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 43:17)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 43:17:

  • Kankanaey: “The slave obeyed that-aforementioned that Jose instructed, and he escorted the siblings to his house.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “That man, doing as Joseph said, brought them into Joseph’s house.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The steward obeyed the command to him. So he brought the siblings/(brothers) to the house of Jose.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “The man did as Joseph said. And he took them to Joseph’s house.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 43:17

The man did as Joseph bade him: man refers here to the steward and should probably be rendered by the term used to speak of him in verse 16.

Brought the men: that is, “took the brothers….”

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 .