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 31:3)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 31:3:

  • Newari: “Just at that time the LORD said to Jacob — ‘Go back to the place of your father and his affinal kin. I will be with you.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The LORD said to Jacob, ‘[You (sing.)] go-home now to the place of your (sing.) ancestors, there to your relatives, and I will-be-with you.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then Yahweh said to Jacob, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will help you there.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 31:3

In this verse the LORD tells Jacob to return to Canaan.

Then the LORD: Then translates the Hebrew connective and refers to a subsequent event. We may also say, for example, “After that,” or “Later,” or it may not be necessary to use any transition expression.

Return to the land of your fathers and to your kindred: for a similar expression see 12.1; 24.4, 38.

And I will be with you may need to be rendered “I will go with you,” or stated more fully, “I will go with you and help you.”

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 .