live in tents, stay at home

The Hebrew that is translated in English as “lived in tents” or “stayed at home” is translated in Newari as “did house work.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)

Jacob

The Hebrew, Latin, and Greek that is transliterated as “Jacob” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign that signifies “lentil,” referring to the soup he gave his brother in exchange for his birthright (see Genesis 25:34). Note that another Spanish Sign Language sign for Jacob also users the sign for Jewish. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


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

In German Sign Language it is a sign that shows the touching of the hip, described in Genesis 32:25:


“Jacob” in German Sign Language (source: Taub und katholisch )

In Finnish Sign Language it is translated with the signs signifying “smooth arm” (referring to the story starting at Genesis 27:11). (Source: Tarja Sandholm)


“Jacob” in Finnish Sign Language (source )

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

See also Esau.

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Jacob .

Esau

The name that is transliterated as “Jacob” in English is translated in Finnish Sign Language and American Sign Language with the signs signifying “hairy forearm” (referring to the story starting at Genesis 27:11). (Source: Tarja Sandholm, Ruth Anna Spooner, Ron Lawer)


“Esau” in American Sign Language, source: Deaf Harbor

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

See also Jacob and hairy (like Esau).

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Esau .

complete verse (Genesis 25:27)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Genesis 25:27:

  • Kankanaey: “When they two had-grown-up (lit. become-large), Esau became-skilled in hunting and always/only to the woods is where-he-was-going. Jacob however, he was a thoughtful/reflective person who stayed-close-to-home.” (Source: Kankanaey Back Translation)
  • Newari: “After they became big, Esau became a good hunter and one who would be outside. Jacob, however, was gentle and became one who only did house work.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “When the two children had-grown-up/[lit. had-gotten-big], Esau became a skillful hunter and he was always in the field while Jacob on-the-other-hand was a quiet man and always staying in tents.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “When the boys grew up, Esau became a skilled hunter. He spent a lot of time out in the fields. Jacob was a quiet man who stayed close to the campsite.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Genesis 25:27

When the boys grew up: here the Hebrew text supplies a discourse opener and transition from the birth report. In some languages this may need to be worded to say, for example, “Many years passed and the two boys became men” or “Many years later the twins grew to be men.”

Esau was a skilful hunter: skilful hunter translates the Hebrew “knowing hunter.” The sense is that Esau had learned the skill, technique, knowledge necessary to be a hunter. Hunter refers here to someone who stalks and kills wild animals with the bow and arrow, and spear.

A man of the field is a second description of Esau, which complements the first and contrasts Esau sharply with the description to be given of Jacob. The expression means “a man who spent his time outdoors,” “a man who roamed the open countryside.” Revised English Bible calls him “an outdoor man,” Moffatt “a man who lived in the open.” In some languages Esau may be called “a man who walks the bush.” In some languages this second description, which is more general, fits better the style of the language when placed before “skilful hunter.”

While Jacob was a quiet man, dwelling in tents: while translates the common Hebrew connective that serves here to contrast Jacob’s style of life, and perhaps occupation, with that of his brother. The contrast may need to be marked in other ways by saying, for example, “on the other hand” or “but Jacob was different.” Quiet translates the Hebrew word for “perfect,” “blameless,” as used in Job 1.1; Psa 37.37. However, in this context most interpreters prefer “quiet,” “tranquil,” or “meditative.” Speiser says “a retiring man,” that is, one who is shy. Dwelling in tents contrasts Jacob’s staying close to the camp with Esau’s roaming through the open countryside. Driver interprets this expression to mean that Jacob was a shepherd. In translation we may say, for example, “Jacob was a quiet man who stayed close to the camp.”

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 .