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 35:4)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 35:4:

  • Newari: “Then everyone gave Jacob all the idols and ear ornaments that they had. Then everyone gave Jacob all the idols and ear ornaments that they had. He buried it all under an oak tree that was near Shechem.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So they gave their little-gods/false-gods to Jacob as-well-as their earrings which they used as amulets. Jacob buried all of these under the oak/[terebinto] treenear Shekem.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So they gave to Jacob all the idols that they had brought, and all their earrings. Jacob buried them in the ground under the big oak tree that was near Shechem town.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 35:4

So they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that they had: Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation translate the Hebrew connective as So to express the result of Jacob’s demand in Gen 35.3. Other English versions begin verse 4 with “Then” or make no logical connection with Gen 35.3. They gave is in response to Jacob’s orders; and in some languages gave may need to be expressed by a verb meaning “handed over,” “gave up,” “surrendered.” For foreign gods see verse 2.

The rings that were in their ears: nothing was said in verse 2 about getting rid of earrings or other ornaments worn by the women. Interpreters understand these earrings to be religious objects, perhaps amulets or magical charms.

Jacob hid them under the oak which was near Shechem: under is to be understood as under the branches and not beneath the trunk of the tree. Hid in this context means he buried them. The reference appears to be to the oak or terebinth of Moreh associated with Abraham in 12.6.

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 .