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 35:29)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 35:29:

  • Newari: “Becoming a very old man he died and went to be with his ancestors. His sons, Esau and Jacob, buried him.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “He died in very old-age, and he was-gathered/mixed/joined with his relatives who had now died. He was-buried by his children Esau and Jacob.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “He was very old when he died, joining his ancestors who had died previously. His sons Esau and Jacob buried his body.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 35:29

And Isaac breathed his last; and he died … full of days: for the wording of Isaac’s death and burial, see that of Abraham in 25.8.

And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him they could do this peacefully having become reconciled in chapter 33. According to 49.31 Isaac and Rebekah were buried in the cave of Machpelah.

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 .