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 48:18)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 48:18:

  • Kankanaey: “He said, ‘Not that-one father because this is the older-sibling and that’s the one-on-whom-you(sing.)-are-to-place your (sing.) right-hand.'” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “He said to his father — ‘Not like this, father, this is the first-born, put the right hand on this one’s head.'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “and said, ‘Father, that is not the-one. Here (is) the older-one; put your (sing.) right hand on his head.'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Joseph said to him, ‘My father, that is not right! The one on whom you put your left hand is my older son. Put your right hand on his head.'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 48:18

Joseph’s objection shows that he assumes his nearly blind father has made a mistake.

Not so, my father: that is, “Don’t do it like that, father” or “No, father, not that way.” Although the Hebrew text has “my father,” in English the possessive pronoun is less suitable when Joseph is addressing Jacob. In some languages a special address form will be appropriate here.

For this one is the first-born: it is necessary to visualize the arrangement of the two boys as given in verse 13, with Ephraim on Jacob’s left and Manasseh on his right. This one refers to Manasseh, and it may be necessary to make this clear by saying “The one on your right is the firstborn,” “The boy to your right…,” or “The one on this side is the eldest.” Another way of making the reference clear is to say “The other one is the firstborn.”

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 .