Gen 27:32

Esau

The name that is transliterated as “Jacob” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language and American Sign Language with the signs signifying “hairy forearm” (referring to the story starting at Genesis 27:11). (Source: Tarja Sandholm, RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)

“Esau” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

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 )

complete verse (Genesis 27:32)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 27:32:

Newari: “Isaac asked — ‘Who are you?'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
Hiligaynon: “Isaac asked him, ‘Who are you (sing.)?’ He replied, ‘I am Esau, your (sing.) older child.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
English: “His father, Isaac, said to him, ‘Who are you?’ He answered, ‘I am Esau, your firstborn son!'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 27:32

Who are you? See verse 18.

I am your son … Esau: see verse 19.

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 .

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Verse: Genesis 27:32