Isaac

The name that is transliterated as “Isaac” in English is signed in Spanish Sign Language and French Sign Language with a sign that is linked to his mother’s laughter when she hears that she will be pregnant with him (referring to Genesis 18:12 – 18:15) and also is the meaning of the Hebrew “Isaac” (Yitschaq — “he laughs”):


“Isaac” in French Sign Language (source: La Bible en langue des signes française )

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Isaac .

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 (Romans 9:7)

Following are a number of back-translations of Romans 9:7:

  • Uma: “It is not all the descendants of Abraham that indeed become the children of Abraham. For God’s words to Abraham are like this: ‘Only the descendants of Ishak will be your (sing.) descendants according to my promise, not your (sing.) other descendants. ‘” (Source: Uma Back Translation)
  • Yakan: “And not all the descendants of Ibrahim can be called/named his real/true descendants. This is true because God said hep to Ibrahim, ‘Of your (sing.) children, only just the descendants of Isahak will I regard/consider your (sing.) descendants.'” (Source: Yakan Back Translation)
  • Western Bukidnon Manobo: “As for all who are called the descendants of Abraham, not all of them are also thought of God as the true descendant of Abraham, which is to say, not all of them will receive the promises of God. For God said long ago to Abraham, He said, ‘By means only of Isaac are your true descendants.'” (Source: Western Bukidnon Manobo Back Translation)
  • Kankanaey: “Neither are all who are descended-from Abraham his true grandchildren/descendants (diff. word), because God said to Abraham, ‘It is only the descendants of Isaac who will be counted as your grandchildren/descendants.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Tenango Otomi: “Because God told Abraham that not all of his descendants would become God’s people. God told him: ‘Concerning the children of Isaac, only those will become God’s children’ he told him.” (Source: Tenango Otomi Back Translation)

For the Old Testament quote, see Genesis 21:12.

Translation commentary on Romans 9:7

The first part of this verse reads literally: “neither are all Abraham’s descendants children.” It is not clear whether Paul intends “children” to mean “Abraham’s children” or “God’s children.” On the basis of the following verse, the Good News Translation understands this to be a reference to the children of God (see also the New English Bible alternative rendering); others make it a clear reference to Abraham’s children. But even if “Abraham’s children” is intended, there should be some type of qualifier (New English Bible and Jerusalem Bible have “his true children”). Since the initial clause of verse 7 introduces a further example of a special relationship of people to God, it may be useful to introduce this clause by a conjunction like “moreover” or “furthermore.” There is a distinct problem in saying that “not all those who descended from Abraham are the children of God.” Such a rendering might seem to be entirely too general, particularly in view of the fact that the people referred to are actually “children according to God’s promise.” It may be necessary, therefore, in some languages to render this phrase as “the true children of God,” or “the children whom God promised to Abraham.”

Having introduced the major point in his argument, Paul now appeals to scripture to strengthen it. The reference is to Genesis 21.12, and Paul quotes from this verse without any introductory formula except the conjunction “but” (see Revised Standard Version). The Good News Translation makes it clear that the promise is something that God said to Abraham, a fact which is not made explicit in most translations.

The descendants of Isaac will be counted as yours may be translated as “only the offspring of Isaac will be counted as your offspring” or “only those who belong to Isaac’s family will be counted as your children.”

Quoted with permission from Newman, Barclay M. and Nida, Eugene A. A Handbook on Paul’s Letter to the Romans. (UBS Handbook Series). New York: UBS, 1973. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .