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 23:14)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 23:14:

  • Newari: “Ephron said to Abraham –” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Efron replied,” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 23:14

Ephron answered: answered may have to be adjusted to say, for example, “Ephron then said” or “This time Ephron came back with….”

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 .