brother (older brother)

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “brother” in English is translated in Kwere as sekulu and in Mandarin Chinese as gēgē (哥哥), both “older brother.”

Note that Kwere also uses lumbu — “older sibling” in some cases. (Source for Kwere: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

Jacob

The Hebrew, Latin, and Greek that is transliterated as “Jacob” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies “lentil,” referring to the soup he gave his brother in exchange for his birthright (see Genesis 25:34). Note that another Spanish Sign Language sign for Jacob also users the sign for Jewish. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Jacob” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

In German Sign Language it is a sign that shows the touching of the hip, described in Genesis 32:25:


“Jacob” in German Sign Language (source: Taub und katholisch )

In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the signs signifying “smooth arm” (referring to the story starting at Genesis 27:11). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Jacob” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

See also Esau.

complete verse (Genesis 27:6)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 27:6:

  • Kankanaey: “then Rebeka said to Jacob, ‘I-have-just-heard what your (sing.) father told your (sing.) older-sibling. He said,” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “She said to her son Jacob — ‘I heard your father speaking to your elder brother Esau like this –” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Rebeka told her child Jacob, ‘I heard that/[linker] your father told to Esau to” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Rebekah said to her son, Jacob, ‘Listen to me. I heard your father talking to your brother, Esau, saying,” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 27:6

In verse 6 Rebekah reports to her favorite son.

Speak to does not merely refer to a conversation in general but introduces a quotation; thus Good News Translation “heard your father say to Esau….”

Your brother Esau: brother may need to be expressed more precisely as “older twin brother” or “older brother” in some languages.

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 .