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 23:7)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 23:7:

  • Newari: “Then standing before them, Abraham bent down and said –” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “At once Abraham knelt-down in thanks/show-of-thanks before/[lit. in front of] the residents of the Hithanon.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then Abraham stood up and bowed in respect in front of the people who owned the land, the descendants of Heth.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 23:7

As in Ruth 4 these negotiations are probably conducted while people are seated on the ground. This verse moves the negotiation to the next stage, which must make concrete Abraham’s request.

Rose and bowed to the Hittites: this gesture of courtesy is to thank the Hittites for their as yet vague response and to show respect for their consideration of Abraham as a great man. Bowed means to bend the body forward from the hips, not a mere bowing of the head.

People of the land: the Hittites were the people who lived in the area of Hebron. They are the native population and the landowners. Good News Translation does not refer to them by this expression. We may say “who lived in the area,” “who were the native citizens,” “who were the local people.”

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 .