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 29:28)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 29:28:

  • Kankanaey: “Jacob agreed-to (lit. yessed) that-aforementioned which Laban said, and when that week-long-period was finished, Laban gave his child Raquel to him so-that he would-marry (her).” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “He did just that. Seven days later Laban gave his daughter Rachel in marriage to Jacob.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jacob agreed to what- Laban -said. After one week of celebration of his/[lit. their] marriage to Lea, Laban had- Raquel -marry him.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So that is what Jacob did. After the week of celebration was ended, Laban gave him his daughter, Rachel, to be his wife.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 29:28

Jacob did so: Jacob agrees to finish the marriage feast with Leah and does as his uncle requires.

Completed her week: Jacob remained with Leah for the week of the marriage feast and accepted Leah as his wife.

Then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to wife: unlike the case of the first wife, Laban now gives Rachel to Jacob apparently in advance of his seven years service. The narrator says nothing regarding a second marriage feast. We may assume perhaps that this was really a double wedding. Note that Lev 18.18 forbids a man to marry sisters.

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 .