speak kindly (to their hearts)

“It was interesting to find how similar some of the Hebrew ways of expression are to Bari idiom. (…) [For instance], in Genesis 50:21 (‘Joseph spoke kindly to them’ in English) Bari follows Hebrew in saying that he spoke ‘to their hearts'”

Source: Source: P. Guillebaud in The Bible Translator 1965, p. 189ff.

complete verse (Genesis 50:21)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 50:21:

  • Kankanaey: “There is no reason-for- your -being-afraid, because it’s-all-right, I will take-care-of you and your children.’ Those were the good words that Jose told them so-that their minds would become-peaceful.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “So do not fear. I will feed and care for you and your children.’ In this way he gave encouragement to his elder brothers.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So [you (pl.)] do- not -be-afraid. I will-provide- food -for you (pl.) as-well-as for your (pl.) children.’ Jose reassured them and their feelings settle-down.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So I say again, do not be afraid! I will make sure that you and your children have enough to eat.’ In that way he reassured them and made made them feel much better.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 50:21

So do not fear: see verse 19. Joseph has explained that God has overruled their misconduct. Revised Standard Version marks this as a consequence.

I will provide for you and your little ones: see 45.11.

Reassured translates a verb used in 37.35, where Jacob’s sons attempted to console him when he grieved for Joseph. It is used in the sense of giving assurance or encouragement to a person who is hard pressed or uncertain. This is sometimes expressed figuratively; for example, “he warmed their stomachs” or “he gave them back their hearts.” In more literal renderings many translations say “he spoke kindly to them” or “he spoke good words to them.”

Comforted them is literally “he spoke to their hearts.” This idiom was used in 34.3, where it is said that Shechem loved Dinah “and spoke tenderly to her.” See there for translation. Common expressions of comforted them are “made them feel good again” and “made their insides quiet [or, peaceful].”

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 .