complete verse (Genesis 48:19)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 48:19:

  • Kankanaey: “But his father said, ‘Child, I know that the descendants of Manasses will also become in-the-future a large nation. But greater will be the honor of his younger-sibling and his descendants will become in-the-future stronger nations.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Without listening to his request, his father said — ‘I know, [my child], I know quite well. He, having many descendants, will also be be great. But his younger brother will be much greater than he, and his descendants will become groups of nations.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But his father answered, ‘Yes, I know-(it) son. The descendants of Manase will-become famous people too. But the descendants of Efraim will-become more famous and they will-become many groups of peoples.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But his father refused, saying, ‘I know that, my son, I know what I am doing. Manasseh’s descendants will also become a people-group, and they will become important. But his younger brother’s descendants will become greater than his will. His descendants will become several nations.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 48:19

But his father refused: that is, “refused to move his hand.”

I know … I know: the repetition of I know emphasizes Jacob’s certainty in what he has done. In some languages repetition of this kind will have the effect of casting doubt on what he has done; in this case some other appropriate expression of emphasis should be used. One translation has Jacob say “I know what I’m doing.”

He also shall become a people: he refers to Manasseh and may need to be expressed in that way. Become a people means his descendants will become a tribe or nation, which is further qualified as great or “important.”

Nevertheless his younger brother shall be greater than he: this statement is introduced by a contrast. His younger brother refers to Ephraim, and it may be clearer to say, for example, “but Ephraim will be greater than Manasseh.”

His descendants … nations: descendants is literally “seed,” and multitude translates a word meaning “fullness,” or that which fills up a space, and therefore “a great number” or “many.” The term translated nations is the same as in 17.4-5.

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 .