Abraham

The name that is transliterated as “Abraham” in English is translated in virtually all sign languages, including American Sign Language with the sign signifying “hold back arm” (referring to Genesis 22:12).


“Abraham” in American Sign Language (source )

In Tira it is transliterated as Abaram. The choice of this, rather than the widely-known “Ibrahim,” as used in the Tira translation of the Qu’ran, was to offset it against the Muslim transliteration which originates from Arabic. (Source: J.A. Naudé, C.L. Miller Naudé, J.O. Obono in Acta Theologica 43/2, 2023, p. 129ff. )

Click or tap here to see two short video clips about Abraham (source: Bible Lands 2012)

See also our ancestor Abraham and Abram.

Canaan

The term that is transliterated as “Canaan” in English is translated in American Sign Language with the sign loosely referencing the act of hiding/covering one’s face in shame. The association of “shame” with the name “Canaan” comes from Genesis 9, specifically verse 9:25. This sign was adapted from a similar sign in Kenyan Sign Language (see here). (Source: RuthAnna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Canaan” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

Click or tap here to see a short video clip about Canaan in biblical times (source: Bible Lands 2012)

complete verse (Genesis 50:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 50:13:

  • Newari: “They brought his corpse to the land of Canaan and buried [it] in a cave in the field of Machpelah near Mamre which Abraham had bought from Ephron the Hittite.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “For they brought his corpse to Canaan and buried-(it) in the cave there in the field of Macpela, east of Mamre. Abraham bought this farm from Efron the Hithanon to make-(it) a burial-place.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “They crossed the Jordan River and carried Jacob’s body to Canaan. They buried it in the cave in the field at Machpelah, east of Mamre town. That was the field that Abraham had bought from Ephron, who was one of the Heth people-group, to use as a burial place.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 50:13

His sons carried him to the land of Canaan: carried translates a verb meaning “to lift,” “to carry,” or “to take.” In this context it may be better to use a more general term such as “take” or “transport.” See Revised English Bible. The remainder of this verse is taken entirely from 49.30.

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 .