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 44:23)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 44:23:

  • Newari: “‘Until you bring your younger brother you will not see my face.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But you (sing.) said that we (excl.) should- not -show (ourselves) to you (pl.) if our (excl.) youngest-one is not with us (excl.).” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “But you told us, ‘If your youngest brother does not come back with you, I will not let you see me again!'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 44:23

Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no more: in 42.15 Joseph had warned the brothers “You shall not go from this place unless your youngest brother comes here.” You shall see my face no more is spoken by Judah to Jacob in 43.3.

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 .