cupbearer

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated in English as “cupbearer” is translated in Newari as “new wine vessel holder.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)

Joseph

The term that is transliterated as “Joseph” in English is translated in American Sign Language with a sign that relates to a) the coat he wore (see Gen 37:3), b) the holding of his clothes by Potiphar’s wife (see Gen 39:12), and c) the many times Joseph experienced grief. (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Joseph” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign that signifies “dream,” referring to Jacob’s dream at Bethel (see Genesis 28:10 and the following verses). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Joseph” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

complete verse (Genesis 40:9)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 40:9:

  • Kankanaey: “The one-who-served-drinks went-ahead to relate and he said, ‘This is what I dreamed. There was reportedly (kano ‘reportedly’, signalling 2nd-hand information, is normally used in relating dreams) a grape vine in front of me” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “The chief cupbearer [lit.: new wine vessel holder] told Joseph an account of his dream like this — ‘In my dream I saw a grapevine plant before me.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “So the head of the ones-who-serve drink told his dream. He said, ‘I dreamed that there-was a vine/[lit. main-stem] of grape in front of me” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “So the king’s chief drink-server told his dream to Joseph. He said, ‘In my dream I saw a grapevine in front of me.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 40:9

The opening of this verse serves as an introduction to the wine servant’s dream. Some may find it appropriate to shorten this introduction as in the case of Good News Translation.

In my dream there was a vine before me: the Hebrew hinneh is commonly used when reporting the content of a dream. It is expressed in Revised Standard Version as there was. The vine refers to a grapevine. Before me means “in front of me” or “facing me.”

The translation of vine is often a problem. In many areas of the world, grapevines and grapes are unknown. Vines may be common, but the local vines may produce no fruit that is eaten. If this is the case, it is often possible to shift from vine to “bush” and from grape to “fruit.” If a local vine produces fruit that is eaten by people, then the name of such a vine and its fruit may be used. However, for a more detailed treatment of vine, see the comments on 9.20-21.

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 .