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 33:8)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 33:8:

  • Newari: “Esau asked Jacob — ‘What were the herds that I met on the way?'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Esau asked Jacob, ‘What (is) your meaning to-say with those groups of animals that I met?’ Jacob said, ‘Those (are) my gift to you (sing.) so-that you (sing.) will-accept me.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Esau asked, ‘What is the meaning of all the animals that I saw?’ Jacob replied, ‘I am giving them to you, sir, so that you will feel good toward me.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 33:8

Esau said: without commenting on Jacob’s family, Esau inquires about the herds sent to him as gifts. The Hebrew text has “He said” where “He” can only mean Esau. Said must often be rendered as “asked,” since what follows is a question.

What do you mean by all this company which I met?: Esau’s question is literally “Who [or, What] to you all that camp [or, company] I met?” (The word for “camp” or “company” is the same as that used in 32.10 and in forming the word “Mahanaim” in 32.2.) Although somewhat difficult to interpret, the sense seems to be “What did you have in mind when you sent all those herds to me?” Esau seems to be asking why Jacob wanted to give them to him. Jacob’s answer confirms that interpretation of Esau’s question. We may translate the question, for example, “What did you hope to do with those herds I met?” “What was your purpose in sending those animals to me?” or “Why did you send all those animals to me?” In some languages it may be easier to translate some or all of Esau’s words as a statement rather than a question. Two examples are “I met these people coming with animals. Why did you send them to me?” and “Those workers with the animals which I met before, I don’t know why you sent them.”

To find favor in the sight of my lord: for the meaning of this expression, see 6.8 and 32.5. Jacob’s answer refers to what Esau has asked about, namely, the gift of animals, but does not actually say that. In translation this will often have to be filled in: “I sent them in order to…” or “They are for you, to make you feel good toward me.”

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 .