lived after

In many languages, “events which are implied in a chrono­logical sequence need to be inserted in the translation (…) In Genesis 11 where the text says, ‘so-and-so lived after (so many sons and daughters so many years),’ at the end of each occurrence the Timbe translation adds, ‘and he died’ to complete the chronological sequence.”

Arphaxad / Arpachshad

The name that is transliterated as “Arphaxad” or “Arpachshad” in English is translated in Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) with a sign that suggests “expansion of people.” Arphaxad is the grandson of Noah and is known for being a pioneer in the expansion of people. (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Arphaxad / Arpachshad” in Libras (source )

See also Cainan (son of Arphaxad).

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

years (age)

In Aekyom, years are counted as “turtles” (ambum).

Norm Mundhenk tells this story:

“Recently I was checking some New Testament material in the Aekyom language of western Papua New Guinea. It seemed relatively clear until suddenly we came to a passage that started, ‘When Jesus had 12 turtles, …’ Surely I had misunderstood what they said.
“‘Did you say that Jesus had 12 turtles?’
“‘Let us explain! Around here there is a certain time every year when river turtles come up on the banks and lay their eggs. Because this is so regular, it can be used as a way of counting years. Someone’s age is said to be how many turtles that person has. So when we say that Jesus had 12 turtles, we mean that Jesus was 12 years old.’
“It was of course the familiar story of Jesus’ trip with his parents to Jerusalem. And certainly, as we all know, Jesus did indeed have 12 turtles at that time!”

In Tok Pisin, krismas (derived from “christmas”) is taken as the fixed annual marker, so Jesus had 12 “christmases” (Jisas i gat 12-pela krismas pinis) or Abram (in Gen. 12:4) had 75 (Abram i gat 75 krismas) (source: Norm Mundhenk). In Noongar it is biroka kadak or “summers had” (source: Warda-Kwabba Luke-Ang).

See also advanced in years.

complete verse (Genesis 11:13)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 11:13:

  • Newari: “After that he lived another 403 years. After that other sons and daughters were born to him.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “After Shela was-born, Arfaxad still lived for 403 years and his children continued to-increase-in-number.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “After Shelah was born, Arpachshad lived 403 more years and became the father of more sons and daughters.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 11:12 - 11:13

The report of Arpachshad: it should be noted that, beginning with Arpachshad, the fathers’ ages at the time of the birth of their son drops to what we would consider today as normal compared with those in chapter 5. Also the reported years of life are much less.

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 .