OET interlinear NUM 20:3

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: writing-quotations

וַ⁠יֹּאמְר֣וּ לֵ⁠אמֹ֔ר

and=they_said to=say

The term saying introduces a direct quotation. In your translation, use a natural way of introducing direct quotations in your language. It may not be necessary to represent this term explicitly.

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / exclamations

וְ⁠ל֥וּ גָוַ֛עְנוּ

and,if died

The people are using a phrase that expresses a strong feeling, a desperate wish that they had already died. There may be an equivalent word or phrase in your language that you can use in your translation to convey this feeling. Alternate translation: [We would rather have died]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / exclusive

גָוַ֛עְנוּ

died

By we, the people mean themselves and their fellow Israelites but not those to whom they are speaking, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / euphemism

גָוַ֛עְנוּ בִּ⁠גְוַ֥ע אַחֵ֖י⁠נוּ

died when,died brothers_of,our

The people are referring to death in a polite way by using the phrase we had expired when our brothers expired. Depending on what is helpful for your readers, you could use a polite way of referring to this in your language, or you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: [we had died when our brothers died]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

אַחֵ֖י⁠נוּ

brothers_of,our

Here the people are speaking as if their fellow Israelites were their brothers. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: [our kinsmen]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה

to=(the)_face_of/in_front_of/before YHWH

Here, to the face of Yahweh represents being in Yahweh’s presence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: [before Yahweh]