inclusive vs. exclusive pronoun (Gen 37:32)

Many languages distinguish between inclusive and exclusive first-person plural pronouns (“we”). (Click or tap here to see more details)

The inclusive “we” specifically includes the addressee (“you and I and possibly others”), while the exclusive “we” specifically excludes the addressee (“he/she/they and I, but not you”). This grammatical distinction is called “clusivity.” While Semitic languages such as Hebrew or most Indo-European languages such as Greek or English do not make that distinction, translators of languages with that distinction have to make a choice every time they encounter “we” or a form thereof (in English: “we,” “our,” or “us”).

For this verse, the Jarai and the Adamawa Fulfulde translation both use the exclusive pronoun, excluding Jacob.

complete verse (Genesis 37:32)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 37:32:

  • Kankanaey: “Then they had-it-taken to their father and they caused-it-to-be-told (to him) saying, ‘We (excl.) found this long garment. Examine-it please (to see) whether this is the garment of your (sing.) child.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then they took that wide upper garment to their father and said — ‘We found this. Is this of your son or not?'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then they brought the garment of Jose to their father and said, ‘We (excl.) found this. See if (it) belongs to Jose or not.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “They took that pretty robe back to their father and said, ‘We found this robe! Look at it. Is it your son’s robe?'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 37:32

Sent the long robe with sleeves: it is not clear whether the brothers sent the bloodied robe with a messenger or if they all took it to Jacob. It is best in many languages to continue the direct style of narrative and follow the model of Good News Translation: “They took the robe to their father.” In this verse the robe is given its full expression as in Gen 37.3. This is doubtlessly used by the narrator to call attention to the particular robe that had begun as a gift, created jealousy, and ended in revenge.

This we have found: that is, “We have found this robe.”

See now … or not: the question is asked politely in addressing their father: “Please see if this is your son’s robe or not.”

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 .