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 .

complete verse (Genesis 45:28)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 45:28:

  • Kankanaey: “and he said, ‘So (same word as guess-what) Jose my child is still living. I must go see him so that then I will die.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “And he said — ‘Now I believe your report, my son Joseph has not yet died. I will go and meet him, and before I die I will see his face.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jacob said, ‘I (am) convinced now! My child Jose (is) indeed/[surprise particle] still alive. I will-go to him before I die.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “He said, ‘What you have said is enough to convince me! My son Joseph is still alive, and I will go and see him before I die!'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 45:28

And Israel said: that is, “Jacob said.”

It is enough: this expression refers to the report that Joseph is alive. Here are some of the ways various translations express It is enough: “It is enough to know that…” (Biblia Dios Habla Hoy), “I could ask for nothing more” (Bible en français courant), “Not another word” (Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch), “Enough!” (New Revised Standard Version), “This is all I could ask for!” (Good News Translation). Some Pacific translations have “It’s really true, now I know, ….”

I will go and see him before I die: Jacob does not mean that he will go at some distant time. In 42.38 he has already spoken of himself as being old and of his death. Jacob’s going to Egypt is urgent. Good News Translation, New Jerusalem Bible, New American Bible, Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch all express it well: “I must go and see him before I die” or “I must go and see him now before I die.” Some translations express this more fully or more idiomatically; for example: (1) “It will not be long before I die. I must go and see him first!” (2) “I must go quickly to Egypt, in case I die before I see him.” (3) “I’ll have to go and see him while my eyes have not closed yet.”

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 .