who are you my son

The Hebrew that is translated as “who are you, my son?” or similar in English is translated in the Hausa Common Language Ajami Bible as Wanne ɗana ne kai? or “Which of my sons are you?” to specify that Isaak knew it was one of his sons (rather than using “son” as a casual address for a male person which it could be in Hausa — or English or Hebrew). (Source: Andy Warren-Rothlin)

complete verse (Genesis 27:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 27:18:

  • Kankanaey: “When Jacob then arrived-with-it at the location of his father, he said, ‘Here-I-am father.’ ‘Who really are you (sing.) my child?’ said his father.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then Jacob went to his father and said — ‘Father, I have come.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jacob brought that to his father and said, ‘Father!’ Isaac said, ‘Which/[Who linker] child of mine are you?'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Jacob took it to his father and said, ‘My father!’ Isaac replied, ‘I’m here; which of my sons are you?'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 27:18

So he went in to his father: since this is an action that follows the event in verse 17, something equivalent to “Then” or “After that” may be more suitable. In some languages the transition to the place where Isaac is may need to be expressed more fully; for example, “Carrying the food in his hands, Jacob went to the room where his father was.”

My father: the form of address should be appropriate for this situation in the language and culture of the readers. It should be recalled that Jacob does not want to reveal who he really is.

And he said: he is Isaac, and this may need to be stated as “Isaac said.”

Here I am: Isaac’s reply is nearly the same as Abraham gave to God in 22.1. Isaac is not telling his son where to look for him in the room but is responding to Jacob’s words. In translation Isaac’s response should match the situation. In some cases this may be “I hear you,” “You’ve come,” “You say so.” Note Good News Translation “Yes.”

Isaac must be certain that he is dealing with his older son and so inquires who are you, my son? Isaac’s question does not mean that the voice he has heard is from a total stranger. He wishes only to distinguish between Esau and Jacob; that is, “Which of my sons are you?” See Good News Translation.

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 .