brothers

“Brothers” has to be translated into Naro as “younger brothers and older brothers” (Tsáá qõea xu hẽé / naka tsáá kíí). All brothers are included this way, also because of the kind of plural that has been used. (Source: Gerrit van Steenbergen)

This also must be more clearly defined in Yucateco as older or younger (suku’un or Iits’in), but here there are both older and younger brothers. Yucateco does have a more general word for close relative, family member. (Source: Robert Bascom)

Joseph

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)


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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Joseph .

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

Judah, Judea

The name that is transliterated as “Judah” or “Judea” in English (referring to the son of Jacob, the tribe, and the territory) is translated in Spanish Sign Language as “lion” (referring to Genesis 49:9 and Revelation 5:5). This sign for lion is reserved for regions and kingdoms. (Source: John Elwode in The Bible Translator 2008, p. 78ff. and Steve Parkhurst)


“Judah” and “Judea” 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 Judah, Judah (son of Jacob) , and Tribe of Judah .

complete verse (Genesis 44:14)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 44:14:

  • Kankanaey: “When Juda and his companions returned to Jose’s house, he was still there, and they bowed-face-down to him.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “When Judah and his brothers came, Joseph was at home. They came and lay prostrate on the ground before him.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “When Juda and his siblings/(brothers) arrived in Egipto, Jose (was) still-as-usual there in his house. They entered the house and knelt-down before Jose.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “When Judah and his older and younger brothers entered Joseph’s house, Joseph was still there. The servant told Joseph what had happened. Then the brothers threw themselves down on the ground in front of Joseph.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 44:14

When Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, he was still there: at this point Judah is mentioned as the one who takes the initiative on Benjamin’s behalf. According to verse 3 the brothers departed “as soon as the morning was light.” It is still morning and Joseph has not yet left his house to go to his place of work, presumably at the king’s palace. Since Joseph is the central character throughout, it may be best to begin this verse by mentioning Joseph first; for example, Revised English Bible say “Joseph was still in the house when Judah and the brothers arrived.” Although the text does not actually give the reason why Joseph had remained at his house, it is also quite in keeping with the story line to assume that he was there deliberately; as one translation says, “he was there waiting for them.”

They fell before him to the ground: this act is more than a greeting to the ruler as was given in 43.26. Here they throw themselves on the ground, seeking mercy.

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 .