The term that is transliterated as “Joseph” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that relates to a) the coat he wore (see Gen 37:3), b) the holding of his clothes by Potiphar’s wife (see Gen 39:12), and c) the many times Joseph experienced grief. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Joseph” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign that signifies “dream,” referring to Jacob’s dream at Bethel (see Genesis 28:10 and the following verses). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 39:4:
Kankanaey: “he was confident/satisfied with him, and he appointed him as his companion and helper. He also entrusted to him his house and all his possessions so-that he would be-in-charge.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
Newari: “So seeing that, he rejoiced. And he made him chief of the workers in his own house. He also gave him responsibility for his whole house.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “so he was-pleased with Jose/[lit. his will-fell toward Jose]. He made him his personal helper and ruler of his household and of all his possessions.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “Joseph’s master was pleased with him, so he appointed him to be his personal servant. Then he appointed him to be the one who would take care of everything in his household and all of his possessions.” (Source: Translation for Translators)
So Joseph found favor in his sight: for the translation of this expression, see 6.8. In the context of someone doing good work for a master, this is often expressed as “He was very happy with Joseph.”
Attended him: Joseph’s master liked and trusted him, and so he gave Joseph the position of attendant or personal servant. We may translate, for example, “His master liked Joseph and therefore made him his servant.”
And he made him overseer of his house: Joseph was made “administrator,” “chief,” “head” of the other servants in Potiphar’s house.
Put him in charge of all that he had is literally “and all that he had he gave into his hand.” We may render this “He entrusted to Joseph all his possessions [things he owned].” In some languages this thought may be expressed “He told Joseph ‘You are to take care of all these things of mine.’ ” In one translation the last two clauses are combined: “He made Joseph the boss of all the people in his household and of everything he owned.”
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 .
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