camps / companies

The Hebrew that is typically translated as “companies” and “camps” in English is translated in the Hausa Common Language Bible as ƙungiya or “caravan.” (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

Esau

The name that is transliterated as “Jacob” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language and American Sign Language with the signs signifying “hairy forearm” (referring to the story starting at Genesis 27:11). (Source: Tarja Sandholm, Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


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

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 Jacob and hairy (like Esau).

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Esau .

complete verse (Genesis 32:8)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 32:8:

  • Kankanaey: “because he thought that if Esau fought one group, it-was-possible that the other group would-be-able-to-escape.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “‘In case something happens, even if Esau attacks one group, the other group may be able to escape,’ so thinking he did like this.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Because he thought that if for-example Esau indeed would-arrive and attack the one group, the other group could- still -flee.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “He was thinking, ‘If Esau and his men come and attack us, perhaps one of the groups will be left and will be able to escape.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

survive / escape / save

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “survive,” “escape,” “save,” or similar in English is translated in the Contemporary Chichewa translation (2002/2016) in these verses with pulumuka, describing someone whose life was in danger but who has freed himself or herself. (Source: Mawu a Mulungu mu Chichewa Chalero Back Translation)

Translation commentary on Genesis 32:8

Thinking translates “and he said,” in which Jacob is thinking aloud or talking to himself.

If Esau comes to the one company and destroys it: Jacob may not be certain that Esau is approaching. However, his emotions have reacted as if that is certain. He does not know for certain that Esau will attack, but neither can he assume that he won’t attack. The only course open for Jacob is to prepare for the worst. Destroys translates a word meaning to strike, but in the context it refers to a military type of attack. See Good News Translation.

Then the company which is left will escape: Jacob’s reasoning does not take into consideration that Esau also could divide his men into two companies and attack both of Jacob’s camps.

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 .