complete verse (Genesis 40:11)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 40:11:

  • Kankanaey: “Since to-my-sudden-realization I was holding the king’s cup, I-picked-all-of the grapes and squeezed their juice (lit. its water) into that cup. Then I went and served-it to the king. That is what I dreamed.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand, I squeezed the grapes, putting it intothe vessel and took [it] to Pharaoh.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “I was holding a cup of the king of Egipto and I broke-off grapes and then squeezed-(them) into the cup. Afterwards, I gave the cup to the king.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “I was holding the king’s cup, so I took the grapes and squeezed the juice into the cup. Then I gave the cup to the king to drink the juice.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 40:11

Pharaoh’s cup may need to be rendered “the king’s cup.” See Gen 40.2.

I took the grapes may, according to the decision made in verses 9 and 10, be expressed as “I took the fruit.”

Pressed them: the manner of pressing, squeezing, or mashing the fruit is not indicated. If the language requires it, we may say, for example, “I squeezed the grapes with my fingers” or “I squeezed the juice into the king’s cup.”

Placed the cup in Pharaoh’s hand: that is, “and gave it to the king” or “handed it to the king.”

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 .