formal 2nd person pronoun (Spanish)

Like many languages (but unlike Greek or Hebrew or English), Spanish uses a formal vs. informal second-person pronoun (a familiar vs. a respectful “you”). Spanish Bibles all use only the informal second-person pronoun (tú), with the exception of Dios Habla Hoy (third edition: 1996) which also uses the formal pronoun (usted). In the referenced verses, the formal form is used.

Sources and for more information: P. Ellingworth in The Bible Translator 2002, p. 143ff. and R. Ross in The Bible Translator 1993, p. 217ff.

See also the use of the formal vs. the informal pronoun in the Gospels in Tuvan.

complete verse (Genesis 44:21)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 44:21:

  • Newari: “And you said to us — And you said to us — ‘Bring him to me, I want to [lit.: will] see him.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then you (sing.) said to us (excl.) that we (excl.) were-to-bring him to you (sing.) so-that you (sing.) could-see him too.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then you said to us, ‘The next time you come here, bring your younger brother down to me, so that I can see him.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 44:21

Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes upon him: the command that Benjamin be brought to him is based on Joseph’s statement in 42.20 and 42.34.

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 .