Issachar

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Issachar” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies “donkey” referring to Genesis 49:14. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

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

See also strong(-boned) donkey.

More information on Issachar and the Tribe of Issachar .

complete verse (Deuteronomy 33:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Deuteronomy 33:18:

  • Kupsabiny: “He said about the clan of Zebulun and that of Issachar,
    ‘May the clan of Zebulun prosper when (he/they) go out,
    and may also Issachar prosper in the(ir) tents.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Concerning the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar he said,
    "Zebulun, you are to rejoice when you go out hither and thither
    and Issachar, you are to rejoice inside your tents.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Moises said concerning the tribe of Zebulun and Issachar,
    ‘Rejoice the tribe of Zebulun, for they will-prosper in their business in other places.
    Rejoice also the tribe of Issachar for they will-prosper in their place.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “‘ say this about the tribes of Zebulun and Issachar:
    I desire/hope that the people of Zebulun will prosper in their travels across the seas,
    and that the people of Issachar will prosper while they stay at home and take care of their cattle and crops.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Deuteronomy 33:18

In verses 18-19 two tribes are mentioned together, Zebulun and Issachar.

In your going out … in your tents: your going out talks about travels abroad, in this context maritime commerce and trade (see Gen 49.13). In your tents refers to the home life of a pastoral or nomadic people. Good News Translation has a good model for this verse.

Quoted with permission from Bratcher, Robert G. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Deuteronomy. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2000. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .