The term that is transliterated as “Ishmael” in English is translated in American Sign Language with the sign for the letter I and the sign signifying “stubborn” (also similar to “donkey”), referring to Genesis 16:12. (Source: Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)
“Ishmael” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor
In Spanish Sign Language it is translated with a sign that depicts shooting bow and arrow, referring to the fact that Ishmael was skilled with his bow (see Genesis 21:20). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)
The name that is transliterated as “Isaac” in English is signed in Spanish Sign Language and French Sign Language with a sign that is linked to his mother’s laughter when she hears that she will be pregnant with him (referring to Genesis 18:12 – 18:15) and also is the meaning of the Hebrew “Isaac” (Yitschaq — “he laughs”):
The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael: There is no verb in this verse in Revised Standard Version or in the Hebrew text (which is fitting in a genealogical list in Hebrew), but many languages will require one. Possible models are “Abraham had two sons, Isaac and Ishmael” (Good News Translation) and “Abraham was the father of Isaac and Ishmael” (Contemporary English Version). In some languages it will be natural to use the verb “gave birth to.” Since Abraham was mentioned at the end of the previous verse, Revised English Bible omits his name here and renders this verse as a relative clause, saying “whose sons were Isaac and Ishmael.” However, if a section heading separates these two verses, it will be important to repeat the name of Abraham.
Only two sons of Abraham are mentioned here, but verses 32-33 include descendants of Abraham and his concubine Keturah. Although Ishmael was the firstborn, his name does not appear first, no doubt because Isaac was the ancestor of the people of Israel (see Gal 4.21-31).
Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Ellington, John E. A Handbook on 1-2 Chronicles, Volume 1. (UBS Helps for Translators). Miami: UBS, 2014. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .
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