Abraham

The name that is transliterated as “Abraham” in English means “father of a multitude,” “father of mercy,” “father of many nations.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In the vast majority of sign languages, including American Sign Language it is translated with the sign signifying “hold back arm” (referring to Genesis 22:12).


“Abraham” in American Sign Language (source )

In Vietnamese (Hanoi) Sign Language it is translated with a sign for that demonstrates his new destiny. Previously, he had been called to wander from his home, and the name “Abram” reflected this movement (see here). The new sign name is in one location and stays there, showing Abraham will be given a land to call his own. At this time, Abraham was in the southern part of Canaan, which is shown on the base arm by the location near the elbow. (Source: The Vietnamese Sign Language translation team, VSLBT)


“Abraham” in Vietnamese Sign Language, source: SooSL

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

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.

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Abraham .

complete verse (Genesis 20:10)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 20:10:

  • Newari: “Why did you do like this?'” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “But why did you (sing.) do this?'” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Abimelech asked Abraham, ‘What was your reason for doing this?'” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 20:10

And Abimelech said to Abraham: Good News Translation drops this as unnecessary in the dialogue. Abimelech continues to accuse Abraham by pursuing his questions.

What were you thinking of, that you did this thing?: thinking of is literally “What did you see,” where “see” has the sense of “foresee,” “expect,” “hope to gain.” We may translate “What did you hope to accomplish?” “What were you after?” “What did you expect to get from it?” Good News Translation “Why did you do it?” seems to omit the element of personal gain assumed in Abimelech’s question. The last part of the verse may be rendered, for example, “What did you expect to get by doing this thing?” Since “this thing” refers to saying that Sarah was his sister, it may be clearer to translate “What did you expect to get by saying that Sarah was your sister?” or “… by hiding the fact that she was your wife?”

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 .