Their words were good in the eyes of….” Their refers to Jacob’s sons. We may render this statement, for example, “Hamor and his son Shechem agreed to what they told them to do” or “Hamor … accepted the condition demanded by Jacob’s sons.” This may also be expressed in direct speech: “Hamor and … Shechem said, ‘All right.’ ”

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 .