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 .

Pharaoh

The term that is used for monarchs in ancient Egypt and is transliterated as “Pharaoh” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying the “fake metal beard (postiche)” that was word by Pharaohs during official functions. (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Pharaoh” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Pharaoh .

complete verse (Genesis 50:7)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 50:7:

  • Newari: “So Joseph went to bury his father. With him went all the chief official people and all the main people.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So Jose set-out/went-out with many officials of the king: the rulers of the palace and the rulers of Egipto.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So Joseph went up to Canaan to bury his father’s body. All of the king’s officials, all the king’s advisors, and all the elders in Egypt went with him.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 50:7

Verses 7-9 list those groups that took part in the funeral procession to Canaan.

All the servants of Pharaoh: Westermann says that the use of all is deliberate exaggeration. However, all translators keep it in English, and it is a literary device that will be acceptable in many other languages also. This group probably refers to administrators in the government who had close dealings with Joseph.

Elders of his household: these are the highest ranking court officials, advisors to the king. They may be a different group than the previous one, but Anchor Bible defines the first group as being these same men by translating “all of Pharaoh’s officials who were senior members of his court.”

All the elders of the land of Egypt: the word elders or “old men,” used in both expressions, refers to highly placed dignitaries, important officials whose exact office or function is not stated. In some languages the elders of the tribe are referred to as “the big men,” “the old men,” or “those who sit near the chief.”

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 .