Ishmael

The term that is transliterated as “Ishmael” in English is translated in American Sign Language with the sign for the letter I and the sign signifying “stubborn” (also similar to “donkey”), referring to Genesis 16:12. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Ishmael” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign that depicts shooting bow and arrow, referring to the fact that Ishmael was skilled with his bow (see Genesis 21:20). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Ishmael” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

More information on Ishmael .

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

complete verse (1 Chronicles 1:31)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of 1 Chronicles 1:31:

  • Kupsabiny: “Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These were Ishmael’s sons.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jetur, Nafish, and Kedema. They were the children of Ishmael.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)

Translation commentary on 1 Chronicles 1:31

The tribes of Jetur and Naphish are mentioned later in 1 Chr 5.19 as two of the Arabian tribes that engaged in battle with some of the Israelite tribes. The descendants of Naphish may possibly be the same as the Nephisim mentioned in Ezra 2.50.

The descendants of Kedemah may be related to the Kadmonites referred to in Gen 15.19. The name Kedemah seems to be related to the Hebrew word for “east,” and possibly there is a relationship with “the people of the east” mentioned in Gen 29.1 and elsewhere.

These are the sons of Ishmael: This is another summary statement at the end of a list of names (compare verse 23). Good News Translation omits it here, but includes it in verse 29. But it should probably be kept here in the receptor language unless translators find it unnatural to do so.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .