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 43:24)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 43:24:

  • Kankanaey: “Then he caused- them -to-enter the house and he gave-them water so that they would wash their feet. He also fed their donkeys.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “That man took them to Joseph’s house. Then he gave them water to wash [their] feet. He also gave food to their donkeys.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The steward had- the siblings/(brothers) -enter the house of Jose and gave-(them) water so-that they could-wash their feet. He also gave food to their donkeys.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then he took them into Joseph’s house. He gave them water to wash their feet and gave them food for the donkeys.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 43:24 - 43:25

For washed their feet see comments on 18.4. For provender see 24.25. Eat bread means to have a meal.

Translators may find that some adjustments are required to translate the order of events in verses 24-25. It is most likely that the brothers learned early on that they were to eat at Joseph’s house. Therefore we may combine verses 24-25 and shift verse 25b to the opening of the combined text. We may say, for example:

• The brothers learned that they were to eat the noon meal in Joseph’s house. After they had entered the house, the steward gave them water to wash their feet. He also fed their donkeys. While they waited for Joseph to come home, they laid out the gifts they had brought for him.

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 .