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 30:1)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 30:1:

  • Newari: “Because Rachel was not able to give birth to children for Jacob, she envied her elder sister. And she said to Jacob — ‘Cause me to have children too. Otherwise I will die.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Raquel still did- not -become-pregnant, so she was-jealous of Lea. She said to Jacob, ‘Give me a child for if not, I will- surely -die!'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Rachel realized that she was not becoming pregnant and giving birth to any children for Jacob. So she became jealous of her older sister, Leah, because Leah had given birth to four sons. She said to Jacob, ‘Enable me to become pregnant and give birth to children. If you do not do that, I think I will*die!'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 30:1

The opening verse of chapter 30 shifts our attention from Leah and the birth of her first four children to Rachel; and it pictures Rachel, who has had no children, as being jealous of her sister.

It is most likely the case that Rachel’s jealousy began long before the birth of Leah’s fourth son. In order to avoid giving the impression that Rachel’s jealousy began at that time, it may be advisable to link 30.1 more closely with 29.31-35 by saying, for example, “While Leah was giving birth to her sons, Rachel realized that she was unable to have children, and so she became jealous of her sister.”

When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children: saw is used here in the same way as in 29.31 with the sense of “found out,” “discovered,” “realized.” 29.31 states that Rachel was barren. For the case of Hannah, who suffered similarly, see 1 Samuel chapter 1. We may translate, for example, “When Rachel realized she was unable to have children….”

She envied her sister: envied translates a verb meaning to be envious or jealous. The idea expressed is that Rachel felt ill will or resentment against Leah, because Leah enjoyed the privilege of having sons for Jacob. Expressions for envy and jealousy are often figurative; for example, “Rachel’s liver turned black against her sister,” “Rachel’s heart became hot against Leah.” In some languages it may be necessary to use a special term for Leah, denoting “older sister.”

Give me children, or I shall die: Rachel’s suffering and shame from barrenness is so great that she feels she will die if she does not have children. Her demand is addressed to Jacob and is the equivalent of saying “Cause me to become pregnant,” “Make me have offspring.” Children translates the term for “sons” but in this context includes both sons and daughters.

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 .