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Genesis 31:53 – NASB vs. HCSB
Genesis 31:53 NASB “The God of Abraham and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” So Jacob swore by the fear of his father Isaac.
Genesis 31:53 HCSB The God of Abraham, and the gods of Nahor–the gods of their father–will judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the Fear of his father Isaac.
The HCSB is different than most modern, major translations by pluralizing “gods.” Grammatically this can be done, as most know the word elohim is plural, but is translated as singular when referring to the God of the Bible. By translating gods here, the HCSB implies that Laban is an idolater, which is stated several times in this chapter (vv.19,30,32,34,35), along with Nahor, Abraham’s brother and Laban’s father. Couple this with Joshua 24:2, and it becomes clear why the translators chose “gods.” I think the HCSB has the better translation.
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