Pharaoh

The term that is used for monarchs in ancient Egypt and is transliterated as “Pharaoh” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language with the sign signifying the “fake metal beard (postiche)” that was word by Pharaohs during official functions. (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Pharaoh” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

Jacob

The Hebrew, Latin, and Greek that is transliterated as “Jacob” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies “lentil,” referring to the soup he gave his brother in exchange for his birthright (see Genesis 25:34). Note that another Spanish Sign Language sign for Jacob also users the sign for Jewish. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Jacob” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

In German Sign Language it is a sign that shows the touching of the hip, described in Genesis 32:25:


“Jacob” in German Sign Language (source: Taub und katholisch )

In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the signs signifying “smooth arm” (referring to the story starting at Genesis 27:11). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Jacob” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

See also Esau.

complete verse (Genesis 47:8)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 47:8:

  • Kankanaey: “then the king said, ‘How-many are your (sing.) years?'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “He asked Jacob — ‘How old are you? [lit.: ‘How many years do you have?’]” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “the king asked him, ‘How old (are) you (sing.)?/[lit. How-many now your (sing.) age?]'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then the king asked Jacob, ‘How old are you?'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 47:8

And Pharaoh said to Jacob: as in verse 3, the king takes the initiative to open the conversation with a question. In some languages a term of address is required before the actual question; for example, “Old man [respectful], how many….”

How many are the days of the years of your life?: the king may be struck by the vitality of Jacob or impressed by his weather-beaten features and advanced age. Jacob’s life as a herdsman in the open country was very different from that of the king in his palace. For the wording in the king’s question, see 25.7. Revised Standard Version translates the Hebrew form literally; however, the question should be asked in a natural manner, which in English is as in Good News Translation. In some languages a direct question about Jacob’s age will be seen as rude. It may be necessary to add, for example, “When the king saw he was very old, he inquired of Jacob….”

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 .