complete verse (Genesis 37:20)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 37:20:

  • Kankanaey: “Let’s kill-him-now so-that we will then drop-him into a well. We can say that a fierce animal has killed-him. Then we will see if indeed what he dreamed comes-true.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Killing him, we will drop him in a well here. Then we will say that a wild animal killed and ate him. Then we will indeed see what becomes of his dreams.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Hurry, let- us (incl.) -kill him and then throw-(him) into one of these wells where water is stored. We (incl.) will- just -say that he was-killed by a ferocious animal. And let- us (incl.) -see if his dreams will-be-fulfilled.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “and ‘Hey, let’s kill him, and then throw his body into one of the pits/cisterns. Then we will tell people that a ferocious/wild animal attacked and killed him and ate him. And then we will find out whether his dreams come true/make sure that his dreams do not come true!'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 37:20

Come now is a call to action such as “Let’s go,” “Come on, everybody.”

One of the pits: pits renders a word meaning a hole or cistern that has been dug for catching and holding rain water. The cistern was apparently dry or nearly so. The fact the brothers had to go so far to find pasture suggests that this scene takes place in the dry season of the year. Such storage cisterns are said to have been abundant in the Dothan area.

In language areas where cisterns are unknown, it may be necessary to use a descriptive expression such as “one of these holes in the ground for catching rain water.”

Then we shall say: in some languages it will be necessary to indicate the person who is told. In this case “We shall tell our father….”

A wild beast … him: that is, “a wild animal has eaten him.”

We shall see what will become of his dreams: this statement refers to the dreams becoming a reality. By killing Joseph none of the brothers or his parents will ever have to bow down to him, they think. Both Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation translate the text closely, but it may be necessary to show more clearly what the brothers mean by what will become of his dreams. For example, we may do this by saying “Then we will see if these dreams come true” or “… if there is any truth in his dreams.” Some translations are even more direct than this: “That will put an end to his dreams!” or “We’ll do that because we don’t want him to be our boss!”

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 .