brother (older brother)

The Greek and Hebrew that is translated as “brother” in English is translated in Kwere as sekulu, in Elhomwe as mbalaawo´, and in Mandarin Chinese as gēgē (哥哥), both “older brother.”

Note that Kwere also uses lumbu — “older sibling” in some cases. (Source for Kwere and Elhomwe: Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext; Chinese: Jost Zetzsche)

See also older brother (Japanese honorifics).

Rebekah

The Hebrew and Greek that is transliterated as “Rebekah” or “Rebecca” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies “bracelet,” referring to the gift that she receives in Genesis 24:22. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Rebekah” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

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

More information on Rebecca .

complete verse (Genesis 24:53)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 24:53:

  • Newari: “Then he brought out clothing, gold and silver ornaments and gave [them] to Rebekah. He also offered very expensive gifts to her mother and elder brother.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “He then took-out what he-had-brought which were jewelries of/[linker] silver and gold and including clothes, and gave-(them) to Rebeka. He also gave expensive gifts to the sibling/(brother) and mother of Rebeka.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Then the servant brought out silver and gold jewelry and clothes, and gave them to Rebekah. And he gave gifts to her brother Laban and to her mother.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 24:53

And the servant brought forth jewelry of silver and of gold: And is used to represent the Hebrew waw, which here signals the next in a series of events. In English “Then” is appropriate. Brought forth translates the causative form of a verb meaning to go or come, and in this context it means “to bring out.” The servant brought these gifts out of the packs and loads carried by the camels. The things given to Rebekah were gifts, and those given to the family members were part of the bride price or dowry. Jewelry translates a word referring to articles or objects that are crafted from valuable materials. For silver and gold see 13.2. Raiment refers to articles of clothing.

He also gave: he refers to the servant. Her brother is Laban. Rebekah’s mother’s name is not given, nor is Bethuel mentioned again in the story.

Costly ornaments: unlike verse 22, which describes the value of the gold ring and bracelets in terms of their weights, the gifts to Laban and Rebekah’s mother are mentioned only as being costly, that is, expensive. In languages in which it is difficult to describe objects in terms of cost, it may be possible to say, for example, “gifts a person spends much money to buy,” “gifts of great value.”

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 .