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 30:29)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 30:29:

  • Newari: “Jacob said to him — ‘You know how I have worked here, and you also know how many cattle you already have through my care.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jacob said, ‘You (sing.) have-known how my service to you (sing.) (has-been) and how your livestock/[lit. animals] has-become-many because of my care.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Jacob replied, ‘You know how I have worked for you, and you know that your livestock have increased greatly as I have taken care of them.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 30:29

Jacob’s reply begins by repeating the thoughts that have been expressed in verses 26-28.

You yourself know … you: see verse 26.

How your cattle have fared with me: cattle refers to all of Laban’s animals or flocks and not just to his cows and bulls. This statement refers to the increase in Laban’s animals and may often be translated, for example, “how much your animals have increased.” See Good News Translation. With me means in this context “since I have been here,” “under my care,” or “with me taking care of them.”

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 .