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 46:30)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 46:30:

  • Kankanaey: “Then his father said, ‘Now I am-ready to die, because (relief particle) I have seen you (sing.) and I know that you (sing.) are still alive.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Israel said to Joseph — ‘I having had the chance to meet you and look at your face I know that your have not died. Now I have the chance to die in peace.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Jacob said to Jose, ‘Now I (am) ready to-die because I have- now -seen you (sing.) alive.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Jacob said to Joseph, ‘I have seen you and I know that you are still alive! So now I am ready to die.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 46:30

Now let me die: Jacob is not asking someone present to allow him to die. The father who is living only to see his lost son once more (see 45.28) can now say “I am ready to die” or “I can die now.” Other examples of the way this can be expressed in translation are “It is all right for me to die now” and “I can die happy now.”

Since I have seen your face and know that you are still alive: seen your face may need to be rendered “seen your face again” or “seen you again.” In some languages it is more natural to place the reason before the request; for example, “Now let me die. I have seen you and know that you are still alive.”

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 .