reed

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated in English as “reed” is translated in Newari as “bamboo.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)

complete verse (Genesis 41:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 41:18:

  • Kankanaey: “and I saw seven cows that were fat and good-looking which came-out from the water, and they began to graze on the edge of the river.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then seven good looking fat cows came out of the river and went to eat bamboo greens [lit.: the grass of bamboo reeds].” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Suddenly seven beautiful and fat cows came-up, and they then/immediately ate the grass.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Suddenly seven healthy fat cows came up out of the river, and they started eating the grass that was on the riverbank.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 41:17 - 41:18

Verses 17-24 repeat the details of the dreams as told by the narrator in verses 1-7.

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 .