Welcome back to The Life of H: Sarah, Reimagined, where I translate Sarah’s story from biblical Hebrew into poetic and restorative English.
Today I read my essay about this translation project, followed by my complete translation of Genesis Chapter 21.
This essay and translation was published online in Aôthen Magazine, on June 21, 2025.
And the wall comes tumbling down
Most of the time I put my translations-in-progress behind a paywall. That’s because this is challenging work, and valuable work that I hope those who are interested and able will support.
I also use the paywall to share audio of the translations as they evolve, because if I publish my work in print here to all 2,000+ of my subscribers, it won’t be eligible to be published elsewhere.
But now, one chapter of the translation has been published 🎉🎉🎉. (Am I a little bit excited? You bet I am!) That means I can take down the paywall for this essay and translation today! You can hear it all using the audio in this post.
I cannot tell you how pleased I am that this translation is making its way into the larger world. I truly could not have done this without the support of you, dear readers and subscribers.
Today’s essay and translation was published in Aôthen Magazine, a publication that celebrates archaeology and history by featuring work related to the ancient Mediterranean, including creative writing, visual art, and articles.
Get the whole story
To catch up on previous installments of my translation of Sarah’s stories in Genesis, check out the Table of (Evolving) Contents for my translation here.
Errata
Well nothing’s perfect. And neither am I.
In the audio intro to today’s essay I mistakenly introduced the translation as Genesis Chapter 20. I meant to say Chapter 21. I could have re-recorded, but I had a feeling you’d understand.
Also, there’s glitch in the first line of the essay in my audio. The first line should read as follows:
Translating biblical Hebrew into English can feel like trying to describe the shadow leaves make on the ground below trees, and then a breeze scatters the pattern.
Okay, it’s not perfect. I’m human. But I think you’ll enjoy the essay either way.
That’s all for this week.
Next time, when we return to the translation-in-process, Sarah will be restored to her husband—and to her spiritual calling.
Until then,
I’m dreaming with you,
Make time to write this summer
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Your days will include:
Guidance on how to set up your at-home retreat
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Optional prompts to inspire you
I am impressed how all this material is there, just waiting to come out.
Jess, Mexico
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