inclusive vs. exclusive pronoun (Jeremiah 48:2)

Many languages distinguish between inclusive and exclusive first-person plural pronouns (“we”). (Click or tap here to see more details)

The inclusive “we” specifically includes the addressee (“you and I and possibly others”), while the exclusive “we” specifically excludes the addressee (“he/she/they and I, but not you”). This grammatical distinction is called “clusivity.” While Semitic languages such as Hebrew or most Indo-European languages such as Greek or English do not make that distinction, translators of languages with that distinction have to make a choice every time they encounter “we” or a form thereof (in English: “we,” “our,” or “us”).

For this verse, the Jarai and the Adamawa Fulfulde translation both use the inclusive pronoun, including everyone.

Translation commentary on Jeremiah 48:2

The renown of Moab is no more is more literally “there is no more praise of Moab,” which New International Version renders “Moab will be praised no more.” The reference is best taken to mean that Moab’s “fame” (so Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch) or “splendor” (Good News Translation) will no longer be remembered. Translators can say something like “No longer will people praise Moab.”

In Heshbon they planned evil against her: In Heshbon they planned represents a play on words in Hebrew, since the expression they planned sounds very much like Heshbon. Bible en français courant has a note to this effect. Heshbon was the capital city of the Amorite king Sihon (Num 21.25-30). Both Good News Translation and Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch identify they as “the enemy.” Her is Moab. This clause can be rendered “In Heshbon the enemy [or, they] plotted against Moab.”

Come, let us cut her off from being a nation!: This line is a direct quote of the enemy of Moab. Good News Translation has transformed this line into indirect discourse (see above). Translators can also say quite simply “Let’s put an end to the nation.”

The town of Madmen is otherwise unknown, and there is a great deal of discussion regarding the origin of the name. It is a shame that in English it sounds like a town full of persons who have gone mad! In Hebrew there is a further play on words in the statement, You also, O Madmen, shall be brought to silence, but it is impossible to bring this out in translation. Translators can render this line as “You people of the town of Madmen, we will silence you also.”

The sword shall pursue you: Since the sword is often used in Jeremiah with the meaning of “war,” Good News Translation here translates “armies will march against it.” Translators can also say, for example, “warfare will come to you” or “you can’t escape from the coming war.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Stine, Philip C. A Handbook on Jeremiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2003. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .