Joseph

The name that is transliterated as “Joseph” in English means “may God add,” “he shall add,” “increasing.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

It 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: Ruth Anna 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

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Joseph .

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Translation commentary on 1 Maccabees 2:53

Joseph in the time of his distress probably refers to his service as a slave in the house of Potiphar (Gen 39.1-6). An alternative model may be “When Joseph was going through a time of trouble.”

Kept the commandment may refer to the commandment against adultery (Gen 39.7-18), in which case Good News Bible‘s plural “commands” is not correct. Again, in some languages it will be impossible to avoid stating who gave Joseph the commandment. In such cases translators may say “he obeyed the One in Heaven [God].”

And became lord of Egypt: Joseph became the Egyptian king’s prime minister in Gen 41.39-46. Good News Bible‘s “ruler” is a better choice of terms than lord.

Quoted with permission from Bullard, Roger A. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on 1-2 Maccabees. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2011. For this and other handbooks for translators see here.