Abraham

The name that is transliterated as “Abraham” in English is translated in the vast majority of sign languages, including American Sign Language with the sign signifying “hold back arm” (referring to Genesis 22:12).


“Abraham” in American Sign Language (source )

In Vietnamese (Hanoi) Sign Language it is translated with a sign for that demonstrates his new destiny. Previously, he had been called to wander from his home, and the name “Abram” reflected this movement (see here). The new sign name is in one location and stays there, showing Abraham will be given a land to call his own. At this time, Abraham was in the southern part of Canaan, which is shown on the base arm by the location near the elbow. (Source: The Vietnamese Sign Language translation team, VSLBT)


“Abraham” in Vietnamese Sign Language, source: SooSL

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

In Tira it is transliterated as Abaram. The choice of this, rather than the widely-known “Ibrahim,” as used in the Tira translation of the Qu’ran, was to offset it against the Muslim transliteration which originates from Arabic. (Source: J.A. Naudé, C.L. Miller Naudé, J.O. Obono in Acta Theologica 43/2, 2023, p. 129ff. )

Click or tap here to see two short video clips about Abraham (source: Bible Lands 2012)

See also our ancestor Abraham and Abram.

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Abraham .

complete verse (Genesis 23:12)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 23:12:

  • Newari: “Once again Abraham bent down before the Hittites.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Abraham again knelt-down in thanks/(showing)-thanks before/[lit. in front-of] the residents.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Abraham again bowed before the people who lived in the area,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 23:12

Then Abraham bowed down: we may assume that Abraham has remained standing before the Hittites since he stood up and bowed in Gen 23.7. As in verse 7, his bow is again a gesture expressing appreciation for Ephron’s offer. Such an offer would not likely be made to someone who could not pay the price of the field. Good News Translation “But” suggests that verse 12 is in contrast to something in verse 11. However, Abraham bows again, and the translation should signal a repeated act; for example, “Then Abraham bowed again.”

See verse 7 for people of the land.

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, William D. and Fry, Euan McG. A Handbook on Genesis. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .