Abraham

The name that is transliterated as “Abraham” in English is translated in virtually all sign languages, including American Sign Language with the sign signifying “hold back arm” (referring to Genesis 22:12).


“Abraham” in American Sign Language (source )

In Tira it is transliterated as Abaram. The choice of this, rather than the widely-known “Ibrahim,” as used in the Tira translation of the Qu’ran, was to offset it against the Muslim transliteration which originates from Arabic. (Source: J.A. Naudé, C.L. Miller Naudé, J.O. Obono in Acta Theologica 43/2, 2023, p. 129ff. )

Click or tap here to see two short video clips about Abraham (source: Bible Lands 2012)

See also our ancestor Abraham and Abram.

complete verse (Genesis 21:29)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 21:29:

  • Newari: “Then Abimelech said — ‘Why have you done like this?'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Abimelec asked, ‘For what are those seven female sheep which you set-apart?'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Abimelech asked Abraham, ‘What are these seven female lambs that you have separated from the rest of your flock?'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 21:29

Abimelech said may need to be translated “Abimelech asked….”

What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set apart? is literally “What are these seven ewe lambs you have put by themselves?” Good News Translation has translated this question as “Why did you do that?” We may also say, for example, “Why did you put these seven ewe lambs aside?” “Why did you take these seven ewe lambs out of the flock?” or “Those seven ewe lambs, what are you going to do with them?”

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 .