Jannes and Jambres

The name that is transliterated as “Jannes” in English is translated in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) with a sign that combines “destroy” and “snake.” Both Jannes and Jambres refer to the sorcerers of Exodus 7:11 and Exodus 7:12 that are named in post-Tanakh sources. (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Jannes” in Libras (source )

The name that is transliterated as “Jambres” (also: Mambres) in English is translated in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) with a sign that combines “magic foam” (a possible meaning of the name is “foaming healer”) and “snake.” See for the reason above. (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Jambres” in Libras (source )

For more information see Jannes and Jambres .

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

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 used by Pharaohs during official functions. (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Pharaoh” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Pharaoh .

complete verse (Exodus 7:11)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Exodus 7:11:

  • Kupsabiny: “That ruler sent/ordered for the wise men and magicians to be called.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then the Pharaoh called wise men and magicians. And Egyptian magicians came and performed the same things by their magic.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then the king cause-to-call/summoned his wise men/people and magicians/[madyikero], and through their tricks/magics/[madyik], they were-able-to-do that same miracle.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Bariai: “But the great chief saw like that and then called his people of knowledge and his people of magic, and so they did like that also with their magic as Aron had done.” (Source: Bariai Back Translation)
  • Opo: “And king called here spiritists of Egypt, wise people and tassel-hitters. They did miracles which equate with that which Aaron by power of gods of earth.” (Source: Opo Back Translation)
  • English: “Then the king summoned his sorcerers and men who performed magic. They did the same thing, using their magic.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Exod 7:11

The wise men and the sorcerers were not present at first, for they had to be summoned, or “called for.” But they were evidently not far away, for they served as special advisors to the Pharaoh. The wise men were probably priests who supervised the practice of “magic.” One may also express this as “the people who had great knowledge about magic,” or even “the people who had secret powers to perform magic.” The sorcerers were their assistants who were trained to use herbs and mix potions in order to cast spells and interpret signs.

In ancient Egypt “magic,” or the practice of secret arts, was a respected profession and became highly specialized. Whether beneficial or harmful, it occurs in most cultures, and there will be terms for it and the people who perform it. Both the wise men and the sorcerers were considered magicians. Although three terms are used, only two groups are identified. The first two terms are specific, the third is generic. In some languages, including English, it is difficult to find equivalent terms, for their meanings overlap. Good News Translation uses only two terms, “wise men and magicians,” but Translator’s Old Testament identifies them as “magicians and sorcerers.” The clause did the same by their secret arts may also be expressed as “they used their secret powers to do the same thing.”

Quoted with permission from Osborn, Noel D. and Hatton, Howard A. A Handbook on Exodus. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1999. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .